Pacific Region News

PNG crocodiles migrate to Australia

CAPE YORK, Australia-Residents of Queensland have been warned by to be on the alert for saltwater crocodiles from neighboring Papua New Guinea.

Cape York government spokesman Mick Pittman said many PNG rivers have dried up, forcing the crocodiles to swim across the Torres Strait to the Australian mainland to find new breeding grounds.

Pittman said that the crocodiles are hungry and very dangerous. Two non-fatal attacks on humans this week have been reported.

Fiji government recommends budget increase

SUVA, Fiji Islands-–Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry’s government budget proposal for fiscal year 2000, which was submitted to Parliament Friday, calls for increased spending on hospitals, roads, education and welfare payments for the poor.

To raise new revenue, various tobacco and liquor taxes ranging from 10 to 15 percent and a new tax on state-owned enterprises are recommended.

In addition, Chaudhry is encouraging the sale of shares in various government businesses totaling approximately $35 million.

Strength of PNG currency encouraging

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea-–The national currency, the kina, continues to trade at its highest levels in four months.

Friday, the kina closed at US$ 0.37.

Economist Bernard Shuttleworth said the rise is due to confidence in the ability of the new government of Sir Mekere Morauta to effectively manage the economy.

Tribunal to investigate defense force commander

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea-–A tribunal of three judges has been appointed to investigate allegations of misconduct in office by suspended Defense Force Commander Major General Jerry Singirok.

Among the allegations, according to Chief Justice Sir Arnold Amet, is that Singiroki received monetary benefits from a British supplier of military equipment and that he failed to declare these benefits to the Ombudsman Commission.

Australians rescued in Loyalty Islands

NOUMEA, New Caledonia-–Three Australian citizens who survived several days on uninhabited Huo Island in the Loyalty Islands group this week have been rescued.

The two men and a woman were sailing their yacht from Vanuatu to Australia when it sank for a still-undetermined reason.

A French military plane spotted the trio, who had written a huge “V” in the sand, during a routine mission.

They were rescued by a government patrol boat.