Photo: AFP
Pacific – drugs
A lieutenant colonel with decades of experience with drug trafficking says cartels will likely keep targeting Pacific countries which have weaker border controls.
Rodrigo Duton from the Rio de Janeiro State Military Police has been dealing with illegal trafficking for almost 28 years.
He told the ABC there is no comparision between the islands’ border controls and Australia’s.
He said the Pacific acts as a drug corridor, sending cocaine from Brazil to Australia.
Papua New Guinea – surveillance
Prime Minister James Marape has committed 20 million kina – around US$4.8 million – to Port Moresby’s new AI-enabled surveillance technology.
The Post-Courier reported the prime minister emphasized the importance of building a modern, liveable city that embraces the diversity of both residents and visitors.
Marape said of the PGK20 million (approx. NZ$8m) committed to the project, PGK15m (approx. NZ$6m) had already been remitted to City Hall.
He expressed his hope that the new system would make Port Moresby safer as the nation approaches its 50th anniversary.
Marshall Islands – eye
Nearly 400 residents of Ebeye in the Marshall Islands have received free eye and dental care through the non-profit Canvasback Missions.
The Marshall Islands Journal reported the US-based organisation spent a week last month providing examinations and surgeries.
Over 100 eye surgeries were conducted, mostly for cataracts.
More than 350 pairs of prescription glasses, reading glasses and sunglasses were donated to patients by the organization.
New Zealand – exercise
The New Zealand Defense Force is leading a multinational engineering team in the Cook Islands as part of an annual mission.
Over 45 NZDF personnel are working alongside counterparts from Australia, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu to carry out infrastructure upgrades on the island of Mauke.
Major-General Rob Krushka said they will provide maintenance to the island’s school, solar power farm, and water systems.
To conclude the month-long mission, the team will run a youth development program alongside the Cook Islands Police Service.