Pacific Region News

Rotuma loyal to Fiji, says gov’t official

SUVA, Fiji Islands– Home Affairs Minister Jioji Uluinakauvadra has returned from an emergency inspection trip to the remote northern island of Rotuma with a report that the island chiefs do not support secession from Fiji.

Earlier, Rotuma police reported that visiting American David Koman was assisting a dissident group organize an independent republic.  Koman no longer is on the island.

Rotuma Council chairman Visanti Makrava said the national government minister’s visit has resulted in confirmation of immediate repair work to the Rotuma’s main wharf and improvements to the island hospital.

Declaration to end Pacific money laundering

SUVA, Fiji Islands—Representatives from central banks in eight Pacific Island countries have signed a declaration aimed at ending illicit regional financial operations.

The Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Center, funded by the United Nations Development Program the International Monetary Fund, convened the meeting following recent international banking developments that demonstrated the fiscal vulnerability of some Pacific nations.

Banks in the Cook Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau and Vanuatu, in particular, have had to deal with international criticism following reports that they allegedly laundered money for Russian and Latin American organized crime syndicates.

The scandal led to eight Pacific countries signing the Pacific Islands Prudential Regulation and Supervision Initiative.

10,000 people in PNG unaware they have HIV/AIDS

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea—Medical researcher Dr. Mathias Sapouri told a meeting of physicians Monday that he believes more than 10,000 people are infected with the HIV/AIDS virus across the country but are unaware of their plight.

He said 2,000 cases already have been confirmed, with 1,100 in the capital alone.

Chamorros call for the release of senator

HAGATNA, Guam— Indigenous Chamorros have launched a campaign demanding that the U.S. government release Senator Angel Santos from a California prison so he can be returned to Guam.

Santos was sentenced to six months in jail last month for contempt of court. Earlier, he lead a mass rally demanding the return of lands now being used as a U.S. Fisheries and Wildlife Service refuge.

Chamorro leader Ed Beneventi said Santos has always been a catalyst for indigenous issues.

There are no federal prisons in Guam, so those convicted of breaking federal laws are sent to the United States to serve time.