Vanuatu's prime minister Charlot Salwai in New Zealand Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Johnny Blades
Vanuatu - Salwai announces cabinet
Vanuatu's new prime minister Charlot Salwai has appointed his cabinet.
Of the 12 ministers, 10 have already served under former prime minister Ishmael Kalsakau's government.
Among the new ministerial appointments are MP of Port Vila, Ralph Regenvanu as minister of climate change; MP of Luganville, Matai Seremaia as minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade Corporation and external trade; and MP of Ambae, John Still Tari Qetu as minister of health.
Prime Minister Salwai said he would appoint his new Deputy Prime Minister shortly.
Samoa - Electrical faults cause of fires
Samoa's Fire and Emergency Services Authority says electrical faults were to blame for recent fires.
The Authority said electrical faults triggered the fires at Faleatiu Primary School and the Sunrise restaurant compound in Apia.
Samoa Observer reports Authority Commissioner Tanuvasa Petone Mauga confirmed these are the suspicions reported by the investigators in their final findings.
Papua New Guinea - Quake update
Minor injuries have been reported in Madang, Papua New Guinea, in the wake of an earthquake on Saturday.
The National reported Madang's Divine Word University's perimeter brick fence was damaged, the Madang airport's runway developed cracks, and homes near the epicentre were also damaged.
The PNG Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management says the 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck at 6.34pm local time on Saturday.
It also recorded a 6.9 magnitude aftershock a few minutes later.
The department says due to a shallow depth of the earthquakes - of less than 100 kilometres - there is a chance of some damage occurring in the epicentre region.
It said there is also an unconfirmed report of damage to the traffic tower in Mt Hagen as a result of the second earthquake.
The US Geological Survey showed multiple nearby aftershocks.
Samoa - Search called off
Samoa's emergency services have officially called off a search for a 22-year-old man who went missing on Friday night after his canoe capsized.
Police say the man went out to sea with other men from his village palolo hunting, and strong currents struck their canoe and it capsized.
The others in the vessel made it to shore.
Police Commissioner, Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo told Radio Polynesia they received the call for assistance on Saturday.
Auapa'au raised concerns over the use of small boats or canoes for fishing purposes, noting that if it is high tide, it will not end well.
Papua New Guinea - Hosting indigenous business forum
The Papua New Guinea Government have announced they will be hosting this year's World Indigenous Business Forum from October 24th-26th.
The annual event has been running since 2010, and serves as a platform where indigenous business leaders, entrepreneurs and advocates can network and collaborate to promote 'indigenous led economic development'.
Up to 500 local Papua New Guinean businesses will be attending, alongside over 600 indigenous businesses from all around the world.
