A police landcruiser patrols the streets of the Papua New Guinea capital Port Moresby. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins
Papua New Guinea - arrested
Four children have been arrested for trying to steal copper wires from a burnt-down shop in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
National Capital District metropolitan superintendent Silva Sika says small kids are becoming thieves and getting involved in criminal activities.
The National reports Sika saying the four children, along with two adults, were detained at the Waigani police station pending an investigation outcome.
He said he plans to increase awareness in communities, suburbs and settlements in Port Moresby, but parents must be more responsible for their children and teach them right from wrong.
He also said children do not belong on the streets or in jail, and they need to be in classrooms getting educated.
Papua New Guinea - warning
The Papua New Guinea health department is warning against the street sale of antibiotics following the looting and riots of January 10th.
In a statement, the Health Department's caretaker secretary Ken Wai asks the public to keep an eye out for stolen medications.
The Post-Courier reports, individuals or businesses that take part in the illegal sale of stolen medicinal products will be severely penalised.
Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands caretaker prime minister says his country maintains a "friend to all enemy to none" approach when it comes to geopolitics.
Tavuli News editor Georgina Kekea spoke exclusively with caretaker prime minister Manasseh Sogavare about his tenure.
In the interview, which aired on ABC Pacific, Kekea asked Sogavare if he is balanced towards all of the nations' partners, in light of criticism saying he favors China too much.
Sogavare says he wants his legacy to be one of political stability.
Solomon Islands national elections are due to be held in April.
Solomon Islands - corruption
The former MP for Ulawa-Ugi Constituency in Solomon Islands has been arrested on allegations of corruption dating back to 2016.
Police allege William Marau transferred just under US$600,000 meant for a shipping fund from the constituency bank account into his own personal account.
He was arrested on 17 January after an almost seven year investigation, which started in April 2017.
The accused is due in court on the first of next month, charged with one count of conversion.
Vanuatu/NZ - attacked
New Zealand Police are increasing their presence on the streets in Hastings City after an RSE worker was attacked on January seventh.
A spokesperson said officers continue to investigate the assault which left a Ni-Vanuatu man with minor injuries.
There will now be more Police on patrol in Hastings City as a result of the incident.
On top of that, Police are working with the seasonal worker community using safety videos in different languages.
One worker, who asked not to be named, told Vanuatu Daily Post workers do not feel safe.
He said it's already tough moving overseas and incidents like this are an added challenge.
The NZ Police spokesperson said they understand this would have been a distressing ordeal and everyone who comes to live and work in New Zealand has the right to feel safe.
Tonga - grant
Tonga will receive support from the World Bank towards strengthening financial and debt sustainability, and enhancing climate and disaster resilience.
The support includes a development policy grant of US$5 million and an option to immediately access $20m in the event of a major crisis or disaster caused by weather, seismic activity, or a health emergency.
Tonga's minister of finance Tiofilusi Tiueti said they have come a long way since the January 2022 eruption and tsunami.
But he said there's still a lot to be done as they continue to face the increasing challenges caused by climate change and severe weather events.
Pacific - business
The Pacific Community and the EU have officially signed grants totalling €432,000 for 12 Pacific businesses.
The grant is part of the EU-funded SAFE Pacific project, which aims to support micro, small and medium enterprises in the region, with capacity building and increased access to markets.
The SAFE Pacific project is working with commodities including coconut, coffee, kava, and turmeric.
The Pacific Community will work closely with the grantees and provide capacity-building support.
