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 Australia - Australian Opposition may raise off-shore detention http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18401/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Australia’s Opposition has raised the prospect of reviving off shore processing centres as part of its border protection regime. Tonga - Sheikh on flying visit to Tonga and Pacific http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18402/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Tonga is to receive a royal visit from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today. PNG - Kapris caught http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18403/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Papua New Guinea’s biggest private sector body – the PNG Chamber of Commerce and Industry has joined Port Moresby residents in hailing the police operation that recaptured high profile prison escapee, William Nanua Kapris. PNG - Flight scheduled to fly out Fijians aborted http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18404/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl An aborted attempt was made to fly out the 14 Fijian guards employed by Allied Gold Limited (AGL) at its Simberi mine in New Ireland Province, Post Courier reports Australia - Push to change embattled climate panel http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18405/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl PNG - Cholera hits 2,000 in PNG: WHO officials http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18391/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) cholera outbreak has spread to 2,000 people, a World Health Organisation (WHO) official says. Nauru - Nauru Government confident that public will back constitutional reforms http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18392/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Nauru’s Government is confident this month’s referendum on changes to the island’s constitution will be successful, with many locals expected to vote in favour of change. PNG - PNG’s 'most wanted' caught http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18394/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Papua New Guinea's most-wanted criminal, notorious bank robber William Kapris, has been captured in the capital Port Moresby after a prison escape last month. Fiji - Fijian administration stops pension for 20 former government members http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18395/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The Fijian administration has stopped paying pensions to more then twenty former ministers of past governments. Fiji - Fijian administration stops pension for 20 former government members http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18397/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The Fijian administration has stopped paying pensions to more then twenty former ministers of past governments. Australia - Australian Migration u-turn: 'caught between a rock and a hard place' http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18398/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The Australian federal government's overhaul of the skilled migration program could damage Australia's reputation abroad, the federal opposition has warned. New Zealand - New report examines impact of the global economic crisis in the Pacific http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18399/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Oxfam is calling on the New Zealand Government and the international community to rethink traditional assumptions about economies in the Pacific, in order to best support people through the global economic crisis and out of poverty. USA - UN officials urge redoubled efforts to end female genital mutilation http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18400/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl While there has been progress in reducing the incidence of female genital mutilation or cutting in several countries, there are still three million girls who continue to be at risk each year, United Nations officials warned today, calling for redoubled efforts to end this harmful practice. Nauru - Nauru to hold constitutional referendum http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18363/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Nauru has confirmed it will hold a referendum on changes to its constitution at the end of the month. Tonga - High powered weapons seized by Tonga police http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18364/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Powerful weapons including a semi automatic assault rifle of a kind used in gang warfare, have been seized by the police in Tonga Australia - No new high commissioner in Fiji yet: McCully http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18365/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl New Zealand and Australia do not intend to replace their high commissioners in Fiji until they get some reassurance they will not be turfed out any time there is a disagreement between the countries. Solomon Islands - Island economies always at risk, says Narube http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18367/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Fiji says the economies of small island countries remain vulnerable in any global economic crisis. PNG - Tribunal set for PNG’s finance minister Pruaitch http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18368/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia has announced the appointment of a leadership tribunal to inquire into allegations of misconduct in office committed by Minister for Finance Patrick Pruaitch. Niue - Niue’s acting premier defends airport upgrade http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18369/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Niue’s acting Premier is defending a major airport upgrade tourist operators say they were not consulted about. Fiji - Airlines review aircraft fleet in Fiji http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18370/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl A study of Air Pacific and Pacific Sun's fleets has started. PNG - Police violence and illegal evictions near PNG gold mine must be investigated http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18371/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The Papua New Guinea Government must investigate the conduct of police who burnt down homes and threatened people with guns while illegally evicting them from land next to one of the biggest gold mines in the country, Amnesty International said today. Solomon Islands - Australia to assist Pacific Islands communities http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18372/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Australian assistance to help increase access to financial services among low income, rural and remote households in Pacific Island communities. Solomon Islands - Island pushes to ban logging http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18373/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Conservationists on Kolombangara Island, Western Province are pushing for a ban of large scale commercial logging on the island. Fiji - OCTA will need consensus of all Forum members before EU reconsiders funding http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18375/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The European Union will reconsider funding the office of the regional chief trade negotiator (OCTA) for PACER Plus, if it’s the consensus decision of all Forum Island Countries (FICs). Guam - Military buildup impact report fails to address social problems: Guam Senator http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18376/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Guam senator. Judith Guthertz said the draft environmental impact statement, or DEIS, contains no mechanism to deal with the inevitable social problems that will arise with the arrival of 10,000 or more Marines and their dependents. French Polynesia - Cyclone Oli damages Tahiti, still a threat to Southern islands http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18377/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl A cyclone alert in force for French Polynesia was lifted for the main island of Tahiti as tropical cyclone Oli brushed past and is now heading for French Polynesia’s Austral (Southern) group. Fiji - Fiji reduces coup penalties http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18378/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl A new decree has been gazetted in Fiji which reduces the penalty for coups and treason. Guam - Russian travelers eye Guam http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18379/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Guam’s tourism industry is standing behind Vice Speaker BJ Cruz’s request to Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, asking her to support loser visa restrictions for visitors from Russia and China. Marshall Islands - Marshall Islands must ‘catch up’ on human rights http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18380/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The United Nations (UN) is helping three small central Pacific nations to prepare for their first international human rights evaluation later this year. Vanuatu - Three high-level UN meetings in Vanuatu put spotlight on development in the Pacific. Helen Clark of UNDP and Noeleen Heyzer of ESCAP join Pacific leaders to map out strategies http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18381/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Three high-level United Nations meetings will take place in Vanuatu next week, bringing together top UN officials, other development partners and leaders from the Pacific to assess the challenges faced by the region and to map out strategies to spur development amid the current global economic crisis. Fiji - Kill plan was army ploy to trace nasties: Major Narawa, http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18382/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Fiji’s High Court has heard claims that the military floated the alleged plan to assassinate Prime Minister and military commander Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama in 2007 in a bid to draw out elements that may have been planning such an assignment. Tonga - NZ help for Tonga children http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18384/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The New Zealand and Australian governments have stepped in to help get students from Tonga's outer islands back to school, after ferry services collapsed there. PNG - PNG diplomat in Solomon Islands to be dealt with http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18386/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Papua New Guinea’s Department of Foreign Affairs will deal with the senior diplomat in Solomon Islands, who allegedly under the influence of alcohol smashed a High Commission vehicle into a pole. Marshall Islands - Pacific countries name new fishing advocate http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18387/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl A group of eight Pacific Island countries have chosen a new leader to spearhead their campaign to capture a bigger slice of the economic benefits from the Pacfic's multi-billion dollar tuna fishery. Solomon Islands - Truth and Reconciliation Commission does not cover Bougainville crisis http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18318/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Chairman of Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), in Solomon Islands Father Sam Ata says the 2008 TRC Act is not broad enough to deal with the Bougainville crisis New Zealand - Improve cooperation with Pacific on agenda with Australia and NZ talks: McCully http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18319/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl New Zealand foreign minister Murray McCully is in Canberra to hold talks with his Australian counterpart, Stephen Smith. Fiji - Child predators will be hunted down: Fiji Police http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18320/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Fiji’s police force has launched a fresh campaign to target perpetrators of the country’s growing number of child sexual abuse cases, warning predators that they will be hunted down. Solomon Islands - Islanders want government assistance with relocation http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18321/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Climate change is severely affecting the low lying islands of Malaita Province in Solomon Islands and inhabitants are looking at resettlement according to Malaita provincial health minister Erickson Otia. Samoa - Tsunami communities frustrated by slow rebuild http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18322/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Many of the Samoan communities destroyed by last year's tsunami say they are getting frustrated with the slow progress of rebuilding. Palau - Palau accepts final Compact offer from the United States http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18323/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Palau accepted the US$250 million Compact of Free Association funding package offered by the United States , ending a year-long review of the agreement. Palau - Japan on phosphate mining suit: We enjoy immunity from jurisdiction of the Courts of Palau http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18324/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The Japanese Government, in a diplomatic note sent by its embassy to the Ministry of State on January 7, said that it is immune from the jurisdiction of the courts of Palau regarding the phosphate mining suit filed against its government and the government of the United States by Orakiblai clan and 12 other landowners. - Commonwealth goal to advance democracy by building strong foundations, values and practices. Deputy Secretary-General says robust and resilient efforts can help deepen democracy. http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18325/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The Commonwealth seeks to actively promote democracy through shared traditions and conventions that bind member countries together, said Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba. Fiji - High-level UN meeting to review sustainable development in the Pacific. 14 Pacific nations to gather in Vanuatu http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18326/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Top officials from 14 small island developing states (SIDS) in the Pacific are set to gather next week for a United Nations meeting to review their countries’ progress in sustainable development. New Zealand - Claims Tongans sold citizenship plan in New Zealand http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18327/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Hundreds of Tongan overstayers have been invited to Waitangi in a bizarre plan they believe will see them become New Zealand citizens. New Zealand - Pacific community cautioned about immigration scams http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18328/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl New Zealand Immigration and the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs are extremely concerned about the alleged scam targeting Pacific people. Niue - Time for a decision on asbestos, says Niue MP http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18329/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Niue Opposition MP Terry Coe says it’s time a decision was made on how to get rid of asbestos that remains stacked up on the island. PNG - PNG police evict residents near gold mine http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18331/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Amnesty International says police in Papua New Guinea (PNG) illegally evicted people living near a mine owned by the world's biggest gold miner. American Samoa - American Samoa prohibits sale of Samoan taro http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18332/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl Taro from Samoa have been prohibited from being sold at roadside stalls in American Samoa. Samoa - Polynesian Blue eyes new planes http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18333/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The company operating Samoa’s national carrier, Polynesian Blue may replace some of its existing planes with new aircraft. Australia - US president confirms Guam visit in March http://www.islandsbusiness.com//news/index_dynamic/containerNameToReplace=MiddleMiddle/focusModuleID=130/focusContentID=18334/tableName=mediaRelease/overideSkinName=newsArticle-full.tpl The U. president, Barack Obama, will be visiting Guam in March, where it is understood he will use the trip to discuss the proposal that the US military build-up be delayed.