December 2007
TONGA: Government sues newspaper for defamation
Updated 21/12/2007 13:22:26
Tonga's government is taking the pro-democracy movement newspaper, the Kele'a, to court for defamation. This follows a series of claims published in the paper about alleged mismanagement of government money, focusing on the prime minister, Dr Fred Sevele and senior government advisors. Tension between the government and the newspaper has been building for a while.
PNG: Boxer's passion changed his life
Updated 21/12/2007 13:22:26
Nick Calibud grew up in what's known of as the 'settlement', in Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby. He took up boxing and says it has changed his life. His new found passion drives him to save others from a life of violence and crime. Calibud founded the Hohola Youth Boxing club six months ago and the centre was recently upgraded with Australian aid funding.
SAMOA: Fa'afafine urged not to get female tattoos
Updated 21/12/2007 13:23:35
Samoan Fa'afafine, boys who are raised as girls, are being discouraged from getting a style of tattoo reserved for women. Roger Stanley, President of the Samoa Fa'afafine Association, says the female style of tattoo, known as the Malu, should not be worn by any male, as it is reserved for women who are the daughters of Matai, or Chiefs. The issue arose because a Samoan Fa'afafine recently had a Malu done. Roger Stanley says that this is disrespectful to Samoan culture and tradition, as no matter how much a Fa'afafine thinks he is a woman, he isn't.
KIRIBATI: Surgeon calls for action over stray dogs
Updated 21/12/2007 14:43:53
The doctor treating a i-Kiribati boy who was mauled by a pack of dogs last month has called on local councils to do more about stray dogs on Tarawa. Dr Rajiv Gupta, Chief Consultant Surgeon to the Kiribati Ministry of Health, says the attack on seven year old Kautabea Bungea, which left him with no ears and severe lacerations, was a consequence of the lack of strict regulation of stray dogs. He says he fears for other local children after what happened to Kautabea.
NZ: Aftershocks continue after powerful quake
Updated 21/12/2007 13:28:43
Aftershocks are continuing to rattle the eastern New Zealand city of Gisborne after a powerful earthquake measuring six-point-eight on the richter scale. It was one of the most powerful tremors to strike the country in 20 years. Although scientists say it wasn't big enough to create a tsunami, thousands headed for the hills anyway as a precaution.
SOLOMON IS: Julian Moti to be sent back to Australia
Updated 21/12/2007 13:51:30
The new Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Derek Sikua says the country's Attorney General, controversial Australian lawyer Julian Moti, will be sent back to Australia. Mr Moti is wanted by Australian federal authorities on child sex charges he allegedly committed in Vanuatu 10 years ago. The extradition of Julian Moti is part of Dr Sikua's policy objectives to improve relations with Australia and regional countries which he outlined after his election yesterday.
FIJI: Judge rules in favour of nurses
Updated 20/12/2007 16:51:37
Fiji's High Court has ruled in favour of the the Nursing Association's judicial review against the Permanent Secretary and the Labour Minister for failing to refer the trade dispute to arbitration. The nurses went on strike in July in protest at a five percent pay cut imposed on civil servants by the interim government at the beginning of the year. Justice Roger Coventry has given the Association until January to submit evidence in support of their compensation claim.
PACIFIC: Speculation Japan will backdown on humpbacks
Updated 20/12/2007 16:53:19
Diplomatic pressure from countries including Australia has Japan on the verge of giving up its plans to kill humpback whales in the Southern Ocean this summer. The backdown could be announced as early as tomorrow when western nations are expected to lodge a high level protest with Japan's government. Whales are economically significant to Pacific Island nations such as Tonga with whale watching as part of its tourism industry. It's been suggested that each live whale is worth an extra one million dollars to the Tongan economy, which is why tourist operaters in the Kingdom have strongly opposed Japan's whaling program. North Asia correspondent Shane McLeod reports the backdown over the killing of humpback whales won't stop Japan killing up to 900 other whales this season.
PNG: Sols High Comm predicts improved relations
Updated 20/12/2007 16:55:26
The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Bernard Bata-anisia says relations between Solomon Islands, PNG and Australia will improve with the election of the new Solomon Islands Prime Minister.
SOLOMON IS: PM candidate concedes defeat.
Updated 20/12/2007 16:57:33
The losing candidate for the job of prime minister of Solomon Islands, Patteson Oti has conceded defeat. Mr Oti also turned down an offer by the outgoing government group to become leader of the opposition. Outgoing Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare is now the new Leader of the Opposition.
PNG:Small farmer coffee notches up first in China
Updated 20/12/2007 16:58:36
Small coffee growers in Papua New Guinea have signed a deal to sell their coffee to the first gourmet coffee shops to open in Shanghai, in China. The deal will see the PNG Grower Direct Coffee Company form a joint venture with the Shanghai Uncommon Grounds Coffee company, which will roast the beans and operate a chain of shops.
TUVALU: Groundwater crisis in capital
Updated 20/12/2007 17:02:47
Tuvalu's capital, Funafuti, which supports half the population of the small Pacific nation, is running out of fresh groundwater. The disappearance of groundwater will mean residents will have to reply more on rainwater and desalianted water. The Tuvalu Prime Minister's private secretary, Kelesoma Saloa, says while the alternative water sources are adequate, the contamination of groundwater means the loss of an important, traditional water source.
SOLOMON IS: Dr Derek Sikua elected PM
Updated 20/12/2007 17:05:11
In Solomon Islands there's a new government with today's election of Opposition candidate Derek Sikua as Prime Minister. The North East Guadalcanal M-P defeated the outgoing government's candidate, Patteson Oti, 32 votes to 15.
FIJI: Alarming prices rises and more poverty
Updated 19/12/2007 15:11:59
Fiji's Prices and Incomes Board says there have been alarming rises in the cost of basic food items. It's warning people to spend carefully during the Christmas period. The warning comes as a report by civil society organisations shows one in five households are now living in poverty. Six percent are living on less than 30 Australian dollars a week.
SOLOMON IS: Police prepared for PM election
Updated 19/12/2007 15:13:10
Security will be tight in the Solomon Islands capital during the election for the country's new prime minister tomorrow. Solomon Islands police with the assistance of the regional police and military personnel will maintain highly visible presence in Honiara and around the parliament building. Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations, Peter Marshall says while they are not expecting any disturbances, they are prepared to respond to any incidences.
FIJI: Assassination plotters granted bail
Updated 19/12/2007 17:04:29
The Fiji magistrates court has granted bail to 10 of the accused in the alleged assassination plot against the interim prime minister and senior public servants. The charges against an eleventh person, Peceli Rinakama have been discharged. Justice John Semisi in granting the request for bail on the third attempt also reduced the charges to conspiracy to commit murder. The charges of inciting mutiny were dropped. Lawyer Tevita Fa who represents Colonel Metuisela Mua says the granting of bail is not unusual in Fiji's legal system.
PNG: InterOil defends fuel price increases
Updated 19/12/2007 17:04:29
The Canadian oil company which owns Papua New Guinea's first oil refinery has defended an increase in the price of crude oil. InterOil says it has unilaterally lifted fuel prices to make up for losses in operating the refinery and because of increase in the world price of crude oil. InterOil has been accused of dictating price increases to the PNG government, ignoring consumer and pricing regulations.
SOLOMON IS: Opposition claims to have the numbers
Updated 19/12/2007 17:06:58
As Solomon Islands waits anxiously for tomorrow's election of a new prime minister, the opposition says it has the numbers to take over government. Opposition leader, Fred Fono says with the defection of four more government members, they are confident their candidate, Derek Sikua will be the next prime minister. The caretaker government's candidate, Patteson Oti will not say what his chances are of winning.
FIJI: Hundreds of Air Pacific passengers stranded
Updated 19/12/2007 17:10:51
The managing director of Air Pacific has described the last few days as his worst nightmare, after electrical faults stranded more than 700 of the airline's passengers. John Campbell says a serious of unrelated events began last Friday when routine maintenance discovered a problem in an engine of one aircraft which disrupted weekend schedules. Another aircraft was grounded for longer than expected for maintenance in Singapore, then yet another was grounded in Auckland, waiting on spare parts. Two of three planned flights for Nadi to Sydney return on Monday were cancelled as a consequence and no replacements were available. John Campbell says the airline's schedule is almost back to normal today, despite a broken baggage belt in Nadi.
SAMOA: Protestors take anger against traffic change to streets
Updated 18/12/2007 11:27:26
A public protest against the Samoa government's decision to switch vehicles to the left hand side of the road is expected to draw thousands today. Led by a group calling itself 'People Against Switching Sides', the protesters are expected to march to the Parliament building, carrying petitions against the move. The protestors are concerned about the safety implications of the switch, especially because left-hand steering vehicles will be allowed to remain on the roads even as the new right-hand drive cars are introduced. But the government is adamant that the benefits will be great - it will aid the transfer of driving skills between Samoa and New Zealand and Australia. It will also allow cheaper, more economically efficient cars to be purchased from the United States.
PAPUA: US Congressman angry over trip restrictions
Updated 18/12/2007 15:00:56
American Samoa's Congressman has written a letter to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, complaining about the way he was treated during a recent visit to Papua. Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, who chairs the Asia and Pacific subcommittee of the US House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee, was allowed to visit the province for three days earlier this month, after being denied permission to do so last July. He has been a vocal long-term critic of Indonesian rule over the mainly Melanesian western half of New Guinea. Faleomavaega says his movements were severely restricted, he wasn't allowed to visit the provincial capital, Jayapura, and ordinary Papuans were forcibly prevented from meeting him.
NAURU: Urgent talks sought over closure of Aus detention centre
Updated 18/12/2007 15:03:07
The decision by the new Australian government to close its asylum seeker processing centre on Nauru has been hailed as an important step by international human rights activists. Part of the previous Australian government's 'Pacific Solution' to curb illegal immigration, the detention centre's six year history was marked by constant criticism for its role in the long term incarceration of refugees. But for Nauru, still reeling from the loss of its phosphate mining wealth, the closure will mean a massive decrease in national revenue and an increase in its unemployment rate. Nauru's foreign affairs and finance minister, David Adeang, says the prospect is causing anxiety within the government which is seeking urgent talks with Australia.
PNG: Contempt charges withdrawn against Defence Minister
Updated 18/12/2007 17:34:10
Contempt charges against Papua New Guinea's Defence Minister, Bob Dadae over the Julian Moti affair have been withdrawn from the PNG Supreme court. Mr Dadaw was charged after he issued a statement that questioned the legality of an inquiry into Julian Moti's escape to the Solomon Islands, in a PNG military aircraft.
FIJI: Vatukoula gold mine to be sold to UK company
Updated 18/12/2007 15:51:12
Fiji's Vautkoula gold mine is to change hands again with the UK-based company, River Diamonds, signing an agreement to become buy out the current owner. The deal will see River Diamonds pay just over 71 million Australian dollars in cash and shares for the parent company of Westech, which has operated the mine since it closed down in late 2006. River Diamond's Chairperson, Colin Orr Ewing, says progress at Vatukoula since it re-opened in August, has been excellent. The buy-out is conditional on the approval of River Diamond shareholders and will see the UK company become the sole owner.
SOLOMON IS: Opposition claiming two defections
Updated 18/12/2007 17:34:09
In Solomon Islands, the opposition appears to have strengthened its chances of taking over government with the likely defection of two ministers. Caretaker Health minister, Clay Forau Soalaoi and the caretaker Justice Minister, Martin Magga are today meeting with the opposition camp.
SAMOA: Ten thousand protest over traffic change
Updated 18/12/2007 17:34:10
An estimated 10-thousand people have marched through Samoa's capital, Apia, to the parliament building to deliver a petition demanding the overturning of a decision to change the country's traffic flow. More than 32-thousand signatures have so far been collected and the petition is expected to be debated in parliament tomorrow. The chairman of the protest organising committee, Toleafoa Toailoa, says the peaceful protest was a win for democracy in Samoa.
PNG: MRDC challenges Ombudsman's power to investigate
Updated 17/12/2007 15:28:19
The Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea has reserved its decision on whether the Ombudsman Commission has the jurisdiction to inquire into activities of the Mineral Resource Development Corporation, MRDC.
SOLOMON IS: Police Commissioner no regrets taking holidays
Updated 17/12/2007 16:59:21
Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Jahir Khan says returning to his home land Fiji for holidays just prior to the vote-of-no-confidence isn't an issue. Commissiner Khan was criticised for leaving Solomon Islands just before the confidence motion in prime minister Manasseh Sogavare was to be debated. The last change of leadership in 2006 resulted in riots and China town being wiped out by fire. Mr Khan says contingency plans were in place in the event of trouble in Honiara.
AUS: PM to details use of military against Japanese whalers
Updated 17/12/2007 16:56:20
Australia's Prime Minister has dismissed Japan's claim that it is killing whales for scientific purposes. Kevin Rudd says no one seriously believes Japan's position. And he says Australia will deal with the challenge of whaling, despite the strong bilateral relationship with Japan. After a meeting of the Australian Cabinet, Mr Rudd says Australia will make a detailed announcement later this week of how it will use the military to monitor Japanese whaling ships.
NZ: Fiji's Interim PM still banned from NZ
Updated 17/12/2007 16:57:58
New Zealand's Foreign Foreign Minister Winston Peters says his government will not lift the travel bans to allow Fiji's interim prime minster to travel to New Zealand. Commodore Bainimara has told Fiji's press that he wants to travel with his country's trade and tourism delegation to New Zealand new year. Geraldine Coutts asked Mr Peters if he had received a request form Commodore Bainimarama.
SOLS: Fears close vote for PM could see repeat of 2006
Updated 17/12/2007 17:00:55
The Solomon Islands caretaker Finance Minister fears a repeat of 2006 if the vote for Prime Minister this week is close. The MP for West New Georgia Wanawana Peter Boyers says the game is not over yet. If Thursday's vote to elect a new prime minister is by a close margin then he says there could be a repeat of the events of 2006. Sydner Rini was voted in by a slim margin but was tossed out of office shortly after by Manasseh Sogavare. Mr Boyers' own loyalty was questioned in last weeks no confidence vote when he crossed from the opposition to the goverment ranks - even though he is a long time critic of Mr Sogavare's.
SOLOMON IS: Two candidates for Prime Minister
Updated 17/12/2007 17:03:07
In Solomon Islands, a former diplomat and long time Foreign Affairs Minister Patteson Oti and an academic and first time Member of Parliament, Derek Sikua are the two candidates for Prime Minister. Members of the Solomon Islands national parliament will elect the new prime minister on Thursday. The election follows the ousting of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in the motion of no-confidence last Thursday. Patteson Oti is the caretaker government's candidate while Doctor Derek Sikua is nominated by the opposition group. One of the two candidates, Mr Oti gave a news conferenece in Honiara this afternoon.
SOLOMON IS: Transparency backs Sikua for PM
Updated 17/12/2007 17:23:21
The Executive Officer of Transparency Solomon Islands, Joses Tuhanuku says the Opposition candidate, Derek Sikua would make a better Prime Minister of Solomon Islands. He says Solomon Islanders do not want the outgoing Sogavare government and Patteson Oti is not an alternative. Mr Tuhanuku says the people of Solomon Islands want change and Doctor Sikua is the person to do that.
SOLOMON IS: Time for reflection on Sogarare's reign
Updated 14/12/2007 16:47:09
The deposed Solomon Islands Prime Minister Monassah Sogavare was criticised by the opposition for his stand in support of attorney-general Julian Moti and for his overt opposition to the Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI. But as the dust settles, the former permanent secretary to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Doctor John Roughan is sad but philosophical about yesterday's events.
SOLOMON IS: Former Speaker & PM says ousting a present
Updated 14/12/2007 16:50:20
A veteran Solomon Islands politician and former speaker of Parliament, Paul Tovua says the removal of Prime Minister Sogavare is an early Christmas present for the nation. Prime Minister Sogavare was ousted in a motion of no-confidence by parliament by 25 votes to 22. Mr Sogavare will remain on a caretaker basis until a new prime minister is elected. According to Mr Tovua, it's now up to the Governor General to call for nominations of candidates and then allow four-clear days before the election of a new prime minister.
FIJI: Leading the way on renewable energy
Updated 14/12/2007 16:51:25
As the world's Environment Ministers meet in Bali to map the way forward for a post-Kyoto agreeement to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emmissions, Fiji is showing just what can be done with sufficient will. The Fiji's Electricity Authority has an ambitious plan to be producing 90-percent of its electricty from renweable resources by 2011. The plan will make a substantial contribution to reducing Fiji's greenhouse gas emissions. In the process it will make savings in diesel fuel costs of 75-million Fiji dollars a year .. or around 55-million Australian dollars. The Electricty Authority's Chief Executive, Rokoseru Nabalarua, told Jemima Garrett the threat of climate change prompted the authority to turn to renewable energy.
PNG: Volcano monitoring equipment damaged
Updated 14/12/2007 16:53:15
Vandalized monitoring equipment, has made it increasingly difficult for Papua New Guinea's Rabaul Volano Observatory, to monitor recent activity on Karkar Island in the Madang province. The equipment was damaged soon after it was newly installed, by the people themselves.
PNG: Opposition welcomes Australia's move
Updated 14/12/2007 16:54:41
Papua New Guinea's Opposition Party has welcomed Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's move to resume bilateral talks between the two countries.
PNG: Australia to rebuild relations with PNG
Updated 14/12/2007 16:57:24
Australia's new Prime Minister is reaching out to rebuild damaged relations with Papua New Guinea. But Kevin Rudd says the Moti affair is not over with Solomon Islands, and Canberra will press to have the Solomons Attorney-General extradited to face child sex charges in Australia. Mr Rudd is also putting diplomatic pressure on Japan, threatening to use the Australian Navy to shadow Japanese whaling ships.
SOLOMON IS:Opposition meeting to decide on PM candidate
Updated 14/12/2007 16:59:03
The Solomon Islands parliamentary opposition is holding a closed caucus meeting to decide on who will be their candidate as prime minister. This follows their successful overthrow of prime minister Manasseh Sogavare in a motion of no-confidence by 25 votes to 22.
SOLOMON IS: Sogavare - I did nothing wrong
Updated 14/12/2007 17:04:27
Solomon Islands caretaker Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has appealed to the people of Solomon Islands to remain calm following his removal yesterday. Mr Sogavare says it is important that people remain calm while the political situation is dealt with through the parliamentary process. The ousted Prime Minister said in parliament during the debate that he had done nothing wrong to the nation and people of the country. Mr Sogavare said he was not convinced at all about the reasons for removing him.
BOUGAINVILLE: Application to dismiss charges against 4 Fijians
Updated 13/12/2007 12:15:16
In Bougainville, lawyers representing four Fijian's charged with organising and training an army for rebel leader Noah Musinku, have made an application to have the matter dismissed. Public Solicitor Philip Kaluwin made the application before the National Court last Friday, claiming want of prosecution. But Police Prosecutors, say the matter is out of their hands.
FIJI: Commonwealth steps in to assist PM's dialogue
Updated 13/12/2007 16:32:37
The Commonwealth's Special Envoy to Fiji has been given the task of trying to establish dialogue between opposing leaders in the country. Sir Paul Reeves flew from New Zealand to Fiji to try and breathe life back into failed one-on-one talks between ousted prime minister Laisenia Qarase and interim prime minister Frank Bainimarama. According to Mr Qarase, Sir Paul was also on a fact finding mission on the progress of the March 2009 elections and the purpose of the interim governments proposed People's Charter. Mr Qarase says Sir Paul spoke with him and Commodore Bainimarama in separate interviews.
SOLOMON IS: Parliament debating no-confidence motion
Updated 13/12/2007 16:50:13
In Solomon Islands, the political future of Manasseh Sogavare as Prime Minister is being debated by parliament. A motion of no-confidence in the Prime Minister was moved this morning by the Member for Parliament for North East Guadalcanal, Derek Sikua. Doctor Sikua was one of the nine Cabinet Ministers who defected to the opposition several weeks ago - setting off the current political crisis. The main issue behind the motion is Prime Minister Sogavare's leadership style .. he's seen as not listening to what the people want. Going into this morning's meeting, the opposition was claiming the upper hand with 25 of the current 48 members of parliament. According to our reporter in Honiara, Evan Wasuka, this was still evident according to the seating of members in the parliamentary chamber.
SOLOMON IS: Calm amidst tight security
Updated 13/12/2007 16:50:13
Solomon Islands police with the assistance of regional police and military personnel are providing tight security in Honiara during the parliament sitting. Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations, Peter Marshall says the situation in Honiara is very quiet. He says the police with backup from the Ramsi police and military are well prepared for any disturbances.
SOLOMON IS: Sogavare ousted as Prime Minister
Updated 13/12/2007 18:40:00
In Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has been ousted from office. Mr Sogavare lost a vote of no-confidence 25 votes to 22 - in what's believed to be the first time a prime minister has been thrown out through a vote of no-confidence. The motion was moved by the Member for Parliament for North East Guadalcanal, Derek Sikua. Meanwhile, parliament has adjourned until the Governor General proclaims a new date when it will sit to elect a new prime minister.
VANUATU: Political stability helps strong economic growth
Updated 12/12/2007 14:42:36
Vanuatu's minister for finance, Willie Jimmy, says political stability and lack of natural disasters have contributed immensely to the strong economic growth in the republic.The minister's statement was included in his 2008 budget presentation to Parliament this week. Mr Jimmy also says his country has one of the fastest growing economies in the Pacific region with an annual growth rate of seven-point-two percent for the past two years. .
AUST: New Japanese ambassador defends whale hunt
Updated 12/12/2007 14:54:55
Japan's new ambassador to Australia says the harvesting of whales is lawful and in line with international conventions. Taka-aki Kojima has just taken up his post in Canberra as the new Australian Government threatens to use Australia's Navy to track the Japanese whaling fleet. The Japanese vessels are now at sea on their way through the Pacific to the Antarctic Ocean to kill more than one-thousand whales - Japan's largest ever haul under what it describes as a scientific program.
PACIFIC: Concern over "Ice" discovery in Samoa
Updated 12/12/2007 14:49:04
Australia is to work more closely with Pacific countries to tackle drug use and drug trafficking in the region. The announcement follows the discovery by Samoan police, of the drug methamphetamine, also known as ice, at a house in Levili. It's the second time ice has been found in Samoa. The Australian National Council on Drugs says its Asia Pacific Drug Issues Committe is to focus more attention on the Pacific region.
PNG: Exxon Mobil gas project most likely to succeed- JP Morgan
Updated 12/12/2007 14:52:12
The Exxon-Mobil Oil Search joint venture plan for a liquified natural gas development in Papua New Guinea has the best chance of all the gas projects under development in the Australiasian region of being delivered on time, according to the international investment Bank, JP Morgan. With international demand for gas growing at break-neck speed, resources companies are working around the clock to get their projects up. A report by JP Morgan analysts says the huge Exxon-Mobil PNG project has the fewest barriers to success. Exxon Mobil's Senior Manager in Papua New Guinea, Gary Moroney, says while the project has not yet got the green light he is cautiously optimisitic about its future.
MARSHALLS: Opposition to dispute election result in court
Updated 12/12/2007 14:56:05
The Marshall Islands opposition says it will be using the courts to dispute results from its national election. Voting in the election was completed nearly a month ago. Last week the coalition of opposition parties, said it had won the 17 seats needed in the 33 seat parliament, to form government under the leadership of former speaker Litokwa Tomeing, and his "United People's Party"
The government of President Kessai Note's "United Democratic Party" continues to dispute that figure. It now appears the final result will be decided in the courts.
PNG: Mobile phone company claims contribution to economy
Updated 12/12/2007 14:57:33
The Mobile phone company Digicel says it has contributed significantly to the economy of Papua New Guinea.The company recently announced it has added almost one percent to the country's Gross Domestic Produce, or GDP since entering the PNG market earlier this year. Digicel Pacific Chief Executive Vanessa Slowey says the company is not surprised it has had such an impact on PNG's economy.
SOLOMON IS: Court clears way for no-confidence motion
Updated 12/12/2007 16:08:06
The Solomon Islands High Court has cleared the way for a motion of no-confidence in Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to be tabled in parliament. This follows a ruling by Justice Edwin Goldsborough dismissing a legal challenge brought by Mr Sogavare against the Governor General's proclamation of tomorrow's parliamentary sitting. The Speaker of Parliament, Sir Peter Kenilorea says parliament will meet regardless of any boycott by government members.
MARSHALLS: Post election number crunching continues
Updated 11/12/2007 14:41:14
The Marshall Islands looks set to have a coalition government for the first time in its history.The elections widely described as "shambolic" for being poorly organised have not been able to deliver a clear winner. A 17 seat majority is required to form government. At the moment the opposition seems to have the numbers with15 seats to the opposition's 14, but still not enough for the opposition to form goverment in its own right. The balance of power seems to be in the hands of the independents and fence sitters in the major parties.
PNG: Womens group wins Pacific human rights award
Updated 11/12/2007 14:43:40
A women's peace group in Papua New Guinea has won the seventh annual Pacific Human Rights Awards.The awards are run by the Pacific Regional Rights Resource Team funded by the United Nations Development Programme and were announced on International Human Rights Day.
FIJI: New gold find at Raki Raki
Updated 11/12/2007 14:45:33
Significant new finds of gold have been made in Fiji, at Raki Raki on the main island of Viti Levu. The finds were made by Australian exploration company, Geopacific Resources, which has a joint venture operation with Peninsula Minerals. Geopacific Resources Managing Director, Ian Pringle, says new technology is opening up a lot of mining opportunities in Fiji.
COOK ISLANDS: credit rating upgrade
Updated 11/12/2007 14:48:01
Cook Islands has won an upgrade to its foreign and local currency credit ratings from international ratings agency, Standard and Poors. The new rating brings Cook Islands up from double B minus to double B and places it on a par with the Phillipines, Indonesia and the Caribbean Island of Montserrat, that has no foreign debt.
SOLOMON IS: Police Commissioner outraged at claims
Updated 11/12/2007 14:57:48
Solomon Islands Police Commissioner Jahir Khan has cricitised the media for questioning the recent use of a patrol boat. Mr Khan told Pacific Beat that as Police Commissioner he's not answerable to the media about how he uses the police patrol boats. Mr Khan was reacting to a report in the Island Sun newspaper which accused him of grossly misusing one of the Australia-funded patrol boats for a leisure trip. The paper claimed that a number of senior police officers with their spouses, used the Patrol Boat Lata on the pretext of visiting the Tulagi Police Station in Central Province to spend hours drinking at the nearby Maravagi resort. But Commissioner Khan says it was an official trip and he did not like being questioned about it.
FIJI: Red Cross first outsiders on Cikobia
Updated 11/12/2007 15:49:19
The first outsiders to visit cyclone damaged Cikobia in Fiji's north have arrived by helicopter. The Divisional Service coordinator northern for the Fiji Red Cross Society, Victor Kissun was on the helicopter and described his first impressions.
SOLOMON IS: Opposition claims majority with defection
Updated 11/12/2007 15:49:19
The Solomon Islands Opposition is claiming majority support with the defection of a senior government minister, just two days before a scheuled meeting of parliament. Opposition leader Fred Fono says Aviation minister Johnson Koli has joined his camp, and two more ministers are set to follow as it prepares to try to oust Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
PNG: Claims petrol prices being dictated by InterOil
Updated 11/12/2007 16:10:32
Papua New Guinea's Trade Union movement has accused the P-N-G government of allowing the Canadian oil company, InterOil to dictate fuel prices in the country. Union President, Michael Malabag says the government has succumbed to InterOil's demands to increase fuel prices to cover losses from imported fuel products from Singapore.
AUST: New PM pledges to work with New Zealand
Updated 10/12/2007 17:22:23
Australia's new Prime Minister has pledged to work with New Zealand to deal with common security interests in the South Pacific and climate change issues. Kevin Rudd has had his first leaders meeting with New Zealand's Prime Minister, Helen Clark, who flew to Brisbane for the talks. Mr Rudd says he wants to broaden Australia's relationship with New Zealand.
NZ: Bilateral talks with PNG discuss Solomons and Fiji
Updated 10/12/2007 17:22:23
Foreign Ministers from New Zealand and Papua New Guinea have been meeting in Port Moresby to discuss aid programs and concerns in Solomon Islands and Fiji. While New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters made a commitment to his PNG counterpart Sam Abal to increase development aid to 21-million US dollars by 2010, domestic and international problems of people and goods smuggling were also high on the agenda.
SOLOMON IS: Speaker says Parliament to meet December 13
Updated 10/12/2007 17:24:45
The speaker of the Solomon Islands Parliament, Sir Peter Kenilorea says his office is going ahead with preparations for parliament to sit this week. This is despite Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare's legal challenge to the Governor General's declaration of the planned sitting date on Thursday. The matter is currently before the High Court. Sir Peter says his office has not been notified of Mr Sogavare's media announcement that parliament will convene on the 24th of December.
FIJI: Help for cyclone damaged Cikobia
Updated 10/12/2007 17:27:46
In Fiji, a helicopter carrying Red Cross officials and emergency supplies flew to cyclone damaged Cikobia this afternoon. It is the second in a series of surveys the National Emergency Office is conducting to assess the extent of the damage caused by cyclone Daman at the weekend. The Divisional Secretary for the National Emergency Centre's northern Division, Vili Ravai says communities from two of the four villages on Cikobia have had to be relocated.
AUSTRALIA: Govt to close Pacific detention camps
Updated 10/12/2007 17:29:43
Australia's new Labor Government is making good its promise to close down the so-called 'Pacific Solution', that's seen asylum seekers accommodated and processed on Nauru and on Manus Island in PNG.
PNG: Claims cargo cult disrupting flood aid
Updated 10/12/2007 17:31:59
Papua New Guinea disaster officials have raised concerns about a religious cult group that is allegedly interfering with relief efforts to help thousands of people affected by heavy flooding in Oro province. The Anglican Bishop of Oro, Joseph Kopapa says a group of people claiming to be followers of the group say the relief supples are being sent to them by their dead ancestors, and they want them all.
PNG: Volcano monitoring damaged
Updated 07/12/2007 16:39:25
Vandalised monitoring equipment, has made it increasingly difficult for Papua New Guinea's Rabaul Volcano Observatory, to monitor recent activity on Karkar Island in the Madang province. The equipment was damaged soon after it was installed.
NZEALAND: Children at risk from violence
Updated 07/12/2007 16:39:25
A new book has been recently released on child killings in New Zealand, with some disturbing results. According to the book babies under one year of age are most likely to be killed, representing about 26 percent of child homicide victims in New Zealand, between 1991 and 2000.
SOLS: Court delays decision on Parliament's return
Updated 07/12/2007 16:39:25
The Solomon Islands High Court says it does not have enough information to strike out Prime Minister Sogavare's attempt to put off the December 13 sitting of parliament. Justice Edwin Goldsborough has therefore ordered a full hearing into the application by the Attorney General challenging the powers of the
Governor General to convene parliament.
PACIFIC: Bali delegates hear that islands are uninhabitable
Updated 07/12/2007 16:39:26
Delegates at the Climate Change Confernece in Bali are urging the international community to act now to reduce the impact of green house gas emissions. Climate change and rising sea levels are already posing clear risks to food security .
FIJI: Bureau keeping close eye on cyclone
Updated 07/12/2007 16:39:26
Fiji's bureau of meteorology is keeping a close on on the erratic behaviour of tropical cyclone Daman as it approaches the northern parts of the country.
PNG:Health Minister wants to tackle domestic violence
Updated 06/12/2007 16:12:36
Papua New Guinea's Minister for Health Sasa Zibe will be engaging private lawfirms to prosecute offenders who commit violence against women. This is among a number of initiatives the Minister is looking to embark on, as he attempts to educate the people of his Huon Gulf electorate, against violence against women.
PNG: PNG sponsors Solomons students
Updated 06/12/2007 16:12:36
The Papua New Guinea government has made good on its commitment to assist Solomon Islands students studying at PNG tertiary institutions. It last week handed over an equivalent of US$1.5 million dollars to assist 130 Solomon Islands government-sponsored students with their education costs. This was part of the initial commitment made by the late PNG Prime Minister Bill Skate ten years ago to provide aid assistance to Solomon Islands.
PNG: Poor struggle to access legal help
Updated 06/12/2007 16:12:36
Papua New Guinea's Public Solicitor has admitted there is a gross inequality among ordinary people trying to access legal aid through his office. He says the main problem is ther are simply not enough lawyers. PNG's public Solicitors office is the largest public law firm for people seeking legal aid at a minimal fee.
PNG:Unions say locals sacked for foreign workers
Updated 06/12/2007 16:12:36
Papua New Guineans are losing their jobs to foreign unskilled workers, according to the Union movement, and the unions want something done to stop the practice. Michael Malabag, President of the PNG Trade Union Congress, says there have been instances in which workers have been sacked to make way for foreign workers, many of whom he suspects of being illegal immigrants.
PNG: Australia doubles Oro flood aid
Updated 06/12/2007 16:12:36
Australia is doubling its aid to help victims of Papua New Guinea's flood disaster.Around 200 people are reported to have died, while thousands of villagers have been displaced in the Oro province. The announcement has been made by the new Australian government, and takes Canberra's total commitment to two million Australia dollars.
NZEALAND: Researchers use honey to treat cancer
Updated 06/12/2007 16:12:36
Researchers at the University of Waikato in New Zealand are studying the uses of honey, in the treatment of Cancer patients. Researchers at the University have found that honey made from the flowers of the manuka bush, a native of New Zealand, has antibacterial properties over and above those of other honeys. And its anti inflamotory qualities could mean help with dealing with some of the side effects of radio therapy.
FIJI:Environmentalists concerned about mining exploration
Updated 06/12/2007 16:12:37
Scientists and environmental groups are concerned about the impact of new mining exploration and a possible big, new, gold and copper mine on Fiji's main island of Viti Levu. The Australian mining company, Newcrest, has just signed a joint venture with Japan's Nittetsu Mining Company and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation for exploration at Namosi, right next to one of Fiji's most important conservation areas at Sofi Basin.
SOLOMON IS: Convicted former PM maintains innocence
Updated 06/12/2007 16:12:37
Former Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza who has been handed a five-month prison sentence today, is still maintaining his innocence. The Honiara Magistrates Court found Sir Allan guilty of ordering an attack on a Honiara law firm in 2002 while he was prime minister.
NIUE: Call for overseas Niueans to do more for homeland
Updated 05/12/2007 16:54:23
Reports that the Niue government is bankrupt have led to calls for overseas Niuean communities to do more to help their homeland. Niue opposition MP Terry Coe has questioned the introduction of tax cuts, along with a new consumption tax, if the government is broke. He's reported as saying the government has admitted it is struggling to pay public servants each fortnight.
Nauru: Uncertainty over who has the power to govern Nauru
Updated 05/12/2007 16:54:23
As the end of the year approaches there is still uncertainty in Nauru about who has the numbers to run the country. In early November, three ministers, led by then Health Minister Doctor Keiran Keke, resigned from their porfolios in the Government of Nauru, in protest over the actions of President Ludwig Scotty, and one of his key ministers David Adeang. Now that opposition says the government is trying to stop it from bring the issue to a head, to find out who has the numbers.
SOLOMONS: High Court challenge to Parliament's recall
Updated 05/12/2007 16:54:23
The Solomon Islands High Court is hearing a challenge to the Governor-General's decision to recall Parliament. Attorney-General Julian Moti lodged the action after Sir Nathaniel Waena ordered Parliament to sit on December 13 to vote on the budget and on the future of the Government.
FIJI: One year on from the coup
Updated 05/12/2007 16:54:23
In Fiji, it's one year today that the military led by Commodore Frank Bainimarama staged a coup ousting the Qarase goverment from office. Commodore Bainimarama has said repeatedly since the 5th December 2006 that he has embarked on a "clean up campaign".
PNG:Super fund posts record returns for over 240,000 members
Updated 04/12/2007 16:10:04
Papua New Guinea's National superannuation fund, NASFUND, will give members a record return on their retirement savings of more than 25% for 2007. Since Nasfund was made independent of government back in 2002, it has been a consistent strong performer, returning an average of 17% a year.
INDONESIA: Papuan films to screen at Bali conference
Updated 04/12/2007 16:10:05
The issue of reducing carbon emissions from deforestation is firmly on the table at UN talks being held on the Indonesian island of Bali. A proposal's been made at the Bali conference for a scheme to reward developing countries in order to reduce deforestation and therefore the associated carbon emissions generated by the process. And four short films, made by groups from Papua and West Papua provinces are taking local concerns directly to the decision makers.
TONGA: Journalist Tavake Fusimalohi dies
Updated 04/12/2007 16:10:05
Prominent Tongan journalist Tavake Fusimalohi has died. The long-serving head of Tonga's government TV and radio service, he was also one of the founding fathers of the regional media organisations, the Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association and the Pacific Islands News Association.
SOLOMON IS: Huniehu outlines Opposition Policies
Updated 04/12/2007 16:10:05
The Solomon Islands parliamentary opposition has launched its policy statement as it attempts to remove Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare from power. Keeping the Regiional Assistance Mission in the country and sending Attorney General, Julian Moti back to Australia to face child-sex charges are key parts of the opposition's policy.
MARSHALLS: Opposition claims election victory
Updated 04/12/2007 17:18:21
The Marshall Islands opposition has today claimed victory, a fortnight after elections. Postal votes are still being counted, but enough have been tallied, for the coalition known as Aelon Kein Ad to claim 17 of the 33 seats in the national parliament, and for the former speaker of that parliament Litokwa Tomeing, to be the next President.
PNG: Flood relief efforts in full swing
Updated 03/12/2007 16:20:16
The Australian relief effort to flood affected people in Papua New Guinea's Oro Province is now in full swing. More than 350 tonnes of food and supplies have been delivered to communities living in remote and isolated regions that have been badly affected by flood damage caused by cyclone Guba.
HAWAII: US federal grant to deliver telehealth network
Updated 03/12/2007 16:20:16
The United States Federal Communications Commission has approved a grant of nearly five million US dollars to fund a long-awaited communications network linking healthcare workers in Hawaii and the US territories in the Pacific. The grant will build a broadband communications network, expected to begin in the first half of 2008, making the old system of operator-assisted or bridged connections obsolete - basically, instant connection.
FIJI: Anti-coup groups still divided on goals and strategy
Updated 03/12/2007 16:20:16
Groups in Fiji and overseas working for the removal of the military-installed interim government have so far not been able to find a way to work closely together, or to formulate a viable political alternative. That's according to the spokesman for the New Zealand based Coalition for Democracy in Fiji, Nick Naidu.
PNG:Business joins the fight against HIV/AIDS
Updated 03/12/2007 16:20:16
In Papua New Guinea business has put its weight behind efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. PNG has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection of all the Forum Island nations and, if the spread of the disease continues predictions for the future are frightening.
FIJI: Interim PM accuses lawyers of judge shopping
Updated 03/12/2007 16:20:16
Fiji's law society says it will conduct investigations into allegations by the interim prime minister that elements of the legal fraternity are corrupt. In his speech att the recent attorney-general's conference, Commodore Bainimarama accused a number of very respectable law firms of judge-shopping.
SOLOMON IS: Former PM Sentencing tomorrow.
Updated 03/12/2007 16:20:17
Former Solomon Islands prime minister Sir Allan Kemakeza will be sentenced by the Honiara Magistrates Court on criminal charges tomorrow. A month ago Sir Allan was found guilty of ordering a group of Malaitan militants to attack a Honiara law firm in 2002.
