PAC - Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association articles from May 2009

PAC - Pacific Islands Broadcasting Association archives from May 2009

Its not swine flu, its H1N1 influenza A, WHO says.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 GENEVA (Pacnews) --- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said it will stop using the term swine flu to avoid confusion over the danger posed by pigs. The policy shift came a day after Egypt began slaughtering thousands of pigs...

Tongan MP fears political reform delays.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 NUKUALOFA (Pacnews) --- A pro-democracy MP in Tonga says there are growing concerns that political reforms will not happen next year as the government has promised, reports Radio New Zealand International. Clive Edwards said...

UK carbon tax a blow for developing countries: Samoa.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 APIA (Pacnews) --- The carbon tax for British travelers proposed by the UK Labour Government is a major blow to anti-poverty programmes in the developing world, a Samoan development expert has asserted, reports Samoa Observer. ...

Chair of Solomon Islands Commission says it must operate within terms of Act.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 SUVA (Pacnews) ---- The chairperson of the Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission says it must work under the legislation it was created under, even though that means its findings cannot be used as evidence in a court...

New Zealand Pork says it hasn't been advised of any bans on its products.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) --- New Zealand Pork says it hasn't been told by countries in the Pacific of any import bans being placed on its pork products because of the swine flu outbreak, reports Radio Australia. Fiji quarantine...

Fines for two trade union leaders in French Polynesia.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 PAPEETE (Pacnews) ---- Two trade union leaders in French Polynesia have been found guilty of inciting racial hatred for comments they made in 2008 against the then president, Gaston Tong Sang, reports Radio Australia. Cyril...

Solomon Islands Government to sign agreement with World Bank.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) --- A memorandum f Understanding (MOU) will be signed today between the Solomon Islands Government and the World Bank, reports Solomon Star. The signing is to allow the process of doing business and investing...

VCMB approves 8 kava exporters.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 PORT VILA (Pacnews) ---- The Board of Directors of the Vanuatu Commodities Marketing Board (VCMB) has approved eight companies to export kava to Fiji and New Caledonia, reports Radio Vanuatu. They include three from Port Vila,...

WHO/SPC response to swine flu threat in Pacific Islands region.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 NOUMEA (Pacnews) ----- The human swine influenza A (H1N1) outbreak is evolving rapidly. As of 29 April 2009, nine countries have officially reported cases of the infection. New Zealand confirmed thirteen cases today (on Thursday 30...

IRB Chairman arrives for World Trophy finale.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 NAIROBI (Pacnews) ---- IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, ahead of the final matches to be played in theIRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2009 on Sunday, including the grand final between USA and Romania. ...

Japan group proposes job scheme for Solomon Islands.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) --- The Asia Pacific Sustainable Development (APSD) programme based in Japan has proposed a labour mobility project between Solomon Islands and Japan, reports Solomon Star. APSD, which established and operates...

First world climate refugees from Carterets Island resettled.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 PORT MORESBY(Pacnews) ---- The first world climate refugees from Carterets Island in Papua New Guinea (PNG) moved to their new homes, Tinputz, the relocation site last Wednesday to prepare the land for their families to move over...

Porgera landowners to sue PNG Police.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) --- Porgera landowners plan to sue the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Police Force and State for millions of kina in damages for destruction of property by police deployed in the callout. A letter sent to the...

State funeral for former Cook Islands PM.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 RAROTONGA (Pacnews) --- A state funeral service will be held for Cook Islands former prime minister Sir Pupuke Robati at the National Auditorium today, reports Cook Islands News. Sir Pupukes coffin will be taken to the Are...

CTA and SPC combine to sponsor extension training.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 SUVA (Pacnews) ---- How to adapt agriculture extension materials to the needs of farmers was the focus of a recent workshop in Nadi, Fiji. The workshop was a joint effort between the Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural...

Australian conman Peter Foster out of jail.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 BRISBANE (Pacnews) ---- Australian conman Peter Foster is a free man after being released early this morning from his latest stint in prison. Foster, 46, was spirited out of the Numinbah prison farm in the Gold Coast hinterland...

Pacific border closure possible says SPC.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 SUVA (Pacnews) ---- The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) says border closure may be the best way of dealing with the global outbreak of swine flu. The World Health Organisations (WHO) said more than 250 cases...

First Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre in Pacific launched.
May 1, 2009... 01 APRIL 2009 SUVA (Pacnews) ---- The fist ever Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre in the region was launched in Fiji today. New British High Commissioner, Malcolm McLachlan, launched the Fiji's Advocacy and Legal Advice Centre in Suva. ...

Solomon Islands cabinet reshuffle expected this weekend.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) --- Solomon Islands Prime minister Dr Derek Sikua is expected to announce a major ministerial reshuffle this weekend. Top government sources told the Solomon Star about three quarters of ministers will be...

New Zealand rearranges aid delivery in policy shift.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) ------The New Zealand foreign minister, Murray McCully, has announced that the semi autonomous aid agency NZAid is being re-absorbed into the Ministry of foreign affairs, reports Radio New Zealand International....

Tutu meets RAMSI chief.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) ---- Archbishop Tutu meets with RAMSI principals, Special Coordinator, Graeme Wilson, Participating Police Force Commander, Denis McDermott and Deputy Special Coordinator, Justin Fepulea'iyesterday, reports Solomon...

Solomon Airlines plans Internal Restructure.
May 1, 2009... 01 APRIL 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) ---- Solomon Airlines announced today that they have begun the long awaited company re-structure that will see some positional changes and streamlining of departments with effect from Friday, 01 May. The...

FAO states that the new A/H1N1 virus has not been detected in pigs.
May 1, 2009... 01 MAY 2009 ROME (Pacnews) ----- With the World Health Organisation (WHO) raising its pandemic alert level from 4 to 5, countries worldwide are being urged to take adequate precautionary measures against the newly found A/H1N1 virus, and to be...

NZ aid to the Pacific a failure: Govt.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) --- New Zealands aid programme in the Pacific has failed and will be overhauled, foreign minister Murray McCully said, reports NZ Herald. Mr McCully was greeted by protesting students when he announced the...

France-Oceania summit to be held in Nouma on 31 July.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 NOUMEA (Pacnews) ----- The third France-Oceania summit between the French President and the Pacific Islands Forum leaders has been scheduled to take place in Nouma on July 31, 2009, the French Presidents office announced at the...

Four Samoan chiefs jailed for arson.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 APIA (Pacnews) ---- Four high ranking Samoan chiefs of Matautu, Falelatai village have been jailed after being found guilty in the Supreme Court of arson, wilful obstruction, threatening police and throwing objects, reports Talamua...

CNMI to lose millions of dollars in Compact - impact aid.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 SAIPAN (Pacnews) --- Acting deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior Nikulao Pula says the CNMI stands to lose up to $3 million in annual Compact-Impact reimbursements starting in fiscal year 2010 because a...

ADB urges Pacific action on global financial crisis.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 BALI (Pacnews) ----- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has told Pacific Island Finance Ministers the impact of the global financial crisis on their region is worse than expected. Radio Australia reports the Bank is recommending...

Marshall Islands bank stronger than Americas: Official.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 MAJURO (Pacnews) --- In contrast to the global banking meltdown, a small bank in the Marshall Islands had its best year in 2008 and paid shareholders US$4.50 a share on Friday, reports Marianas Variety. Bank of Marshall Islands...

Pacific Countries identify key priorities for improving security sector governance in the region.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 NUKUALOFA (Pacnews) ---- The three-day conference on Security Sector Governance in the Pacific Region, came to a close last week with the five Pacific Island Countries present identifying key priority areas where support to enhance...

Pacific vulnerable to swine flu.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 SUVA (Pacnews) --- Pacific island nations have been warned they are more vulnerable to swine flu than other countries. The new strain of H1N1 influenza has been detected in 19 countries worldwide, but the small South Pacific...

American Samoa monitoring for swine flu.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 PAGO PAGO (Pacnews) ---- American Samoa Governor Togiola Tulafono says the U.S. territory is monitoring arriving passengers for symptoms of swine flu, reports Associated Press. Mr Tulafono has also directed local officials to...

New Zealand migrants suffer big losses as law changes.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) ---- Hundreds of would-be immigrants are today in limbo as a law comes into effect that could stall their bid to live legally in New Zealand, reports New Zealand Herald . The Immigration Advisers Licensing...

American Samoa cannery to close amid wage hike.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 PAGO PAGO (Pacnews) ---- One of American Samoas two tuna canneries is closing in part due to minimum wage increases mandated by federal law, reports Associated Press . San Diego-based Chicken of the Sea International plans to...

Pacific can take the helm in responding to crisis, says study.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 BALI (Pacnews) ---- Pacific island nations need to respond pro-actively to the global economic crisis, says a new book released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The book, titled Taking the Helm - A Policy Brief on a Response...

New UN Resident Coordinator presents credentials to Solomon Islands Prime Minister.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) --- Knut Ostby, the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, has presented his credentials to Solomon Islands Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua. Mr. Ostby will...

Temaru Government disapproves Frances nuclear test victim compensation bill.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 PAPEETE (Pacnews) --- The French Polynesia Government rejected France's N-test victim compensation bill which was presented last month in Paris, reports Tahiti Presse. Oscar Temarus Government claims the bill is not enough and...

Japan won't budge on whale kill.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 TOKYO (Pacnews) ---- Japan has refused to drop its Antarctic kill below 650 whales at a confidential international meeting, leaving whaling peace talks at a stand-off. The meeting of six key International Whaling Commission...

PNG recruits respected economist to an advisory panel on global warming.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) --- Papua New Guinea (PNG) is set to recruit some of the worlds most respected economists to an advisory panel on global warming, such as Sir Nicholas Stern, Jeffrey Sachs and Joseph Stiglitz. In a...

Australian PM Rudd lenient on illegals.
May 4, 2009... 04 MAY 2009 CANBERRA (Pacnews) --- While it is admirable of the Australian Government to treat illegal immigrants with greater compassion, its latest moves could increase the surge in unauthorised boat arrivals, reports Herald Sun. ...

Closer relationship for NZ and Australia militaries to deal with emerging crises in the Pacific.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 CANBERRA (Pacnews) ---- New Zealand and Australia will draw into a much closer defence relationship in a bid to deal with emerging crises in the Pacific, reports NZ Herald . New Zealand defence Minister Wayne Mapp has already...

Kiribati needs long term strategies to ensure better water supply academic.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 TARAWA (Pacnews) ---- Water experts say Kiribati must adopt long-terms strategies to lessen the impact of drinking water shortages on its people, reports Radio New Zealand International. President Anote Tong said last week a...

Bougainville NGO head says new direction for NZAID will mean more poverty.
May 5, 2009... 05 APRIL 2009 BUKA (Pacnews) ----- The head of an NGO in the autonomous Papua New Guinea (PNG) province of Bougainville says the new approach to aid being taken by New Zealand will lead to more poverty, reports Radio New Zealand International....

Mercury emissions contaminating Pacific Ocean seafood.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 LOS ANGELES (Pacnews) ----- The U.S. Geological Survey has released a study showingan increase in mercury emissions from human sourcesis affecting the fish population in the Pacific Ocean, reports ABC. Scientists have predicted...

A colourful politician who held all posts.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 (Pacnews) ----- Reports from Cook Islands News. Sir Pupuke Robati, whilst being a trained doctor, was more known for his exploits in the political arena from the time the country attained self-government in 1965, right up to the...

Tongas Privy Council appoints two new ministers, one resigns.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009, NUKUALOFA (Pacnews) --- Tongas Privy Council has endorsed the appointment of two cabinet ministers. Prince Tuipelehake becomes the new minister for agriculture while former long time senior civil servant, Eseta Fusitua, takes...

AusAID funds to focus on MDGs.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) ---- Australian aid to Papua New Guinea (PNG) is directed toward making measurable progress towards the millennium development goals, a statement from AusAID in Canberra said. In 2008-09, almost half of...

PNG guest workers set for October and November.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) ----- Between 600 and 800 workers from Papua New Guinea (PNG) will be in Australia between October and November for the fruit picking season, reports The National. Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare...

PNG government bid to lower green house gases by 2020.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) ---- The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Government is committed to reduce green house gas emission by 50% by the year 2020 and 100% by 2050, reports The National. Acting Prime Minister Dr Puka Temu said in Goroka...

FAA praised for multi-million dollar Pacific airport improvements.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 MAJURO (Pacnews) ---- Marshall Islands Transportation Minister Kenneth Kedi has praised the U.S Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its contribution to airport safety improvements in Micronesia, reports Radio New Zealand...

CNMI spending of stimulus funds stalled.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 SAIPAN (Pacnews) --- The Commonwealth of Northern Marianas ( CNM)I has not spent a single penny of the federal stimulus money it has already received or had been notified of receiving because there's no entity yet to audit every...

Eminent Persons to advise ADB on Climate Change.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 BALI (Pacnews) ---- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced the establishment of an Advisory Group of seven eminent persons to advise the ADB on how to strengthen its programs to meet the global challenge of climate change....

Solomon Islands PM announced ministerial reshuffle.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) ----- Solomon Islands Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua has today announced a reshuffle of his cabinet ministers in line with governments intention to speed up implementation of various government programmes. ...

Rise in probable cases of swine flu in New Zealand.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) ----- The number of confirmed cases of swine flu remained at six today, but the number of probable cases rose by three to 14, the New Zealand Ministry of Health says, reports NZPA. Deputy director of public...

Address climate change collectively: PNG scientist.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) ---- Climate change and its impacts on Papua New Guinea (PNG) should be addressed effectively and collectively, National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) senior scientist Dr Akkinapally Ramakrishna said,...

Wisai warriors Autonomous Region of Bougainville lay down arms.
May 5, 2009... 05 MARCH 2009 BUKA (Pacnews) ---- Warring factions in the notorious Wisai District of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville have agreed to lay down arms and allow peace to prevail in their area, reports Post Courier. The Mekamui and Wisai...

New report examines major challenges in mineral taxation: Commonwealth.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 LONDON (Pacnews) ----- Tax revenues in mineral-producing countries have been put under increasing pressure in recent weeks as demand for commodities, such as copper and nickel, has collapsed amid the global economic slowdown. ...

Beche-de-mer ban useless in Solomon Islands.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) ----- An investigation by a Solomon Islands newspaper, Island Sun, reveals that a ban on beche-de-mer harvest and export continues unabated. Despite the ban, which came into force in April, two Chinese...

Commonwealth Health Ministers to discuss climate change and public health.
May 5, 2009... 05 MAY 2009 LONDON (Pacnews) ---- Tomorrow will be too late to regain the progress we have lost today Commonwealth Secretary-General. Health Ministers from Commonwealth countries will meet in Geneva, Switzerland on 17 May 2009 to discuss...

Flu cancels U.S. Navy mission to Pacific.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 WASHINGTON (Pacnews) ----- The U.S. Navy said on Tuesday it decided not to send a warship on a planned humanitarian mission to the South Pacific after one crew member fell ill with the H1N1 virus and 49 others developed symptoms....

Coral Triangle Initiative respects sovereignty of member countries, says Indonesian Govt.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 JARKATA (Pacnews) ---- The Indonesian Government asserted that the implementation of the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI)would not disturb the sovereignty or territorial integrity of signatory countries. We have agreed that the...

There is no poverty in PNG: PM Somare.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 PORT MORESBY (Pacnews) ----- Papua New Guineas (PNG) Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare yesterday maintained there was no Papua New Guinean starving and dying of hunger, reports Post Courier. He said in a press conference in Port...

American Samoa begins border surveillance in response to bird flu.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 PAGOPAGO (Pacnews) ----- An American Samoa health team boarded Monday nights Hawaiian Air flight to check on arriving passengers for swine flu, reports Radio New Zealand International. This is the start of the territorys border...

PM Sikua says extended trip is cheaper.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) ---- Solomon Islands Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua says hes taking a 25-day trip to three Asian countries because its cheaper that way, reports Solomon Star. Dr Sikua leaves today to Taiwan, then to Indonesia...

Ni-Vanuatu seasonal worker charged in New Zealand.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 PORT VILA (Pacnews) ---- A New Zealand Court has charged a ni-Vanuatu working under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme (RSE) worker for using false documents to hide his true identity, reports Radio Vanuatu. Vanuatus...

Arena accuses New Zealand Government of ambushing Pacific on trade deal.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 AUCKLAND (Pacnews) ---- This weekends meeting of Pacific trade ministers in Auckland to progress the launch of PACER+ trade negotiations has all the hallmarks of an Australian and New Zealand ambush, the Arena network said today....

FemTALK 89.2FM commemorates 5 Years of Amplifying Women, Peace and Security Issues from the Community to Policy Level.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 SUVA (Pacnews) ----- 25 community representatives of rural women's groups from Bullileka, Veitadra, Urata, Vunicuicui, Naodamu and Waiqele joined femLINKPACIFIC's founding Coordinator (Sharon Bhagwan Rolls) and the organisation's...

AFP Commissioner Mick Keelty to step down.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 CANBERRA (Pacnews) --- Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Mick Keelty was not pushed into resigning, as he praised him for his enormous service to Australia, reports Sydney Morning...

Islanders still waiting for K2 mil.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 BUKA (Pacnews) ---- Carteret Islanders resettled at Tinputz in North Bougainville have been left to fend for themselves as mystery surrounds the whereabouts of the K2 million allocated by the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG)...

PNG Defence Force team in joint exercise.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 MANILA (Pacnews) ---- A contingent of PNG Defence Force soldiers is in the Philippines for a week-long regional disaster relief response exercise involving 27 countries including the United States, Australia, New Zealand and...

Illegal immigrant procedures to be softened: Australian Government.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 CANBERRA (Pacnews) ---- Illegal immigrants no longer will be locked up and deported when caught by Australian. authorities because of a major softening of immigration procedures, reports AdelaideNow. Visa overstayers,...

Former Solomon Islands attorney-general Julian Moti given deadline to submit affidavits.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 SYDNEY (Pacnews) ----Former Solomon Islands attorney-general Julian Moti has been given until June 1 to submit affidavits from high-ranking officials in his bid to seek a stay of proceedings in a child sex case against him, reports...

New Zealand supporting eye health in the Pacific.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 WELLINGTON (Pacnews) ----- New Zealand is contributing $5.6 million to a trans-Tasman project that will improve eye health, and treat blindness in the Pacific, foreign minister Murray McCully announced today. It is estimated...

Climate change your business: SPREP.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 APIA (Pacnews) ---- Dealing with climate change in the Pacific is everyones business, reports Samoa Observer. This is the message of the 2009 Pacific Year of Climate Change being led by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional...

Guam yet to survey people over support for US military build-up.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 HAGATNA (Pacnews) --- Its still unclear whether Guams Government will ask the people if they support the US military build-up in the territory, reports Radio New Zealand International. By 2014, about 8,000 U.S marines are to be...

Call on ADB to be flexible with small Pacific countries.
May 6, 2009... 07 MAY 2009 BALI (Pacnews) ---- Pacific countries have called on the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to be more flexible in its financial assistance so the island countries can cope with the twin issues of the global economic crisis and climate...

Pitcairn Island opening up to tourists.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 ADAMSTOWN (Pacnews) ----- A New Zealand shipping company is offering a trip to Pitcairn, the remote British Island located East of French Polynesia, reports Tahiti Presse. This trip offered by Stoney Creek Shipping Company...

Samoa gauges nonu export market in China.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 APIA (Pacnews) ---- Samoas newly appointed Ambassador to China, Tapusalaia Terry Toomata has taken the initative to gauge how the enormous Chinese market can be accessed with Samoan nonu juice and related by products, reports...

Australia and New Zealand call emergency meeting to fast-track Pacific free trade deal.
May 6, 2009... 06 MAY 2009 SUVA (Pacnews) ---- Australian and New Zealand Trade Ministers will this weekend attempt to convince their Pacific counterparts to ignore the Islands own trade officials and press ahead with a free trade deal warns regional trade...

Solomon Islands, PNG, FSM submits joint continental self claim to UN.
May 7, 2009... 07 MAY 2009 NEW YORK (Pacnews) ----- Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and the Federated States of Micronesia have submitted a joint continental shelf claim on the Ontong Java plateau to the United Nations in New York. The Ontong Java...

Marshall Islands asks for cost cutback plan.
May 7, 2009... 07 MAY 2009 MAJURO (Pacnews) ----- The Marshall Islands Government has named a 14-member panel to advise it on ways to cut costs and improve fiscal management and has given it just two months to complete the job, reports Marianas Variety. ...

UN review examines 16 more countries' human rights records including Vanuatu.
May 7, 2009... 07 MAY 2009 GENEVA (Pacnews) ----- The human rights records of 16 countries including Vanuatu are up for review at the fifth session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group of the UN Human Rights Council, which started in Geneva on...

Transparency Solomon Islands told to be independent.
May 7, 2009... 07 MAY 2009 HONIARA (Pacnews) ---- An African journalist says Transparency Solomon Islands must be free from political interference in its fight against corruption, reports Solomon Star. Bedan Mbugu, from Kenya, said this when sharing his...

US military reassures Guam of mutual benefits from troop build-up.
May 7, 2009... 07 MAY 2009 HAGATNA (Pacnews) ---The United States military is reassuring Guam people that the plans for its military buildup there will be a win win situation, reports Radio New Zealand International. Eight-thousand US marines and their...