Fiji - Heappey
The United Kingdom's Minister for Armed Forces has been discussing security issues in Fiji.
According to FBC News, James Heappey visited the Fiji Naval Base and discussed the UK's role in Pacific security.
Heappey says a number of challenges were discussed.
The UK has also confirmed Fiji should be expecting more visits from British warships coming to work with the Navy, and the British Army coming to work with Fijian soldiers.
Tonga -Blinken
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Tonga, New Zealand and Australia this week to discuss regional security and cooperation.
He would also attend the FIFA Women's World Cup, according to the State Department.
Blinken plans to dedicate a new US Embassy in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, and will travel to Wellington on July 27 to meet with senior government partners and attend the Women's World Cup when the US women's team plays.
His trip will conclude on July 28-29 with a stop in Brisbane, where he will attend the annual meeting of US and Australian defence and foreign ministers, known as AUSMIN.
Tuvalu - vessel
The Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior has arrived in Funafuti, Tuvalu - the second stop on its Pacific tour.
Those aboard were welcomed by the community of Tuvalu, civil society groups, and addressed by Government representatives.
During the visit, Greenpeace campaigners were to meet with community and government leaders.
Greenpeace experts will continue gathering testimonies to present to the International Court of Justice, as part of the Pacific-led campaign for an advisory opinion on climate justice.
The Rainbow Warrior will next head to Fiji.
Rainbow Warrior sailing at full sail in UK waters in October 2021. Photo: Kristian Buus
Guam - Marwar
Power and water have almost completely returned in Guam, more than two months after category four typhoon Mawar made landfall.
Nick Delgado from Kuam News says the recovery has been much quicker than the last typhoon of a similar strength "Pongsona" nearly 20-years-ago.
He said infrastructure had also improved a lot over the years to better withstand Typhoons.
"It looks like for the most part a lot of the island, the greenery is back from what the storm has taken away and close to 100 per cent of power and water has been restored as well."
Delgado said most people have left the emergency shelters and the mood of the general public was improving.
Fiji - database
A database storing information on prison inmates is being set up for the Fiji Correction Service.
According to The Fiji Times, more than $US80,000 has been allocated towards setting up the database.
Attorney-General Siromi Turaga said in parliament, the database stores the criminal history of prisoners and whether they have attended any rehabilitation programs.
Turaga said 84 jobs in the Fiji Correction Services needed to be filled for it to function properly.
Northern Marianas - governor
The prosecutors in the case against former Marianas governor Ralph Torres have withdrawn multiple charges.
This came after Judge Arthur Barcinas granted the defence motion to quash the subpoena for Torres' Bank of Guam records.
The Judge said this was because the bank records are not relevant to the crimes charged.
Torres faces 12 counts of misconduct in public office and one count of theft but denies the charges.
Pacific/Australia - visas
There has been a spike in the number of Pacific islanders applying for protection visas in Australia, which offer better working conditions than the government programme.
Some PALM workers have told Guardian Australia they make as little as $US134 a week and can go weeks without work.
The Australian Workers Union national organising director Shane Roulston said as the government ramped up the PALM programme to fill labour shortages, employers had brought over workers when they did not have enough work.
The home affairs department was contacted for comment.
Meanwhile, Pulse Hobart reports the Australian federal government has revoked the business license of Linx Employment.
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is meeting with more than 200 Linx workers to assist them in finding ongoing employment and accommodation.
