Pacific news in brief for 27 June
USP
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The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape has announced that PNG students at the University of the South Pacific (USP) campuses will receive govenment financial support.
He also said PNG is now a part of USP, meaning its students no longer have to pay international fees.
The government is making available PGK9.1 million to support the about 100 students at the various USP campuses.
NBC
reported the funding should bring relief to students and their families, many of whom have struggled under the high cost of international education in recent years.
Australia and China have held the 8th bilateral high-level talks on the Pacific this week.
The virtual talks were co-chaired by Craig Chittick from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Qian Bo from China's foreign ministry.
Officials exchanged views on a range of regional priorities, including climate change adaptation and resilience, security, policing, fisheries and maritime issues, and economic development across the Pacific.
The talks were last held in 2015, with foreign ministers agreeing to recommence these at the Foreign and Strategic Dialogue in 2022.
As Fiji loses teachers to New Zealand and Australia, the Fijian Teachers Union is calling for a 30 percent pay rise for their members in the next Budget.
Union general secretary Muniappa Goundar said Friday's budget announcement presents a crucial opportunity to invest meaningfully in Fiji's labour resources.
Goundar said more than 600 Fijian teachers have left for New Zealand and Australia, where salaries are often more than double for graduates.
Mitiaro is gearing up for Te Maeva Nui amidst dengue concerns in Rarotonga.
Local media reported Rarotonga has confirmed 35 cases since February, with eight considered active and one new case diagnosed this week.
Te Maeva Nui is a week-long festival held annually in the Cook Islands to celebrate culture, language, and independence.
Mitiaro Mayor, Tati Tutaka, said the people of Mitiaro are aware of the dengue outbreak but are trusting in divine protection and relying on guidance from the health ministry as they prepare to join the national festivities.
Australia has pledged US$123 million in support to the Solomon Islands Police Force.
This is on top of a donation of vehicles and cyber security support for September's PIF Leaders' Meeting, and funding for aerial maritime surveilance to catch illegal fishing.
In a meeting with Solomon Prime Minister Manele, International Development Minister Pat Conroy has guaranteed continued assistance.
The Solomons have promised their support to Australia in their bid to host the COP31 Climate Change summit alongside the Pacific next year.
The Free Wesleyan Church conference in Ha'apai has re-elected Reverend Dr Tevita Havea as president.
The conference also returned Reverend 'Alifeleti 'Atiola as general secretary for another term.
Broadcom Broadcasting in Nuku'alofa reported Rev Dr Havea secured 278 votes at the ballot, out of the 332 total ballots, to retain his position.
The Free Wesleyan Church is the largest Christian denomination in Tonga.
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