Pacific News In Brief For 9 April

Wednesday, 9 April 2025, 8:03 pm
Article: RNZ

Fiji - flight

The discovery of an empty bullet shell casing on a Fiji Airways flight between Sydney and Nadi has prompted a police investigation.

fijivillage.com reports the flight landed in Nadi on Monday night.

The casing was found in an overhead locker in the aircraft.

Samoa - airport

The Samoa Airport Authority says there have been three separate incidents involving violent disputes and use of weapons on airport grounds in the last several months.

It said this included the use of machetes and the discharge of firearms.

The Authority said there was a miscommuncation which led to more extensive screening procedures at the entry point of Faleolo International Airport.

"While we regret the inconvenience this may have caused, the decision was made with the safety and security of all airport users as the highest priority," it said in a statement.

"We are currently reviewing our communication and operational protocols to ensure clarity and consistency in the future."

Solomon Islands - park

Australia has announced support for Bloody Ridge National Park in Solomon Islands.

The park commemorates the World War II Battle of Guadalcanal and was declared a protected area by the Solomon Islands Government in 2017.

Australia's support includes the creation of a new supply of reliable water, and the design and construction of a guardhouse, restrooms, and visitor shelters.

Permanent Secretary of the Solomons' Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Barney Sivoro, said the development of essential infrastructure at Bloody Ridge National Park marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to preserve and promote history.

Niue - dogs

A dog de-sexing programme that's in its 11th year on Niue is starting to have visible results, with a drop in scary dog sightings.

Local media reported the Rock Vets Trustee Linda McCallum saying their free veterinary service is on a mission to desex as many dogs and cats as possible, treat the sick ones, and educate people.

She said the first clinic of the year was a success with 65 dog surgeries in one week by a team of nine vets.

McCallum said the work is not over just yet, with two more clinics in July and November.

She said a survey of wild cats is also on the to-do list, with cats thought to be impacting wildlife.

Samoa - tourism

Samoa has won a Chinese magazine tourism award.

The National Tourism Magazine in China dubbed the Pacific nation the winner of its "Emerging Island Holiday Destination" award.

Local media reported the Samoa Tourism Authority saying the accolade is a testament to the dedication and hard work invested by the tourism sector in promoting Samoa as a premier travel destination within the Asia and Chinese markets.

Cook Islands - police

Cook Islands Government has announced the new Commissioner of Police - Teokotai Joseph.

Joseph is a former police officer who has served as the Secretary for the Ministry of Corrective Services since 2018.

Cook Islands News reported prime minister and Minister for Police, Mark Brown, saying the appointment represents a turning point for the police but more importantly an opportunity to re-engage with the community.

© Scoop Media

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