Aerial view of Garapan, Saipan seen from Mt Tapochao, Saipan's highest peak. Photo: 123RF
Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Marianas government's special assistant for military affairs is urging the US to ensure that the billions of dollars for military projects also benefit local residents.
Edward Camacho said he hopes the US military buildup will bring a "trickle-down effect" to the Commonwealth's communities.
He told a gathering of local business leaders at a Mentor-Protégé Program workshop in Saipan that he had a dream that everyone in the CNMI had two chickens in the pot, two cars in the garage, a nice beautiful house and maybe a Lamborghini.
He said such prosperity would only be possible if the military's investments in the Marianas were also matched with support for the people living there.
Fiji - vandalism
Five young people have been interviewed under caution, in the presence of their parents, for allegedly stoning a temple in Sawani.
The five had claimed that while walking past on the night of the incident, they threw stones that landed on the roof of the temple.
Police said the investigation file will be forwarded to the Divisional Crime Officer, who will seek further direction on the next course of action.
Vanuatu - appeal
Vanuatu's speaker could lose his parliamentary seat if his appeal of a guilty ruling of theft fails.
Seule Simeon has been found guilty of theft of a Government vehicle and has been sentenced to two and half years in jail.
However the Speaker has told the Daily Post newspaper that his sentence is politically motivated and he will appeal against it.
Tokelau - summit
Tokelau's Ulu or ntional government head is in Tuvalu this week for the 4th Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Leaders' Summit.
The agreement, between nine Pacific nations and territories, is around cooperation in the management of common fisheries stocks.
Tuvalu's government has welcomed the leaders to Funafuti, where discussions around the sustainable management of ocean resources are set to take place.
Cook Islands - fisheries
The Cook Islands is exploring the possibility of making Penrhyn a commercial tuna transhipment and servicing hub.
Cook Islands News reported the northern group island was identified as a potential location as part of the 10-year Tuna Management and Development Plan.
The islands executive officer Puna Vano is in full support, hoping it will provide jobs for the island.
Fiji - holiday
Leading New York travel guide Fodor says Fiji is one of the world's top honeymoon destinations.
Fodor's finest destinations for 2026 ranked Fiji fourth, ahead of Italy, French Polynesia, Thailand and New Zealand.
The guide said with more than 330 islands in its arsenal, Fiji is an endless playground for sea and land adventures.
It named Laucala, Turtle and Kokomo Islands as key places to visit.
