November 3, 2023, Brazil. In this photo illustration, the Starlink logo is displayed on a smartphone screen
Photo: 123RF
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea’s chief ombudsman says they will appeal the decision to allow Starlink to operate in the country.
The satellite-based internet service was officially allowed last week.
Starlink has been trying to break into the PNG market for more than three years.
The Ombudsman Commission kept the government tied up in court for most of it, making them unable to grant operating licenses – until this week.
But local media reports Commissioner Richard Pagen saying that given it’s a foreign company, cash will go overseas and locals will lose work.
He said they will push the government to negotiate with SpaceX for a better deal.
Around 83 percent of Papua New Guineans live in rural areas with unreliable connection.
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands government has cleared the boss of the country’s Telecommunications Commission of funding abuse allegations.
Calvin Ziru faced disciplinary action last year after it was alleged he spent over a million Solomon Islands dollars that he was not entitled to.
Local media reports Ministry of Communication and Aviation permanent secretary Alwyn Danitofea confirming all financial reports examined showed no evidence of abuse of funds, effectively clearing Mr Ziru of the accusations.
However, Danitofea revealed there were serious allegations of abuse of office discovered regarding several former commissioners.
Fiji
The High Court in Fiji has dismissed a stay application by former deputy prime minister Manoa Kamikamica against proceedings brought against him by the country’s anti-corruption agency.
Kamikamica is facing one count of perjury and providing false information.
The Fiji Times reports Justice Sianiu Fa’alogo Bull ruling the defence argument claiming an absence of evidence was “without merit” and refused the application.
Kamikamica’s charges stem from alleged statements under oath in relation to the controversial appointment of the now-sacked Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption boss Barbara Malimali.
Fiji
Health workers in Fiji are owed an estimated FJ$1.7 million (US$770,000) in unpaid overtime.
State broadcaster reported Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu confirming last week that the unpaid overtime accumulated between January and March this year.
The unpaid overtime mostly affects staff on lower pay bands, including registered nurses, medical imaging technologists, and senior pharmacy technicians.
Dr Atonio said the figure is expected to rise further as data from several major cost centres was still being compiled.
He said all overtime up to December 2025 has been fully paid.
Tonga
Tonga’s Ministry of Health says dengue cases in the country have reached 53.
The latest numbers, as of Monday, recorded three people in Princess Fusipala Hospital in Ha’apai.
The majority of cases are among the 11-14-year-old age group and predominantly boys.
Response teams have been giving out mosquito repellents and bed nets to households with confirmed cases.
French Polynesia
Several employees of Taaone Hospital in French Polynesia are under investigation for alleged involvement in methamphetamine trafficking.
Islands Business reports that three orderlies, who have worked at the hospital for years, and another man appeared before judges and have been placed in pre-trial detention.
Two of the suspects were arrested in Los Angeles last month with 240 grams of methamphetamine.
They were repatriated to Tahiti, leading investigators to detain the other two men.
Trial is set down for 18 June.
Guam
Guam is forecasted to see US$10.5 billion worth of military construction work through to the next fiscal year.
These figures come after a briefing on the ongoing US military buildup in Guam, incolving Guams’s government and the US National Guard.
Guam’s Community Defence Liaison Office executive director Vera Topasna said the funds will fund military housing, missile defence system plans, and some cyber security initiatives.
Pacific Daily News reports that work on projects worth $6.1b is already underway.
Guam government agencies pushed for more federal support for local hospitals and pubilc infrustructure like roads, power, water and port support.
Pacific/ADB
The Asian Development Bank says they are prepared to support Pacific nations with urgent fuel-related needs.
Bank President Masato Kanda says he had received “many requests” for financing from developing states.
He says Pacific island countries have been especially exposed to the impacts of the Middle East conflict.
He says beyond immediate support, the Bank aims to help Pacific countries diversify their energy sources.
The latest ADB economic forecasts have growth in the Pacific declining to 2.8 percent in 2026 from 4.2 percent last year.
