Samoa

She will be sworn in before the head of state on Thursday.

Mata Tuatagaloa was appointed as permanent judge of the District court four years ago after serving as a prominent lawyer for many years.

Samoa's Ministry of Health says it has recorded 475 cases of dengue fever over the past ten weeks.

To prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne disease, the Ministry is asking people to wear suitable clothing during peak mosquito biting times at dusk and dawn.

Communities are also being asked to destroy mosquito breeding sites, like stagnant water in gutters, pot plants and tyres, and to clear rubbish around homes and workplaces.

The Ministry says there has not been a huge increase in the number of dengue cases, and clinics are not overwhelmed.

Tuilaepa had been attending the Indian summit

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said his country would help the region with human resource development.

Talamua Online reports Tuilaepa also asked for India's doctors and medical instructors to periodically work and take sabbaticals in Samoa to support its capacity building efforts.

The Samoa leader also spoke of the challenge the Pacific faces from climate change.

The Mansina conceded 108 points in losing all three pool matches against Wales, Brazil and Japan.

Things didn't get much better on day two, as they fell to Columbia 12-5 before salvaging some pride with a 22-0 win over Mexico in the 11th place playoff to avoid the wooden spoon.

Team manager Toleafoa Mara Hunter says it was an eye-opening experience.

The Manusina are among 12 teams competing for two permanent berths on the global circuit, alongside the likes of New Zealand, Australia and Fiji.

Team manager Toleafoa Mara Hunter says they've played in Australia, Malaysia and Hong Kong over the past 12 months but have struggled for matches against top quality opposition.

Pool play gets underway tonight and Hunter says fortunately they have a working knowledge of their opponents - Wales, Japan and Brazil.

Cook Islands won the biennial event two years ago but will not defend their title, choosing to focus their limited resources on November's Olympic Sevens Qualifier.

Newcomers American Samoa open proceedings against Solomon Islands at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, followed by hosts Papua New Guinea against Tahiti, in the first round of matches.

The General Manager of Rugby PNG, Frank Genia, says pride and silverware aren't the only things on up for grabs.

The country's first Human Rights Review pointed out the difficulty women had in participating in village-based political decision-making because some traditional practices hindered or excluded them.

The report says the low rate of participation within the village translates into under representation at the national level.

The latest report follows a similar study this year which showed 93 percent of matai title holders are men.

Catherine Phuong was in Samoa when its first Periodic Human Rights Review was released.

It was issued by the Office of the Ombudsman under its role as the National Human Rights Institution.

The report highlighted many issues such as gender inequality and abuse, the rights of children and the state of local prisons.

Ms Phuong says the report and the rights focus of the Ombudsman mark a great time for Samoa and the region.

Team Cook Islands, to be headed by Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) sports manager Siniva Marsters, will be taking part in aquatics (swimming), athletics, lawn bowls and rugby sevens.

Marsters has become the second female after Rosie Blake to lead Team Cook Islands to an international event.

The athletes, aged 14 to 18 years, will be gunning for their personal bests in the week-long games in Apia.

KNOC's Sport Education Officer, Tenoa Betene told Radio Kiribati News Kiribati will only be competing in three sports - Tennis, Weightlifting and Boxing.

Competing in Tennis are Tabera Bonteman and Kaoa Fakaofo. Takirua Betero and Toonga Tokitebwa will take part in weightlifting while Tevi Steven will compete in boxing.

The team is expected to depart for the Games on 03 September and to return on 17 September.