The Porgera region of Enga Province experienced the devastating Mulitaka landslide, which claimed many lives and shut the main road link out of the district. Photo: Zijin Mining
Papua New Guinea - mining
The mining company New Porgera is celebrating achieving its production targets, despite the impact of continuing lawlessness and a devastating landslide in the region.
The new company, run by Barrick Gold, but with a significant PNG Government shareholding, replaced the former company after a lease dispute shut it down for more than three years.
The Porgera region of Enga Province experienced the devastating Mulitaka landslide, which claimed many lives and shut the main road link out of the district.
There have also been extensive law and order issues that resulted in a state of emergency being implemented, and dozens of arrests being made, many for illegal mining within the mine pit.
Samoa's Electoral Commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo John Stanley Photo: Office of the Electoral Commission - Samoa
Samoa - election
Samoa's Electoral Commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo Stanley says approximately 30 percent of voter registrations are still pending with just over two weeks to go.
As of Tuesday night, the count of registered voters reached 81,280, aiming for a target of 117,225 based on eligibility numbers from the last election.
The total overseas registrations amount to 201, with 183 of those still incomplete, leaving 18 who have successfully completed their registrations, including their biometric details.
Samoa's election will be held on 29 August and the last day to register to vote is 3 July.
Fiji - health
Fiji is reviewing some of its health legislation, including the more than 100-year-old Burial and Cremation Act of 1911.
The Ministry of Health & Medical Services said the move aims to align existing legislation with contemporary health challenges and improve public health services.
Other acts under review include the Public Health Act of 1935, the Nursing Act, the Quarantine Act 1965, and the Radiation Health Act of 2009.
After the review is completed within the ministry, it will be carried out among Government and local stakeholders, international partners, and the general public.
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands Prime Minister has called for stronger global support for small island developing states (SIDS) at the OPEC Fund Development Forum in Austria.
Jeremiah Manele arrived in Vienna at the weekend after attending the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where he joined global leaders in advancing international cooperation on ocean protection and sustainable marine resource management.
In his opening address in Vienna he highlighted the challenges SIDS face.
"We call for innovative solutions, including debt-relief solutions," he said.
"Moreover I call for climate finance that is fast, predictable and tailored to the needs of small island developing states - not entangled in bureaucracy."
