Charles Wea Photo: RNZ Pacific / Kelvin Anthony
New Caledonia - decolonisation
The former New Caledonia president's pro-independence party PALIKA has told the United Nations decolonisation committee that peaceful decolonization of the French territory is achievable.
Spokesperson Charles Wea said the proposed Bougival mechanism sets the path for gradual access to full sovereignty through the creation of a "state of New Caledonia," and the establishment of a Caledonian nationality.
He called the not-yet-finalised agreement a major political step forward.
Wea went on to say that given the fall of the French government, the future of the Bougival Agreement remains fragile.
PALIKA is one of the pro-independence groups that has distanced itself from the FLNKS which is against the agreement.
Wea said despite challenges, it must be finalized soon.
Vanuatu - earthquake
An earthquake near Vanuatu's Pentecost Island last week has damaged a classroom at Atavtabanga Primary and Secondary School.
Teacher Charles Bola told the Vanuatu Daily Post that the year five classroom suffered structural damage, with large cracks appearing on the walls.
He said the year five classroom is a double classroom that had already sustained damage from previous disasters, with Cyclone Lola damaging the roof last year, and they had been planning to rebuild.
The US Geological Survey reported the quake was magnitude 5.7, and centred 93 kilometres east-north-east of Norsup.
Vanuatu - tourism
In an effort to boost yacht tourism, Vanuatu is simplifying entry, clearance and developing yacht-friendly infrastructure.
Through 'the Vanuatu National Yacht Sector Strategy 2025-2039' the Vanuatu government hopes to boost its yachting sector as part of a broader tourism growth plan.
Accoridng to PACNEWS, Vanuatu has already welcomed over 600 yachts this year, a sharp rise from 196 in 2023.
A government spokesperson said they hope to strengthen Vanuatu's appeal as a leading yachting destination and make sure benefits are shared across the provinces.
Fiji - police
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says he remains undeterred by threats linked to ongoing drug investigations.
He stressed the police force will continue to pursue all cases without fear or favour.
Tudravu confirmed to local media that while there have been concerns about threats to officers investigating major drug cases, no specific or credible threat has been identified.
He said the police intelligence team is assessing the current threat levels.
Guam - electricity
Guam's new power plant is still operating at limited capacity.
The Pacific Island Times reported negotiations continuing between the Guam Power Authority and the contractor, Guam Ukudu Power, to compensate for the limited capacity operation of the Ukudu Power Plant, while awaiting commercial launch in December.
The 198 MW Dededo plant was originally scheduled to be ready by the end of September.
However, the commissioning has been delayed until the end of the year due to damage found on one of the three gas turbine generators.
When fully commissioned, the Ukudu Power Plant is expected to reduce fuel imports by more than 900-thousand barrels per year and support GPA's Clean Energy plan.
