The People's Reform Party, which currently has members in parliament, is on the list. Photo: Loop PNG / Screencapture
Papua New Guinea - notice
Thirty-two political parties in Papua New Guinea have been put on notice by the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission.
They have been warned they will have their registration cancelled for failing to comply with certain provisions.
The National newspaper reports political parties registrar Emmanuel Pok gave the parties until 21 October to respond.
The People's Reform Party, which currently has members in parliament, is on the list.
Its general-secretary Ismael Tamutai toldThe National the party's management was aware of the notice and was "working on it".
Cook Islands - burnt
A power station in Tauhunu has burnt down, leaving the island without power.
Cook Islands Television reports the fire broke out during a routine changeover from the diesel generator to the solar power system Tuesday morning (Wednesday NZT).
Tauhunu's executive officer Retire Puapii told local media the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but they are fortunate there were no fatalities.
While the island awaits support from mainland Rarotonga, emergency generators are supplying limited power to parts of Tauhunu.
New Zealand/Samoa - NZDF
A New Zealand Navy lieutenant, who led the diving contingent in the aftermath of the HMNZ Manawanui sinking off the coast of Samoa, is being recognised.
Lieutenant Christian Lloyd is receiving a Chief of Defence Force commendation for his actions in dangerous and challenging conditions.
He said the Manawanui had run aground and sunk in a very difficult spot - once outside the safety of the lagoon, in open water, it was very rough with a heavy swell.
He said operating in and around a wreck is probably some of the most dangerous and challenging types of diving.
Lieutenant Lloyd said it is great to get a commendation but for him it's recognition for the team as well.
Guam - detective
A former Guam detective is in Saipan, in the Northern Marianas, to try and help solve the cold case of the Luhk sisters.
They went missing in the village of As Tao in May 2011 and have never been seen again, despite extensive search efforts including the FBI.
The sisters were just 10 and nine-years-old when they vanished more than a decade ago, sparking one of the CNMI's largest-ever searches.
Angels of Justice spokesperson, Josephine Wentzel, who became an advocate after her own daughter was murdered in California in 2016, is in the Marianas because she believes the case can still be solved.
She is calling on the public to overcome their fear of speaking out and help with any information about the case.
No arrests have ever been made.
Vanuatu - corruption
Vanuatu's Lands Ministry has gone digital to avoid corruption.
The Daily Post Newspaper reports Lands Minister Rick Mahe Tchimako saying digitising operations is needed for transparent and accountable information on land.
Tchimako said the move is not to punish landowners who fall behind on land payments, rather a strategic reform to future proof land governance in Vanuatu.
He told officers in the first training workshop on how to operate the M - Files Platform, all information regarding land will now be available with the flick of the thumb.
Meanwhile, owners of land in urban areas have welcomed the announcement saying the digital system will enable transparent dealings to avoid corruption.
Vanuatu - maternity
Vanuatu's Health Ministry is boosting its maternity care.
Health Minister John Still Tari Qetu has signed a US$210,000 (VU$24m) contract to renovate Norsup Hospital Maternity Ward and US$639,000 (VU$73m)for a new Walarano Dispensary in Malampa Province.
The Daily Post Newspaper reports John Still Tari Qetu signed the two contracts during a three day tour of Malekula Island.
Vanuatu - festival
The first Fruit Festival of its kind has been welcomed by the urban population of Port Vila.
Organised by a new fruit juice company, Pikinini Bar, the event is seen as an ideal opportunity to connect fruit farmers from Santo in Sanma Province, Malekula in Malampa Province and Efate in Shefa Province.
Festival Coordinator Milroy Kenton says the event earnt around US$13,000 (VT$1.6m) for the farmers of the three Provinces to share.
The government sad the event is proof local farmers have the expertise to plant their fruit trees and supply their fruits to the company for attractive income.
Palau - registry
Palau's sex offender registry is still offline.
After months of questions regarding the implementation of Palau's Sex Offender Registration Law, Attorney-General Ernestine Rengiil confirmed to Island Times, Palau still lacks a public online registry.
Rengiil said internal records are maintained and accessible by request.
He said the registry project has not been fully implemented due to a lack of funds.
Palau's Sex Offender Registration Act (17 PNC Chapter 17) was enacted in 2014 and amended in 2016 to enhance monitoring and public awareness of convicted offenders.
More than a decade later, no public-facing platform exists for Palauans to search offender information, a situation that has drawn increasing concern among community advocates.
