Papua New Guinea's violence costs economy $4.55 billion

Papua New Guinea's National Capital District governor, Powes Parkop, has revealed that the economic toll of violence in the country now reaches billions of dollars. He stated that about 3.4 million women and girls have experienced gender-based violence since the National Strategy was introduced in 2017. This number was over 2.5 million in 2016. He described the rate as alarming, with one woman enduring violence every ten seconds. Parkop estimated that the cost of lost productivity due to this violence is around US$4.55 billion each year. During a parliamentary session, Labor and Employment Minister Kessy Sawang noted a 13.7 percent wage gap between men and women and vowed to push for legislative changes to address this issue. In Fiji, former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum criticized the coalition government's attempts to change the 2013 Constitution ahead of next year's national elections. He argued that the government should focus on economic and social problems instead. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's efforts to gain parliamentary support for constitutional amendments failed. Although a bill passed its first reading with some opposition support, it did not succeed in the second reading. Sayed-Khaiyum emphasized that more urgent issues, like the cost of living and crime, need attention. Samoan police captured Lauititi Tualima, a runaway criminal, after a two-month search. Tualima fled from Tanumalala prison at the end of January and was found at a rental property near Aele Primary School. Police Commissioner Auapa'au Logotino Filipo suggested that charges might be filed against individuals who helped him hide. The Solomon Islands has partnered with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to enhance their weather monitoring capabilities. The agreement includes upgrading weather stations from manual to semi-automated systems. Solomon Islands Minister for Environment, Trevor Mahaga, emphasized that this partnership will help save lives and reduce economic losses. In Tonga, Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala highlighted the need to meet the people's needs for the nation's future. Speaking at a development summit in Nuku'alofa, he stressed the importance of access to quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities. The summit aims to create a long-term development plan for Tonga. In the Northern Mariana Islands, Governor Arnold Palacios expressed disappointment over the selling price of the Imperial Pacific Resort casino, expected to go for US$12.9 million. He had hoped it would sell for $25 million. A hearing will determine if this sale price is acceptable, with the Attorney General's Office monitoring the situation closely. New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters discussed the shared goal of Pacific Islands prosperity during recent talks with the United States. He noted that there are many developments in the Indo-Pacific region and highlighted the importance of a stable and beneficial trade relationship between New Zealand and the U.S.