The Pacific Islands number one news portal http://www.islandsbusiness.com/ Latest News en-us Copyright 2005. webmaster@islandsbusiness.com The Pacific Islands number one news portal http://www.islandsbusiness.com/images/ib-logo.gif http://www.islandsbusiness.com/ 144 64 Latest News Fiji - Fiji Govt decree 'bizarre', says expert http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27249/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl A Fijian government decree giving ministers immunity from prosecution over what they say professionally and personally, has been criticised by a constitutional law expert. Solomon Islands - Solomon Islands PM reshuffle one, appoints new minister http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27250/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Two new ministers were sworn in Solomon on Wednesday. Australia - Move to combat TB in Torres Strait and PNG http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27251/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The Australian federal opposition has called on the government to increase tuberculosis care in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Torres Strait Islands following an outbreak of the deadly disease in the region. Solomon Islands - Solomon Islands relations with NZ intact http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27252/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Solomon Islands Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter Shanel Agovaka says his government continues to share common desires with the Government and people of New Zealand to improve the lives of Solomon Islanders. Solomon Islands - RAMSI police withdraw from Malu'u police station http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27253/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Solomon Islands acting Commissioner of Police Walter Kola has announced the withdrawal of the Participating Police Force from Malu'u police station as of next Monday. New Zealand - NGOs must think global, act local: Oxfam http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27254/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl International aid agency Oxfam says preparing local communities is the most effective way to provide natural disaster relief. Fiji - 60 percent Fiji pensioners counselled: FNPF http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27256/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Sixty percent pensioners in the country have been counselled and validated, says the Fiji National Provident Fund. Solomon Islands - Solomon Islands deny chequebook diplomacy http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27227/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Solomon Islands Foreign Minister, Peter Shanel, says his country will definitely not be involved in any chequebook diplomacy with Russia. PNG - Court maps out path to PNG solution http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27228/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Papua New Guinea's Supreme Court has set out a way to deal with the quagmire of cases stemming from the country's ongoing political conflict. New Zealand - PM Key's radio show referred to police http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27229/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl A RadioLive show hosted by the Prime Minister John Key prior to the election has been referred to the police for breaching the Broadcasting Act. Guam - U.S still committed to Guam build up http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27230/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Director Bryan H. Wood, Pacific Division, Plans, Policies and Operations of the United States Marine Corps, told the island media yesterday that President Obama, “is still committed to a Marine presence on Guam. I think it’s pretty clear and we want to continue to restate that.” Australia - Islander program needs 'right mix' http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27231/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Murrawee Farms managing director Gaye Tripodi has called on the Australian Federal Government to review its Pacific Islander worker program, following the unceremonious departure of 32 employees from Vanuatu last week. Australia - Jetstar beats AirAsia into Japan http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27232/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Qantas’s budget offshoot Jetstar has brought forward the launch of its Japanese subsidiary by several months in an attempt to pip its Malaysian rival AirAsia in setting up domestic services there. PNG - Bougainville ex-combatants detain three vessels belonging to Rabaul Shipping http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27233/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Ex-combatants in the autonomous region of Bougainville are holding onto three ships, belonging to Rabaul Shipping company, reports NBC News. PNG - PNG crisis is an internal matter, says Rudd http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27234/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The political crisis in Papua New Guinea is an internal matter and is “for Papua New Guineans to resolve their political differences,” Australian foreign minister Kevin Rudd told Federal Parliament on Tuesday. Fiji - Fijian PM to announce details of consultation http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27237/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Fijian Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama will provide in greater details of the timeframe and methodology of the country’s constitutional consultation process at the end of this month. Vanuatu - Cyclone Jasmine damages homes and crops in Vanuatu http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27238/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Homes and crops in southern Vanuatu have been damaged by tropical cyclone Jasmine. PNG - PNG Prime Minister K8 million to ferry disaster http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27239/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has committed K8 million (US$3.6 million) to the search and rescue operations in Lae, to be used also as relief funds for the passengers of the MV Rabaul Queen. Marshall Islands - King tides force two Marshall Islands schools to close http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27240/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Two Marshall Islands secondary schools have forced to close for the past two days because king tides washed out portions of an 11 kilometre long causeway, preventing school buses from transporting students to school. PNG - Somare regime appointed police commissioner Yakasa reinstated http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27241/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga yesterday said he had welcomed the Somare regime appointed police commissioner Fred Yakasa back to the police headquarters at Konedobu. PNG - Two Asian firms eye PNG gas http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27242/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl KOREA Gas, arguably the world’s top importer of liquefied natural gas by volume, aims to join InterOil’s gas export project in the country. PNG - Two Asian firms eye PNG gas http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27243/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl KOREA Gas, arguably the world’s top importer of liquefied natural gas by volume, aims to join InterOil’s gas export project in the country. Australia - Superjumbo planes checked for cracks http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27244/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The European Aviation Safety Agency has ordered that all Airbus A380 superjumbo planes be checked for wing cracks, despite the aircraft manufacturer insisting there is nothing to worry about. PNG - BSP to open branch at LNG plant site http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27245/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl More than 30,000 villagers from the PNG LNG project conditioning plant site at Portion 152 outside of Port Moresby will have banking services conveniently available at their doorstep courtesy of Bank of South Pacific and Laba Holding Ltd. United Kingdom - The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust is launched http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27246/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust has been formally launched on the 60th anniversary of the accession of HM Queen Elizabeth II to the throne. PNG - Bougainville hardliners stand by PM O’Neill http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27204/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Former Bougainville hardliners want Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to be the first PNG leader to land at the Aropa Airport after its closure in 1989. Pacific - New CTA ready to roll http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27208/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The newly appointed Chief Trade Advisor (CTA) Dr Edwini Kessie believes he has what it takes to lead the islands into negotiations with Australia and New Zealand for PACER talks. New Zealand - New Zealand Defence Force staff stick to Fiji holiday policy http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27210/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says he will look into suggestions that personnel have been encouraged to list their occupations as public servants when they visit Fiji on holiday. Fiji - Fiji President calls for more action against HIV/AIDS http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27212/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Fiji’s President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has called for adequate funding towards HIV and AIDS programmes in the South Pacific. PNG - Eleven crew members including captain survived http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27213/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Eleven crew members of the ill fated MV Rabaul Queen survived the sinking of the vessel but eight of them were never registered on the list of the 238 people rescued by international merchant ships. Fiji - Fiji Media protection in 2014 election build-up http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27215/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl A new State Proceedings (Amendment) Decree 2012 aimed to protect media organisations came into effect last night. PNG - PM O’Neil to visit survivors in Lae http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27216/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill will visit survivors and families of people still missing of the MV Rabaul Queen ferry disaster today in Lae, Morobe province. Vanuatu - Cyclone Jasmine battering Vanuatu's south http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27217/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Severe tropical cyclone Jasmine is causing problems for Vanuatu's southern islands. French Polynesia - Tahiti issues enter French pre-election discourse http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27218/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The French overseas territories minister, Marie-Luce Penchard, has rejected criticism by the Socialists, saying they are trying to sell French Polynesia’s pro-independence politicians a dream. PNG - Foreign syndicates testing our effectiveness: PNG Customs http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27219/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The Papua New Guinea Customs Services suspects that foreign crime syndicates are testing the organisation’s effectiveness in protecting the country’s borders from illegal activities. Vanuatu - MSG's legal pursuit http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27220/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Sub-Committee on Legal and Institutional Issues (SCLII) is meeting through this week to discuss important legal and institutional issues in particular the review of the Agreement Establishing the MSG, a statement from the MSG secretariat said. Fiji - Fiji TV records $3.09m net profit http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27221/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl FIJI TV recorded a $3.09million (US$1.7 million) net profit after tax for the six months ending December 31, 2011. Fiji - Aviation academy opens doors to regional students http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27222/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl For the first time, overseas students have enrolled in Airport Fiji Limited's Aviation Academy, which CEO Tony Gollin says is “an indication of the recognition it is beginning to receive as viable alternative to other overseas aviation schools”. Australia - Kevin Rudd Ministerial statement delivered in Canberra on recent events in PNG http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27223/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl This, the first sitting day of the Parliament for this year, provides me with an opportunity to inform the House of recent developments in our neighbour Papua New Guinea. USA - UN officials urge measures to boost the world’s flagging economy http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27224/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Senior United Nations officials today warned that the world’s economy continues to teeter on the brink of another downturn, with growth in output having slowed considerably last year and expected to remain weak in 2013. Solomon Islands - Solomon Islands propose diplomatic relations with Russia http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27182/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Solomon Islands and Russia will be working together to fast track the proposed plan to establish a diplomatic relation between the two countries soon. PNG - PNG Judiciary is intact, says Chief Justice Salamo http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27183/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Papua New Guinea Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia yesterday assured the nation that the judiciary was intact and would continue to serve the people despite political upheavals. PNG - PNG ferry was overloaded http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27184/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The ill-fated MV Rabaul Queen, which sank near Finschhafen district in Morobe last Thursday morning was overloaded, Papua New Guinea Minister for Transport and Works Francis Awesa says. Tonga - Prime Minister urges Parliament to say sorry to NZ as soon as possible http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27186/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Tonga's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lord Tu'ivakano has told Parliament that government must send a letter of apology to the New Zealand government as soon as possible, reports Radio & TV Tonga. Vanuatu - Vanuatu braces for Cyclone Jasmine http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27187/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl People in Vanuatu are being warned to prepare for the arrival of a strengthening tropical cyclone. Tonga - Flash floods, heavy rain disrupt schools, work and travel http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27188/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl People living in Tongatapu, Ha'apai and 'Eua have been assessing the damage caused by last night’s strong gales. But the Tonga Met Service is reassuring people that there's no danger of a cyclone. PNG - Aussie eyes PNG deal with ExxonMobil http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27189/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Australian billionaire Clive Palmer has told the Australian Financial Review he is considering a farm-out offer from ExxonMobil for exploration leases his company, Chinampa Exploration, holds in the northern part of the Gulf of Papua. Northern Marianas - Pacific auditors find OPA ‘effective’ http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27190/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The Association of Pacific Islands Public Auditors says the CNMI’s Office of Public Auditor’s internal quality control system is “operating effectively.” Fiji - Pacific Islands Working Group (PIWG) prioritizes consumer protection for 2012 http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27191/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl AFI’s Pacific Islands Working Group’s (PIWG’s) first meeting of the year took place in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea from 24-26th January. Hosted by Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), the meeting brought together the five members of AFI’s Pacific Islands Working Group (PIWG) with the goal of setting this year’s priorities for advancing financial inclusion in the region. Australia - Australian constitutional proposals will worsen Aboriginal oppression http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=27193/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl A 22-person panel appointed by the Gillard government released a report last month proposing changes to the Australian constitution that would purportedly give the federal government new powers for the “advancement” of indigenous people. Far from addressing the appalling social conditions of ordinary indigenous Australians, the amendments would authorise the imposition of regressive programs that will only worsen the plight of Aboriginal people.