Regional
Honolulu, HAWAII — The Department of Veterans Affairs began administering its first doses of the newly approved COVID-19 vaccine on the mainland this week. But veterans in Hawaii and the Pacific will have to wait a bit longer.
The VA recently announced its initial 37 vaccination sites that will be...
Vanua Levu, FIJI — Many houses in Fiji's Vanua Levu have been destroyed, some families sheltered under beds and tables in their houses and others in cane plantations, as Cyclone Yasa wreaked havoc in many parts of the Northern Division, Fiji Village reports.
Buildings and crops were destroyed on...
Wellington, NEW ZEALAND — The New Zealand government has secured another two vaccines, enough for every New Zealander and its Pacific partners, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced to the media on Thursday (NZ time).
$75M IN SUPPORT FOR PACIFIC PARTNERS
Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta...
Apia, SAMOA — Vaccinating Samoa against COVID-19 is projected to cost nearly US$9 million (T$22.8 million), and save Samoa from an estimated 4,050 hospitalisations and 385 deaths should an uncontrolled outbreak of the virus occur.
The estimate comes from the Asian Development Bank’s latest policy...
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa's parliament has passed three laws that fundamentally alter the country's constitution and judicial system.
The proposals were widely condemned by lawyers and judges, and saw several MPs - including the former deputy prime minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa - leave the ruling party...
Nadi, FIJI — A cyclone has formed between Vanuatu and Fiji.
Tropical Cyclone Yasa is a Category 1 storm, which is expected to strengthen to a Category 3 within the next two days.
The system is moving in a south-westerly direction before it is expected to turn towards the northwest and by Thursday...
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa Airways refutes queries on airline’s viability
National carrier Samoa Airways has refuted claims about its difficulties in repaying debt obligations, as the airline races to complete lease negotiations on a replacement Boeing 737-800.
In its response to The Samoa Observer, the...
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa is to get $US2.3 million worth of laboratory equipment and medical supplies for its Covid-19 response.
The UN Office for Project Services is procuring the equipment with financial assistance from the World Bank and the Samoan government.
Under the project, the UN Office is also...
Apia, SAMOA — Manu Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua will spend Christmas Day in quarantine but remains hopeful Santa Claus will still be able to deliver his rugby wishlist.
The former Highlanders and London Irish midfielder, who played 26 tests in the blue jersey, was appointed to the top job in August...
Washington, D.C. — While COVID-19 vaccines roll out in limited supply, distribution is determined in direct proportion to the nation’s adult population 18 years and older. The pro rata method was approved Nov. 6 by the Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar.
“We considered several approaches...