A Vanuatu police truck in the capital, Port Vila. Photo: RNZI / Jamie Tahana
Vanuatu - attack
Two police officers were hospitalised in Vanuatu following an attack last week.
The Vanuatu Daily Post reported the officers had responded to a call reporting a young female allegedly being threatened.
The suspect, who was believed to be under the influence of illicit drugs, allegedly turned on the officers and attacked them with a knife.
Hospital sources confirmed the officers sustained multiple stab wounds, but were in a stable condition.
Charges are expected to be laid.
Tonga - e-passport
A project to establish an e-passport system for Tonga has been formalised.
It will introduce an electronic machine-readable passport (eMRP) with aims to enhance border management in Tonga.
Matangi Tonga reported the exchange of notes on the project was formalized by the International Organization for Migration and the Government of Japan.
Japan is funding the project, at a total of US$6 million.
The project is also set to improve legal identity solutions and the digitalization of related government services, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Fiji - health
A new training scheme for nurses has been launched in Fiji in a bid to reduce diabetic amputations in the country.
The head of Diabetes Fiji told the state broadcaster that on average there are three amputations a day.
Taabish Akbar said the initiave is about better detection and treatment of diabetes-related complications.
It aimed to improve the quality of life for diabetics and reduce the risk of ulcers and amputations.
Vanuatu - economy
A new report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) showed a positive economic outlook for Vanuatu in the next two years.
It said the country's post-earthquake recovery is underway, and is aided by strong donor support.
The IMF report forecast an increase in gross domestic product (GDP) of 1.7 percent this year, and 2.8 percent next year.
Economic strengths include the return of some domsetic air services and well as the rebounding of the country's agricultural production after last year's massive earthquake.
The quake devastated Port Vila and killed at least 12 people.
The report, released on 26 September, identifies capacity bottlenecks and limited domestic connectivity among economic constraints.
It also said economic policy should focus on addressing immediate risks to growth and stability, followed by the rebuidling of economic buffers and reform of structural problems.
