French Polynesian dancer : “French Pacific News: Latest Headlines and Updates”

French Polynesian dancer apprehended at Los Angeles Airport for drug possession

A French Polynesian dancer has been detained at Los Angeles Airport after being caught with approximately one kilogram of crystal methamphetamine, valued at over US$1 million.

The individual was traveling with his dance ensemble as part of a US tour.

Recently, a man in his thirties was also arrested after he was recognized as the recipient of a parcel containing one hundred grams of the same narcotics concealed in a doll. The parcel had been dispatched from mainland France.

Before a Papeete court, he and his accomplice were sentenced to four and three years’ imprisonment respectively, with eighteen months suspended.

Recently, two Tahitian residents were also arrested at Tahiti- Faa’a International Airport after seven kilograms of the same substance were discovered in their luggage.

French public prosecutor in Papeete Thomas Pison stated that approximately 10 French Polynesians are presently in custody in the US, facing charges related to drug trafficking.

Climate change dialogue in New Caledonia

This week, New Caledonia held its inaugural climate change forum.

The objective is to devise a tailored adaptation strategy in response to climate change, with inputs from the government and a broad array of civil society stakeholders.

One of the aims was to aid in creating a document that would form the basis for a “climate emergency” declaration to be presented to the local Congress, as mentioned by ecological transition minister Jérémie Katidjo-Monnier in local media.

The government-led inaugural gathering took place on Thursday in Dumbéa, near the capital Nouméa.

Accolades for New Caledonia-inspired video game

The New Caledonia-inspired video game “Tchia” has secured another prestigious international award: a BAFTA in the “Game Beyond Entertainment” category.

“Tchia” revolves around the escapades of a teenage indigenous Kanak girl, featuring scenes from New Caledonia as the setting.

The game’s narrative also underscores environmental concerns.

It had previously received recognition at the Los Angeles Game Awards in December 2023 in the “Games for Impact” category.

The game’s creators and developers, now situated in Montreal, where their established studio “Awaceb” originated in New Caledonia.

Security exercise before Olympics surfing competition in Tahiti

French security forces conducted a live exercise in preparation for the Olympics surfing event in Tahiti, close to the renowned site of Teahupoo.

The exercise, named “Mataara 2024”, focused on securing and responding to potential threats, including terrorists, aboard the cruise ship where competing surfers will be accommodated in the Bay of Vairao, as indicated by the French High Commission in French Polynesia.

It involved the participation of local French security forces, including French gendarmes, the local division of the GIGN (Gendarmerie’s SWAT intervention group), fire services, medical emergency services SAMU, a medical platoon from the army, and a helicopter.

The surfing events for the Paris 2024 Olympics are scheduled to take place at Teahupoo in late July.

Tahiti allocates $160 million for 2027 Pacific Games

The Territorial Assembly of French Polynesia unanimously approved a preliminary budget of approximately $160 million for hosting the 2027 Pacific Games.

The sum, though lower than the initial $268 million designated by the previous French Polynesian government, is intended to cover the necessary infrastructure and accommodation investments for the 2027 Games.

An additional contribution is expected from the French government, with the specific amount yet to be determined and disclosed.

However, there was a consensus across the political spectrum in the House this week, acknowledging that hosting the Pacific Games presents an invaluable opportunity for French Polynesia to showcase itself in the Pacific region and beyond.

“This transcends mere sport and delves into the core of our collective Pacific identity,” remarked pro-independence Tavini party MP Tevaipaea Hoiore during deliberations.