PAC - Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association articles from December 2003

PAC - Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association archives from December 2003

No more European funding to development bank.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 HONIARA (Pacnews) --- A recent decision by the European Commission not to allocate funds for the Development Bank of Solomon Islands appears to be the final straw in efforts to revitalise the bank. European Union resident...

Indonesian police boost numbers in Papua for unofficial Independence Day.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 JAYAPURA (Pacnews) --- Indonesian police have been bolstering numbers in the province of Papua ahead of today's unofficial Independence Day. The military has been given orders to shoot separatist rioters on sight. In...

Pacific drug ring bust.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 BRISBANE (Pacnews) --- Federal Police and Customs officers are claiming to have cracked an international drug ring operating between Australia, Vanuatu and Fiji. Radio Australia reports four men were arrested in Brisbane...

First operational Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI) to be finalised.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 PACIFIC (Pacnews) --- New Zealand, Ireland and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have recently announced a total of F$450,000 (US$254,700) for the finalisation of the first operational global Environmental...

Waste treatment project for eight islands.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 PAPEETE (Pacnews) --- The French Polynesia Government plans to conduct a first ever study on disposable waste treatment this month on eight outer islands. "This is a first in the outer islands," Environment Minister Bruno...

Workshop to up-skill women peacebuilders.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 PACIFIC HARBOUR (Pacnews) --- A five-day workshop to up-skill women peace builders will open this morning in Fiji's Pacific Harbour, west of Suva. Organised by the Women Peace and Security Coordinating Committee (Fiji),...

Fear encourages spread of HIV, WHO warns.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 SUVA (Pacnews) --- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that ignorance, denial, fear and intolerance about HIV/AIDS is causing an environment where the disease can easily spread. Speaking today, on World Aids Day...

Drugs and fraud starting point for terrorism in Pacific.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 SYDNEY (Pacnews) --- Intelligence experts say stamping out drug trafficking and identify fraud in the Pacific region will help keep out terrorists. South Pacific police chiefs used a four-day meeting in Brisbane, Australia...

Malaita leader wants RAMSI personnel seconded to province.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 HONIARA (Pacnews) --- The national government has been urged to extend the work of the Regional Assistance to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) to help improve the financial management of the Malaita Provincial government. ...

Motion against PM withdrawn.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 PORT VILA (Pacnews) --- Leader of Opposition, Serge Vohor, has withdrawn the motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Edward Natapei. Mr Vohor said he withdrew the motion as he believed it would destabilise the...

Government will last full term: Maladina.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) --- The new Deputy Prime Minister Moses Maladina is confident that the Somare government will last for a full five-year term in office. Speaking after his swearing-in at Government House on Friday (28...

Maui soldier called selfless.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 WAILUKU (Pacnews) --- The first Maui-born soldier killed in the Iraq war was eulogised on Saturday (29 Nov) as a person who placed the needs of his family and his country before himself. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Bolor, 37,...

USP's new Regional Crop Gene Bank contributes to food security.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 APIA (Pacnews) --- The University of South Pacific (USP) is contributing to food security in the region by storing a duplicate collection of Asian taro varieties at the Regional Crops Gene Bank, opened recently at its School of...

Tokelau on way to self governance.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 APIA (Pacnews) --- The people of Tokelau, north of Niue are likely to become self-governing in free association with New Zealand. Niue News reports that leaders of the tiny group of atolls, which are a territory of New...

No further Chinese students until 'problem' is resolved.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 SAIPAN (Pacnews) --- Saipan University President Jesus Taisague says the university is suspending the arrival of some 300 students from China until the "problem" with the students who are already at the university is resolved....

Sanitation and drainage project helps clean up environment in Apia.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 MANILA (Pacnews) --- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an assistance package totaling US$8.4 million to improve the drainage and drainage infrastructure of Samoa's capital, Apia. A loan of US$8 million will...

Pacific project targets obesity.
December 1, 2003... 01 DECEMBER 2003 SYDNEY (Pacnews) --- Researchers across the Pacific are working on a project to try to combat obesity. The A$25 million (US$18.1 million) study will follow thousands of young people in four countries. Obesity is the most...

A$500m rescue package for PNG.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 CANBERRA (Pacnews) --- In a A$500 million (US$364.3 million), five-year operation, more than 250 Australian police will be sent to Papua New Guinea's (PNG) hotspots of Bougainville, Port Moresby, Mount Hagen and Lae to restore...

Church leader suggests separate Malaita.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 HONIARA (Pacnews) --- A church leader in Solomon Islands says permanent peace can only be achieved in the country when Malaita becomes a separate political entity. Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation reports that...

Suva housing dwellers get serious collapse warning.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 SUVA (Pacnews) --- There is rising fear in Suva, Fiji that four-storey buildings in one of the city's most overcrowded housing estates could face collapse and cause untold tragedy with its inhabitants. The worrying factor...

Re-elected Vanuatu MP Sope vows action against those behind his jailing.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 PORT VILA (Pacnews) --- The winner of last week's by-election in Vanuatu, Barak Sope, says he will ensure he lets those who helped jail him face the consequences should he be returned to government,. Mr Sope regained the...

Forum to address discrimination against women with disabilities.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 SUVA (Pacnews) --- "Women with disabilities in the Pacific are discriminated against first as women, and secondly as persons with disabilities (PWDs)" says Disabled People's International project officer Sainimili Tawake. ...

Taiwan now permanently established since China's withdrawal.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 TARAWA (Pacnews) --- While the Pacific Islands region is viewed as an important diplomatic area, a Taiwanese diplomat based in Fiji has said that Taiwan and China do things differently and will always clash on what he regards...

Government threatens to terminate loan arrangements with donors.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) --- The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Government will terminate loan arrangements with its overseas donor partners by March 2004 if funds promised to support the budget are not released. Prime Minister Sir...

Indonesian security forces interrupt Papuan flag raising ceremony.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 JAYAPURA (Pacnews) --- Indonesian police and military have taken down the banned Papuan Morning Star flag raised to celebrate the West Papuan independence proclamation. Radio New Zealand International reports that the flag...

PAFCO on PR exercise after recent complaints.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 SUVA (Pacnews) --- The Pacific Islands' largest fish processing factory, Fiji-based Pacific Fishing Company Limited, (PAFCO), has embarked on a major public relations exercise to allay fears that it subjects its workers to poor...

Disaster relief sought for Big Island.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 HILO (Pacnews) --- Hawai'i County Council Chairman James Arakaki wants to create a special fund to pay for cleanup efforts after natural disasters. Mr Arakaki is calling for putting aside between US$100,000 and US$500,000...

Pacific Forum team inspect Niue facilities.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 ALOFI (Pacnews) - A Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) team is in Niue to check on the Pacific island nation's preparation for the 2004 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, which Niue will host. PIFS' Political...

Rural dwellers to have easy access to communication.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 HONIARA (Pacnews) - The people of Sa'a and nearby villages in Small Malaita, an island north-west of the capital, Honiara in Solomon Islands are now looking positively into the future with strong hopes and a determination to...

Outspoken politician is Australia's new opposition leader.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 CANBERRA (Pacnews) - Australia's opposition Labor Party has voted its outspoken treasury secretary Mark Latham as its new leader. Mr Latham won 47 votes against 45 for former party leader Kim Beazley. The vote came after...

Fiji prepares for International Day of Disabled Persons.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 SUVA (Pacnews) --- Tomorrow (03 Dec) marks the United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons, and Suva is gearing up for a day of celebration. A first-ever Solidarity March through the city streets will kick off a...

Water filtration system a success.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 APIA (Pacnews) - Less than a week after its launch in Samoa, there is already considerable interest in a non-chemical filtration system to provide clean water to households. A local biochemist, Bill Moore, and his wife,...

Allegations of outside interference in country's affairs.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 PORT VILA (Pacnews) --- There have been renewed allegations that Australia is interfering in Vanuatu's affairs. The acting commissioner of the Vanuatu Maritime Authority, Less John Napuati, has written to the Deputy Prime...

Fiji rugby union coach quits.
December 2, 2003... 02 DECEMBER 2003 SUVA (Pacnews) - Mac McCallion, coach for Fiji rugby, has resigned. Citing frustration as the reason, Mr McCallion had been on the job for only two years. Mr McCallion is reported to have been disgusted with the...

Tonga introduces heavy penalties for drug crimes.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 NUKU'ALOFA (Pacnews) - The Tonga government has introduced one of the heaviest penalties for drug offenders imposed by any government in the region, Matangi Tonga reports. A fine not exceeding TOP1 million (about...

PM Qarase pledges more indigenous initiatives.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 SUVA (Pacnews) - Fiji's Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, has pledged more support for the indigenous Fijians by committing his government to changing the current legislation regarding fishing grounds ownership rights. He...

Japan auction captures large number of Tahitian pearls.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 KOBE (Pacnews) - An auction of some of Tahiti's most treasured pearls netted at least USD$6 million in the Japanese city of Kobe late last month. The 16th Robert Wan Pearl Auction - the second auction in Kobe, Japan, this...

WHO/SPC conference focussed on animal health.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 NOUMEA (Pacnews) - A three-day conference in New Caledonia last week concentrated on animal health in the Asia/Pacific region and ways the regions can tackle diseases that are wiping out some of the world's animals in recent...

PM's coalition partner prepares ahead of elections.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 HONIARA (Pacnews) - The Peoples Alliance Party (PAP), one of Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza's ruling coalition partners, has embarked on preparations ahead of Solomon Islands national elections in 2006. PAP had endorsed...

Table tennis to attract top players.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 PORT VILA (Pacnews) - Some of the best table tennis players in Vanuatu will be part of a national tournament this month aimed at preparing them for future regional and international tournaments. Port Vila Presse reports...

MPs show political will on HIV/AIDS.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) - Papua New Guinea (PNG) politicians are finally getting organised to do something about the country's growing HIV/AIDS epidemic, the Post Courier reports. Fifty per cent of PNG's parliamentarians...

People take to streets in celebration of International Day of Disabled Persons.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 SUVA (Pacnews) --- The worst barrier facing people with disabilities is society's own attitude in isolating them, said Fiji's Chief Justice Daniel Fatiaki at the official launch of this year's International Day of Disabled...

Minister again placed on remand.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 HONIARA (Pacnews) - Solomon Islands' Minister for Communication, Aviation and Meteorology, Daniel Fa'afunua is now placed under police custody for a further 14 days and will re-appear at the Central Magistrates Court on 16...

SIDS face growing vulnerability: FAO.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 ROME (Pacnews) - "The situation of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) continues to be one of exposure and growing vulnerability due to new challenges and emerging economic, social and ecological issues," says a Food and...

Mugabe attacks 'unholy alliance' in Commonwealth.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 HARARE (Pacnews) - Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe accused Britain, Australia and New Zealand on Tuesday (02 Dec) of forging an "unholy alliance" against him and said Zimbabwe's future in the Commonwealth would depend on...

PM Somare defeated twice.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) - Papua New Guinea's (PNG) Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, has again failed to secure the numbers from within his own government to pass his controversial proposed Section 145 Constitutional Amendment...

Fears of spiralling violence in Papua.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 JAYAPURA (Pacnews) --- Tensions in Indonesia's easternmost West Papua province are still high after an Indonesian soldier was stabbed to death by a mob of 300 people on the eve of the provinces unofficial independence day,...

Guam almost became a Commonwealth: Professor.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 HAGATNA (Pacnews) --- A professor of History and Micronesian studies at the University of Guam, Dr Dirk Ballendorf, had uncovered classified archived information that Guam nearly became a commonwealth under President Gerald...

Proposed policy slams quota on aquarium fish export.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 PORT VILA (Pacnews) --- Vanuatu Fisheries director Moses Amos has announced the establishment of an Aquarium Trade Advisory committee which will draft management guidelines to regulate harvest and export of aquarium fish and...

PM announces 2004 National Year of Prayer.
December 3, 2003... 03 DECEMBER 2003 SUVA (Pacnews) --- The Fiji Cabinet has declared 2004 as the National Year of Prayer. Cabinet also declared the 8 July 2004 as the National Day of Prayer and the week of September 20-26 National Forgiveness Week. Prime...

Accord paves way for Wallis self-development.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 MATA-UTU (Pacnews) - Some 30,000 Wallisians & Futunians (20,000 of whom permanently reside in New Caledonia) can now enjoy special citizenship status and employment and education benefits after the signing of a special accord...

2004 Kava Talkfest to address ban.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 PACIFIC (Pacnews) - Pacific Islands kava producers have collectively agreed to meet in the new year to decide on their next step in patching up the ruined European pharmaceutical market for the root crop. Fiji, Samoa and...

New Penrhyn-English dictionary a first.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) - Cook Islands National Research Foundation has received the first-ever published Penrhyn-English dictionary from a Japanese researcher. Norio Shibata of Tenri University had sent a proposal to the...

Fiji to consider new anti-drug making laws.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 SUVA (Pacnews) - Fiji may change its laws to ban the importation of chemicals used to manufacture illegal drugs, after simultaneous drug busts in Australia, Vanuatu and Fiji. A 13 month investigation led to the seizure of...

Flosse crosses fingers for early autonomy statute approval.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 PAPEETE (Pacnews) - French Polynesia's President Gaston Flosse still has his fingers crossed for a quick approval process of Tahiti's proposed autonomy statute, Tahiti Presse reports. President Flosse returned to Tahiti on...

Tua throws chance of world title away.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) - Samoan David Tua appears to have lost the will to box on. The word is that Tua has told promoter Cedric Kushner he will not get in the ring with Lamon Brewster as scheduled on February 14. They...

800 villagers afflicted by skin diseases.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) - As many as 800 people in Papua New Guinea's Morobe and Oro provinces have contracted a skin disease known as Yaws, The National newspaper reports. A community-based distribution (CBD) officer with...

Marshall islanders unhappy over US withdrawal of health fund.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 MAJURO (Pacnews) - The people of Marshall Islands are unhappy that a United States-funded health programme in regions affected by US-nuclear testing, will close at the end of this month, Radio Australia reports. Funding...

Proposed by-laws to catch illegal vessels and holidaymakers.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) - Cook Islanders planning for a joy swim, a fishing expedition or general business at or near the island nation's wharves, port works, landing steps or jetties without the Harbour Master's approval, could be...

Taiwanese fishing vessel seized.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 NOUMEA (Pacnews) - French police in New Caledonia yesterday (03 Dec) arrested a Taiwanese boat captain after his vessel was found fishing within the country's 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), RFO's...

COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING : CHOGM 2003 - Abuja, Nigeria 5 - 8 December.
December 4, 2003... PACNEWS coverage is made possible with funding assistance from the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting bound for a split ABUJA, NIGERIA --- A day before leaders from 52 of the 54 members of the...

PACNEWS DIGEST - The views expressed in PACNEWS DIGEST are those of agencies contributing articles and not necessarily those of PIBA and/or PACNEWS.
December 4, 2003... Finding the model of reconciliation for Fiji SUVA FIJI --- Like any country going through a reconciliation process, Fiji must face the four broad tasks of truth telling; apology and the claiming of responsibility; justice building; and...

Tuvalu, Kiribati and Nauru no longer visa free.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) --- New Zealand Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel today announced that the visitor visa-waiver scheme for Tuvalu, Kiribati and Nauru nationals will be suspended from 12am Monday 8 December 2003. ...

Papua Council to hold dialogue.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 JAKARTA (Pacnews) --- The Papua Council will hold a gathering on 15 December to discuss the fate of the province. Council head Jhon Ibo said on yesterday (Dec 03) the dialogue would respond to the government's decision to...

Tahiti's prison in "shocking" condition, says French official.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 PAPEETE (Pacnews) --- Tahiti's Nuutania prison is in a "shocking" condition with a 226 percent occupancy, a visiting French government official said earlier this week. Tahiti Presse reports that Pierre Bedier, a junior...

National radio protest against PSB award to rival station.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 SUVA (Pacnews) --- Lawyers for Fiji's national broadcaster, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation Limited (FBCL) have written to Minister for Information and Media Relations, Simione Kaitani, to challenge the award of Public Service...

Reports suggests political reforms on Norfolk Island.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 BURNT PINE (Pacnews) --- An Australian inquiry into governance on Norfolk Island has heard allegations of intimidation, arson and phone tapping being used for financial and political gain, Radio Australia reports. The...

Morobe Governor says Australian police not needed in PNG.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) --- A leading official in Papua New Guinea has criticised the planned deployment of more than 200 Australian police to the country. Morobe Governor, Luther Wenge, says Australian police are not...

Correction:.
December 4, 2003... Please note in the story "Taiwanese fishing vessel seized" published in today's first edition of PACNEWS, the name of the seized Taiwanese vessel is the "San Sheng 168" not the "La Glorieuse" as reported. The "La Glorieuse" refers to the...

COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING: CHOGM 2003 - Abuja, Nigeria 5 - 8 December.
December 4, 2003... PACNEWS coverage is made possible with funding assistance from the Commonwealth Secretariat in London Pro-poor report 04 DECEMBER 2003 ABUJA (Pacnews) --- A report just launched on making democracy work for Commonwealth member...

Democracy.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 ABUJA (Pacnews)--- One of the central problems to the stalled processes of democratisation is institutional weakness. That's the finding of the expert group put together by the Commonwealth Secretariat to recommend ways in...

Guidelines to confront poverty, democracy and development.
December 4, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 ABUJA (Pacnews) --- Commonwealth leaders are expected to endorse a new set of guidelines to help member nations confront the crisis of global poverty and the failure of many developing countries to consolidate and deepen...

PNG elects new governor-general.
December 5, 2003... 05 DECEMBER 2003 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) - Papua New Guinea's (PNG) parliament has elected the country's eighth Governor-General after several secret ballots. Sir Pato Kakaraya, a former parliamentarian, defeated fellow Engan, Sir Albert...

Opposition fails to muster enough support for vote of no confidence.
December 5, 2003... 05 DECEMBER 2003 PORT VILA (Pacnews) - For the second time in eight days, the Opposition in Vanuatu has been forced to abandon plans for a vote of no confidence in the government of Prime Minister Edward Natapei. Radio New Zealand...

Canadian stakeholders move to revive Goro Nickel project.
December 5, 2003... 05 DECEMBER 2003 NOUMEA (Pacnews) - Canada's nickel mining giant Inco has announced moves to resume the construction of New Caledonia's multi-million-dollar Goro nickel mine. Inco executives made the announcement this week in Toronto,...

Pacific island youth leaders visit Japan.
December 5, 2003... 05 DECEMBER 2003 PACIFIC (Pacnews) - Several youth leaders from 12 Pacific Island nations are on a goodwill tour of Japan. The youth leaders are from Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau,...

Palau gets first copyright law.
December 5, 2003... 05 DECEMBER 2003 KOROR (Pacnews) - Palau has written its first copyright laws and established penalties for a controversial practice of reproducing others works for profit without compensation. President Tommy Remengesau says people can now...

Saipan University license may be suspended.
December 5, 2003... 05 DECEMBER 2003 SAIPAN (Pacnews) --- State Board of Regents will decide today if it will suspend the provisional license of Saipan University amid complaints from its Chinese students who say they are dissatisfied with the management of the...

COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING: CHOGM 2003 - Abuja, Nigeria 5 - 8 Dec.
December 5, 2003... PACNEWS coverage is made possible with funding assistance from the Commonwealth Secretariat in London McKinnon wants another shot at top job 05 December 2003 Abuja (Pacnews) --- Commonwealth Secretary General, Don McKinnon has quietly...

Pakistan to re-enter?
December 5, 2003... 04 DECEMBER 2003 ABUJA (Pacnews) - There is a possibility that Pakistan will be welcomed back into the Commonwealth fold, if the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) gives the country the nod. While CMAG will report directly to the...

Former President says new Taiwan policy is wrong.
December 5, 2003... 05 DECEMBER 2003 TARAWA (Pacnews) - The Kiribati leader responsible for establishing links between his country and China has finally spoken out against President Anote Tong's decision to sever ties with the Asian nation. In an interview...

Rural workshop to enlighten villagers on HIV/AIDS issues.
December 5, 2003... 05 DECEMBER 2003 SUVA (Pacnews) - Women, young people, ministers of religion, community leaders and journalists will next week have an opportunity to share information and views on HIV/AIDS issues at a major rural workshop just outside Suva,...

Female pilot encourages other women.
December 5, 2003... 05 DECEMBER 2003 HONIARA (Pacnews) - Elizabeth Ramoni is celebrating a proud achievement as Solomon Islands' second female pilot for the country's national carrier, Solomon Airlines. Recently promoted to captain, she says her job is both...

Police on Christmas campaign against drink-driving.
December 5, 2003... 05 DECEMBER 2003 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) - Cook Islands police are launching a campaign against drink-driving this Christmas season in order to save lives. Police Commissioner Pira Wichman is actively involved in the campaign after three...