Fiji investigates illness of tourists; causes remain unclear

Fijian health authorities are still investigating the cause of illness among tourists in December. Seven visitors fell seriously ill after drinking cocktails at a five-star resort on the Coral Coast. Local testing and samples sent to New Zealand cleared any suspicions of alcohol or drugs. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called for a thorough investigation and promised transparency in the findings. In Samoa, the Health Ministry is sending more patients to India for treatment. This new agreement, signed by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, will allow patients to receive care at two hospitals. The partnership is expected to provide cheaper treatment options compared to New Zealand. The President of the Federated States of Micronesia, Wesley Simina, welcomed the new Israeli ambassador, Roi Rosenblit, earlier this month. The two countries are looking to collaborate on areas like fisheries, environmental conservation, and youth development. In Papua New Guinea, New Zealand's Universities Minister, Dr. Shane Reti, is visiting for the Conference of Pacific Education Ministers. He plans to discuss educational challenges and announced NZ$1.5 million in funding to support education initiatives over the next three years. A report has highlighted challenges faced by media in Niue, including limited resources and difficulties in investigative journalism. However, being part of a close community helps verify information quickly, reducing misinformation. The Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner and Conservation International signed an agreement to enhance ocean conservation efforts. This partnership aims to protect the Pacific Ocean from climate threats and biodiversity loss ahead of the upcoming UN Ocean Conference. In Hawaii, an attorney is seeking justice for a child who died under neglectful circumstances. A civil lawsuit claims a state social worker ignored abuse warnings prior to the child's death from starvation. The state's Department of Human Services has stated they cannot comment on ongoing legal matters but emphasizes their commitment to child safety.