February 2008

PACIFIC: Tax havens' status under scrutinyAudio

Updated 29/02/2008 10:24:05

A tiny constitutional monarchy in Europe has tax experts around the world scrambling to examine revenue systems, after a major tax evasion scam was uncovered last week. The German secret service obtained details of financial transactions of up to a thousand business people, who are alleged to have evaded taxes using bank transactions in Lichtenstein, a well-known tax haven. The scandal has also raised concerns over Pacific states, many of which also enjoy tax free benefits.

TONGA: 71 candidates chase nine seats in ParliamentAudio

Updated 29/02/2008 10:24:11

A record number of candidates will be standing in Tonga's election in April. With nominations now closed, a total of 71 candidates, eight of them women, will be standing for a total of only 9 seats reserved for commoners in the Kingdom's Parliament. One feature of this year's election appears to be the substantial number of Tongans living overseas who have decided to come back to stand.

PACIFIC: Australia, NZ to work together on climate changeAudioTranscript

Updated 29/02/2008 10:24:18

Australia and New Zealand have announced that they'll work in partnership in global negotiations on climate change policy. New Zealand says the partnership could extend to complementary carbon trading systems in the two countries.

PACIFIC: Economy, environment threaten states' survivalAudio

Updated 29/02/2008 10:23:59

An Australia defence expert says bleak economic and environmental prospects are threatening the political survival of many South Pacific states. Allan Behm was the head of the International Policy and Strategy Divisions of Australia's Defence Department and now works as an adviser on political and security risks. He says even the largest Pacific country, Papua New Guinea, faces a long slide towards being ungovernable, as a result of unmanageable politics and corruption. Mr Behm's prepared a paper for the Kokoda Foundation think-tank, looking at Australian security policy until 2050.

FIJI: Too many whites in media says academicAudioTranscript

Updated 29/02/2008 15:32:36

The man who wrote a report urging that expatriate journalists and media executives not be allowed to work in Fiji has defended his recommendations, as regional condemnation of the deportation if Fiji Sun publisher Russell Hunter grows. Dr James Anthony, a Hawaii-based academic, says the Fiji media still has too many whites in important positions, and he stands by his report which urges that no more work permits be granted for foreigners. The Media Council of Papua New Guinea has joined with other media organisations around the Pacific, including the Pacific Islands News Association, in strongly opposing the deportation of Mr Hunter.

FIJI: Ambassador brings Chinese ethanol investorsAudioTranscript

Updated 29/02/2008 15:32:23

It's the latest in a long list of brilliant ideas to make ethanol on Fiji. A group of Chinese investors is considering setting up a 27 million US dollar plant to produce ethanol from cassava. The Chinese entrepreneurs are currently in Fiji, hosted by Fiji's ambassador to China. But while those involved in the Fiji's fuel industry seem alternately excited or unfazed by the project, the public response has been more cautious.

FRENCH POLYNESIA: Opposite challenges presidentAudio

Updated 29/02/2008 15:42:17

In French Polynesia, the new opposition leader of the Assembly, Gaston Tong Sang, wants the French administrative Supreme Court, to declare the presidential election null and void .

TONGA: Introduces new anti-corruption commissionAudio

Updated 28/02/2008 09:39:31

A new law on Tonga's statutes provides for the setting up an independent Anti-Corruption Commission. According to Solicitor-General Linda Folaumoetu'i, the new Commission will have extensive powers allowing it to investigate and prosecute civil servants and authorities suspected of corruption. The existing Public Complaints Commission does not have the necessary powers to investigate many of the complaints that come before it.

PACIFIC: Scholarship to tackle blindnessAudio

Updated 28/02/2008 09:39:06

The Australian eyesight charity, the Fred Hollows Foundation has begun its annual fundraising appeal with New Zealand All Black's rugby legend Michael Jones leading the campaign. Jones has taken over as the Foundation's special ambassador from Everest conqueror Sir Edmund Hillary, who died last month. The appeal will raise money to reduce blindness in the Pacific, where tens of thousands of people face vision problems. A scholarship has also been created to help Pacific doctors get the technical training they need to treat cateract blindness, and to bring these skills back to regional communities.

PNG:Manufacturers call for urgent action on impediments to businessAudio

Updated 28/02/2008 09:39:18

The Papua New Guinea Manufacturers Council has called on the government to take urgent action on the high cost of doing business in PNG and to deal with impediments to business. The PNG government has assigned a top-level committee to deal with these issues but it hasn't met for over a year. The President of the Manufacturers Council says action is needed now.

FIJI: Australian, NZ leaders condemn publisher's expulsionAudio

Updated 28/02/2008 09:39:38

The Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand have joined in condemning Fiji's expulsion of the publisher of the Fiji Sun. At talks in Canberra, Helen Clark and Kevin Rudd also announced a new partnership between Australia and New Zealand to tackle issues facing the South Pacific. Mr Rudd says the two governments will give a total of $A1 billion in aid to the region, and will deal jointly with regional challenges.

FIJI: US ambassador condemns newsman's deportationAudio

Updated 28/02/2008 09:40:40

The forced deportation from Fiji of Australian national and newspaper publisher Russell Hunter will feature prominently in an official report being submitted to the American State Department by one of its senior officials. Ambassador Glyn Davies, principal deputy assistant Secretary of State, has been visiting Fiji this week as part of a Pacific tour.

PNG: Minister announces unmilled timber ban planAudio

Updated 28/02/2008 16:28:34

Papua New Guinea's Forest Industry Association has warned logging companies could go out of business if the government goes ahead with a plan to stop exports of unmilled timber. Forestry Minister Belden Namah has announced plans to phase out round-log exports by 2010, to encourage downstream processing of local timber.

NEW CALEDONIA: Dengue outbreak upgraded to epidemicAudio

Updated 28/02/2008 16:28:34

Health authorities in New Caledonia have decided to formally upgrade an outbreak of dengue fever to an epidemic. Since the beginning of the year, 80 people have contracted the mosquito-borne disease. The regions of Noumea and Lifou Island are being closely monitored.

FIJI: Human Rights Commission chairwoman speaksAudioTranscript

Updated 28/02/2008 16:29:41

A report for the Fiji Human Rights Commission report recommends the establishment of a Media Tribunal and Media Development Authority. It strongly recommends that the government not renew all existing permits in the media industry. It further recommends a seven percent tax on all revenues generated from licence and monthly fees to pay for the media watchdogs.

FIJI: Media 'resembles failed state': reportAudioTranscript

Updated 28/02/2008 16:54:03

The author of a report on Fiji's media has compared the industry to a failed state. The report by Hawai based academic Doctor James Anthony was conducted on behalf of Fiji's Human Rights Commissioner Dr Shaista Shameen. Dr Anthony's report calls Fiji's media unprofessional, biased, politically connected, and dominated by foreign owners and reporters.

NEW CALEDONIA: Temporary halt for Goro Nickel pipelineAudioTranscript

Updated 27/02/2008 11:51:51

Residents and conservationists in New Caledonia have welcomed a temporary halt to construction of an underwater wastepipe being built by mining firm Goro Nickel. Goro Nickel was forced to stop work on the pipe at the weekend, after environmental activists and the local community demonstrated near the construction site. They want the waste pipe project to be abandoned.

FIJI: Unionists wants independent investigation into ChaudhryAudioTranscript

Updated 27/02/2008 11:51:51

A Fiji trade union leader has called on Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry to step down while an investigation is carried out into income and tax allegations against him. Fiji Islands Council of Trade Unions Secretary, Attar Singh, says the allegations against the minister raised in the media recently are serious, and an independent probe is needed. He says it's been widely reported that Mr Chaudhry travelled to several countries in the wake of the 2000 coup and collected money to help the Indo-Fijian community. Fiji Interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry denies the allegations and says he has instructed his lawyers to take legal action against the Fiji Sun and the Fiji Times. He says he will no longer make any statements regarding the issue, stating that whatever has to be said now must be stated in court.

SOLOMONS: Climate change workshop for young journalistsAudioTranscript

Updated 27/02/2008 11:51:52

The importance of accurately reporting issues like climate change has been emphasised at a Commonwealth Press Union workshop in Solomon Islands. The workshop has brought together young journalists from across the Pacific. The 20 print and radio reporters from Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Tonga are learning how to deal with issues directly affecting their countries including global warming.

NAURU: Detention centre closure a heavy blowAudio

Updated 27/02/2008 11:51:52

Australia is planning to compensate Nauru, and help soften the financial blow from the forthcoming closure of Australia's asylum seeker detention centre. The centre formed the bedrock of Canberra's widely criticised policy of detaining asylum seekers offshore, known as the Pacific Solution. But it also helped Nauru stay afloat economically.

FIJI: Newspaper man's family also face deportationAudioTranscript

Updated 27/02/2008 11:51:52

Fiji authorities have issued deportation orders to the family of the deported Publisher of the Fiji Sun newspaper, Russell Hunter. And a prominent member of the interim government's Peoples Charter process has resigned in protest against the government actions.

INDONESIA: Murder charges dropped against 4 PapuansAudioTranscript

Updated 27/02/2008 11:51:51

Four refugees from the Indonesian province of Papua, accused of the murder of a Papua New Guinea court magistrate in October last year, have been freed of murder charges.

TONGA: PM speaks on finance minister's resignationAudioTranscript

Updated 27/02/2008 16:18:30

The resignation of Tonga's Finance Minister does not mean there will be any changes in the country's economic direction, according to prime minister Fred Sevele. Long-serving Finance Minister Joshua Utoikamanu's resignation was accepted by the King earlier this week. So far he hasn't spoken about the reasons behind his decision. However Prime Minister Sevele says there will be no change in the direction of Tonga's economic reform program, although he admits to having had some differences with Mr Utoikamanu.

FIJI: Senior politician resigns from national councilAudioTranscript

Updated 27/02/2008 16:19:37

Fijian political figure Mick Beddoes has resigned from the interim government's National Council for Building a Better Fiji. His resignation follows the deportation on Tuesday of the publisher of the Fiji Sun, and allegations of tax evasion made against former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry -- allegations Mr Chaudry denies. Mr Beddoes' departure means that in the past fortnight, two members of the Council, set up by the interim government to set a path for the country's future, have left in protest at the actions and interventions of that government.

SOLOMON IS: Sogavare in court for ShanelAudio

Updated 27/02/2008 16:18:59

Former Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare has strongly defended his former Immigration Minister, who's on trial for lying to police about controversial Australian lawyer, Julian Moti. Peter Shanel is standing trial for allegedly lying in relation to there being a legal permit for Mr Moti to enter Solomon Islands in October 2006 on a clandestine PNG Defence Force flight. Taking the stand in Honiara Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning, Mr Sogavare said comments by Mr Shanel had been taken out of context by former Police Commissioner, Shane Castles. Mr Sogavare said Mr Shanel had in fact been referring to the PNG Defence Force plane, and not Mr Moti, on the entry permit issue.

FIJI: US wants to see more progress to electionsAudio

Updated 27/02/2008 16:20:21

In Fiji, United States Deputy Assistant Secretary, Glyn Davies has just concluded a press conference in the capital, Suva. As part of his visit, Ambadassador Davies also held meetings with five of Fiji's prominent leaders. Among them were interim prime minister Frank Bainimarama, Finance Minister Chaudhry, and the deposed prime minister Laisenia Qarase.

INDONESIA: Radio station opens in remote PapuaAudioTranscript

Updated 26/02/2008 08:58:59

A new community radio station's coming to the central highlands of Papua. And it could make the difference between life and death for people living in remote areas of this Indonesian province.

FRENCH POLYNESIA: France condemns new coalitionAudioTranscript

Updated 26/02/2008 08:59:46

France's ruling party has strongly condemned the election of Gaston Flosse as president of French Polynesia and has severed all ties with his party. Media reports say the ruling party in Paris says Mr Flosse's election is "against nature". His win comes despite his party having won only 10 seats in general elections held earlier this year. Mr Flosse was elected President of French Polynesia after forming a surprise alliance with long-time political rival, and former pro-independence President, Oscar Temaru. Mr Flosse, who heads Tahoera'a Huiraatira - the pro-autonomy party - managed to secure the votes of pro-independence representatives.

CNMI: New immigration laws to protect economyAudioTranscript

Updated 26/02/2008 09:00:11

The CNMI Senate has successfully passed a resolution asking the U.S.Senate to delay action on changes to immigration laws to allow time for further debate. The Bill places all Northern Marianas immigration and labour issues under the jurisdiction of Federal officials. It has already passed successfully through the U.S. House of Representatives and is now before the US Senate. Who can more effectively control CNMI's borders is a hotly contested issue. Opponents of preserving local control over immigration say the present system has failed miserably.

SOLOMON IS: Honiara committed to stronger PNG relationsAudioTranscript

Updated 26/02/2008 09:12:31

Solomon Islands says it is committed to building a lasting relationship with Papua New Guinea, by constructing its new diplomatic office in Port Moresby. The construction of reciprocal diplomatic offices by the two countries is part of an ongoing effort to expand trade and diplomatic relations.

FIJI: Deposed PM charged in Magistrates courtAudio

Updated 26/02/2008 16:58:29

In Fiji last night deposed prime minister Laisenia Qarase was charged with four counts of abuse of office in the Suva Magistrate's court. The charges date back to 1991 and 1995 when Mr Qarase allegedly used loan money to buy shares in the company Fiji Holdings Limited. Mr Qarase was late last night questioned about the charges by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption before facing the Magistrates court.

FIJI: Deported newspaper head arrives in AustraliaAudio

Updated 26/02/2008 17:41:08

The deported publisher of the Fiji Sun Newspaper says he is in no doubt he was forced to leave Fiji, because of the newspaper's reporting of tax evasion allegations. The publisher and managing editor of the "Fiji Sun" newspaper, Russell Hunter, arrived in Sydney this afternoon, after he was declared a prohibited immigrant and escorted to a flight out of Fiji. In Fiji the move is being seen as an attempt by the interim Government to stop any debate or criticism of its activities, and the Pacific Islands News Association, which represent reporters and media organisations, says the actions of Fiji's leaders are those of a police state.

NZ: Pacific states join cluster bombs condemnationAudio

Updated 25/02/2008 09:30:16

A global ban on deadly cluster bombs is a step closer, following a four-day international conference in Wellington, New Zealand. The conference brought together delegates from more than 100 countries, including Pacific and South-East Asian states. They've signed a draft agreement banning cluster munitions. The so-called Wellington Declaration will be taken to Ireland for the signing of a global, legally binding treaty banning cluster munitions in May.

PACIFIC: Canoe design gives clues on cultural evolutionAudio

Updated 25/02/2008 09:31:26

A study of how Polynesian canoe designs have changed over the centuries has provided new insights into how cultures change and evolve. US academics Paul Ehrlich and Deborah Rogers, from Stanford University in California, analysed the way canoes were assembled and decorated over a long time period. They found that while decorative patterns changed quite rapidly, more essential design features such as outriggers, masts or styles of lashing changed much more slowly.

SOLOMON IS: RAMSI 'can accommodate change'AudioTranscript

Updated 25/02/2008 09:30:56

The Forum Foreign Ministers Standing Committee on RAMSI, is confident the regional assistance mission can accommodate suggestions made by Prime Minister Derek Sikua. That was the view expressed by Committee spokesman Young Vivian - the Premier and Foreign Minister of Niue. He was speaking on Friday at the opening of the inaugural meeting of the Forum Foreign Ministers Standing Committee on RAMSI. Mr Vivian made the comments in response to an earlier address by Solomons Prime Minister Derek Sikua -- who's called for his country to take a greater role in RAMSI operations.

NAURU: Australia pledges detention centre compensationAudioTranscript

Updated 25/02/2008 09:36:59

Australia is pledging to give aid to Nauru, to compensate for the cash that will be lost by the closure of Australia's boat-people processing centre on Nauru. The Australian Foreign Minister says he's written to Nauru about future development assistance. Also in alliance talks in Canberra the weekend, Australia and the United States urged Fiji's military regime to carry out its promise to hold elections not later than March next year.

FRENCH POLYNESIA: Gaston Flosse becomes presidentAudioTranscript

Updated 25/02/2008 09:39:46

French Polynesia has a new President. Gaston Flosse, is back after a surprise twist in the Presidential ballot.

FIJI: Commodore Bainimarama stands by Finance MinisterAudio

Updated 25/02/2008 09:41:13

In Fiji, interim Prime Minister Commodore Bainimarama has lashed out at elements of the Fiji media following allegations of tax impropriety leveled against his Finance Minster Mahendra Chaudhry.

SOLOMON IS: World Bank to open new Honiara officeAudioTranscript

Updated 25/02/2008 16:06:47

The World Bank is scaling up its operations in the Solomon Islands, with work underway to set up a new office in the capital, Honiara. A delegation led by the Bank's vice president for the Pacific has visited the city to meet local stakeholders. The visit marks a significant thaw in relations between the World Bank and Honiara.

NAURU: Positive economic growth propects - ADBAudioTranscript

Updated 25/02/2008 16:06:47

The Asian Development Bank says it has an optimistic outlook for medium-term economic growth in Nauru. A new report from the bank says Nauru's government is addressing some of the economy's structural problems, and is working towards building an economic base for the future. But the report comes as the Australian detention centre on Nauru prepares to close, and the country's debt stands at $1 billion Australian dollars.

TONGA: Power charges hurt familiesAudioTranscript

Updated 25/02/2008 16:10:21

Lobby groups and businesses in Tonga say new electricity price hikes will hit struggling families and could force people out of jobs. Tongan power company Shoreline, which is owned by the King, has put electricity charges up by 21 per cent, to offset rises in the price of fuel.

FIJI: Government in 'war of words' with mediaAudio

Updated 25/02/2008 16:12:02

Fiji's Interim Government, and one of its key ministers Mahendra Chaudhry, have become involved in a war of words with the country's media. At the weekend, Fiji's largest selling newspaper, "The Fiji Times" published major allegations about Mr Chaudhry's tax affairs. Mr Chaudhry's denied the claims, and has threatened legal action. The story is the latest in a series of negative reports on the interim government's actions in recent weeks, and now interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama has again accused the media of not doing its job.

FIJI: 'Largest' ship for saleAudio

Updated 22/02/2008 08:58:40

It weighs more than 3,000 tonnes, took three years to build, and it's up for sale. The largest ship ever built in Fiji will cruise the waters of the Coral Sea for the last time this week, after poor financial returns forced the vessel's owners to put it on the market. The cruise ship Reef Endeavour sets sail today, and some of those involved in its construction and crew members will be on board to bid farewell.

PACIFIC: Australian PM plans PNG, Sols visitAudioTranscript

Updated 22/02/2008 08:58:40

The new Australian Government's focus on relations with the South Pacific is to be emphasised by a visit to Melanesia by the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd. Planning is under way for Mr Rudd to visit Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands next month. The Pacific emphasis has also been shown in the maiden speeches of two new Labor MPs in the Australian capital Canberra.

PNG: World Bank admits past PNG relations 'unrealistic'Audio

Updated 22/02/2008 08:58:45

The World Bank says it has sometimes been unrealistic in its past dealings with Papua New Guinea. The Bank says its work in PNG has been punctuated by periods of controversy and many disappointments - especially the conflict over forestry and conservation. The World Bank has not prepared a major economic report on PNG since 1999 and no new projects were proposed in the five years to 2007.

TONGA: NZ airline takes over domestic serviceAudio

Updated 22/02/2008 08:58:51

Tonga is about to get a new domestic air service which will replace the troubled Pe'au Vava'u airline. The country's Minister of Transport, Paul Karalus, says Air Chathams is expected to start flying between Tongatapu, Ha'apai and Vava'u in April. Pe'au Vava'u, which was owned by the King, has been out of service since its office was burned down in the 2006 riots, which destroyed much of the central business area of the capital, Nuku'alofa. Air Chathams aims to provide a more reliable domestic service which can help bring more tourists to the northern Vava'u island group and boost the economy.

PNG: Minister's election victory annulled by National CourtAudio

Updated 22/02/2008 15:36:01

A Papua New Guinea government minister's election victory has been annulled by PNG's National court, over irregular and illegal practices during last year's national election.

SOLOMON IS: Relations with Australia 'slow to rebuild'Audio

Updated 22/02/2008 15:36:59

Australia's Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith is attending the the inaugural Forum Foreign Ministers Standing Committee on RAMSI in the Solomon Islands capital, Honiara. Mr Smith says he is confident of getting the Australian-led Regional Assisstance Mission RAMSI back on track. But it is unclear how much difference new faces in both the Australian and Solomon Islands governments will make in re-building relations:

SOLOMON IS: PM urges stronger RAMSI role for HoniaraAudio

Updated 22/02/2008 15:37:26

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua wants his country to take a greater role in the operations of the Regional Assistance Mission. Addressing the inaugural Forum Foreign Ministers Standing Committee on RAMSI in Honiara, Dr Sikua praised the mission's success since it began in 2003. Dr Sikua told the foreign ministers from Niue, Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Australia that his government is fully committed to be a credible partner to RAMSI. But he says changes need to be made to improve the mission's operations.

GUAM: Military build up drives house prices through the roofAudioTranscript

Updated 21/02/2008 09:26:20

House prices on Guam are going through the roof, as the island prepares for a major US military build-up. 8,000 US Marines will relocate from the Japanese island of Okinawa to Guam by 2012. As a result investors from around the world have targetted Guam's property market leaving some low-income families no option but to sleep in their cars.

NEW ZEALAND: New Pacific Party to operate nationwideAudio

Updated 21/02/2008 09:26:20

New Zealand independent MP, Taito Phillip Field, is finalising his new Pacific Party's registration with the Electoral Committee. The Samoan MP for the mainly Polynesian South Auckland seat of Mangere was expelled from the Parliamentary Labour Party last year over allegations of improper behaviour, and is now facing 14 bribery and corruption charges. His case, which he is defending, is scheduled to be heard in April. Mr Field says he intends to win his seat and take his Pacific Party nationwide at New Zealand's general election towards the end of this year.

PNG: Police launch 'dirty cop' probeAudioTranscript

Updated 21/02/2008 09:26:26

Papua New Guinea's police have announced an investigation into allegations that force members have been involved in recent armed robberies carried out in the capital Port Moresby. The accusations come as PNG police face a continuing uphill battle against the country's increasing crime rate.

PACIFIC: PNG and Fiji rate badly on political riskAudioTranscript

Updated 21/02/2008 16:47:06

Fiji and Papua New Guinea have been ranked in the top four countries for political risk by a major new assessment of 22 nations in the Asia-Pacific region. A report released earlier this week by international ratings agency, Standard and Poors, placed both countries in the high risk category. Only Pakistan and Sri Lanka ranked as badly.

SOLOMON IS: Former minister's lawyers seek case dismissedAudio

Updated 21/02/2008 16:47:45

Lawyers representing the former Solomon Islands Immigration Minister, Peter Shanel want a legal case against him thrown out. Mr Shanel is facing criminal charges in relation to a clandestine operation involving the PNG Defence Force which brought in Australian lawyer, Julian Moti into Solomon Islands in 2006. The defence lawyers say the prosecution's key witness, former Police Commissioner Shane Castles, was then still a member of the Australian Federal Police. They've argued that Mr Shanel cannot therefore be charged with giving false information to a public servant.

FIJI: Government criticised for acting without consultationAudioTranscript

Updated 21/02/2008 16:48:37

Fiji's interim government is being criticised for introducting three major initiatives without proper community consultation. The issues causing controversy are the de-reserving of native land for the sugar industry; Commodore Frank Bainimarama appointing himself as Chairman of the Great Council of Chiefs; and recent talk of national service being introduced in the military.

SOLOMON IS: Australian FM prepares for RAMSI reviewAudio

Updated 21/02/2008 17:12:34

Australia's Foreign Minister Stephen Smith is travelling to Solomon Islands today, to discuss the future of the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI. He's going with the parliamentary secretary for Pacific island affairs Duncan Kerr, and the international development assistance secretary Bob McMullan. They'll attend the inaugural meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum ministerial standing committee on RAMSI, which will also include officials from Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Niue. Formal meetings get underway on Friday, and Mr Smith says the trip will be a chance to reinforce Australia's stronger relationship with the country now that they both have new governments.

VANUATU: Posts record new tourism figuresAudio

Updated 20/02/2008 09:22:20

Vanuatu has posted its new tourism figures, with a marked increase of tourist arrivals from 2006. It's a boon for the small island nation, which comparatively has far fewer resorts and hotels than its Melanesian neighbours.

TONGA: New party wants MPs investigated over village paymentAudio

Updated 20/02/2008 09:22:26

Tonga's pro-democracy movement leader has defended his group against charges of vote buying. The accusations have been made by the newly-formed Langafonua Tu'uloa Party, which has written to Tonga's attorney-general demanding an investigation of a donation of $A1,700 made by pro-democracy MPs to a kava club in a village on Tongatapu. But pro-democracy movement leader Akilisi Pohiva says they haven't got their facts straight.

SOLOMON IS: Sogavare on RAMSI Consultative MeetingAudioTranscript

Updated 20/02/2008 09:22:31

Former Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare insists that the Regional Assistance Mission should have an exit strategy. Mr Sogavare says the right time for RAMSI to leave should be decided in a national referendum - not unilaterally. In saying so, he has accused RAMSI of taking unilateral decisions which were assumed to be acceptable to everybody. Mr Sogavare who's now Opposition Leader, made his comments as the parties to RAMSI begin their senior officials' and Ministerial meetings in Honiara. These are the first talks between the RAMSI since the Forum Leaders meeting in Tonga last October. That meeting was boycotted by Mr Sogavare, who was at that time Prime Minister. This week's meetings will address a number of issues, including the RAMSI Review Forum Taskforce Report, and recommendations on how RAMSI can support the policies and priorities of the new Solomons government, headed by Dr Derek Sikua.

AUSTRALIA: Govt urged to reconsider admitting Pacific workersAudioTranscript

Updated 20/02/2008 09:22:13

An Australian Senator has called on the government of prime minister Kevin Rudd to reconsider the idea of letting in unskilled workers from the South Pacific. Democrats Senator Andrew Bartlett says Australia's low unemployment rate of 4.1 percent means there are labour market shortages in many areas. The Senator says Australia should have a special scheme for Island workers to do seasonal farm work and not merely rely on tourist backpackers and international students to do part-time work.

PNG: Superannuation Fund makes new record returnsAudioTranscript

Updated 20/02/2008 16:52:03

Papua New Guinea's National superannuation fund, NASFUND, has defied the world stockmarket downturn, by returning a record 37-percent interest to its members for 2007. The outstanding performance was in large part due to strong economic growth in the PNG economy and to NASFUND'S investment in highly successful domestic firms. Last year membership grew by 12,000, as more than 250 new companies turned to NASFUND for staff pensions.

SOLOMON IS: Government and Ramsi reaffirm commitment.AudioTranscript

Updated 20/02/2008 16:52:51

The Solomon Islands government has re-affirmed its commitment to the Regional Assistance Mission, RAMSI, as high level regional meetings get underway in Honiara. The fact that the talks are even taking place has been hailed as a success - after last year's meeting was cancelled by then Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare because of continued differences with RAMSI.

FIJI: Bad policies to blame for Fiji's poor economic growthAudioTranscript

Updated 20/02/2008 16:53:37

The Fijian Reserve Bank has announced the country's highest inflation rate since 1998. Reserve Bank governor Savenaca Narube says hopes that Fiji might make up 2.2 percent of its lost economic ground have been dashed. Last year's predicted negative growth was 3.7%, but the actual figure has come in at more than 4%. Mr Narube blamed Fiji's poor economic performance on Cyclone Gene, record world oil prices, and recession fears following the credit crunch in the United States.

FIJI: Growing disquiet over Bainimarama's Council takeoverAudio

Updated 20/02/2008 16:54:28

There is growing disquiet in Fiji over Interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama's decision to secretly appoint himself chair of the country's Great Council of Chiefs. Before the 2006 coup the GCC had the authority to approve or veto government policy on indigenous issues, and to appoint the country's president and vice-president. It remains one of Fiji's most highly respected institutions. Commodore Bainimarama's decision to appoint himself chairman, and give himself the power to appoint new members, is seen as insulting by many Fijians. Amongst them are high-ranking chiefs and other civil leaders, who've publicly questioned the Commodore's motives.

VANUATU: National talks to address rising crimeAudio

Updated 19/02/2008 09:31:16

The authorities in Vanuatu say they plan to hold a national conference to address rising crime rates. The conference will address community concerns in Vanuatu's two major towns, Port Vila and Santo. Over the past two years, there's been a sharp rise in reported crime, including murder, theft, rapes, and break and enter. The decision also follows the murder of an Australian woman by unknown assailants in Port Vila.

FIJI: Fijian youths angry over native land dereservationAudio

Updated 19/02/2008 09:31:43

A proposal to free up native land in Fiji for economic use has been slammed by a network of youth activists as a Labour Party ploy. Fiji's Interim Sugar Minister and leader of the mainly Indo-Fijian Labour Party, Mahendra Chaudhry, says the plan to de-reserve all native land to make it available for farming would lift the indigenous Fijian community out of poverty by guaranteeing financial returns for their land.

SOLOMONS: 2010 will be 'make or break' for economyAudio

Updated 19/02/2008 09:31:23

2010 has been marked as a make or break year for the Solomon Islands, as the country's main revenue earner - logging - set to dry up as natural forests run out. There's been a positive trend in the Solomons economy in recent years; last year alone the economy increased by 10 per cent. However the Central Bank is warning that this year that growth will slow down, and over the medium term the economy is likely to contract.

PNG: Opposition calls for PM's shareholding inquiryAudioTranscript

Updated 19/02/2008 09:31:30

Papua New Guinea's Opposition party has called for an investigation into claims that Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare has shares in a ship safety certification company, which he denied in parliament. The firm, Pacific Registry of Ships, was incorporated in 2004, without proper legal processes or outside PNG's Maritime Safety Authority regulations.

FIJI: Cyclone relief food distribution startsAudioTranscript

Updated 19/02/2008 09:31:37

The distribution of relief food supplies to areas in Fiji hit by Cyclone Gene at the end of last month has now started. Cyclone Gene struck parts of the Fiji islands early last month, causing damages worth about $A33 million. The Director of the National Disaster Management Office, Joeli Rokovada says the first shipment of food supplies was dispatched to the worst affected areas of Northern Fiji on Monday.

FIJI: Bainimarama appoints himself top Fijian Chief.AudioTranscript

Updated 19/02/2008 16:05:48

There's been an uproar in Fiji today over the news interim Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama has appointed himself as the Chairman of the "Great Council of Chiefs". The GCC is the highest representative body for indiginous Fijians. Since the 2006 coup the Council's influence has waned significantly, but for many this latest move is being seen as a step too far.

PNG: Oil Search announces 32% profit dropAudioTranscript

Updated 19/02/2008 16:05:41

Papua New Guinea's biggest company, the energy firm Oil Search, has announced a drop in profits of 32 per cent in 2007. The announcement was made on Tuesday morning in Sydney, at the presentation to brokers of the company's full year results. Oil Search's net profit after tax last year was $US140.8 million, down from $US207.5 million in 2006. That's despite record oil prices, which contributed to a 16 per cent rise in the price the company received for its oil.

SOLOMON IS: Ramsi envoy claims he is political victimAudioTranscript

Updated 18/02/2008 16:19:01

The Solomon Islands government's Special Envoy to the Regional Assistance Mission, Michael Maina has accused former Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare of manipulating his appointment for political gain. Mr Maina says that while Mr Sogavare was in office, he ordered Mr Maina's sacking in order to win the vote of his political rival, Temotu Pele M-P Martin Magga.

PNG: Kokoda mine claims and fraud inquiryAudio

Updated 18/02/2008 16:19:20

The war of words over the proposal to mine the Kokoda track in Papua New Guinea is continuing with local landowners and the Frontier Resources mining firm both claiming the mine site does not take in the original path followed by Australian soldiers during World War II. The current-day track is already known not to follow the wartime path in a number of key places.

TONGA: Long prison terms for 16/11 riotersAudio

Updated 18/02/2008 16:19:00

Some of the people found guilty of involvement in the rioting in 2006, which swept through the Tongan capital, Nukualofa, have received jail terms of between six months and eleven years. The online magazine Matangi Tonga reports that two men will serve eleven years in jail for their part in setting a supermarket on fire. The other four men and one woman received smaller sentences for crimes ranging from attending a riotous assembly, housebreaking, and damaging and destroying government and private property.

FIJI: International Bar Association banned from visiting FijiAudioTranscript

Updated 18/02/2008 16:19:41

The International Bar Association has effectively been barred from visiting Fiji. The IBA represents jurists around the world. Since the Fijian coup in December 2006, the Association has expressed concerns about the independence of Fiji's courts, and five of its members were to have spent this week in Fiji investigating those concerns. But almost immediately after the planned visit was announced, the interim government made it clear the delegates would not be welcome.

PACIFIC: Region welcomes apology to Australian indigenousAudioTranscript

Updated 18/02/2008 10:47:38

Last week's apology by Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to his country's indigenous population for the policy of previous governments of removing children from family and communities. It has been described as a turning point in Australia's history and a new start to the relationship between Australia's indigenous and non-indigenous communities. the apology is also expected to improve perceptions of Australia on the international stage, and improve its relations with Pacific neighbours.

PNG: Immigration scrutiny for 3 Chinese nationalsAudioTranscript

Updated 18/02/2008 09:34:08

Papua New Guinea authorities are investigating three Chinese nationals allegedly using tourist visas to live on Manus Island. They were arrested by immigration and customs officials as part of the ''Operation Remove Aliens'' investigation.

PACIFIC: Australia to consider seasonal worker planAudioTranscript

Updated 18/02/2008 09:34:14

The new chief of Australian policy for the South Pacific says the Rudd Government is ready to consider a special plan for Pacific workers to do unskilled seasonal work in Australia. The Parliamentary Secretary for the South Pacific, Duncan Kerr, says the success of the pilot scheme being run by New Zealand will shape Australian thinking.

MARSHALL IS: Election probeAudioTranscript

Updated 15/02/2008 11:52:09

The new Marshall Islands government has announced a commission of inquiry into last year's national elections. The elections have conservatively been described as chaotic, with delays at polling booths on voting day, and concerns over the counting and scrutineering of votes. Even newly elected President Litokwa Tomeing has described last year's poll as as the worst managed election in his country's history.

Pacific: Island Singers feature in Alaskan School ChoirAudio

Updated 15/02/2008 09:02:10

For many people, the cold and icy surrounds of Alaska is probably the last place on earth they'd expect to find a choir featuring the warm, honeyed tones of Pacific Islanders but that's exactly what you'd find at a school in Anchorage. Nearly half of the singers in the East High School Choir are from the Pacific region. The relationship between Pacific Islanders and indigenous Alaskans has been dated back by some historians to thousands of years, and in recent times more and more islanders have moved there for economic reasons, much to the delight of local choral directors.

PNG: Exports rice to Australia for the first timeAudio

Updated 15/02/2008 09:02:10

Papua New Guinea's biggest rice processing company has begun exporting to Australia and New Zealand and is looking at further expansion, including to new markets in the Pacific Islands. Trukai Industries employs around 640 people in Lae and has just completed a major upgrade of its facilities to allow 24 hour production. Australia is one for the four superpowers of medium grain rice exports.

PACIFIC: Australia's regional role debatedAudioTranscript

Updated 15/02/2008 11:52:27

A US based strategic think take says rebel attacks on East Timor's president and prime minister have given Australia the opportunity to strengthen its hold over the country. Stratfor, a Texas-based private sector intelligence group, says Australia wants to prevent East Timor ever standing on its own, ensuring any key decisions are driven by Australia, with its own national security interests coming first. It says Australia is trying to increase its influence in the countries scattered along its periphery, including Papua New Guinea and Solomon islands.

HAWAII: Lawyer for dead baby's family criticises treatmentAudio

Updated 15/02/2008 14:53:47

The Hawaii attorney representing the family of baby Michael Futi from American Samoa, who died at Honolulu aiport is suing the goverment. Baby Futi spent about 30 minutes in a warm and locked room at the Honolulu International Airport before he died. The week-old baby flew to Honolulu from Pago Pago with his mother and nurse for surgery to repair a hole in his heart. Honolulu Airport Public Affairs says it has no comment to make regarding the incident.

SAMOA: Response to typhoid criticisedAudio

Updated 15/02/2008 14:53:55

The World Health Organisation is accusing Samoa of ignoring the seriousness of the country's battle against typhoid. The WHO's representative in Samoa, Dr Kevin Palmer, says the disease has been a problem for some time, but says the government is doing little to stop its spread. Recent infection rates suggest the country has been in the throes of a major outbreak.

CNMI: Economy in crisis with garment shutdownAudioTranscript

Updated 15/02/2008 14:54:01

The Northern Marianas garment industry is in crisis, with two more factories closing their operations in Saipan. More than 150 workers have been left without jobs, but they're just a small percentage of those affected by the erosion of what was once a mainstay of the islands' economy.

FIJI: Missionary family in Chad reported safeTranscript

Updated 15/02/2008 15:59:26

A Fijian family working as missionaries in the war-torn Central African nation of Chad are reported to be safe in Abeche in the east of the country. Eliki Drodrolagi, his wife Lavenia and their two children have been in Chad for two years. The country is under a state of emergency, after an attempted coup and fierce fighting in the capital Ndjamena earlier this month. Relatives of the Drodrolagis in Fiji say they lost contact with their missionary relatives, and have been praying for their safety.

SAMOA: Drug use on riseTranscript

Updated 15/02/2008 16:02:01

Samoa's drug culture is steadily growing, with the country's Chief Justice raising concerns over the increasing number of drug cases involving young people. The impact is being felt strongly in the villages where Samoan youth are turning away from working the plantations and attending to other community responsibilities.

FIJI: Racial discrimination claimsAudio

Updated 14/02/2008 11:41:17

Claims of racial discrimination are being levelled at those running Fijian fishing grounds, following moves to charge Indians more for fishing in their waters. The Citizens' Constitutional Forum says some Indians are being charged ten times the amount of their Fijian counterparts, and conflict over the grounds has led to harassment and intimidation.

AMERICAN SAMOA: Festival of Pacific Arts on track despite reports of bAudio

Updated 14/02/2008 11:55:04

Preparations for the Tenth Festival of Pacific Arts are said to be on track despite substantial budget cuts. The festival is held every four years and features art, music and culture from around the region. American Samoa is this years host country and organisers recently announced budget cutbacks of around 2 million US dollars. Organisers say the cuts are simply the result of a revised budget and will have no negative impact on the quality of the Festival.

VANUATU: Foriegn Minister talks up labour access schemeAudio

Updated 14/02/2008 15:11:30

Vanuatu's foreign minister hopes Australia will implement a temporary worker program for the Pacific, if a pilot scheme in New Zealand works well. George Andre Wells is in Australia at the moment, and has raised the issue of access to Australia's labour market in meetings with government officials and politicians. Authorities believe if Vanuatu citizens could work in Australia on a temporary basis, that would boost his country's economy and reduce the number of young people drifting to the urban centers of Port Vila and Luganville.

PNG: Fijian mercenaries leaving PNG on FridayAudio

Updated 14/02/2008 15:11:31

In PNG, four Fijian mercenaries accused of training a private army for wanted money scam operator Noah Musingku return to Fiji tomorrow.

FR POL: Pro-automony parties meetAudio

Updated 14/02/2008 15:11:31

Talks are now underway between French Polynesia's pro-autonomy parties, after an initial meeting this morning. The parties are working towards forming a majority for the next five years. General election results show former French Polynesia President Gaston Tong Sang's party - the To Tatou Ai'a - won 27 of the 57 seats in the next legislative assembly. The party of Gaston Flosse will have 20 seats and the party lead by pro-independance leader, Oscar Temaru will have 10. The legislative assembly will hold its first meeting on 21 February to elect its Speaker. Local Parliament then has two weeks to reconvene and elect a President for the French Pacific Territory.

TONGA: Political broadcasting rules irk democracy movement leaderAudioTranscript

Updated 13/02/2008 11:35:08

Tonga's pro-democracy movement leader is unhappy with restrictions placed on TV programs paid for by political groups. Tonga Broadcasting Corporation says the half hour long shows have to submit scripts in advance, and won't be allowed to criticise other people or groups. That's angered Akilisi Pohiva, head of the Kingdom's pro-democracy movement, who says the restrictions contravene the constitutional right to free speech.

NAURU: Governments failed to think clearly about detention centresAudio

Updated 13/02/2008 11:35:08

In the wake of the departure last week of the asylum seekers on Nauru is the debate about the success or otherwise of offshore detention centres. The 21 Sri Lankan refugees who were the last to leave Nauru for Australia have left behind them a barren detention centre and a growing employment shortfall in the country. The ethics of the approach of offshore detention centres continues as those remaining on Nauru are left to contemplate their future. There are some who feel neither government thought through the issues clearly enough.

FIJI: Appeal Court hauls in editor and activistAudio

Updated 13/02/2008 16:07:29

The editor of a Fiji newspaper says he'll take seriously an apparent warning from the country's Appeal Court over recent coverage of the Fiji judiciary. Fiji Women's Rights Movement Executive Director, Virisila Buadromo and Fiji Sun Editor, Leone Cabenatabua were summoned to appear before the Appeals Court yesterday. The Sun had published statements by Mrs Buadromo which the judges said were misleading, and threatened the independence of the judiciary. Justice Daniel Gounder, Justice Nazhat Shameem and Justice Jocelyn Scutt were on the bench. Legal proceedings began when the newspaper received a letter from the Acting Chief Registrar of the High Court.

FIJI: ATH says it is ready for mobile phone competitionAudio

Updated 13/02/2008 16:07:29

Fiji's monopoly phone company, Amalgamated Telecom Holdings, says it is ready for competition in the mobile phone sector. In a presentation to brokers at the South Pacific Stock Exchange in Suva, ATH Chief Executive, Tomasi Vakatora, said he expects his companies strong financial position to continue. In the years leading up to competition, Amalgamated Telecom Holding has gone through a gruelling restructuring process, which has involved introducing new services and technologies at the same time as dramatically cutting phone charges and loosing 300 staff to redundancy. The interim government has shortlisted four companies for mobile phone licences and the new services are expected to start operating in October this year.

PACIFIC: Debate rages over Pacific-wide fisheries bodyAudioTranscript

Updated 13/02/2008 16:07:29

The battle over whether to amalgamate the Pacific's peak fisheries body with other regional institutions continues to rage, with leaders, conservationists and analysts weighing in on all sides of the debate. Environmentalists argue more needs to be done to protect the region's fish stocks, while others say it needs to be left in the hands of Forum fisheries members. Meanwhile, Samoa will this week host a special meeting for all heads of fisheries departments in the Pacific to review and endorse a strategic plan for fisheries management and coastal fisheries.

AUSTRALIA: PM apologises to Aboriginal stolen generationsAudioTranscript

Updated 13/02/2008 16:07:29

Today in Canberra Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd fulfilled his election promise of apologising for the removal of Aboriginal children from their families. Since the 1970s Australia's indigenous people have been calling on government to apologise for the policy, in place for around 70 years, which saw the removal of around 50 thousand aboriginal children. Up till now Australian governments and prime ministers have refused to do that, fearing massive compensation claims. But today Mr Rudd finally did so, a move warmly welcomed in his country, and welcomed in the Pacific region as well.

TONGA: Regaining citizenship for expats difficultAudioTranscript

Updated 12/02/2008 10:42:40

The Tongan government has changed its laws on dual citizenship, allowing Tongans living abroad to become citizens of their new home country, without losing their citizenship of Tonga. The move will allow tens of thousands of people living in the United States, New Zealand and Australia, who've had to surrender their Tongan citizenship, to apply to have it reinstated. But, many Tongans abroad won't have an easy time in getting their citizenship back.

GUAM: Work begins to accommodate military buildupAudio

Updated 12/02/2008 10:42:40

Guam's Governor Felix Camacho is confident his trip to Australia will result in trade deals needed to cater to the military buildup in Guam. About 8 thousand marines and 9 thousand dependents are scheduled to relocate from Okinawa to Guam by 2012. A team of socioeconomic experts are assessing the impact the influx of so many people could have on traffic congestion, shops, schools and demands on supplies of drinking water.

TONGA: Army called out to combat flash floodingAudio

Updated 12/02/2008 10:42:40

Tonga's Defence Force was used over the weekend to cope with the effects of flash floods. The floods were caused by a freak storm, which dumped a month's worth of rain on the main island, Tongatapu, in only 24 hours starting Friday afternoon. It was reportedly the highest rainfall ever recorded in Tonga's history but there are no reports of anyone being hurt, and damage likely to be minimal.

PNG: Aussie man wanted on porn chargesAudio

Updated 12/02/2008 17:01:35

Papua New Guinea's government wants to extradite an Australian teacher to face pornography charges. The man is alleged to have been involved in seducing young school girls and married woman to star in pornographic movies, which he filmed.

FRENCH POLYNESIA: Tong Sang's party likely to ruleAudio

Updated 12/02/2008 17:01:35

Results in the French Polynesian general election shows former President Gaston Tong Sang's party, the To Tatou Ai'a, has won 27 of the 57 seats in the legislative assembly. The results are from Sunday's second round of voting.

SOLOMON IS: Joint approach to unemploymentAudioTranscript

Updated 12/02/2008 17:01:35

The Malaita Provincial Government and the Honiara City Coucil have put their differences on hold for four days of talks in Auki, to map out a plan for the future. Unemployment, both on Malaita and Honiara dominated the talks, which concluded with the signing of an 18 point statement to be presented to the Solomon Islands national Government this week.

SOLOMON IS: PM announces policy plansAudioTranscript

Updated 12/02/2008 17:01:35

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands has laid out the plan his government will use to implement its policies and reforms. Last month Dr Sikua released his policy platform, which he hopes will end years of political infighting, ethnic disputes, economic mismanagement and corruption. A large part of his platform includes spreading resources to Solomon Islands' scattered regions. It's something former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was also pushing for. But his "Bottoms Up" approach was not supported by civil society, aid donors and NGO's. Dr Sikua's hoping his framework, which he describes as more consultative, and inclusive, will receive a warmer welcome.

PACIFIC: Push to promote regions musicAudio

Updated 11/02/2008 11:32:29

The Pacific is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse regions in the world, with a rich musical culture. But its music has never managed to resonate around the world in quite the same way as African and Latin American rhythms. A group of Australian musicians with a long history of collaboration in Papua New Guinea are looking to change that, and perhaps unearth the next superstar of world music.

PACIFIC: Giant plastic garbage dump in nothern PacificAudioTranscript

Updated 11/02/2008 11:32:29

Scientists from the University of Hawaii are planning to conduct a comprehensive study of a giant floating plastic mass in the North Pacific Ocean. Reports of the floating rubbish dump first emerged in 1997 when American sailor Charles Moore discovered it. He has since set up the Algalita Marine Research Foundation to raise awareness and a growing number of scientists have become alarmed at the situation.

TONGA: Dual citizenshipAudioTranscript

Updated 11/02/2008 11:32:29

The people of Tonga have, for decades, been moving from their homeland in search of work and a higher standard of living. In fact, the biggest contributor to the economy is remittances from Tongans abroad. Which is why, last year, the Tongan parliament amended citizenship laws to allow Tongans, especially those living overseas, to hold dual citizenship. In part one of this two part series.

PNG: New funding to help fight TBAudio

Updated 11/02/2008 11:32:29

A new study has once again raised fears about the movement of Tuberculosis between Papua New Guinea and Australia. The often deadly, infectious bacteria is easily passed from person to person. The PNG government says there are around 15-thousand cases of TB reported every year, but there could be thousands more. Australia and PNG are working together to research the disease, both making moves to contain the threat.

FRENCH POL: Hopes second round vote improve politicsAudio

Updated 11/02/2008 11:32:29

French Polynesian electors are voting today in the second round of the local elections. The French Parliament recently voted in a new electoral law in an attempt to stabilise the volatile political situation in the territory. In the first round of the polls, the two main pro-French parties won more than fifty per cent of the vote.

AUSTRALIA: Indigenous sorry ceremony welcomedAudioTranscript

Updated 11/02/2008 11:32:29

An apology to Australia's aboriginal people is going to be made by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the opening of Parliament tomorrow. The apology will be to to members of what's referred to as the "stolen generation", aboriginal children who were removed from their families by government and church agencies between 1869 and 1969. The new Labour government has signalled it will move towards increasing use of Aboriginal culture and ceremonies in official events, something which has been welcomed by indigenous leader in Australia, and across the Tasman in New Zealand, as Bruce Hill reports.

FRENCH POLY: Goes to polls for second roundAudio

Updated 11/02/2008 16:49:15

French Polynesia has begun voting today in a second round of elections, to decide the make up of its legislative assembly. The French Parliament recently voted in a new electoral law in an attempt to stabilise the political situation in the territory, forcing snap polls to be held. Authorities say at midday local time, 40 percent of the territory's 177-thousand voters had cast their ballots, already a bigger turnout than the first round, two weeks ago. Editor in Chief of Tahiti Presse, Thibault Marais, who says a second round was held to get a true idea of the people's choice.

FIJI: Concerns about 2009 election deadlineAudioTranscript

Updated 11/02/2008 16:49:15

While the election deadline is still over 12 months away, there are concerns being raised in Fiji about the ability of its interim government to meet is 2009 commitment. Since last March the "Pacific Forum, Fiji Working Group" has been meeting and facilitating the process to return the country to democratic rule, and interim Prime Minister, and coup leader, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has promised elections will be held before the end of March 2009.

VANUATU: Massive expansion of rural bank servicesAudioTranscript

Updated 11/02/2008 17:18:30

The National Bank of Vanuatu plans to introduce electronic banking services to rural people, bringing banking to tens of thousands for the first time. At the moment most people in rural areas do not have access to banks, and those that do, often have to travel long distances to reach them. Japan and the Asian Development Bank are assisting the National Bank of Vanuatu to introduce a new smart card system. The system could provide a model for remote communities in other Pacific Island countries.

VANUATU: First ever media forum heldAudio

Updated 08/02/2008 16:06:10

Vanuatu's inaugural Media Forum has been hailed a huge success with widespread support for forums that stimulate public discussions on issues of national interest.

FRENCH POLYNESIA: Nuclear test veterans are still battlingAudio

Updated 08/02/2008 16:06:10

In French Polynesia, there's been a claim that nuclear testing has played a role in local people contracting more than 350 cases of cancer a year. A French court recently recognised that Jean-Luc Norberciak died from cancer after being exposed to 13 nuclear tests at Mururoa and Fangataufa atolls between 1979 and 1980.
The French ministry of defence has now appealed that judgement.

PNG: Government leaning towards opposing Kokoda track mineAudio

Updated 08/02/2008 16:06:10

the economic-environment tug of war on Papua New Guinea's Kokoda trail is still continuing. Yesterday we reported how landowners have blocked the trail to tourists in an attempt to pressure the PNG government into giving a copper mine near the southern end of the trail the go ahead. Now for the first time the PNG government has revealed where it stands on the issue.

NAURU: Last asylum seekers leaveAudio

Updated 08/02/2008 16:06:10

The last asylum seekers have now left Nauru, ending Australia's controversial policy of sending refugees into often lengthy detention on Pacific Island nations.
The 21 Sri Lankan refugees flew out on Friday morning and are settling in various parts of Australia leaving a barren detention centre and a massive employment shortfall in the country. More than 13 hundred people have been held in detention on Nauru since 2001, while hundreds of others have been detained in Papua New Guinea.

FIJI: Police to monitor all public meetingsAudio

Updated 08/02/2008 16:06:11

Fiji 's police will continue to monitor all public meetings to make sure the issues discussed do not incite civil unrest. For the second time this week a public meeting was interrupted by police. The meeting organised by the United Nations Development Fund for Women was a workshop to discuss how proposals should be written.

SAMOA: Court action over change in road rulesAudio

Updated 07/02/2008 17:16:43

A Samoan citizens group is finalising plans to take court action against the Government over its proposal to change the country's road rules. The Government wants to change the driving code from left hand drive to right hand drive but protestors say the change will create chaos and road deaths.

PNG: Landowners close Kokoda Trail over miningAudio

Updated 07/02/2008 17:17:43

Landowners in Papua New Guinea have closed the Kokoda Trail to tourists in a dispute over mining. They say the historic path is off limits to trekkers unless the PNG Government gives the go ahead for a new copper mine at the southern end of the trail. The path is seen as an Australian symbol of resistence to the Japanese during World War Two. Lobbying by the Australian government to protect the trail has led to the PNG Government stalling on whether or not to renew the mining company's exploration licence.

SOLOMONS: Compromise over Police Commissioners jobAudioTranscript

Updated 07/02/2008 17:17:13

The Solomon Islands Commissioner of Police Jahir Khan and the Prime Minister's office have reached a compromise over the commissioner's contract. Mr Khan will cut short his contract by one year but will continue serving as police commissioner until June this year.

NZ: Pacific Affairs Minister vows to beat breast cancerAudio

Updated 07/02/2008 17:19:25

New Zealand's Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Luamanuvao Winnie Laban has gone public with the news that she has breast cancer. She says she's doing this to encourage other Pacific island women to have regular mammograms or X-Rays of their breasts. Research shows Pacific Island women in New Zealand are much less likely to get their breasts checked than women from other ethnic groups. Ms Laban, who is Samoan, says she'd like to see this situation change.

AMERICAN SAMOA: Clinton camp wins presidental votes in Pago PagoAudio

Updated 07/02/2008 17:18:56

United States presidential candidate Hiliary Clinton has addressed constituents in American Samoa in a phone hook-up. Hilary Clinton won the voting at the American Samoa National Democratic Party Caucus by a slim margin. The breakdown of the six votes for the American Samoa Democratic party gives Hillary Clinton three-and-three-quarter votes and Barrack Obama two-and-a-quarter votes. The votes will be cast by a delegation from American Samoa at the National Democratic Convention in Denver in August.

FIJI: Call for greater transparency in political fundingAudio

Updated 07/02/2008 17:19:50

Transparency International chapters in the Pacific Islands have called for greater transparency and accountability in political party financing. The call was made at a public lecture in Fiji this week, which also heard of widespread corruption and bribery in Papua New Guinea's general elections last year.

SOLOMONS: Commission told poverty a key role in 2006 riotsAudioTranscript

Updated 07/02/2008 18:30:48

The commission of inquiry into the April 2006 riots in Solomon Islands says urban poverty has played a key role in riots around the Pacific in recent years. The inquiry is hearing evidence in its investigation into the causes of the mayhem that unfolded and led to the burning down of most of Chinatown in the capital, Honiara.

FIJI: Post executives out bailed on corruption chargesAudio

Updated 06/02/2008 16:48:51

In Fiji, three prominent businessmen have appeared in court on charges of official corruption. The executives of Post Fiji Limited were taken in for questioning last night by the Independent Commission against Corruption. They were granted bail this afternoon. They are former chairman Mahendra Patel, the former managing director, Peni Mau and the former general manager finance Dhirendra Pratap.

PAC: Warning coconut oil not the answer to fuel problemsAudioTranscript

Updated 06/02/2008 16:56:22

As a new coconut oil plant In Samoa prepares to start production, pacific countries have b