Vanuatu Supreme Court entrance. Photo: RNZI / Jamie Tahana
Vanuatu - politics
A heated debate over constitutional rights and parliamentary privilege is unfolding in Vanuatu.
Local media reports, the Opposition bloc has filed an urgent application in the Supreme Court challenging recent amendments to the constitution.
In June last year, Vanuatu voters said yes to two changes to the country's constitution introduced by government to try and curb political instability.
They aimed to achieve this by ending party-hopping and forcing independent MPs to join political parties.
It follows a particularly turbulent few years which has seen a slew of leadership challenges - resulting in three changes of government in 2023 alone.
But now, a group of Opposition MPs are challenging the Republic of Vanuatu and Speaker of Parliament over the constitutional amendments, arguing they stifle the democratic process and impinge on their rights as elected representatives.
Fiji - cyber
Fiji has signed a new partnership with Israel on cyber security.
FBC reported a formal agreement was signed on Wednesday between the two governments, witnessed by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Israel's deputy foreign minister Sharren Haskel, who was visiting Fiji.
Rabuka said the government has turned to one of the world's most advanced countries for support.
Haskel said Israel is expanding its interest into other areas to further strengthen relations between the two nations.
American Samoa - health
Cases of dengue in American Samoa have reached 288.
This was the update as of last Sunday, 19 October.
The territory's Department of Health said most cases have recovered.
People are asked remove containers with standing water and use mosquito repellant.
Cook Islands - water
Water levels are running low on one of the Cook Islands' outer islands.
The Aitutaki Water Service has closed two of its eight galleries until ground water levels are restored, which won't happen until decent rainfall.
Cook Islands News reported some households, particularly those on higher ground, will experience a drop in pressure.
One resident told the paper their household has been relying on tank water and they had not had any water from the main network for about three weeks.
Papua New Guinea - law
The Papua New Guinea Law Society has been reinstated as a full member of the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific (Lawasia).
The National reported President Hubert Namani told a Lawasia Council Meeting in Vietnam this move reaffirms the society's commitment to the promotion of justice.
He said their re-admission to Lawasia opens new pathways for PNG lawyers to access high-level professional development, and contribute to critical regional discussions affecting the rule of law and fundamental rights.
