Pacific news in brief: Landslide deaths in Solomon Islands, health grant for Kiribati, Fiji court ruling

Tragedy struck the Solomon Islands as a landslide at the Gold Ridge Mine reportedly claimed the lives of at least ten individuals. Reports from In-depth Solomons suggest the victims were buried between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. when a ground collapse occurred. The outlet indicated that those buried are believed to have been engaged in illegal mining activities. Gold Ridge Mining Company and the Solomon Islands Police Force have been contacted for comment.

In Kiribati, a significant step towards improving healthcare services was marked by the signing of an $11 million grant agreement between the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Kiribati government. This funding is earmarked for the completion of the new Betio Hospital and the enhancement of health services across South Tarawa and the outer islands. The hospital is projected to be fully operational by the second quarter of 2028.

Meanwhile, in Fiji, the High Court has issued a permanent stay on criminal proceedings against Charlie Charters, a British and Fijian national facing two counts of aiding and abetting. Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu ruled that the anti-corruption commission had infringed upon Mr. Charters' constitutional rights and abused the court process. The commission has been granted 30 days to lodge an appeal.

Separately, China's defense cooperation with Fiji is not aimed at excluding other countries, according to the Chinese Embassy Defence Attaché Zhang Yu. FBC reports Zhang stating that China is committed to collaborating with Fiji's existing security partners. He emphasized that China-Fiji defense and security cooperation is open and intended to bolster Fiji's military readiness, address climate change and maritime security threats, and combat transnational organized crime. Over the past year, more than 40 officers from Fiji's Ministry of Defence and military reportedly participated in exchange programs in China.