April 2009

Archbishop Tutu hails Solomons Islands reconciliation effortsAudio

Updated 30/04/2009 10:31:48

South Africa's Nobel Prize winning peace advocate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu has commended Solomon Islands for its reconciliation initiative.

Samoan censorship board bans film for contradicting Christian beliefsAudio

Updated 30/04/2009 10:31:51

The Samoan Censor Board has given its reasons for banning the award winning film 'Milk', saying the movie is inappropriate and contradictory to Christian beliefs and Samoan culture.

PNG gas talks finally get underway after court hearingAudio

Updated 30/04/2009 10:31:55

A meeting between landowners and developers of Papua New Guinea's Liquefied Natural Gas project to discuss the issues and benefits from the project, is set to start in Kokopo in PNG's East New Britain province on Thursday.

Fiji's attendance at UN sponsored security conference questionedAudio

Updated 30/04/2009 16:09:44

A United Nations sponsored conference on security governance in the Pacific region is finishing today in Tonga, with some asking questions about why Fiji was allowed to send a delegation to the forum.

Fiji faces imminent expulsion from Pacific Island ForumAudio

Updated 30/04/2009 16:09:47

Fiji's acting Prime Minister and interim Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is refusing to comment on the imminent expiration of the Pacific Islands Forum deadline to provide a roadmap to democracy or face suspension on May 1.

New Zealand pork producers unaware of Fiji ban on pork importsAudio

Updated 30/04/2009 16:09:44

Fiji's Ministry of Health is refusing to comment on two people suspected of having the Swine Flu virus who are believed to have entered the country.

ADB announces mentor program to help Pacific with financial crisisAudio

Updated 29/04/2009 15:24:11


The Asian Development Bank has announced a new program to help Pacific Island countries cope with the global financial crisis, with mentors to assist Pacific decision-makers on how to make best use of the policy tools at their disposal and new more up-to-date data will be provided to allow sharper responses.

Solomon Islands launches Truth and Reconciliation CommissionAudio

Updated 29/04/2009 15:24:15


The Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission was officially launched on Wednesday morning by South Africa's Nobel Prize Winner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

UNESCO Media Freedom workshop moved from Fiji to SamoaAudio

Updated 29/04/2009 15:24:19

A workshop for Pacific media professionals that was to be held in Fiji has been moved to Samoa.

Devaluation unlikely to help Fiji's sugar cropAudio

Updated 29/04/2009 15:24:22

Next month Fiji's canegrowers will begin harvesting this year's crop, with the interim Government given a glowing forecast on what will be achieved by the industry this year.

PNG Prime Minister defends criticism over use of AusAid moneyAudio

Updated 29/04/2009 15:24:26

A row is erupting between the Australian and Papuan New Guinean governments over the spending of Australian aid money.

PNG landowners earn court victory over LNG project consulatationsAudio

Updated 29/04/2009 11:42:16

The Port Moresby National Court has ordered that no legally binding agreements regarding a proposed $11 billion dollar Liquid Natural Gas project should be reached until proper procedures stipulated under PNG laws have been met.

RAMSI and Solomons Police rule out foul play in officer's deathAudioTranscript

Updated 29/04/2009 11:22:14

Solomon Islands and RAMSI Police have ruled out foul play in the death of a senior Vanuatu police officer serving with the regional mission.

Former Fiji PM says Commodore Bainimarama must be pressured into pollAudio

Updated 29/04/2009 11:22:17

Fiji's former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudry has defied Emergency Regulations to call on the country's interim Government to return to democracy.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu says Solomon Is can achieve reconciliationAudioTranscript

Updated 29/04/2009 11:22:14

The Nobel Prize winning South African peace advocate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu has arrived in Solomon Islands to launch the country's Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Inquiry.

Good progress at Pacific trade in services talksAudioTranscript

Updated 28/04/2009 11:47:31

Pacific Island nations are hoping to meet a deadline of the end of this year for a regional agreement on trade in services.

Long awaited nuclear compensation case begins in French PolynesiaAudioTranscript

Updated 28/04/2009 11:47:31

The long awaited hearing of a compensation case for eight former workers of France's nuclear testing site in French Polynesia is due to get underway in the Papeete Labour Court on Monday.

Archbishop Tutu launching Solomon Islands reconcialation commissionAudioTranscript

Updated 28/04/2009 11:47:34

World renowned South African church leader, Nobel Prize winner and peace advocate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu arrives in Solomon Islands on Tuesday.

Concern over swine flu risk to Pacific tourismAudioTranscript

Updated 28/04/2009 15:20:50

The threat of swine flu continues to grow, and while authorities in the Pacific have not imposed any special measures the tourist industry is taking the threat seriously.

Fiji Law Society President refuses to cooperate with militaryAudio

Updated 28/04/2009 15:20:53


Reports of growing dissent inside Fiji are beginning to emerge, with local media reporting that the Secretary General of the nationalist Yanua Tako Lavo Party has been arrested.

Former Fiji Prime Minister breaks silence, calls for electionsAudio

Updated 28/04/2009 15:20:58

Fiji's former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaundhry is publicly calling on interim leader Commodore Frank Bainamara to hold democratic elections.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu arrives in Sol Is with message of hopeAudioTranscript

Updated 28/04/2009 15:20:50

The Nobel Prize winning South African peace advocate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu has arrived in Solomon Islands where he'll launch the country's truth and Reconciliation Commission of Inquiry on Wednesday.

Australia says UN will not deploy Fiji soldiers on future missionsAudioTranscript

Updated 28/04/2009 15:21:02

Australia's Prime Minister says the United Nations has decided not to recruit Fijian soldiers for future U-N operations after Australia and New Zealand led a push for the UN to act over Fiji's suspension of the constitution.

CNMI lieutenant Governor quits after being found guilty of corruptionAudioTranscript

Updated 27/04/2009 15:14:24

The Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has resigned, after being found guilty of corruption.

Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciation Commission members namedAudioTranscript

Updated 27/04/2009 15:14:18

Solomon Islands Prime Minister has announced the five-members of the nation's first Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Vanuatu tribe facing mortality of their God, Prince PhilipAudio

Updated 27/04/2009 11:29:29


Time is running out for a remote tribe in Vanuatu, which worships a most unlikely deity.

Pacific Is Forum leaders to proceed with planned suspension of FijiAudio

Updated 27/04/2009 11:29:32

The Chair of the Pacific Islands Fourm says they are sticking with the May first deadline to suspend Fiji from the regional body.

Pacific prepares to combat risk of swine flu outbreakAudioTranscript

Updated 27/04/2009 15:14:18

Pacific Island nations are preparing to combat the risk of an outbreak of swine flu in the region.

PNG provincial Governor upset at private armed security for LNG talksAudio

Updated 27/04/2009 15:14:21


Lawyers from Papua New Guinea's Government, Exxon-Mobil and landowners from the southern Highlands have been meeting on Monday in Port Moresby, trying to break a legal deadlock over a planned 11-billion US dollar Liquified Natural Gas project.

Moody's downgrades Fiji's credit ratingAudioTranscript

Updated 24/04/2009 15:09:04

International credit rating company, Moody's Investors Service, has downgraded Fiji's credit rating.

Hopes that new marriage law will boost French Polynesia tourismAudioTranscript

Updated 24/04/2009 15:08:56

A new law passed by the French national assembly will allow visitors to French Polynesia to legally get married there, as part of a plan to boost economic development in the overseas territories.

ADB commends Vanuatu for strong private sector reformAudioTranscript

Updated 24/04/2009 10:17:34

The Asian Development Bank says Vanuatu is a stand-out performer in the Pacific for improving conditions for the private sector, creating the region's most business friendly environment.

Former Australian PM calls for tougher measures against FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 24/04/2009 10:17:34

While there's been criticism of Australia and New Zealand over their heavy-handed approach towards Fiji, some believe the approach hasn't been heavy-handed enough.

Church column pulled by Fiji's military censorsAudioTranscript

Updated 24/04/2009 15:09:00

Fiji's censors have struck again, this time a Methodist Minister has fallen foul of the military regime for making a brief mention of the economic slowdown in his column titled "Prayer is Action".

Jetstar claims Fiji media not accurate in reports on new flightsAudio

Updated 24/04/2009 15:08:56


While it's getting tougher to read any bad news in Fiji's media, some of the good news stories are also starting to stretch the truth a little, with Australian budget airline Jetstar saying reports that it will begin flying into Fiji are somewhat premature.

Australian company explores geothermal power potential in VanuatuAudioTranscript

Updated 23/04/2009 15:25:34

Australian company KUTh Energy has been granted two licences to explore the hot springs on Vanuatu's Efate Island to discover which hot springs can produce enough geothermal energy to generate electricity.

Fiji Water layoffs story pulled from news bulletinsAudioTranscript

Updated 23/04/2009 15:25:37

The company that owns the well-known Fiji Water brand has laid off almost a hundred workers at its plants in Fiji, and the story naturally made headlines in local news, but was pulled from nightly news bulletins after just one run despite having nothing to do with Fiji's ruling military regime.

Think tank believes Fiji forum suspension not helpfulAudioTranscript

Updated 23/04/2009 15:25:43

The Director of the Myer Foundation Melanesia Program at the Sydney based think-tank, the Lowy Institute believes American Samoa's Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin makes some valid points in criticising Australia and New Zealand's treatment of Fiji.

US Secretary of State told Australia and NZ misleading over FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 23/04/2009 15:25:46

The subject of democracy in Fiji has come up again in the United States, with American Samoan Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin coming to the defence of its military rulers.

PNG landowners in court fighting for slice of $11bn LNG projectAudio

Updated 23/04/2009 15:25:33

A group of landowners in Papua New Guinea have been in Port Moresby's National Court on Thursday, fighting for their slice of an 11-billion dollar Liquified Natural Gas project.

Fijian Youth encouraged to play a role in Fiji politics through blogsAudio

Updated 23/04/2009 11:22:35

Since the Fijian Government took control of the country's media, some members of the community are taking it into their own hands to report what is happening, and one of the most popular methods is via a personal blog on the internet.

Pacific Wire Service Pacnews limits output after Fiji censor visitAudioTranscript

Updated 22/04/2009 15:20:01

The Suva based Pacific wire service Pacnews has been forced to censor its output.

Deadline for Fiji's suspension from Pacific Islands Forum approachingAudioTranscript

Updated 22/04/2009 15:19:57

The Pacific Islands Forum's deadline for Fiji's suspension is fast approaching, with Forum Chair and Premier of Niue Toke Talagi saying the currrent round of negotiations with Pacific leaders needs to be completed before deciding whether to proceed.

New Zealand's North and South Islands officially nameless for nowAudioTranscript

Updated 22/04/2009 15:19:49

As far as place names go, it doesn't get much simpler or more easy to pronounce than the North and South Islands of New Zealand, but the New Zealand's Geographic Board has discovered the names 'North and South' have never been written down anywhere in the country's legislation, making them un-official.

Vanuatu landowners claim to be losing out on Australian lease dealsAudio

Updated 22/04/2009 10:25:30


Vanuatu has become a magnet for Australian property developers in recent years, and Ni-Vanuatu have attempted to protect their land by selling leases instead of the land itself, but the strategy doesn't appear to be working as planned, with some Vanuatu land-owners complaining of late payments, or being unable to get the land back without having to purchase the expensive improvements that have been made.

Fiji's reappointed Solicitor General attacks NZ Law SocietyAudio

Updated 22/04/2009 10:25:33

Fiji's solicitor-general, the recently reappointed Christopher Pryde, is accusing the New Zealand law society of double standards after it asked its members not to work for the interim regime.

Amnesty International claims Fijian civilians living in fearAudio

Updated 22/04/2009 10:25:36

An Amnesty International expert who has just completed a fact-finding mission to Fiji says the civilian population is living in fear under the draconian measures implemented by the military regime.

Biorisk in New Caledonia as second cane toad foundAudio

Updated 22/04/2009 15:19:49

Environmental services in New Caledonia are dealing with the discovery of a second cane toad, just weeks after the first was discovered in a container shipped from Australia.

Court action stops PNG multi-billion dollar gas projectAudioTranscript

Updated 22/04/2009 15:19:53

Landowners in Papua New Guinea got a court order on Tuesday preventing the multi billion dollar liquified natural gas project from proceeding.

New Caledonia ships recylable materials to AustraliaAudioTranscript

Updated 21/04/2009 10:50:31

New Caledonia's second largest city is sending its recyclable waste to Australia to be processed, as setting up a recycling plant for paper and cardboard in the French territory isn't financially viable.

Concern over re-opening compensation case for 1927 Solomons massacreAudioTranscript

Updated 21/04/2009 10:50:30

A former Solomon Islands parliamentarian is warning the Government to be very careful with its move to re-open the issue of compensation for a massacre which happened 82 years ago, when Australian warships shelled a village under instructions from the former British colonial Government, leading to the deaths of an estimated two-thousand people in his constituency.

International impact of Fiji condemnation diluted by Chinese aidAudioTranscript

Updated 21/04/2009 15:16:07

While there's been plenty of international condemnation of Fiji, it appears to be having little impact on Commodore Frank Bainimarama's Government, with aid from China still flowing into the country.

UN Security Council criticises Fiji's scrapping of constitutionAudioTranscript

Updated 21/04/2009 15:16:11

The United Nations Security Council is joining the condemnation of recent events in Fiji, releasing a strongly worded criticism of the military backed regime after being briefed on the situation since the constitution was scrapped on Good Friday.

PNG landowners upset at treatment over $11 billion LNG projectAudioTranscript

Updated 21/04/2009 15:16:03

Some serious horse trading is about to get underway in Papua New Guinea to divide up the riches that are expected to flow from the country's biggest resource project, with the Government and landowners deciding how to share the royalties generated by an $11 billion dollar liquefied natural gas project.

Pacific Island Governments encouraged to sign on for bulk fuel buyingAudio

Updated 20/04/2009 11:31:29

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is hoping to make a break through this week by signing up more Pacific Island Nations to its petroleum bulk buying cooperative, when Energy Ministers meet in Tonga to discuss membership of the project as well as energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Fijians in Sydney launch new democracy movementAudio

Updated 20/04/2009 11:31:33


The Fijian community in Sydney has launched an international campaign to restore democracy in their homeland with a highly-charged meeting on Saturday evening issuing the so-called Sydney Declaration, condemning the abrogration of the 1997 consitution.

Australian visa laws an obstacle to NRL triallistsAudio

Updated 20/04/2009 11:31:26


Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has thrown his support behind efforts to get PNG into Australia's elite Rugby League competition, the NRL, but it appears Australia's strengthened visa laws might stop PNG's players from even trialling.

Fiji allows Television New Zealand reporter into countryAudio

Updated 20/04/2009 15:06:23

While Fiji's interim Government was expelling foreign reporters last week, it has allowed some new ones in.

Aust says no to trade and sporting sanctions on FijiAudio

Updated 20/04/2009 15:06:27


Australia's Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith, says Australia is pushing for Fijian soldiers to be excluded from United Nations peacekeeping forces, but tules out support for full trade and sporting sanctions.

Call for tougher sanctions on Fiji by Pacific Is nationsAudio

Updated 20/04/2009 15:06:32


The newly formed Overseas Movement for Democracy in Fiji is calling on Pacific Island countries to impose travel bans on Fiji's interim Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama, members of his Government and its supporters and impose full trade and sporting sanctions on the country.

More governments sign on to bulk fuel buyAudio

Updated 20/04/2009 15:06:19

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is hoping to make a break through this week by signing up more Pacific Island Nations to its petroleum bulk buying cooperative when Energy Ministers meet in Tonga to discuss membership of the project as well as energy efficiency and renewable energy.

PNG's prisons to help with biofuel trialsAudioTranscript

Updated 20/04/2009 15:08:27

A potential option to help build the Pacific's energy security is exploring the greater use of biofuel, and Papua New Guinea's Corrective Service says it will plant the bio-fuel producing Jatropha Curcas tree at prisons around the country.

Dismay over media crackdown in FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 17/04/2009 11:59:14

Fiji's military Government says foreign media are most welcome in Fiji, a day after shutting down Radio Australia's FM transmitters in Suva and Nadi and deporting the Australia Network's Sean Dorney earlier in the week.

Fiji social service fears poorest will be hit by dollar devaluationAudioTranscript

Updated 17/04/2009 11:59:14

Fiji's Council of Social Services says it expects the country's poorest people will soon start feeeling the effects of the devaluation of the country's dollar.

Pacific Unions urge boycott on handling Fijian goodsAudio

Updated 17/04/2009 15:52:07

This week Fiji's credit rating was downgraded and the dollar devalued by 20 percent, and now Trade Unionists in the Pacific region are discussing industrial action against Fiji, in protest over the political situation.

Tourism operators hope to cash in on Fiji dollar devaluationAudio

Updated 17/04/2009 15:52:05

Even before this week's events in Fiji, tourism operators in Australia were advertising heavily discounted deals in an attempt to attract people to the Pacific state.

Fiji PM philosophical about likely expulsion from ForumAudioTranscript

Updated 17/04/2009 15:52:10

While Fiji's military Government continues to make new appointments, that's not likely to satsify the Pacific Islands Forum, which now seems almost certain to suspend Fiji on May the 1st when its deadline for Fiji to provide a path towards democratic elections expires.

Fiji appoints Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as Vice PresidentAudioTranscript

Updated 17/04/2009 15:52:14

Fiji's interim Government swore in Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as Vice President on Friday.

Fiji Journalist detained for report published outside of FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 17/04/2009 15:52:05

Another journalist in Fiji has been detained for writing news reports which have displeased the country's military regime, but this time the journalist involved was questioned by Police over a story which was published outside of the country.

Solomons Islands considers repatriating its students in FijiAudio

Updated 16/04/2009 15:26:24

There's more than seven hundred students from the Solomon Islands currently in Fiji, and the Solomon Islands Government says it will bring them home if the situation warrants it.

Media censorship affecting rural communities in FijiAudio

Updated 16/04/2009 15:26:20

The tough new censorship rules in Fiji are having a severe impact in the country's rural communities, with one regional media network saying people are afraid to talk, with the emergency regulations curtailing peoples' personal freedoms.

Think-tank predicts Pacific economic crisis due to Fiji instabilityAudioTranscript

Updated 16/04/2009 15:26:39

One of the Pacific's leading think-tanks is predicting this week's political events in Fiji have triggered an economic crisis which threatens to engulf the entire region.

Fiji's Government prepares to appoint new judiciaryAudio

Updated 16/04/2009 15:26:17

Fiji's military Government is waiting for the President to sign a new judicial services decree which will allow the interim Government to hire or re-hire judges and magistrates to officiate in its courts.

NZ Law Society cautions against taking judicial appointments in FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 16/04/2009 15:26:49

Fiji's military Government is expecting to appoint a new judiciary, and is waiting on the President to sign a judicial services decree, which would hire or re-hire officers of the court.

Vanuatu PM concerned about possible spill over of Fiji instabilityAudio

Updated 16/04/2009 15:26:43

Vanuatu's Prime Minister Edward Natapei is concerned that any instability in Fiji could spill into the region, describing the political developments in Fiji over the past week as "unfortunate", but hopes the international community doesn't cut the country off.

Economic outlook for Fiji worsensAudio

Updated 16/04/2009 15:26:17

The economic outlook for Fiji is going from bad to worse, with the Standard and Poors Credit Agency today downgraded Fiji's long-term rating to B-minus from B and its short-term rating to C from B.

Fiji Government orders Radio Australia transmitters shut downAudio

Updated 15/04/2009 15:23:15


On Wednesday Fiji's military regime ordered Radio Australia's FM transmitters at Nadi and Suva to be switched off.

Pacific Islands Forum Chair believes Fiji will be expelledAudio

Updated 15/04/2009 15:22:56

The Premier and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum Toke Talagi is condemning the actions taken by Fiji's President and believes explusion from the Forum is inevitable.

Fiji's Law Society President released after night in custodyAudio

Updated 15/04/2009 15:23:00


The President of the Fiji Law Society Dorsami Naidu has now been released from detention after spending 24 hours in custody where he says he was threatened with charges of sedition.

Fiji Prime Minister Commodore Bainimarama defends tightened controlsAudio

Updated 15/04/2009 15:23:04


Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has been speaking to foreign media today, defending his return to power, the sacking of the judiciary and the introduction of tough new media controls.

Claims of Fiji Government phone and internet snooping deniedAudio

Updated 15/04/2009 15:23:08

Rumours that the Fiji government is listening in on people's phone calls and reading their e-mail have been denied by the head of one of Fiji's main phone companies.

Fiji Reserve Bank devalues dollar and sacks GovernorAudio

Updated 15/04/2009 15:23:11


Fiji's Reserve Bank has devalued the country's dollar by 20% a day after tightening controls on foreign exchange to limit the outflow of capital.

Australia says Fiji's expulsion from regional forums "inevitable"Audio

Updated 15/04/2009 10:53:48


Australia's Government says it's inevitable Fiji will be expelled from the Commonwealth and the Pacific Islands Forum, but says it won't impose trade sanctions against Fiji, or discourage Australian tourists from going there.

Fiji Methodist Church eager to stay out of political upheavalAudio

Updated 15/04/2009 10:53:51


One rock of certainty in these difficult times in Fiji is the powerful and respected Methodist Church, which is intent on staying out of any confrontations with the current military regime.

Fiji Law Society wants to meet with the PresidentAudio

Updated 14/04/2009 15:23:49


The President of the Fiji Law Society wants an audience with the head of state, Ratu Josefa Iloilo, saying he wants to find out if the decision to abolish the constitution was actually made by him.

Former Fiji army officer fears public losing respect for militaryAudioTranscript

Updated 14/04/2009 15:23:53

The military Government's widespread clampdown is a common tactic employed by groups attempting to overthrow Governments, with a senior member of the Fijian military prior to the 2006 coup saying the inimidation and fear tactics presently being used will increasingly turn the Fijian people against the army.

Australia Network reporter Sean Dorney returns after Fiji ejectionAudio

Updated 14/04/2009 15:23:57


The ABC has not been immune to the military's Government's crackdown on the media, with the Australia Network's Sean Dorney told to leave by the regime.

Fiji's media operating under difficult censorship circumstancesAudioTranscript

Updated 14/04/2009 15:24:01

None of what Pacific Beat has reported in the past few days will have been reported by Fiji's media, which is operating under tough new censorship laws, and have been warned about making any drastic responses.

Fiji Law Society President detained overnight by PoliceAudio

Updated 14/04/2009 15:24:05


Fiji's courts were due to re-open today after the Easter break, but when the magistrates, lawyers and staff turned up for work today they were locked out by order of the military Government after the constitution had been ripped up by the President and the entire judiciary sacked.

Fiji constitution co-author expects Commonwealth to downgrade FijiAudio

Updated 14/04/2009 15:23:45

Former New Zealand Governor-General Sir Paul Reeves was one of the authors of Fiji's 1997 Constitution, and says its abolition by President Ratu Josefa Iloilo was illegal, and Fiji is now in the grip of the military.

Fiji Reserve Bank introduces new measures as currency levels dropAudioTranscript

Updated 14/04/2009 15:55:56

Fiji's Reserve Bank is tightening control over currency exchanges with immediate effect, just weeks after the Bank's Governor Savenaca Narube expressed concern about Fiji's currency reserves.

Media censorship in Fiji following reappointment of Bainimarama as PMAudio

Updated 13/04/2009 10:49:19

Fiji's military Government has placed officials in the newsrooms of the country's major media outlets, as part of a strict new decree to do with censorship and risk being shut down if they fail to comply.

Military tightens its grip on FijiAudio

Updated 13/04/2009 10:49:22


Fiji's military led Government has been re-installed and tightened its grip on the country, with strict new controls imposed on the country's media along with the annulment of the constitution, and the sacking of the entire judiciary after Fiji's Court of Appeal ruled the Government illegal last week.

Fiji blogger says opposition to Government will strengthenAudio

Updated 13/04/2009 10:49:16

A Fiji-based blogger says resistance to the Government is likely to become more outspoken now the constitution has been dumped and strict controls imposed on the country's media.

Co-author of Fiji constitution says President influenced by militaryAudio

Updated 13/04/2009 10:49:17

One of the co-authors of the 1997 Fiji Constitution, Dr Brij Lal, doubts President Ratu Josefa Iloilo acted alone when he abolished the constitution and re-appointed Commodore Bainimarama as Prime Minister within a day of the Government being declared illegal.

Fiji censorship criticised by ex-publisher & bloggersAudio

Updated 13/04/2009 16:10:28


Not only has Fiji lost its constitution and entire judiciary, the nation's media is now also under assault from the military Government.

Sacked Fiji Judge says aging President under military controlAudio

Updated 13/04/2009 16:10:30


Ian Lloyd was one of the three judges at Fiji's Court of Appeal that ruled Commodore Frank Bainimarama's interim Government illegal, a decision which then led to Commodore Bainimarama stepping down, Fiji's President dumping the constitution and sacking all the country's judges, and re-instating Bainimarama's entire Government.

Australia says tightened military grip further isolates FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 13/04/2009 16:10:28

Australia is asking that the Pacific Forum maintain a united and strong stand against Fiji's interim Government.

Fiji's President nullifies constitution, sacks judgesAudio

Updated 10/04/2009 10:03:02


Fiji's President Ratu Josefa Iloilo has abrogated the country's constitution, appointing himself as Head of State, sacking the Court of Appeal judges that ruled Commodore Frank Bainimarama's interim Government illegal, and annoucing a new interim Government will be appointed to rule for the next five years.

Concerns over who will come forward as a judge in FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 10/04/2009 15:14:32

With Fiji's entire judiciary sacked, there'll be interest now in who comes forward to be a judge under the new regime.

Author of dumped Fiji constitution considers move unwiseAudioTranscript

Updated 10/04/2009 15:14:36

One of the co-authors of the 1997 Fiji Constitution, Doctor Brij Lal says President Ratu Josefa Iloilo's dumping of the country's constitution is unwise and un-constitutional.

Former interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama out of officeAudioTranscript

Updated 10/04/2009 15:14:40

Before President Iloilo took his decision to annul Fiji's constitution, interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was already out of his job.

No elections in Fiji until 2014 as constitution torn upAudioTranscript

Updated 10/04/2009 15:14:44

It's been a turbulent 24 hours in Fijian politics, with the Court of Appeal first ruling the country's interim Government illegal, and then the President tearing up the consitution, sacking the entire judiciary, and saying no elections will be held until 2014.

Fiji's interim Government appointed illegally: Appeal CourtAudioTranscript

Updated 09/04/2009 15:57:18

Fiji's interim Government has been declared illegal by the country's Court of Appeal, finding that the interim Government of Commodore Frank Bainimarama was unlawfully appointed after a military coup in 2006.

Guam and CNMI consider opportunities in U-S military build-upAudio

Updated 09/04/2009 11:01:32

The gradual relocation of 8,000 United States Marines from their base in Okinawa in Japan to Guam will have a region wide impact, and Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas are considering not only the economic challenges, but also the economic opportunites afforded by the multi-billion project.

New Caledonia residents pressure Government over acid spillAudio

Updated 09/04/2009 11:01:36

A group of residents in New Caledonia is pressuring the Governor of the Southern Province to take action against the owners of the Vale-Inco Nickel plant after thousands of litres of sulphuric acid spilled into a creek last week, flowing into Prony Bay and destroying marine life.

RAMSI review period extended again by Solomons ParliamentAudio

Updated 09/04/2009 11:01:29

The Solomon Islands Parliament is allowing more time for the committee conducting an inquiry into the work of the Regional Assistance Mission to complete its report, the second such extension requested by the Foreign Relations Committee, which was initially expected to submit its report to Parliament in November 2008.

Future of Fiji's agenda setting meetings in doubt after court rulingAudioTranscript

Updated 09/04/2009 15:53:26

While the Fiji's Court of Appeal was considering its decision to declare the interim Government illegal, the interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was holding another political dialogue forum to discuss the agenda for returning Fiji's to democracy.

ANU analyst says decision on Govt illegality is positive for FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 09/04/2009 15:51:27

Doctor Jon Fraenkel of the Australian National University's State, Society and Governance Program says Fiji's Court of Appeal decision declaring the interim Government illegal is enormously positive for the country, but that everything now turns on the President's actions.

Clinton calls for Fiji to stick to democracy deadlinesAudio

Updated 08/04/2009 15:14:24

The United States has removed any doubts there may have been regarding its stance on Fiji's political situation, making it clear the U-S supports the Pacific Islands Forum's demands that Fiji stick to its timelines to restore democracy.

Conditions imposed on political parties ahead of Fiji meetingAudio

Updated 08/04/2009 15:14:18

One day before a meeting between Fiji's interim Government and the country's political parties and NGOs on setting the agenda for a return to democracy, it's emerged that three political parties have been sent letters imposing a number of terms and conditions on their attendance.

Fiji thinking about a nine day fortnightAudioTranscript

Updated 08/04/2009 10:36:53

Fiji"s Public Service Commission may consider introducing a nine day fortnight if further cost cutting measures are needed.

Bougainville faction to discuss possibility of Upper House seatAudio

Updated 08/04/2009 10:36:57

The next step in bringing lasting peace to Bougainville occurs on Wednesday when President James Tanis receives a formal proposal from one of the main warring factions aimed at enabling them to be part of the political process.

Micronesian exporters hit with new costs linked to new regulationsAudioTranscript

Updated 08/04/2009 10:36:51

New security regulations imposed by United States authorities which mean all air freight must now come through a cargo agent or freight handler will lead to extra costs and more paperwork for Pacific exporters.

PNG Rangers cracking down on Betel Nut sales accused of violenceAudio

Updated 08/04/2009 15:14:14

Papua New Guinea MP Dame Carol Kidu is condemning the actions of City Rangers accused of beating women vendors and stealing their goods in the capital Port Moresby.

World Bank sees rays of hope for Pacific in economic gloomAudioTranscript

Updated 07/04/2009 15:23:34

The World Bank says there is a ray of hope emerging in the international financial crisis with signs China's economy will start to bottom-out by mid-2009.

Drug and gun running criminal gangs exposed in SamoaAudioTranscript

Updated 07/04/2009 15:23:42

An investigation by a New Zealand journalist has revealed an apparently roaring trade in illegal drugs and guns in Samoa, with claims that profits from marijuana and methamphetamine smuggled into Samoa from New Zealand are being used to buy powerful weapons from the United States.

Solomon Islands PM hopes reforms will address '06 riot report concernsAudioTranscript

Updated 07/04/2009 15:23:47

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands is hoping new legislation to improve the behaviour of the country's politicians will address many of the recommendations made by the report on the 2006 riots.

Fiji Court of Appeal hears case on restoring Qarase GovernmentAudioTranscript

Updated 07/04/2009 15:23:51

Fiji's Court of Appeal is this week considering the viability of reinstating the Government of ousted Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase, with Mr Qarase's lawyer Bruce Walker QC challenging a High Court ruling that President Josef Iliolo acted correctly during the December 2006 coup.

Wife of imprisoned Pitcairn sex offender says his health is neglectedAudio

Updated 07/04/2009 15:23:56

The wife of one of the men convicted of sex offences on the Pitcairn Islands five years ago is accusing the British Government of ignoring her husband's deteriorating health.

Solomon Islands calls on Police to deal with crocodile threatAudio

Updated 07/04/2009 15:24:02

The Solomon Islands Government has been calling on the Regional Assistance Mission (RAMSI) to shoot salt water crocodiles which have threatened the safety of people.

Remittances start to dry up as global economic crisis bitesAudioTranscript

Updated 07/04/2009 15:39:43

The sending of remittances plays a major part in providing much needed foreign currency to many of the Pacific Island states, but as the economic crisis bites deep into developed economies, the knock on is also starting to be felt in the Pacific.

No reports of damage or casualties from Cyclone in TongaAudio

Updated 06/04/2009 10:25:09


The Pacific Island kingdom of Tonga was hit Cyclone Lin at around 10 o'clock local time Sunday morning, but as thepowerful winds die down, authorities say there've been no reports so far of casualties or major structural damage.

High cost of Samoan traditional giving addressed at NZ forumAudioTranscript

Updated 06/04/2009 10:25:03

The high cost of giving money at traditional Samoan fa'alavelave ceremonies is being addressed at a special forum in New Zealand this week.

Thousands of fish dead after acid leak at New Caledonia nickel plantAudioTranscript

Updated 06/04/2009 15:12:07

The southern province Government of New Caledonia will decide next week whether to take any action against the Vale-Inco Nickel plant after a serious environmental accident on Wednesday.

Pacific Tax Havens must act to avoid G20 sanctionsAudioTranscript

Updated 06/04/2009 15:12:11

Leaders at last week's G-20 summit in London have made closing down tax havens a priority, concerned that they absorb resources and could be used to conceal money laundering operations.

Marshall Islands to debate no confidence motionAudio

Updated 06/04/2009 15:12:14

In Marshall Islands a vote of no confidence is expected to be tabled on Wednesday, and may be successful, with key members of the Government prepared to back the vote.

Tonga cleans up after Tropical Cyclone LinAudio

Updated 06/04/2009 15:12:04

The people of Tonga are adding up the damage bill from Tropical Cyclone Lin, which hit the island nation on Sunday.

Australian Trade Minister faces hard sell on Pacific Free Trade tourAudioTranscript

Updated 06/04/2009 10:25:06

The idea of a South Pacific free trade zone is a dream which has remained elusive for many years, mainly because many island nations are heavily dependent on import tariffs to maintain government services.

Group sets foot on Tongan volcano, and plays GolfAudioTranscript

Updated 03/04/2009 16:13:09

One of the first people to actually land on the site of a recent volcanic eruption in Tonga says it's an amazing sight up close, describing a yellow sea, an orange crater lake and a burnt desolate landscape.

Samoan reporters worried about courthouse violenceAudio

Updated 03/04/2009 11:37:25


Samoan journalists are upset about a spate of violence directed at them outside a courthouse, with the Journalists Association of Western Samoa wanting authorities to provide additional protection to media reporting on court proceedings.

Vanuatu gives qualified support to PACER-plus but a long way to goAudio

Updated 03/04/2009 11:37:22


While Vanuatu's Prime Minister told Australian Trade Minister Simon Crean he supports PACER-plus, that support is qualified.

Native landowners in Guam hope for land swap compensation dealAudio

Updated 03/04/2009 11:43:16


Guam's Chamorro landowners are hoping to negotiate a land swap arrangement with the Government to compensate them for the loss of land which is currently home to the international airport.

PNG Nambawan Super Fund posts impressive returns despite downturnAudio

Updated 03/04/2009 16:13:09

The global financial crisis has crippled the performance of superannuation funds around the world and forced many people to postpone retirement, but it's a different story in Papua New Guinea, where the Nambawan Super Fund has delivered a return of 11% for the last financial year to its 98,000 members.

Fiji military looks north for medical treatmentAudioTranscript

Updated 03/04/2009 16:13:13

Fiji's interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama arrived home from his visit to India this week and says he hopes to develop his "Look North Policy" into a strategic alliance in the short to medium term.

Police raid offices of Fiji TimesAudioTranscript

Updated 03/04/2009 16:13:16

Police raided the offices of the Fiji Times newspaper on Friday morning looking for a petition signed by disgruntled Finance Department employees complaining about their new Permanent Secretary.

Former NZ Prime Minister Helen Clark due to start UN job this monthAudio

Updated 02/04/2009 11:12:08

New Zealand's former Prime Minister Helen Clark has spoken for the first time about her appointment to the third most powerful position at the United Nations.

Union relieved by stay on lowering Fiji civil servants retirement ageAudio

Updated 02/04/2009 11:12:11

The lawyer representing the Fijian Teachers Association says Wednesday's Supreme Court ruling granting a stay on lowering the retirement age for public servants from 60 to 55 is a relief.

Samoan fishing boat found after extensive searchAudio

Updated 02/04/2009 11:12:05

A Samoan fishing boat which had been missing for several days and had been feared sunk has been found and its crew is safe and well.

Vanuatu throws support behind PACER free trade dealAudio

Updated 02/04/2009 16:16:59


A high powered Australian trade delegation is currently touring through the Pacific, with Trade Minister Simon Crean and Parliamentary Secretary for Development Assistance Bob McMullan visiting Vanuatu, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and New Zealand trying to drum up support for the regional free trade deal known as PACER-plus.

Chinese businesses still rebuilding after 2006 Honiara riotsAudioTranscript

Updated 02/04/2009 16:17:04

While there was a long wait for the report on the 2006 riots in Solomon Islands to be made public, the Chinese businesses that were destroyed have been gradually rebuilding.

Long awaited report on Solomon Islands riots released in edited formAudioTranscript

Updated 02/04/2009 16:17:10

After a three year wait, the Solomon Islands Government has released an edited version of the final report from the Commission of Inquiry into the 2006 Riots.

Samoan college pulls out of inter-school sports because of violenceAudioTranscript

Updated 02/04/2009 16:16:59

A High School in Samoa has pulled out of all inter-school sports events so its pupils can concentrate on academic work.

Australian Ministers tour Pacific on regional free trade pushAudioTranscript

Updated 01/04/2009 11:22:23

Australia is continuing negotiations with Pacific nations this week on PACER-Plus, part of its regional free trade push, with Australia's Trade minister Simon Crean and Parliamentary Secretary for Development Assistance Bob McMullan visiting Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and New Zealand.

50% cuts to Fiji Government Dept operating budgets stun unionsAudio

Updated 01/04/2009 16:01:41


A directive from Fiji's Public Service Commission to cut the operating budgets of Government Departments by 50% is dividing opinion, with the Trade Union movement claming the cuts will affect service delivery and the Commission saying its circular outlining areas to be cut has been misinterpreted.

Solomons' Prime Minister pushing for more political integrityAudio

Updated 01/04/2009 16:01:37

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Dr Derek Sikua, believes he has the support needed to reform the country's political system as Parliament debates the "Political Party Integrity Bill".

Solomon Islands Premier arrested in relation to 2007 vandalism caseAudio

Updated 01/04/2009 11:19:17

The Premier of Solomon Islands' Western Province Alex Lokopio has been arrested and charged in connection with the burning of logging machinery in the Marovo Lagoon, an incident which happened seven years ago.

ADB predicts growth to fall in the Pacific for 2009 and 2010AudioTranscript

Updated 01/04/2009 11:19:20

The Asian Development is predicting the international financial crisis will result in every Pacific Island country experiencing a significant drop in economic growth in 2009.

Flu epidemic strikes one in 10 people on TokelauAudioTranscript

Updated 01/04/2009 11:19:23

The tiny Pacific Island nation of Tokelau is battling its worst health crisis for 30 years, with one in every ten locals very sick with the flu.

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