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Papua New Guinea - health
A senior health official in Papua New Guinea is promising action after revelations some nurses are wanting payment for writing referrals for patients.
The Post Courier reports claims of such a practice were made by gynaecologist Dr Gen Mola, who said he's been informed some nurses in the National Capital District are asking up to 20 kina to write a referral.
The chief executive of the Provincial Health Authority in the capital, Dr Robin Oge, said they are investigating the concerns raised by Dr Mola and they will take appropriate action.
Papua New Guinea - prisons
The Papua New Guinea prison service has signed an MOU with the Department of Education which will see education and training programmes rolled out in jails across the country.
NBC reported that the memorandum highlights the vital role education plays in restoring dignity, instilling hope, and creating opportunities for those seeking a second chance.
The rollout of structured learning and skills training within prisons is expected to transform lives behind bars.
The acting Corrections Commissioner Bernard Nepo called the initiative a lifeline for inmates.
Samoa - tax
The Human Rights Protection Party in Samoa says it wants to scrap Value Added Goods and Services Tax, because of the dire state of the economy.
Party leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has told the Samoa Observer that if returned to power in the August election, the HRPP would removed the 15 per cent tax.
He said this is part and parcel of the HRPP assistance to people who are struggling amid soaring prices.
Challenged on why such proposals were not introduced during his administration's four decades in power, Tuilaepa said there's been a dramatic increase in living costs under the current government.
Northern Mariana Islands - airfield
The US Department of Defense (DoD) says construction of the Tinian Divert Airfield in the Northern Marianas is about 70 percent complete.
This was updated at last week's CNMI stakeholders meeting on Saipan.
The DoD said the majority of the earthwork activity is complete.
Meanwhile, renovations to the Tinian North Field continue and would include roadway repairs and vegetation clearance.
During the stakeholders meeting, the DoD also discussed proposed improvements to Tinian Port facilities, and Saipan and Rota international airports, along with environmental impact considerations.
Tonga - Peace Corps
In Tonga, 14 new US Peace Corps trainees have been welcomed with a traditional Tongan 'Ouau Kava (kava ceremony) in Tongatapu.
The 87th cohort of Peace Corps volunteers in Tonga will provide English language development and environment adaptation and resilience training.
Local media reported this new group is set to undergo a procedural training for three months before serving in primary and secondary schools and various communities, alongside district and town officers, to build climate resilient communities.
Since 1967, the Peace Corps has sent more than 1770 volunteers to serve in Tonga.
