Oceania

For the first time in almost 35 years a Constituency Development Fund shipment landed at Lambete Jetty in Munda; residents called it a 'historic achievement' and dozens of young men helped unload supplies as baking ovens, fiberglass boats, outboard motors

President Dr. Hilda Heine pressed world leaders to achieve a nuclear-free Pacific at the UN generale assembly and called on the UN to apologize for allowing nuclear tests at the Marshall Islands after World War II, despite the opposition of its people

Consumer Council of Fiji, Competition and Consumer Commission, Telecommunications Authority have partnered to address internet services after nationwide survey found unstable/slow connectivity, fluctuating prices, limited access in rural or maritime areas

The 'Palau Paradise Express', the direct flight between Brisbane and Koror, Palau's capital, will be extended for another year following the success of the route started in December 2024

FSM Vice President led a delegation to Rarotonga to join the celebrations for the Cook Islands’ 60th Anniversary of Self-Governance, underscoring shared values and a mutual commitment to foster cooperation through the Smaller Island States platform

Opposition is formally agains government's refusal to debate suspension of the Court of Appeal, occurred over two years ago, as the CoA quashed government's deportation order for HC Judge Lambourne as it was unconstitutional and mandating to reinstate him

Nitijela, the parliament building, was burnt down by an overnight fire this week: chamber, library and archives have been destroyed but full impact will be known in a few days; President Heine said Cabinet endorsed fast-tracking building of new complex

Due to unprecedented increase in the number of bodies being stored at the morgue in National Referral Hospital in Honiara, relatives of deceased patients have been advised to collect their loved ones’ bodies within 48 hours

Pre-polling stations have been opened for the elderly and the members of the disabled community, making sure they can exercise their right to vote ahead of the general election scheduled for tomorrow 29 August

A 11-person team led by Tonga’s ex Foreign Minister Mrs Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu, are in Georgetown, Guyana to observe regional elections set for 1/9; deployed by the Commonwealth SG, they will oversee opening, voting, closing, counting and results

Nauru has transitioned to the Commonwealth Bank of Australia as banking provider and account holders are encouraged to make the switch to ensure relevant payments from government are smooth; Bendigo Bank had served the community for 10 years

Vanuatu Teachers Union has issued a nationwide call for all teachers in government schools to stay away from classrooms at the start of Term 3 saying the government hasn't given evidence of its announcement that 94% of teachers’ claims have been paid