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1) $1.4 BILLION NICKEL PLANT NEARS COMPLETION IN PNG
China-owned Ramu NiCo could begin operations in October
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (The National, Aug. 19, 2010) – RAMU NiCo’s nickel and cobalt refinery at Basamuk, in Madang’s Astrolabe Bay, is 90 percent complete, says Ramu NiCo’s vice-president Yang Yong.
Yong told The National at his Basamuk office last Tuesday that all the work should be completed before the project is commissioned in October.
Speaking to the PNG media for the time, he said that the refinery, which included the deep sea tailings placement (DSTP) system, comprised 80 percent of the company’s US$1.37 billion investment in the project.
Yong said the refinery is made up of 1,400 separate machines - 724 of them in the main system and another 676 in the support system.
He said all systems had been tested and await the National Court decision on the future of the DSTP.
A group of landowners in the Basamuk area have taken Ramu NiCo to court, claiming that the DSTP was environmentally damaging.
Yong said the construction of the DSTP would take at least 50 days and was the last installment in the construction phase of the project which had taken the Chinese developer two years to put in place.
The project comprises three components - the mine at Kurumbukari plateau in Usino-Bundi, the 135 slurry pipeline through inland and coastal regions of Rai Coast and the refinery plant, also in Rai Coast electorate.
Apart from the majority Chinese interest, other stakeholders in the project are Highlands Pacific Ltd, the government and landowners in the four impacted areas.
The National: www.thenational.com.pg/
2) COURT STOPS PNG PAYMENT TO LANDOWNER GROUPS
Plaintiffs say $4.5 million going to wrong groups
By Joshua Arlo PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (PNG Post-Courier, Aug. 19, 2010) - Interim injunctive orders are in place to stop the Government from paying the Angore PRL 11 (PDL 8) landowners’ percentage of seed capital from the PGK120 million [US$44.6 million] Business Development Grant to any other entity apart from the five duly recognized block companies in the Angore gas fielded area of Southern Highlands Province.
The order, among others, was obtained yesterday from the National Court to stop the Departments of Petroleum and Energy, Commerce and Industry, Treasury and the State (defendants) from disbursing a 30 per cent share of the seed capital - PGK12 million [US$4.6 million] - to the Hides Gas Development Corporation Limited and Angore Corporation Limited.
The plaintiff, Angore Holdings Limited took the matter to court because the Government had breached an agreement to release the funds to these five block holders within the PRL 11 (PDL 8) under Clause 6.4 of the Angore PRL 11 (PDL 8) Licence Based Benefit Sharing Agreement (LBBSA) in Kokopo.
However the Government had recently put up a position paper in which it had planned to pay these funds to other companies that are not recognized under the signed agreement.
This aggrieved the plaintiff which resulted in the filing of this proceeding on August 11 at the National Court.
Yesterday Justice Don Sawong in his brief ruling stated that there is some merit for the plaintiff to come to court this way and all uncontested evidence show that this seed money is to be distributed between five blocks.
He said there appeared to be serious issues whether the government was permitted to breach this agreement.
The balance of convenience favored an interim injunction to preserve the status quo as serious money was involved and because the government had to comply fully with the agreement.
The exparte interim injunctive orders are returnable for a hearing early next month for the court to hear both the plaintiff and defendants.
Papua New Guinea Post-Courier: www.postcourier.com.pg/
3) 'Nothing to fear' from PNG airline merger says minister
Last Updated: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:43:00 +1000
PNG Transport and Works Minister, Don Polye says there's nothing to fear from a proposed merger between two Papua New Guinean airlines.
Mr Polye has told the National newspaper he's in talks with other MPs, other MPs and aviation industry officials, on a possible merger between Airlines PNG and Air Niugini.
He says an open sky policy will keep Papua New Guinea competitive as a destination for business and tourists.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201008/2989029.htm?desktop
4) Calls for more effort to deal with PNG’s urban poor
Posted at 03:28 on 20 August, 2010 UTC
A population and development specialist in Papua New Guinea says the failure of projects to improve the livelihood of rural communities has led to rapid population growth in urban areas, causing poverty.
Dr Israel Sembajwe’s comments follow the release of a book titled Urban Poverty in Papua New Guinea, which details research carried out by the National Research Institute.
Beverley Tse has more.
According to Donovan Storey’s book, population growth in Port Moresby is at an alarming 4.6 percent compared with 2.2 percent for the national population.
People in rural areas who are lacking sufficient healthcare, education and employment, are flocking to towns and cities with the misconception that their livelihoods would improve.
Gracelyn Meauri of the Center for Environmental Law and Community Rights says many of these people end up living in squatter settlements.
“If the services that people need are accessed at the rural level, I don’t think there would be a need for them to come into town. Because some come into town for medical reasons because they can’t access these facilities there for health. And they come and they stay on. And they probably don’t have money to go back.”
Gracelyn Meauri says clean water is one of the greatest needs, and she is calling on health authorities to address a hygiene problem to prevent the spread of disease.
Dr Israel Sembajwe from PNG’s National Research Institute says about twenty new urban settlements are established in Port Moresby each year to accommodate new numbers of people migrating from rural areas.
He says when people’s expectations of a better life are not met, they are driven deeper into poverty.
“Men fall back on drugs and crime and then exercise violence within the communities where they live. Then you find the young people, especially the young boys also going into drugs, crime, alcohol.”
Dr Israel Sembajwe says there are also serious consequences for women and young girls who are being forced into the sex trade, leading to high numbers of unplanned pregnacies in the poorest areas.
He says the solution is a fast political commitment to efficiently implement aid programmes to tackle the problem of urban poverty.
The Governor of the National Capital District Powes Parkop says progress is being made to improve access to finance by creating opportunities for people to generate income through sustainable business enterprises.
“We also have short term training courses so they can have the excuse to enable themselves to develop the capacity to sustain themselves. But of course poverty is not just about access to finance or lack of finance. It’s also about, you know, having information, being able to be literate, you know, being able to read and write and know what to do. And there are so many other aspects and challenges relating to this.”
Powes Parkop says the NCD government is also working on intervention schemes to improve the living standards of those dwelling in the urban settlements.http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=55428
5) Medical journal to run for three more years
FOR the next three years, Papua New Guinea’s leading publication in the field of medicine has been guaranteed for print by the Australian government through AusAID. PNG Medical Society president Dr Mathias Sapuri and AusAID’s programme director for Health, Robin Scott-Charlton, formalised the agreement in a brief ceremony recently. The signing of the agreement meant the printing of the PNG Medical Journal will continue until December 2012. “The Australian government’s aid programme supports access to knowledge and information to enable better health outcomes,” Scott-Charlton said. The new agreement further extends a partnership that commenced in 2007. Produced twice a year, the overall support for the printing of the journal is valued at K180,000. “This will allow the works of Papua New Guinean medical professionals, students, and researchers to be shared with our international subscribers of health workers and administrators from the region and further afield,” Sapuri said. “The PNG Medical Journal has been an important source of information on health issues and discoveries over the years in particular to policy makers and planners,” Sapuri added while thanking AusAID. Plans are on target to see the unveiling of the latest edition of the PNG Medical Journal during the 2010 Medical Symposium scheduled from the Aug 29 to Sept 3. The journal is also available on the Medical Societies website: www.mspng.org.(20/8/10) http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/11982
6) Locals buy used Japanese vehicles through internet
7) Patel: More business ops here
8) Single mothers sell newborns at Kokopo market
9) Philip and Abana to contest PM post (Solo)
10) Call to support local artists(Solo)
Mr Marita urged the government to reconsider its stance of local artists.http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/7648-call-to-support-local-artistsFRIDAY, 20 AUGUST 2010 14:52-By JENNIFER KAKAI
Country to participate in Melanesian arts festival
Solomon Islands Prime Ministerial contenders named
Posted at 07:39 on 20 August, 2010 UTC
The two contenders for Prime Minister in Solomon Islands are Danny Philip and Steve Abana.
The 50 MPs elected two and half weeks ago are to meet for the first time on Wednesday next week to choose a new national leader and nominations for the post closed this afternoon.
For the past week the MPs have been cloistered in two camps around Honiara as attempts have been made to determine which has the majority.
The Heritage Hotel group chose Mr Abana, who’s the leader of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party which won the most seats in the election two weeks ago.
The rival camp has gone for veteran politician Mr Philip, who has previously served both as Foreign Minister and as a diplomat.http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=55432
Kiloe removes ministers (Solo)
Police warn of inconvenience around Solomon Islands' parliament
Last Updated: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:41:00 +1000
Solomon Islands police say there'll be some inconvenience around the grounds of the National Parliament during the election of a new prime minister next week.
Police Commissioner Peter Marshall has told local media police visibility will be very high priority before and after the election.
Mr Marshall says police will carry out road checks and enforce a liquor ban from Tuesday through to Thursday next week.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201008/2989025.htm?desktop
SOLOMONS’ SIKUA OUT OF RACE FOR PRIME MINISTER Party chooses Abana as candidate to lead country
By Eddie Osifelo HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Solomon Star, Aug. 20, 2010) - Caretaker Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua is out of the race for the top job.
Instead, the Heritage Park Hotel camp, which he is part of, is likely to field in leader of the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) Steve Abana, as their candidate.
Names of those contesting the top political job will be disclosed today when nominations close 4 p.m.
Sources close to the Heritage Park Hotel camp told the Solomon Star last night the group has reached a consensus to have leader of the biggest party as their candidate.
That falls squarely on Mr. Abana, whose party won 14 seats in the last election.
The Honiara Hotel camp, which comprised of different political parties, will also field in only one candidate.
But this candidate is NOT the leader of the Direct Development Party (DPP) Dick Ha΄amori.
Mr. Ha΄amori, a first-time parliamentarian and former director of Solomon Islands College of Higher Education, said he is not contesting.
He said this is because their camp has a number of good candidates who can contest the PM’s position.
"I have no fear contesting for the position, but I think it is not necessary because we already have enough people to stand for the post," he said.
Ha΄amori said their camp had agreed to put up only one candidate for the job.
With Sikua out of the race, the country is certain to have a new face on the job come Wednesday next week.
Sikua, leader of the Liberal Party, was spotted leaving the Heritage Park Hotel last night after meeting camp members.
Meanwhile, it’s still unclear yesterday which group has the number to form the government, with MPs still move between the two camps.
This weekend will prove crucial as lobbying and behind-the-scene talks continue.
Solomon Star: http://www.solomonstarnews.com/
Remnants of giant turtle found in Vanuatu
Posted at 03:28 on 20 August, 2010 UTC
Bones belonging to an 8-foot long-horned turtle have been discovered in Vanuatu.
The remnants of these giant land turtles were unearthed in a 3,000-year-old archaeological site on Vanuatu and belong to a previously-unidenitifed turtle species that evolved 50 million years ago.
Previously, turtles of the genus Meiolania were thought to have become extinct 50,000 years ago.
Wired.com reports that the bones were uncovered from a prehistoric midden, indicating that the giant turtles were likely eaten by human hunters.
Researchers estimate it took no longer than 200 years for Vanuatu’s first human inhabitants, seafarers from the ancient Polynesian Lapita culture, to hunt the turtles to extinction.
The Lapita culture also appears to have become extinct shortly after the giant turtles disappeared.http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=55429
FIJI ASYLUM SEEKERS SAY AUSTRALIA UNRESPONSIVE Reports of abuse, torture in Fiji homeland
By Bruce Hill MELBOURNE, Australia (Radio Australia, Aug. 18, 2010) - Fijians who say they fled their country for Australia, only to have their applications to be recognized as asylum seekers rejected, have accused Australia of hypocrisy.
[PIR editor’s note: According to the Australian government’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship online site, they received an influx of Fijian Indians seeking asylum that peaked at 2,980 in 1987, following after Fiji’s 1986 coup and by 2001 the Fijian-born population had reached 44,040, making up 0.2 percent of the Australian population. 2006 recorded 48,150 Fiji-born in Australia, an increase of 9.3 percent.]
'Anna', not her real name, was in Australia on a student visa until early last year and then applied for a refugee visa on the ground of fleeing persecution in Fiji. She says the situation in her native Fiji has changed dramatically since the 2006 military coup led by Commodore Frank Bainimarama.
"Everything was not as normal as it used to be. I didn't have any more freedom of, for myself, freedom of speech... or the freedom of moving around," she said.
'Anna' is now in Australia illegally, having had her refugee application rejected after failing to turn up to her last stage interview because she feared she would be sent back to Fiji.
"Scared all the way," she told Radio Australia. "Staying in fear all the time. [But] I'd rather stay in fear than going back there."
'Viliame', also Fijian and seeking asylum in Australia, is a supporter of the party that the military deposed in 2006. He says that support for former Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and Mr. Qarase's SDL party was the reason he was targeted for torture by the army. He says after the coup Fiji felt like "a foreign land."
"I was traumatized," 'Viliame said.
"There was no one to support me, even the police. To make it worse where we were being tortured was just a few steps away from where the police station was, and they were just standing there watching us."
'Viliame' told Radio Australia how he and his friends were sought out by the army for not attending a village meeting. They were forced to swim carrying logs of pine, and then to crawl along a road on the arms and knees,
"They didn't even allow us to ask them, they just said you come here and do this as you're being told because if you tried to respond you get more beating from them," he said.
'Viliame' came to Australia on a visitor visa, but knew he wanted to be here permanently. He applied for a refugee visa, but it was rejected by the Australian immigration department.
Fellow United Fiji Party (SDL) supporter, 'Tevita', says his experience of torture began soon after the 2006 military take over.
"We get kicked, get a gun at the back of our head, we get handcuffed and you can't even block your face when they kick you. I just feared for my life," he said.
'Tevita' came to Australia in late January 2007, and says he will try his best "to find some way to stay in Australia."
The three asylum seekers have found support from Sydney-based Fijian pastor Livai Leone. He says there are 100,000 Fijians like 'Anna', 'Tevita' and 'Viliame' seeking help from the Australian government.
"When their applications rejected it hurts," he said.
"It is very very unfair. (The Australian government) should look deep into it because Fiji I believe is a refugee country, even though it's not presented as a refugee country, because it's still run by the military and we all know that history proves that any country run by the military is not doing any better, it's getting worse."
The Australian government has been very critical of Fiji's government and has targeted sanctions on members of the regime. But it's been criticized quite heavily by people even within Australia for going too far.
'Anna' says it's not far enough.
"There's a violation of human rights in Fiji now and if the Australian government can look into details to other countries considering violations of human rights why can't they look into details too about Fiji?" she said.
Radio Australia asked the Australian Department of Immigration and the Office of the Immigration Minister, Senator Chris Evans, to comment on the case.
The Minister's office said all decisions of this nature are made by the Department, and the Minister has no discretion to interfere to avoid any questions of political interference. They said all decisions on issuing protection visas are made on a case-by-case basis and there is no blanket policy covering entire countries.
Radio Australia: www.abc.net.au/ra
FIJI LANDOWNERS PROTEST OPEN SURFING DECREE Declare right to be heard on regime’s rule
By Irereimi Nadore SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times, Aug. 19, 2010) - The Lau Provincial Council has called on Government to delay the implementation of the surfing decree until it has widely consulted all resource owners.
Delegates voiced concern over the lack of their input as resource owners before introducing the decree.
Tui Matuku Lorima Niumataiwalu said, as resource owners, they had every right to be consulted on the matter for it affected their livelihood.
He said there was a growing interest in surfing from the international community and seeing visitors using their qoliqoli without paying a single cent was a slap in the face.
He said resource owners of surfing spots such as Tavarua near Nadi have benefitted a lot from the use of their qoliqoli after having collected more than $8.5million over the past 10 years.
He said the new decree came at a time when the people of Matuku had engaged an investor from overseas to build a resort for international surfers.
Deputy secretary for Fijian Affair Colonel Apakuki Kurusiga responded saying the Government had appointed a committee to look into the compensation issue and it would hold further talks with all stakeholders before forwarding its recommendation to Government for consideration.
The decree cancels any existing instrument of title, and lease or licence without any compensation payment.
All interests for any surfing area in Fiji have been vested to the Director of Lands.
Fiji Times Online: http://www.fijitimes.com.
WATER SHORTAGE ‘CRITICAL’ IN FIJI DROUGHT Yasawa, Mamanuca isles key tourist draws
By Margaret Wise SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times, Aug. 19) – Fiji’s Western Division is facing a crisis as water sources in the region are fast drying up, according to Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki.
He said the situation in the Yasawa and Mamanuca Group was "critical" with communities from Sigatoka to Rakiraki reporting that boreholes and wells had dried up.
He said he was planning on asking the Government to declare the West a State of Water Crisis, depending on assessments by the district officers (DOs).
He said he was expecting a feedback from the DOs tomorrow.
Commander Cawaki said a request for funds to cart water to the outlying islands was submitted to the ministry.
"This dry spell is expected to continue, so we ask all consumers to use water sparingly and conserve water," Commander Cawaki said. "In the Mamanucas and the Yasawas the situation is critical. I have made a report to Suva ù seeking funding to deliver water to those islands. From Sigatoka, in the highlands all through the Western Division, boreholes and wells are drying up. There is a shortage of water, so all district officers have been asked to assess at district level and report back.
"Depending on the percentage of population affected, I may have to ask the Government to declare the West a State of Water Crisis. I sent a situation report last week and according to the reports I received since, I expect the situation to get worse." "We are working out a plan and working with the Water Authority. Right now I cannot over emphasise the need for people to use water sparingly and to conserve water," Commander Cawaki said.
Fiji Times Online: http://www.fijitimes.com.
Tax evaders(Fiji)
CLOSE to one-third of people who tax officials visited as part of a door-to-door exercise were evading tax.
This is according to Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority chief executive Jitoko Tikolevu, who confirmed that the exercise uncovered 1030 cases involving either undeclared rental income, unregistered businesses, undeclared land sales and other tax breaches. He said the exercise was "very revealing".
"A total of 3159 houses and business were visited. Out of this, 1030 cases are linked to undeclared rental income, businesses not registered, undeclared land sales and the like," he said.
Mr Tikolevu said the exercise helped FIRCA crack down on tax evading landlords whom he said would be investigated immediately.
"We have a special unit that deals with registered real estate agents who are agents of landlords and also deals with landlords who do not declare rental income to us.
"They act on information received from the public or third parties," he said.
FIRCA was now calling on all landlords to voluntarily declare their rental income and be honest to avoid unnecessarily penalties.
It also called on all tenants to dob in evading landlords to FIRCA. Anyone who does so should provide the certified tenancy agreements, details of bank accounts in which they deposit rental payments and the duration of their occupancy.
Mr Tikolevu did not say how much they were owed or had collected from evading landlords, but he said the industry contributed millions of dollars in tax revenue.
He said declaring rental income and overstating Value Added Tax input claims and expenses had always been a problem.
"Our normal verification processes will always throw out the anomalies either upfront or sooner. Once confirmed the full penalties which are very significant are applied.
"We are currently in the process of finalising details in our computer system before assessment will be raised. We are expecting to raise $1.5m on these assessments," he said( 20/8/10) Samantha Rina.http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=154017
Ban on bare fishing
Theresa Ralogaivau
Friday, August 20, 2010
WOMEN of Nakawakawa Village in Bua's Wainunu district have been forbidden from diving naked for fish.
Village elders have labelled as ungodly the ancient practice, which had existed for generations. In a recent ritualistic ceremony to bury Sairusi Nabogibogi's Messiah Movement, the fishing practice was abandoned.
Teresia Diranamu, 73, the head of mataqali Nasava ù the clan that has traditional fishing rights over Vurevure ù said the area was a sacred fishing ground and was only fished on special occasions. The women needed permission from the Nasava clan head before they could fish.
Over the centuries women had abided by a special rule ù they must fish in the nude.
The fishing spot is at the mouth of one of the many creeks that lead out of the swamp and link up with the Nabunikadamu River.
It's said to be tawa or occupied by a spirit. At the heart of the naked fishing ritual is a spirit god that villagers believe is the guardian of the springs who is appeased by nudity.
"We believe, if women wear clothes they won't catch any fish," Ms Diranamu said.
However, clan leader Naniudrau Iliesa Ratusaki said the decision to forbid women from fishing naked augured well for the village's development.
"This practice belongs to the dark ages, it's time to move on with our lives," he said.
"So the women have been informed that the practice must stop."http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=154026
Ban on bare fishing
Theresa Ralogaivau Friday, August 20, 2010
WOMEN of Nakawakawa Village in Bua's Wainunu district have been forbidden from diving naked for fish.
Village elders have labelled as ungodly the ancient practice, which had existed for generations. In a recent ritualistic ceremony to bury Sairusi Nabogibogi's Messiah Movement, the fishing practice was abandoned.
Teresia Diranamu, 73, the head of mataqali Nasava ù the clan that has traditional fishing rights over Vurevure ù said the area was a sacred fishing ground and was only fished on special occasions. The women needed permission from the Nasava clan head before they could fish.
Over the centuries women had abided by a special rule ù they must fish in the nude.
The fishing spot is at the mouth of one of the many creeks that lead out of the swamp and link up with the Nabunikadamu River.
It's said to be tawa or occupied by a spirit. At the heart of the naked fishing ritual is a spirit god that villagers believe is the guardian of the springs who is appeased by nudity.
"We believe, if women wear clothes they won't catch any fish," Ms Diranamu said.
However, clan leader Naniudrau Iliesa Ratusaki said the decision to forbid women from fishing naked augured well for the village's development.
"This practice belongs to the dark ages, it's time to move on with our lives," he said.
"So the women have been informed that the practice must stop."http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=154026
TONGAN LAWMAKER CHASTISED FOR QUESTIONING KING
Parliament suspends pro-democracy crusader Pohiva
MELBOURNE, Australia (Radio Australia, Aug. 18, 2010) - Tongan Member of Parliament and human rights activist Akilisi Pohiva has been suspended from Parliament for two weeks.
During a budget discussion in Parliament, Mr. Pohiva made comments about the Tongan King ordering expensive improvements to the Royal palace in Nukualofa.
[PIR editor’s note: Radio New Zealand International reports "Mr. Pohiva also claimed in Parliament that the money, estimated to be about six million US dollars, would be taken from Chinese aid funding for the rebuilding of the capital after riots four years ago."]
The government denied the claims.
Mr. Pohiva was accused of lying to the House.
Speaking to Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program, he says MPs should be free to say what they like while Parliament is in session.
"I had the right during the discussion on the budget, every member in the house has the right to interpret or to make a comment on anything that is put through to Parliament," he said.
"So I didn't see any reason for Parliament to accuse me because that was part of my presentation of my comment on the Budget."
Radio Australia: www.abc.net.au/ra
Tensions on the rise on Easter Island
Last Updated: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:26:00 +1000
Chile has reportedly sent military police to its Pacific island territory of Rapanui or Easter Island, to diffuse tensions over land and building disputes.
For nearly a fortnight indigenous communities have occupied dozens of government buildings, as part of an immigration dispute with Chile.
Easter Islanders want independence from Chile, and to be part of Oceania.
Chilean security forces have reportedly been told to remove the squatters.
The owner of a local guest house on Easter Island, Paul Pownall, has told Pacific Beat that security has been stepped up on the streets.
"I think they always carry guns here so it's nothing new except that there's more of them and they are observing every one of the places that are taken," he said.
"The military - I know that they are supposed to be coming, if they're not already here but I didn't get out to see and I don't know that they are there but that is the intent."
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201008/2989009.htm?desktop
CHILEAN GOVERNMENT MUM ON RAPA NUI CONFLICT
Offer made to resolve differences by committee
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (RNZI, Aug. 19, 2010) - The Chilean government is refusing to comment on an ongoing protest by the indigenous people of Rapa Nui or Easter Island.
Two days ago police removed the protestors from the Governor’s offices, but a New York-based Rapa Nui Islander says he’s concerned for the safety of family members who are still occupying the island’s hotel.
[PIR editor’s note: According to a story in the Santiago Times, the Rapa Nui government on Friday proposed creating a committee to resolve the protestors’ request for special status for the island, and their request for immigration regulation. The group would be made up of representatives from government ministries and the Rapa Nui community and be given a 60-day deadline for the committee to makes its recommendations. ]
Santi Hitorangi says most of Rapa Nui’s indigenous population is involved in the ongoing occupation of government and other buildings in a bid to regain control of ancestral lands and to secure autonomy from Chile.
He says a para-military unit of the Chilean police is patrolling Rapa Nui and provoking the protestors but he says they’re prepared to die if the government doesn’t meet their requirements.
"The tensions are high because people are committed to as they say, the only way you can get us out of here is dead because from here the only way we’re walking out is dead."
Radio New Zealand International: http://www.rnzi.com/
TONGAN LAWMAKER CHASTISED FOR QUESTIONING KING Parliament suspends pro-democracy crusader Pohiva
MELBOURNE, Australia (Radio Australia, Aug. 18, 2010) - Tongan Member of Parliament and human rights activist Akilisi Pohiva has been suspended from Parliament for two weeks.
During a budget discussion in Parliament, Mr. Pohiva made comments about the Tongan King ordering expensive improvements to the Royal palace in Nukualofa.
[PIR editor’s note: Radio New Zealand International reports "Mr. Pohiva also claimed in Parliament that the money, estimated to be about six million US dollars, would be taken from Chinese aid funding for the rebuilding of the capital after riots four years ago."]
The government denied the claims.
Mr. Pohiva was accused of lying to the House.
Speaking to Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program, he says MPs should be free to say what they like while Parliament is in session.
"I had the right during the discussion on the budget, every member in the house has the right to interpret or to make a comment on anything that is put through to Parliament," he said.
"So I didn't see any reason for Parliament to accuse me because that was part of my presentation of my comment on the Budget."
Radio Australia: www.abc.net.au/ra
CHILEAN GOVERNMENT MUM ON RAPA NUI CONFLICT Offer made to resolve differences by committee
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (RNZI, Aug. 19, 2010) - The Chilean government is refusing to comment on an ongoing protest by the indigenous people of Rapa Nui or Easter Island.
Two days ago police removed the protestors from the Governor’s offices, but a New York-based Rapa Nui Islander says he’s concerned for the safety of family members who are still occupying the island’s hotel.
[PIR editor’s note: According to a story in the Santiago Times, the Rapa Nui government on Friday proposed creating a committee to resolve the protestors’ request for special status for the island, and their request for immigration regulation. The group would be made up of representatives from government ministries and the Rapa Nui community and be given a 60-day deadline for the committee to makes its recommendations. ]
Santi Hitorangi says most of Rapa Nui’s indigenous population is involved in the ongoing occupation of government and other buildings in a bid to regain control of ancestral lands and to secure autonomy from Chile.
He says a para-military unit of the Chilean police is patrolling Rapa Nui and provoking the protestors but he says they’re prepared to die if the government doesn’t meet their requirements.
"The tensions are high because people are committed to as they say, the only way you can get us out of here is dead because from here the only way we’re walking out is dead."
Radio New Zealand International: http://www.rnzi.com/
MICRONESIAN NIUS: (Banaba, an outlier of Kiribati Gilbert Islands, which forms part of Kiribati Mariana Islands, politically divided between Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands Caroline Islands, politically divided between Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia
Groups warn of impact of US military buildup on Micronesian culture
Last Updated: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 15:35:00 +1000
Indigenous business groups in two American Pacific territories are warning of the impact of the forthcoming US military build-up on Micronesian culture.
Forty thousand US troops are to be moved from the Japanese island of Okinawa, to Guam and the Northern Marianas, boosting local economies by an estimated $US20 billion dollars.
The Chairman of the Tinian Chamber of Commerce, Phillip Mendiola-Long, says although the relocation will have benefits, he is worried about the cultural implications of a large new American population.
He's told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat that access to beaches and historical sites, and the preservation of language are some areas that will need to be monitored.
"Such a massive gigantic build-up that is unprecedented in US military history - this type of build-up in this short amount of time."
"So when you have something compressed in that short amount of time, of course there are going to be problems and there are going to be concerns with losing culture and losing identity."
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201008/2989017.htm?desktop
TOK PISIN NIUS(Papua NiuGini/Autonomous Bouganville/Solomon Islands Na Vanuatu) (20/8/10) radioaustralia)
PNG Transpot Minister i tok ol pipal i no ken wari long bungim bilong
- Transport na Works Minister bilong Papua New Guinea, don Polye, i tok, ino gat samting long poret long wanpela tingting bilong bungim tupela Papua New Guinea airlines.
Mr Polye ibin tokim The National Newspaper olsem, em i holim ol toktok wantaim ol narapela Memba bilong Palamen, na ol aviation officials, long tingting bilong bungim Airlines PNG wantaim Air Niugini. Emi tok, wanpela Open Sky polisi bai halivim kompetisan, taim Papua New Guinea i kamap na pulim laik bilong ol bisnis na tuorists.
Solomon Islands polis i tok bai gat sampela heve raun long National Pa
Solomon Islands polis i tok, ol pipal bai nap bungim sampela heve raun long ol graun bilong National Parliament long taim bilong elektim wanpela niupela Prime Minister long wik bihain. Polis Komisina, Peter Marchall i bin tokim midia long Solomon Islands olsem, oli givim bikpela luksave na tingting long putim mo polis raun long palamen haus pastaim na bihain long eleksan bilong prime minister. Mr Marshall i tok, polis bai karim aut ol road checks na lukautim ol tambu bilong drinkim alchohol long Fonde bilong wik bihain.
Ol asples bisnis grup bilong tupela Pacific teritori tok lukaut.
Ol asples bisnis grups long tupela American Pacific teritoris i gok lukaut long heve bai kamap long US militeri buildup antap igo long Micronesian culture. Ol bai muvim forty-thoursaun US soldia lusim Okinawa Island long Japan igo long guam na Northern Marianas,na bai apim ekonomi bilong ol ailan igo long samting olsem 20 billion dollars. Chairman bilong Tinian Chamber of Commerce,Phillip Mendiola-Long, i tok, i tru dispela relocation bai bringim ol benfitis, tasol em i wari long heve bai igo long culture em ol bikpela namba bilong ol niupela Americans bai kamapim. Em ibin tokim, Radio Australia's pacific Beat program olsem, larim ol igo long ol beaches, histoiral sites, na lukautim ol tokples i sampela eria oli mas luksave na lukautim.
AustralianFederal opposition mausmer laikim oli wok mo wantaim Fiji.
- Foran Afes Mausmeri bilong Federal Opposition bilong Australia, Julie Bishop, i tok oli mas wok bung mo wantaim Fiji.
Militeri lida bilong kantri, Commodore Frank Bainimarama i tok welkam long plen bilong Oposisan bilong statim ol toktok wantaim Gavman bilong Fiji sapos em i winim Australian General election tumoro. Ms Bishop ibin tokim Pacific Beat program bilong Radio Australia olsem, Coalition gavman bai tingting long ol wei bilong halivim Fiji wantaim electoral reform.
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FRANIS NIUS:
(New Caledonia/Vanuatu/Tahiti (French Polynesia)/Wallis & Futuna)Brèves du Pacifique - 20/08/2010
A} 720 kg pour 5 m̬tres de long: Harry vote Julia Gillard РApr̬s Paul le poulpe pendant la Coupe du Monde de foot, Harry le crocodile de mer fait son entr̩e dans la grande menagerie internationale des animaux- voyants.
Harry est Australien, il habite Darwin, la capital du Territoire du Nord. Jeudi après-midi, ses soigneurs lui ont présenté deux appêtissants morceaux de poulet reliés l’un à la photo de Tony Abbott – le candidat libéral, l’autre au portrait de la travailliste Julia Gillard. Ça n’a pas été facile, mais au bout de cinq minutes, Harry a finalement planté sa mâchoire dans le poulet du Premier ministre sortant.
Un sondage mordant qui vient confirmer celui de mercredi soir. 200 électeurs Australiens encore indécis ont assisté à un débat télévise entre les deux principaux candidats. A l’issue de la joute, 83 ont voté pour Julia Gillard et 75 seulement pour Tony Abbott.
B} Guam aux Micronésiens – Le Président de la Chambre de Commerce de Tinian, l’une des principales îles des Mariannes du Nord, est inquiet. La culture micronésienne pourrait bien être submergée par la déferlante américaine. Il fait bien sûr référence au transfert de 8000 Marines depuis la base d’Okinawa sur l’île de Guam. Il y en a pour 20 milliards US dollars de contrats en tout genre. Alors Phillip Mendiola-Long appelle les hommes d’affaires micronésiens et océaniens à sauter dans le train tant qu’il est encore temps. Il leur demande aussi de s’investir dans la défense du patrimoine des Mariannes du Nord.
C} Un député tongien suspendu pour lèse-majesté- Akilisi Pohiva est aussi le leader du mouvement pro-démocratique. Et il n’a pas la langue dans sa poche. Au cours d’une sessions parlementaire consacrée au budget de Tonga, il a critiqué les sommes dépensées dans l’entretien du Palais Royal de George Tupou V à Nuku’alofa. Le gouvernement a nié ses affirmations. Le depute a donc été accuse d’avoir menti devant le Parlement. Il écope de deux semaines de suspension.
Pour Akilisi Pohiva, cette décision est abusive. «Tout membre du Parlement a le droit d’interpréter ou de commenter tout ce qui est en rapport avec l’ordre du jour, donc je ne comprends pas pourquoi on m’accuse de commenter le budget!», a-t-il dénoncé. Tonga doit voter à la fin de l’année pour l’instauration d’un système démocratique.
D} Papouasie Nouvelle Guinée: descente de police chez les trafiquants de bois - Les autorités papoues ont fait une descente dans le campement d’une bande de trafiquants de bois, à la frontière entre la province d’Oro et la baie de Milne, à la pointe sud-est de la Papouasie Nouvelle Guinée. Résultat: de nombreuses machines d’exploitation forestière immatriculées en Malaisie ont été saisies.
Les autorités papoues ont été alertées lundi par une ONG et les chefs coutumiers de cette zone isolée en pleine forêt, à deux heures de canot du prochain village. Là -bas ce sont des hommes de main locaux, des Papous, qui font la loi. Ils ont été recrutés par deux sociétés d’exploitation forestières asiatiques- chinoise et malaisienne. Officiellement ces deux sociétés exploitent une plantation d’anacardiers sur des terres appartenant à l’Etat. Et ils en profitent pour abattre les arbres des terres coutumières adjacentes.
La Banque mondiale estime que 70% de l’exploitation forestière est menée illégalement en PNG. Selon Greenpeace, ce serait même 90% – vu que les licences d’exploitation sont souvent accordées sans l’autorisation des propriétaires traditionnels.
E} 5000 travailleurs indonésiens dans le gaz papou – Une entreprise publique indonésienne a remporté un marché important dans la construction du gigantesque complexe d’exploitation du gaz naturel en Papouasie Nouvelle Guinée. Selon un porte-parole du gouvernement papou, ces 5000 Indonésiens seront des travailleurs hautement qualifiés. Le chargé d’affaires à l’ambassade indonésienne annonce également que plusieurs joint-ventures vont être conclues entre des entreprises indonésiennes et papoues, tout spécialement pour la construction de cimenteries à Lae et Port-Moresby. «Le secteur du bâtiment est en plein boom depuis le lancement de l’exploitation du gaz naturel», explique M. Budimansyah.
F} Violences domestiques: changement de mentalités à Tuvalu - Pas question de crier victoire, évidemment, mais il y a du progrès. C’est ce que constate sur le terrain la police de Tuvalu. La dernière campagne de prévention contre les violences domestiques a commence à faire changer les mentalités. «Les femmes battues se rendent plus facilement au poste de police pour porter plainte. Avant elles n’osaient pas parce que dans la culture tuvalaise, les problems doivent être réglés au sein de la famille», constate Matevaka Agaifo, le chef de la police de Tuvalu.
Il est trop tôt pour savoir si l’augmentation des statistiques est justement due à ce changement de mentalité, ou à une recrudescence de la violence domestique. Rappelons que les dirigeants du Forum des Iles du Pacifique réunis à Vila au début du mois ont été vivement critiqués pour leur absence d’engagement contre les violences domestiques.
G} Samoa: le gouvernement sommé de rendre des terres coutumières- Les chefs coutumiers du village de Vaitele réclament au gouvernement samoan la restitution d’une petite partie de leurs terres. Leurs ancêtres les ont été cédées par leurs ancêtres aux colons en échange d’armes. A l’Indépendance, c’est le gouvernement samoan qui a hérité de ces terres. Aujourd’hui, c’est une zone industrielle occupée par deux supermarchés, les principales banques et la brasserie Yazaki Samoa, le plus grand employeur privé du Samoa. Cette zone est aussi la plus peuplée du Samoa. Selon la radio néo-zélandaise internationale, les propriétaires coutumiers veulent en récupérer seulement 12 hectares, pour les revendre.
BAHASA NIUS: (West Papua,Maluku,Sumba,Timor)( 20/8/10)
KA Jkt-Bogor punya gerbong khusus untuk wanita
Gerbong kereta-api khusus untuk wanita telah mulai beroperasi di Jakarta.
Pihak berwenang mengatakan, layanan ini diberikan untuk melindungi kaum wanita dari pelecehan seksual. 20 gerbong khusus wanita kini tersedia dan sejumlah lagi direncanakan dalam tiga bulan mendatang.
Presenter radio di Sydney ditegur Perdana Menteri Julia Gillard
- Perdana Menteri Australia, Julia Gillard, telah memberikan pembelaan yang bersemangat tentang kebijakan partainya mengenai pencari suaka, menegur seorang presenter radio komersial yang dikatakannya menebar ketakutan tentang issue itu.
Gillard diwawancarai oleh seorang presenter radio di Sydney yang mengatakan, Timor Timur menolak menerima tilpun dari Australia tentang rencana Partai Buruh untuk mendirikan sebuah pusat pemrosesan pencari suaka regional disana. Gillar mengatakan itu sama sekali tidak benar. Dikatakannya, baru kemarin pemerintah Timor Leste menegaskan mereka tetap terbuka untuk dialog, dan kalau terpilih kembali, maka ia akan bekerjasama dengan Timor Leste.
Aksi mogok pelayanan publik di Afsel, tentara dikerahkan
- Tentara Afrika Selatan telah dikerahkan untuk membantu melindungi staff rumahsakit dan pasien sementara aksi mogok pelayanan publik di negara itu semakin serius.
Rumah-rumah sakit umum dikepung oleh para pekerja yang mogok. Di beberapa rumah sakit di Johannesburg, para demonstran memaksa masuk dan menimbulkan kerusakan. Polisi merespon dengan peluru karet dan meriam air. Tentara dipanggil untuk menjaga pasien dan staff yang tidak mogok. Para dokter dan perawat militer dikerahkan di beberapa rumah-sakit untuk membantu. Pemerintah mengecam aksi mogok itu dan menawarkan kenaikan gaji 7 persen kepada para pekerja pelayanan publik, tapi serikat pekerja menuntut 8,6 persen ditambah dengan beberapa tunjangan lainnya.
Gerbong khusus wanita pada KA Jakarta-Bogor
- Indonesia telah membuka gerbong khusus untuk wanita dalam upaya mencegah pelecehan seksual di angkutan umum.
Gerbong-gerbong itu dilengkapi dengan tempat duduk berwarna merah muda di bagian depan dan belakang kereta api. Pihak berwenang mengatakan ingin melindungi penumpang wanita dan memperbaiki layanan kereta api secara keseluruhan. Gerbong khusus wanita itu saat ini baru tersedia pada jalur Jakarta-Bogor.
AUSTRELIAN NIUS:
Australian election on knife's edge
The two major competitors in tomorrow's poll are campaigning in marginal seats on the last day of campaigning for Australia's national election.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has spent the day campaigning on the New South Wales central coast, and in several suburbs in Sydney.
She has visited a works depot, a foil baking tray factory and addressed workers at a trade union rally.
Her constant message is that workers will be worse off under a Coalition government led by opposition leader Tony Abbott.
The Opposition leader has said Workchoices is dead, buried and cremated, but Julia Gillard says that's a front.
"Don't risk the return of Workchoices because that's what Mr Abbott, as the prime minister of this country would mean."
In all Ms Gillard has been to four electorates on Friday, three of them marginal.
She has one more stop in the Western Sydney suburb of Blacktown before giving a series of television interviews to round off a busy final day of campaigning.
Meanwhile, Australia's opposition leader Tony Abbott says he'll campaign right up until the close of polls on Satuday evening.
Mr Abbott says the ruling Labor party doesn't deserve a second term, and says he'll continue his last minute push for votes.
"I've done 6 TV interviews, 14 radio interviews, I've visited 10 electorates and of course now this press conference today and look, as far as I'm concerned, I will keep working, keep working right up til 6 o'clock on Saturday night."
The latest Newspoll figures show both major political parties are even on 50 per cent two-party preferred.
There's been a shift towards the Liberal party who were on 48 per cent to Labor's 52 per cent in the previous poll.
The primary vote for Labor has fallen from 38 per cent to 35, while the Coalition has seen a boost from 41 to 44 per cent.
The Greens primary vote remains unchanged on 14 per cent.http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/story.htm?id=32256
Danny Morgan
Danny Morgan
Australian judge rules against witness wearing Islamic niqab
An Australian judge has ruled that a Muslim woman cannot give evidence in court with her face covered. The 36-year-old woman had wanted to wear the niqab in court because there would be men there, who were not her blood relations. She's a witness in a fraud trial in Western Australia. The judge has ruled the trial process must be fair to all concerned, even though this may result in distress to some individuals. The defendant in the case says he has received death threats over the niqab issue. Presenter: David Weber Speakers: Swaran Ludher, defence solicitor; Anwar Sayed, defendant; Tasnim, witness WEBER: The niqab covers the face, with a slit for the eyes. The woman, known as Tasnim, has been wearing it in public for some 18 years. Justice Shauna Deane said the court hadn't been able to find a similar case in Australia. She told the court Tasnim wore what's been described as "the full burqa" to preserve female modesty. But the judge said her decision was in no way binding on any other court; as there was no reason for her to examine or discuss the Islamic religion, or to determine the practice of wearing certain garments. The judge said only the members of the jury could decide if their analysis was impeded by not seeing a witnesses' face. Justice Deane said that the trial process needed to be fair to all concerned, even if this led to distress for some individuals. She said it was not appropriate for the woman to give evidence while wearing her niqab. Tasnim would be giving evidence in the trial of Anwar Sayed, who's been charged with fraud. Mr Sayed allegedly overstated student numbers at an Islamic School so he could claim government funds. Earlier this month, Mark Trowell for the defence told the court that Mr Sayed had been "brutally stabbed in the chest and face". It was later found that his injuries were much less serious. But there's been speculation that he was attacked over the niqab issue, as the court had already been told that Mr Sayed had received death threats. Outside court today, Mr Sayed's solicitor Swaran Ludher said it was a sensitive matter for some Muslims. LUDHER: So he would rather have not have had this argument run in the court but it had to be because it's a legal issue, the court had to make the decision and it is better to make the decision now rather than at trial. If she was to appear in the niqab what would the judge have said then? Why didn't you parties point out to me that she's coming in a niqab, now I'm stuck, I've got to make a decision on it and the case would have been delayed even further. So I think in this particular case, the most important thing to stress is that Mr Sayed, the accused did not raise this issue of whether a witness can wear a niqab or not wear a niqab. Just do this favour to him, he had no role in it to play, he has no problems with her wearing a niqab if she comes to court, that's her business. He has no, no objection to that. WEBER: Was he actually attacked a couple of weeks ago for this reason? LUDHER: It's quite possible. WEBER: He doesn't seem to be very seriously injured. Mark Trowell told the court that he was actually stabbed a couple of weeks ago. LUDHER: Mark Trowell heard some reporters I think. As far as I know he had... was struck with a bottle, his shirt was torn, there were lacerations on his chest, there were lacerations on his forehead. That's when he presented himself to me and then I called the police and ambulance. WEBER: Mr Sayed said his focus was the upcoming trial. He didn't want to say anything else, except to repeat what his solicitor said about the niqab argument. SAYED: I had no objection; I said it, very clearly and categorically before. So this was a legal matter in which I had no role to play. WEBER: In a statement, Tasnim says she accepts the judge's decision. She says she never demanded to wear the niqab, she merely asked to dress as she normally would in front of people she doesn't know. TASNIM: I regret that this case has ignited the debate as to whether the burqa should be banned in Australia. This would be a step backwards for Australia and would only further widen the division between Muslim and non-Muslim Australians. I am a proud law-abiding Australian and I am not trying to change the Australian way of life. I am simply trying to live by my beliefs. WEBER: Mr Sayed's trial on the fraud charges is expected to be held in October.(20/8/10) http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/story.htm?id=32266
38% of Kiwis support compulsory Maori language in schools
New Zealand's Maori Language Commissioner says he's pleasantly surprised to find a large minority of people support the idea of Maori being a compulsory subject in schools. A recent survey says 38 per cent of New Zealanders support teaching the Maori language. Erimae Henare says that figure of 38 per cent is much more than it probably would have been even a few years ago.
Presenter: Bruce Hill Speaker: New Zealand's Maori Language Commissioner, Erimae Henare HENARE: Oh, a lot more than I thought, so it is certainly the prevailing attitude of 20 years ago would never have broken even 12 per cent, so that's a sign of real maturity starting to occur. HILL: So why do you think so many people are now pro the idea of having compulsory Maori language training in schools, when just a few years ago, it would not have been anything like that. What's changed? HENARE: Well, I think this year we're moving to a point of trying to redefine ourselves and what is our point of difference of what was our traditional mother England and our traditional other Commonwealth countries like Canada and Australia and trying to redefine ourselves and see what it is that makes us different and how we can click onto that to attract people to New Zealand. I mean when your overseas, the things that attract Kiwis immediately is the Haka. They all want to be part of that and that is something that clearly identifies with New Zealand. So I think a lot of New Zealanders are trying to reposition themselves in the world as something unique and the language clearly is one of those things. HILL: This 38 per cent say they are in favour of compulsory Maori language education. Do you think that that figure might actually be bigger if you took away the word compulsory. Kiwis tend on the whole not to want to be told they have to do something. HENARE: Well, it's an interesting thing, because the word compulsory tends to conjure up a mind block, but probably in the most elite school in New Zealand, Kings College in Auckland, Maori is compulsory up until Form 5, compulsory for students at the school to learn Maori and a lot more private than state schools are actually applying that rule, because they see the benefits to New Zealand of all New Zealanders fishing ....?? rule. New Zealand being cognisant of Maori culture and history as again that point of difference and what a better thing to do, legacies for your children and have them speaking more than one language. HILL: Even if you could introduce compulsory Maori language training in schools in New Zealand, do you have enough Maori language teachers to be able to do that though? HENARE: Oh, that's the problem, that's the problem. Of course for some years, there has not been a lot of planning by governments around both the teaching staff and the resources to sustain Tereo Maori. However, having said that, I think it is important to remember that probably for those who wish to have Maori to the highest levels, there are more than enough teachers. There is just not enough teachers to go round all the primary and secondary schools. HILL: Are some Maori a bit not to sure about whether they want other people to learn Maori? Sometimes you like to have your own language for yourself that no one else can understand? HENARE: I think a lot of Maori are actually in that situation anyway of not knowing the language are probably part of the.... I think what is interesting in terms of redefining ourselves and where we are in the world it's a fact that the majority of their .... of 38 per cent are in the younger age group and that's what's happening in New Zealand, the system has been such that more and more young people feel it's been important to have the language and I think a lot of that goes with what you said off air when we were discussing New Zealand earlier, so there is not a person in New Zealand who is not related or has a Maori as part of their family and as the Maori family does not have Pakeha in laws, members of their family. So I think more and more younger New Zealanders are striving to see the beautiful of both cultures and both languages and adopting them in greater number (20/8/10).http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/story.htm?id=32276
TIMOR NIUS:
PASIFIK NIUS:
Please see below for a series of factsheets on PACER-Plus. These 2-page factsheets are intended for distribution to journalists, non-government organisations, government officials and other interested parties. They can be used as a set to encourage discussion about the potential implications of PACER-Plus. Three factsheets have been prepared by the Australian Civil Society Network on Pacific Trade, and another four were produced by the People's Health Movement (Australia) and the Public Health Association of Australia (Victoria Branch). Offering a fair deal? <http://www.aidwatch.org.au/sites/aidwatch.org.au/files/PACER-PlusFactsheet-Fair-Trade.pdf> Options for the design of a new trade agreement between Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific island countries Supporting livelihoods? <http://www.aidwatch.org.au/sites/aidwatch.org.au/files/PACER-PlusFactsheet-Land-Agriculture.pdf> Potential implications of PACER-Plus for agriculture, food security and land ownership in the Pacific island countries Improving Pacific governance? <http://www.aidwatch.org.au/sites/aidwatch.org.au/files/PACER-PlusFactsheet-GovernmentRevenue.pdf> Potential implications of PACER-Plus for government revenue and public services in the Pacific island countries Tackling lifestyle diseases? <http://phmoz.org/wiki/images/6/61/PACER-Plus-Lifestyle-Diseases.pdf> Potential implications of PACER-Plus for alcohol, tobacco and high-fat content foods in the Pacific island countries <http://phmoz.org/wiki/images/5/51/AccessToMedicine.pdf> Improving access to medicine? <http://phmoz.org/wiki/images/5/51/AccessToMedicine.pdf> The implications of including intellectual property rules under PACER-Plus <http://phmoz.org/wiki/images/9/96/PACER-Plus-Labour-mobility.pdf> Sending health workers abroad? <http://phmoz.org/wiki/images/9/96/PACER-Plus-Labour-mobility.pdf> Potential implications of PACER-Plus for nursing and healthcare in the Pacific island countries <http://phmoz.org/wiki/images/6/62/PACER-Plus-Health-services.pdf> Health services for all? <http://phmoz.org/wiki/images/6/62/PACER-Plus-Health-services.pdf> Potential implications of PACER-Plus for access to health services in the Pacific island countries All of the factsheets were prepared in July 2010. Further factsheets will be added to this series in the future.(Credit : Cuz Louis Pakoa Marikika)
Name change to new Pacific regional media association
Posted at 06:50 on 20 August, 2010 UTC
The new Pacific regional media association formed last week in Apia has announced a name change prior to its registration in Samoa.
The chairman of the new body, Samoa publisher Savea Sano Malifa, says it is going to be called the Pasifika Media Association or PasiMA.
Initially the group was called the Pacific Media Association but has changed its name to ensure there is no confusion with other bodies in the region.
Savea says in Samoan, PasiMA means concrete fort or stronghold and he says that reflects the new body’s desire to be solid in its convictions.
The group was formed by regional media owners, operators and principals after they became dissatisfied with the performance of the Pacific Islands News Associaton, or PINA.
http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=55434
Philippines seeks permission to catch tuna in the Pacific
Last Updated: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:24:00 +1000
The Philippine government plans to ask eight countries in the Pacific region to lift a ban on tuna-fishing in the region.
Bureau of Fisheries director, Malcolm Sarmiento, says the Philippines will make the formal pitch for the lifting of the ban on tuna-fishing at the annual meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission in December.
He says the Philippines is expecting other countries like Japan, Korea and Taiwan to support the proposal at the annual conference.
The commission imposed a two-year absolute ban on commercial fishing near the economic zones of Palau, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, amid rapidly depleting tuna.
The fisheries director says the Philippines is also seeking bilateral agreements with Pacific island-nations for access to their fishing grounds.
The Philippines has a strong tuna-processing industry which requires large volumes of raw materials.
To view this story on our website, visit:
http://www.radioaustralianews.net.au/stories/201008/2988658.htm?desktop
PACIFIC NGOS APPLAUD FORUM CALL FOR DIALOGUE Lack of consultation brings relations to all-time low
By Jemima Garrett MELBOURNE, Australia (Radio Australia, Aug. 17, 2010) - The Pacific Islands Association of Non-Government Organizations has welcomed comments by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General calling for more dialogue and a partnership with civil society.
[PIR editor’s note: The Pacific Islands Association of Non-Government Organizations’ primary role is to be a catalyst for collective action, to facilitate and support coalitions and alliances on issues of common concern, and to strengthen the influence and impact of NGO efforts in the region.]
Lack of consultation over the past two years has seen relations between civil society organizations and the Pacific Forum sink to an all-time low.
The Pacific Island Association on Non-Government Organizations (PIANGO) warmly welcomed the call for a partnership made by Forum Secretary-General Tuiloma Neroni Slade, but it also warned action is needed to make the partnership a reality.
Emele Duituturaga, Executive Director of PIANGO, says she hopes the comments by the Forum's Secretary-General, are a sign that things are about to change.
"His comments are certainly welcome. And I think there is a real desire, there is recognition of NGOs (Non-Government Organizations) and CSOs (Civil society organizations)," she said.
"But I'd have to say that has been the tenure of intentions that we've heard of in the last year so the challenge for both of us now is to move into some action."
Behind the scenes that action is already underway. Last month PIANGO held talks with the Forum Secretary-General to look at how it could work more closely with the region's peak body.
Ms. Duituturaga says those talks were a breakthrough, and she says she was particularly interested to hear Secretary-General Slade tell Pacific Beat that he wants a partnership strategy with civil society groups.
"I think that would be the first concrete commitment is to develop that strategy...to bringing CSOs to a round-table dialogue to develop that strategy."
"There are some mechanisms which are in place which have not been working, for example, PIANGO and 5 other CSOs have consultative status but we have not really been consulted so it raises questions about what does having that status mean," she said.
"We've also applied for accreditation to a number of official meetings. I think it is now for the forum secretariat to identify what meetings PIANGO and other CSOs could attend"
PIANGO also wants the secretariat to release European Union funds for civil society and to find money to fill its position for a Civil Society Advisor.
Ms. Duituturaga says these issue need action and she would like to see civil society offered a formal dialogue at the Pacific Leaders summit.
"It would be great to have the opportunity in a similar way those private sector leaders from PIPSO (Pacific Island Private Sector Organization) directly with the leaders."
"Civil society leaders have wanted that and I am sure that would be a great step in the right direction, plus also to have agenda items that civil societies have contributed to."
Radio Australia: www.abc.net.au/ra
WORLD NIUS:
UN GRANTS SOLOMONS $5 MILLION FOR CLIMATE PROJECTS First in Pacific to win support
The Solomon Islands recently became the first country in the Pacific region, and one of four countries in the world, to be invited to secure resources for adaptation to climate change through the recently established United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)’s Adaptation Fund.
The Adaptation Fund (AF) was established to finance concrete adaptation projects and programmes in developing country Parties to the Kyoto Protocol that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.
The new project is titled "Enhancing resilience of communities in Solomon Islands to the adverse effects of climate change in agriculture and food security".
The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology (MECM) is the Designated National Authority for the AF.
MECM is together with Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) and Solomon Islands Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, with technical assistance from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), leading the way to secure the available financing.
It is expected that the funding will be used to achieve a set of results aimed at strengthening the ability of vulnerable communities across the provinces to manage the likely impacts as well as uncertainties of climate change on agriculture and food security.
A concept outlining a holistic approach to reducing the vulnerability of communities across the islands to climate change was submitted by the Government of Solomon Islands to the AF for consideration at the June 2010 meeting of the Adaptation Fund Board.Last week, the Board formally announced that the proposed interventions by Solomon Islands were determined to be eligible to receive funding of US$5 million and requested the Government and its partners to submit a detailed operationally and technically viable implementation plan for final review and approval. UNDP is presently providing expedited support to the Government to develop and submit the implementation plan.
It is expected that the project will focus predominantly in financing community-based adaptation initiatives. A range of initiatives, determined in consultation with beneficiaries of this initiative, will be implemented to strengthen the resilience of communities to anticipated climate change pressures such as sea-level rise, long-term temperature and precipitation change as well as extreme events.
For example, financing will be made available to implement on-the-ground actions to support smallholder farmers such as establishing nurseries and germ plasm centers for crop varieties that are more likely to be productive under changing climate, introducing drought as well as salinity-resilient crop varieties, water management practices such as irrigation that internalize climate change pressures on water resources, support for food processing, preservation and storage to overcome periods of extreme events and a range of others.
In addition, the initiative will also provide Solomon Islands with the opportunity to strengthen technical capacities within public and private institutions that are mandated to establish regulatory and incentive schemes to trigger behavioral adjustments that are more aligned with the inevitable implications of climate change on the agriculture sector.
The project will also focus on knowledge generation and codification of lessons from adaptation practices, and sharing and dissemination. It is expected that the implementation of this project, will also strengthen the capacity of Solomon Islands to directly access funds for adaptation in the future.
In order to prepare the full project proposal, a series of stakeholder consultations has been organized over the coming months. The first of these was held on 29-30 July in Honiara, and around 30 people from the relevant ministries, academia and NGOs were invited to share the project objective, outcomes and selection criteria of the pilot community projects. Additional consultations will be held in the coming months.
The full project proposal is expected to be finalized in a couple of months and submitted to the AF Board for its endorsement. Once funding is secured by the end of the year, implementation of activities in Solomon Islands is expected to commence in 2011.
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