Ian Tarutia said the minimum wage increase will enhance the purchasing power of workers. Photo: 123RF
Papua New Guinea - wage
The PNG Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the Labour and Industrial Relations Department must ensure stringent and effective enforcement of the new minimum wage rates.
Chamber president Ian Tarutia told The National newspaper he welcomes the recently approved rate from PGK$3.50 to PGK$5 per hour (US$0.84c - US$1.19) from January next year.
Tarutia said given the current economic conditions and rising cost of living, the adjustment is both timely and necessary.
He said the increase will enhance the purchasing power of workers, allowing them to live sustainably.
Bougainville - election
Willie Masiu has been declared member-elect for the newly established Wisai Constituency in south Bougainville.
Masiu secured a progressive total of 1023 votes, surpassing the absolute majority of 872, ahead of Romulus Masiu who finished with 719 votes after the fourth exclusion.
This wrapped up counting for all single constituencies in South Bougainville.
In a post to social media the Autonomous Bougainville Government said the counting process will continue with quality checks also being completed.
American Samoa - dengue
American Samoa territorial epidemiologist Adam Konrote says people with mild symptoms of dengue should visit their nearest community health centre rather than the emergency department.
The territory had 150 lab-confirmed cases as of 15 September, and 89 of those had no travel history.
Konrote said the community health centres are fully staffed to provide initial evaluation, testing and monitoring for dengue cases.
"This system will ensure that everyone receives timely attention, while keeping hospital resources available for those who need them most," he said.
"This is also to assist with the burden of care as we enter a likely influenza and RSV season, and so we're opening up the health centres to support the LBJ emergency room so that it's not overwhelmed in the event we see a surge."
Konrote said more serious dengue cases will continue to be referred to LBJ Hospital.
Vanuatu - fishing
Vanuatu is set to get back fishing rights which had been lost due to the transfer of a tuna fishing vessel.
The Vanuatu Daily Post reported Esmeralda C became central to a long-running dispute over fishing capacity within the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission.
In 2005 the Esmerelda C was registered under a foreign flag and Vanuatu lost its associated fishing capacity of 1358 cubic metres, based on a letter from a Vanuatu commissioner who had been terminated prior to the document's signing.
Minister for Fisheries, Ocean, and Maritime Affairs, Jack Norris Kalmet said at its 103rd meeting the Commission recalled a previous recommendation, that Vanuatu's request for 1,358 cubic metres of capacity be considered favourably as restitution.
He said the Commission agreed the matter remains pending, and will be addressed at its 104th meeting.
Kalmet said the recovery of the Esmeralda C capacity would be expected to generate millions of dollars annually for the nation.
Fiji - emigration
Fiji's official data agency says 809 residents left the country in August for employment-related reasons lasting longer than three months.
The Fiji Bureau of Statistics figures show more than half - 485 residents - left for periods ranging from one to five years.
Overall 16,338 residents left Fiji during the month, mostly for holidays or visiting friends and family.
The Fiji Times reported the data showed that 595 residents departed for education or training.
A total of 147 residents were recorded under emigration, with 77 departing permanently.
