American Samoa

Polynesian had requested a six-month exemption to the federal rules limiting transport by foreign carriers.

However on Thursday the US government only granted an exemption until September 26th, saying that it is deferring action on the remaining portion of Polynesian's application.

Polynesian has been operating American Samoa's domestic service since last year under separate 30-day exemption orders because there is no other US carrier to serve the route.

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.

Previous bills for such a requirement have been quickly defeated.

A new bill before the territorial House of Representatives would require government employees, elected officials and independent contractors to submit to drug testing, to be administered by the Human Resources Department.

The measure's preamble says the tests are needed to ensure and enhance the quality of the public service and to maintain the public's trust.

Next week's meeting comes a month before the next federally-mandated 50-cent wage hike comes into effect.

The two canneries, the Chamber of Commerce and Cabinet Director as well as the Legislature have all been invited to attend.

The canneries and the Chamber oppose the wage increase.

Lolo earlier said he wants to see a wage hike, but his administration is still concerned about the impact on the fish canneries, which are the territory's largest private employers.

Fiji take on Tonga at Govind Park in Ba later today before meeting American Samoa next week in Nadi.

The visitors are using the matches as preparation for the first stage of Oceania FIFA World Cup qualifying, which begins in Nuku'alofa at the end of the month.

Fiji Football National Team Director Taranesh Reddy says after a busy year with the Under 20 World Cup and Pacific Games the focus is now on the national team, and every game helps.

Anthony Bernardo led a delegation to Pago Pago last week.

He told local media that the financing is in place, but they want to make sure fish supplies are guaranteed.

The businessman says they have received great support from the administration and he is confident they will be able to start construction at the Tafuna Industrial Park within months.

The event was highlighted by a Samoan elei fashion show and Samoan dance “siva” performances prepared by BGCAS Cadet, Junior and Senior Mentees, Mentors and Summer Youth Employment Program Staff.

The BGCAS Chairman of the Board and Chief Volunteer Officer Mrs. Mary Ann Tulafono thanked parents, families, local Government leaders and Departments, businesses and organizations for the continued support of BGCAS, which is the only one of its kind in the South Pacific.

The territory is currently in the grip of an outbreak of the mosquito-borne illness, and the only way the territory's health department can test patients is by sending blood samples to Hawaii once a week.

The head of the CDC team sent to American Samoa to assist with the outbreak, Dr Tyler Sharp, says the time from taking the sample to having a result can vary from a few days to more than a week.

He says that not every person suspected of having dengue needs to be tested, but the centre is obtaining a limited supply of rapid testing kits.