PAC - Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association articles from June 2009

PAC - Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association archives from June 2009

El Nino odds rising with warming Pacific.
June 1, 2009... 01 JUNE 2009 SYDNEY (Pacnews) ---- The chances of a 2009 El Nino, a warming of eastern Pacific waters that often brings drought to Australia's farmlands, has risen and is above a 20 percent probability, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology...

Small islands win UN vote on climate change security.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 NEW YORK (Pacnews) ----- Small Pacific islands vulnerable to rising sea levels won a symbolic victory at the United Nations (UN) on Wednesday with the passage of a resolution recognizing climate change as a possible threat to...

Dr Sevele meets Stephen Smith in Tonga.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 CANBERRA (Pacnews) --- Tongan Prime Minister, Dr Feleti Sevele yesterday met with the Australian foreign affairs minister, Stephen Smith in Nukualofa. They discussed among other things a number of pressing regional issues...

Former Solomon Islands militant commander seeks justice.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) ---- Ex-commander of the former Malaita Eagles Force Jimmy Rasta Lusibaea says he wants those behind the 1999-2003 ethnic unrest to face the courts instead of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), reports...

Samoans sending cars home as nation prepares to drive on the left.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 AUCKLAND (Pacnews) -----Samoans in New Zealand are buying cars for their families in the islands, because of the imminent switch there to driving on the left-hand side of the road, reports NZ Herald . The move, planned for 07...

PINA rejoins IFEX council.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 OSLO (Pacnews) ----- The Pacific Islands News Association has returned to become one of the 13- members of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange- (IFEX) Council. PINA Manager Matai Akauola was one of seven new...

PNG Telikom gives network boost.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) ---- Global provider of wireless broadband solutions Alvarion has announced it was chosen by Telikom PNG to deploy the first Mobile WiMAX network in Papua New Guinea, reports Post Courier. Alvarions PNG...

Call for Pacific to join forces for economic gain.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 AUCKLAND (Pacnews) ---- Samoas Women in Business Development Inc and Oxfam have joined forces to assist other Pacific countries to develop their potential in supplying export products like virgin coconut oil, reports Radio New...

Harmful practises against women in the Pacific and globally.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 ADDIS ABABA (Pacnews) -----Modern manifestations of bride price, polygamy, early and forced marriages (sometimes including custom marriages), witch-burning and traditional forgiveness ceremonies to excuse or forgive violence...

Economic downturn hits Pacific hard: McCully.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 AUCKLAND (Pacnews) ----- The economic downturn has hit Pacific Island nations particularly hard because many were already dealing with challenges, New Zealand foreign minister Murray McCully says, reports National Business Review....

Maori king to visit Cook Islands.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) ------ The New Zealand Maori king and his family are set to visit Rarotonga in September, reports Cook Islands News. Te Arikinui Tuheitia Paki has accepted a special invitation from prime minister Jim...

Cook Islands office to be opened in China.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) ----- Plans are being made for the opening of a Cook Islands representative office in China this August, reports Cook Islands News. Cook Islands foreign affairs minister Wilkie Rasmussen made the...

Tongas police force receives nine vehicles from Australia.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 NUKUALOFA (Pacnews) ---- Australian foreign minister, Stephen Smith, has given Tongas police force nine vehicles during his first stop on a tour of several Pacific nations, reports Radio New Zealand International. The vehicles...

PNG adapt to Western ideas slowly.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) ----- Papua New Guinea (PNG) should not rush into becoming a modernized country, says Anglimp South Waghi MP Jamie Maxton Graham, reports Post Courier. Mr Maxton Graham who is a great advocator of rural...

ADB and Palau agree to five year strategic development partnership.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 MANILA (Pacnews) ----- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Palauan Government have agreed to a five-year strategic partnership aimed at supporting sustainable development and alleviating the impacts of climate change. ...

US Energy Department commits US$28m to American Samoa.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 PAGOPAGO (Pacnews) ----- American Samoas congressional delegate, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, says the U.S. Department of Energy is committing 28.8 million US dollars to American Samoa, reports Radio New Zealand International. Mr...

Pacific cultural profile to increase in the education sector.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 NOUMEA (Pacnews) ----- A strategy that aims to strengthen the role of Pacific culture in and through all levels of education is a step closer to completion after a group of specialists met recently to examine it. Last week (26...

Changes to New Zealand seasonal employment visas announced.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) ----- New rules have been brought in for those who want to bring in workers under the seasonal employers scheme in New Zealand, reports National Business Review. The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE)...

Chinese military officer calls for promotion of Asia Pacific.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 SINGAPORE (Pacnews) ------ Peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region requires all countries concerned to work together to promote cooperation in security, a senior Chinese military officer told the Asia Security Summit last...

NZ to support school fees scheme in Samoa.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) ----- New Zealand is to provide up to $1 million (US$631, 000) to help disadvantaged families in Samoa meet the cost of school fees, foreign mnister Murray McCully announced today. The global economic...

Warning that Marianas chain is not being told about extent of US military plans.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 HAGATNA (Pacnews) ----- An American anthropologist says there has been inadequate consultation by the US military with the local community on Guam where it plans to transfer 8,000 marines over the next few years, reports Radio New...

American Samoas vice speaker faces misdemeanor charge.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 PAGOPAGO (Pacnews) ---- The vice speaker of the American Samoa House of Representatives has been summoned by the District Court to appear Friday morning, reports Radio New Zealand International. Laolagi Vaeao is to answer to a...

Electricity restored to PNG hospital.
June 4, 2009... 04 JUNE 2009 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) ----- Papua New Guineas (PNG) main electricity provider, PNG Power, says it has restored supplies to a hospital in the Southern Highlands, despite its power bill still not being settled, reports Radio...

Pacific Islands seek low-cost storm protection.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 BONN (Pacnews) ---- Pacific Islands are trying low-cost ways to protect crops and coasts from cyclones that are a bigger threat -- for now -- than rising sea levels that could wipe low-lying nations off the map, reports Reuters....

Court told former Solomon Islands attorney general Moti charges a conspiracy.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 BRISBANE (Pacnews) ---- Australian Government agencies conspired to prosecute former Solomon Islands attorney-general Julian Moti because he was an impediment to their political interests in the tiny island nation, a court has been...

Tobacco sales to Marshall Islands teenagers drop but still high.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 MAJURO (Pacnews) ----- A dramatic drop in illegal sales of tobacco to teenagers in the Marshall Islands is being linked to an aggressive public awareness campaign over the past year, reports Marianas Variety. Although the rate...

Cook Islands settle on affirmative action to get more women into Parliament.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) ----- Cook Islands two political parties will be urged to adopt affirmative action plans in order to raise the number of women MPs to 30 percent by 2014, reports Radio New Zealand International. The...

Call to extend competition in regional air services.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 AUCKLAND (Pacnews) ---- A conference in New Zealand has been told Pacific skies should be opened up to competition to fully realise the regions tourism potential, reports Radio New Zealand International. The suggestion came...

IFC, PNG Government to set up economic zones.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) ---- The International Finance Corp (IFC) a financial arm of the World Bank is partnering with National Government to develop a strategy to set up multi-use special economic zones (SEZ) that could help create...

Forum trade ministers to consider regional trade issues in Samoa.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 SUVA (Pacnews) ------ Forum Trade Ministers will meet in Apia, Samoa, on 17-18 June to consider a wide range of regional trade and related initiatives. Developments in relation to the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic...

Australian defence minister resigns: PM.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 CANBERRA (Pacnews) Australias scandal-hit defence minister stepped down on Thursday over mistakes related to accountability, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said, reports AFP. Joel Fitzgibbon stepped down over revelations that he...

New Zealand opposition critical of changes to RSE scheme, govt says claims wrong.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) ----.The opposition Labour Party in New Zealand says the Governments removal of the minimum wage protection for workers on the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme will lead to exploitation of Pacific...

Politician questions Samoan vehicle switch.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 AUCKLAND (Pacnews) ----- A former MP has questioned why the Samoan Government decided to switch to right-hand-drive vehicles during recessionary times, reports NZ Herald. Vui Mark Gosche said many families in the islands would...

NZs PM John Key to visit Cook Islands.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) ----- New Zealand prime minister John Key is expected to visit Rarotonga some time next month, reports Cook Islands News. NZ High Commissioner Tia Barrett said while there has been no announcement of the...

France donates 15 army trucks to Tonga Defence Services.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 NUKUALOFA (Pacnews) ----- The French government has donated 15 army trucks to the Tonga Defence Services (TDS) worth US$1.1 million, reports Oceania Flash. The donation was made by Fiji-based French Ambassador Michel Monnier,...

Tonga, Samoa talk about 'smarter' Pacific aid.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 CANBERRA (Pacnews) ---- Leaders in Tonga and Samoa have discussed with Australia the need for better co-ordination between countries that provide aid to the Pacific. The topic was raised in meetings with visiting Australian...

PNG Telikom loses K40m a year.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) -----Papua New Guineas (PNG) Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has been called on to level the playing field on inter-connection call costs because costs are crippling Telikom and are...

Cook Islands Government asks for LA flight service to be covered by NZ.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) ----- New Zealand Government has now officially requested that the New Zealand government help underwrite the Air New Zealand Los Angeles flights, reports Cook Island News. Cook Islands Tourism minister...

EU Environment Commissioner calls for greater ambition in talks on new global agreement.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 BRUSSELS (Pacnews) ------ European Union (EU) Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas called today for greater urgency and ambition in international negotiations on a new global climate agreement, warning that it represents the...

OFC executive committee approve O- League expansion.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 NASSAU (Pacnews) ----- The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Executive Committee has met in the Bahamas during the 59th FIFA Congress this week to discuss a number of important matters such as the future of Oceanias topflight...

Philippe Goms elected President of New Caledonia.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 NOUMEA (Pacnews) ------ New Caledonias 54-seat Congress has elected anti-independence leader Philippe Goms as the new President of the local 11-member government. Oceania Flash reports the position of Vice-President remains...

PIANGO appoints caretaker administrator.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 SUVA (Pacnews) ------ Former Fijis permanent secretary for women, Emele Duituturaga has been appointed caretaker boss of the regional NGO body, the Pacific Islands Association of Non Governmental Organisation (PIANGO) PIANGOs...

Nuclear test veterans in legal action bid.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 LONDON (Pacnews) -----Around 1,000 servicemen who blame their ill-health on involvement in Britain's 1950s nuclear tests are to learn whether they can sue the British Ministry of Defence for compensation, reports The Press...

Agriculture will support PNG.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 SUVA (Pacnews) ----- Agriculture should be acknowledged as an agenda for Papua New Guineas (PNG) socio economic development, said Australian High Commissioner to PNG Chris Moraitis, reports Post Courier. During a briefing with...

Tonga quizzes religious activists.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 NUKUALOFA (Pacnews) ----- Two members of the spiritual movement, Falun Gong, have reportedly been questioned by Tongan immigration officials after the Chinese embassy to the Pacific nation expressed extreme concern about their...

Jakarta accused over West Papua prison.
June 5, 2009... 05 JUNE 2009 JAKARTA (Pacnews) ------ New York-based group, Human Rights Watch, has accused the Indonesian government of turning a blind eye to beatings and torture in one of its prisons - the Abepura jail, in West Papua, reports Radio...

Vanuatus NUP leader expels parliamentary speaker from party.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 PORT VILA (Pacnews) ----- The president of the National United Party (NUP) in Vanuatu, Ham Lini, has expelled the speaker of parliament, George Wells, from the party and asked him to resign as speaker, reports Radio New Zealand...

British Court rules veterans can sue UK government.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 LONDON (Pacnews)-------- Military veterans who participated in Cold War-era nuclear weapons tests won the right to sue the British Ministry of Defence Friday for on-the-job hazards, reports AP. Britain's High Court ruled that...

Kiribati committee to probe immigration approvals.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 TARAWA (Pacnews) ---- Kiribatis parliament has formed a four-man select committee to investigate the legality of foreign investors operating in the country, reports Radio New Zealand International . The committee has indicated...

Vanuatu case judge reserves his decision.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 PORT VILA (Pacnews) ---- The Australian Federal Court judge hearing a complex legal case relating to two Vanuatu companies linked to an alleged $100 million (US$79 million) money laundering scheme has reserved his decision on...

Pacific workers in violence against women gather in Fiji.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 SIGATOKA (Pacnews) ------ Women and men from 12 Pacific countries gathered in Fiji today for Fifth Pacific Regional Meeting on Violence Against Women. Facilitated by the Fiji Womens Crisis Centre (FWCC), the meeting includes...

Marshall Islands fiber optic cable plan moves forward.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 MAJURO (Pacnews) ----- Construction of the starting point for a 2,000-mile submarine fiber optic cable that is expected to revolutionize communications in the north Pacific kicked off last week in Majuro, reports Marianas Variety....

Cook Islands chamber of Commerce supports government on LA flight.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) ----- Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce is supporting governments official request to New Zealand to assist in subsidising the Air New Zealand Los Angeles-Rarotonga service. Government has made the request in...

HIV and AIDS Men who have sex with men and Transgender people in the Pacific.
June 8, 2009... Recommendations for an improved response. 08 JUNE 2009 SUVA (Pacnews) ----- The Pacific Sexual Diversity Network has released a landmark Report on the need to improve the Pacific Response to HIV and AIDS for Men who have sex with Men (MSM)...

Discussion paper talks about possible devolution of power in Tonga.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 SUVA (Pacnews) --- One of the possible changes to the powers of the monarchy in Tonga is likely to be the appointment of the Prime Minister. The Constitution and Electoral Commission says it will recommend that the Prime...

Pacific gets first dedicated European MP.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 NOUMEA (Pacnews) ----- The Pacific will now have its dedicated voice in the European Parliament as a result of Sundays elections, reports Oceania Flash. The first Pacific MP is New Caledonias Maurice Ponga, a former member of...

Cook Islands appoints police chief.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) ----- Cook Islands Government has appointed its new Police Chief, reports Radio New Zealand International. Maara Tetava, who has been the deputy commissioner for the past eight years and a Cook Islands...

French Polynesia confirms first swine flu case.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 PAPEETE (Pacnews) ----- French Polynesia has confirmed its first case of swine flu in a young American woman who arrived on a flight from Los Angeles. Tests were carried out on the woman and her husband after thermo-imaging...

Speaker yet to inform Head of State of nine by-elections.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 APIA (Pacnews) -----Samoan Speaker of Parliament, Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua is not flinching from his decision for the nine members of the Tautua Party to go back to their constituents for by-elections, reports Talamua...

American Samoan Government appeal ruling.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 PAGOPAPAGO (Pacnews) ----- The American Samoa Government has asked the High Court to reconsider its ruling on reimbursing the Samoa Shipping Corporation US$20,000 ($T57,000), KHJ Radio reports. The request was detailed in a...

Solomon Islands to have a local police chief in 18 months time.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) --- Solomon Islands is expected to have a local police chief in 18 months, according to the former deputy police commissioner and commander of the Participating Police Force under RAMSI, Dennis McDermott. Mr...

Impact custom can have on the status of women in the Pacific highlighted.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 SIGATOKA (Pacnews) ----- Fijis former vice President Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi has highlighted the impact custom can have on the status of women in the Pacific. Opening the Fifth Pacific Regional Meeting against Violence against...

Vanuatu Opposition brings motion of no confidence in Natapei Government.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 PO9RT VILA (Pacnews) ---- Vanuatus Opposition has launched a motion of no-confidence against the government of Edward Natapei over the decisions and policies made by the Trade Minister James Bule. Mr Bule has been accused by...

Challenge forPacific heritage island.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) ----- Leaders on an isolated World Heritage island in the Pacific say they face a challenge in educating their young people and the wider community about the importance on their homeland, reports Radio Australia....

Pacific water alert as El Nino threatens.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) ------ Solomon Island citizens have been advised to begin scheduling their water usage, with the apparent development of a drought-bringing El Nino weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean, reports Radio Australia....

Airlines may lose US$9 billion this year, IATA says.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 KUALA LUMPUR (Pacnews) ------ Airline losses worldwide may total US $9 billion in 2009, nearly double a previous forecast, as an outbreak of swine flu compounds the effects of the recession, the industrys main trade group said,...

Palau Government faces US$9 million shortfall.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 KOROR (Pacnews) ----- Palau is facing a budget shortfall of at least US$9 million in fiscal year 2010, which starts on 01 October this year, reports Marianas Variety. Palaus Vice President and Finance MinisterKerai Mariur,...

Guam Military build-up seen to open market for local agricultural products.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 SAIPAN (Pacnews) ----- The impending U.S. military buildup in Guam will open up lucrative markets for locally grown agricultural products and meat from the CNMI, according to Secretary Ignacio T. Dela Cruz of the Department of...

Round One Pacific Islands HIV and STI Response Fund recipients announced.
June 8, 2009... 08 JUNE 2009 NOUMEA (Pacnews) ------ A diverse range of organisations in the region are set to bring innovative ideas and more energy to efforts on HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), thanks to new grants from the Pacific...

Composition of Nobles, women and Tongans overseas discussed in interim report.
June 9, 2009... 09 JUNE 2009 SUVA (Pacnews) --- The people of Tonga have been urged to discuss and make written submissions on the composition of Nobles in the island kingdoms 30 member Legislative Assembly. Currently, there are nine (9) Nobles elected to...

Vanuatus opposition leader to request PMs resignation.
June 9, 2009... 09 JUNE 2009 PORT VILA (Pacnews) --- Vanuatus opposition leader Sato Kilman says he will pay a courtesy call on the Prime Minister and to request him to voluntary resign, reports Radio Vanuatu. Mr Kilman claims Edward Natapei was loosing...

Former Tongan PM dies, aged 88.
June 9, 2009... 09 JUNE 2009 NUKUALOFA (Pacnews) ----- Former long-serving prime minister of Tonga, Baron Vaea, has died aged 88, his family said, reports ABC news. He died late Sunday (local time) after being in poor health since late last month, they...

PNG forum to discuss Kokoda Track: Smith.
June 9, 2009... 09 JUNE 2009 CANBERRA (Pacnews) ---- The Kokoda Track and climate change will be on the agenda at a ministerial forum with Papua New Guinea this week, Australian foreign minister Stephen Smith says, reports AAP. Mr Smith will co-chair the...

Niue Minister grateful for solar power grant from the EU.
June 9, 2009... 09 JUNE 2009 ALOFI (Pacnews) ----- The Minister in charge of the Niue Power Corporation, OLove Jacobsen, says residents on the island will save money on their power bills once new solar energy panels are installed, reports Radio New Zealand...

Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce wants Telecommunication monopoly ended.
June 9, 2009... 09 JUNE 2009 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) ----- Cook Islands Chamber of Commerce is urging government to swiftly change the telecommunications law to allow competition in the industry, reports Cook Islands News. Chamber president Steve Anderson said...

Australian union body pushes PNG businesses on minimum wage.
June 9, 2009... 09 JUNE 2009 BRISBANE (Pacnews) ----- The peak body representing Australian trade unions - the ACTU - has been asked to help make sure PNG's new minimum wage is implemented, reports Radio Australia. Earlier this year, the newly-established...

Airline strike threat to New Caledonia.
June 9, 2009... 09 JUNE 2009 NOUMEA (Pacnews) ---- New Caledonia is facing massive transport disruptions after Air Caledonie failed to set a date to return to talks with the union representing Kanak workers, reports Radio Australia. The USTKE union issued...

Australia and UNDP join efforts for stronger Aid Management in Tuvalu.
June 9, 2009... 09 JUNE 2009 SUVA (Pacnews) ------ The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Australian Agency for International Development have agreed to jointly fund an aid management and coordination project in Tuvalu. The aim is to enhance...

New Solomon Islands Governor General to be appointed next week.
June 9, 2009... 03 JUNE 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) ----- Solomon Islands Parliament will elect a new Governor General next week. Clerk to Parliament, Taeasi Sanga, told national broadcaster, SIBC that this is according to the schedule put forward by the...

PM Rudd appoints new ministers to Australian Cabinet.
June 9, 2009... 09 JUNE 2009 CANBERRA (Pacnews) ---- Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has named Assistant Treasurer Chris Bowen to his Cabinet in a reshuffle sparked by last weeks resignation of Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon, reports Bloomberg. Mr...

Australia urged to help Tuvaluan pirate hostages.
June 9, 2009... 09 JUNE 2009 BRISBANE (Pacnews) ------ Tuvaluans living in Queensland are calling on the Australian Federal Government to help rescue 11 of their countrymen being held hostage by Somali pirates, reports ABC. Eleven Tuvalu nationals and one...

EU solar work targets five remote Pacific nations.
June 9, 2009... 09 JUNE 2009 MAJURO (Pacnews) ----- Five small Pacific island nations are getting US$$16.75 million from the European Union to install solar power equipment and improve energy efficiency, report Marianas Variety. One million dollars worth...

Cook Islands foreign minister faces expulsion over opposition to governments fuel farm scheme.
June 9, 2009... 09 JUNE 2009 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) ----- Cook Islands foreign minister Wilkie Rasmussen could be facing expulsion, reports Cook Islands News. This is because he may have breached cabinet protocol, according to a legal opinion by Dr Alex...

Pacific women workers in gender-based violence hear of challenges and milestones.
June 9, 2009... 09 JUNE 2009 SIGATOKA (Pacnews) ---- Whether its perceived sorcery-related killings of women in Papua New Guinea (PNG), the frequency of murders of women in Tonga, outdated laws in Solomon Islands or cultural attitudes in Kiribati, women in the...