Pacific Region News

Marshall Islands hold nat’l elections

MAJURO, Marshall Islands—Voter turnout for national elections Monday was heavy, with analysts predicting close races for 33 Nitijela (parliament) seats.

Some 28,000 voters cast their ballots after the most aggressive campaign in 20 years. Final elections results are not expected to be announced until next week.

Marshall Islands Journal reporter Giff Johnson said President Imata Kabui “will certainly get back in as a Senator” from Kwajalein, but it is not certain that he will have the votes in parliament to be re-elected president.

New Zealand’s aid to Fiji defended

SUVA, Fiji Islands—New Zealand’s ambassador to Fiji, Tia Barrett, says his country’s assistance to Fiji hasn’t changed from that provided under the previous government.

Barrett was replying to a statement over the weekend by opposition whip Konisi Kabaki that New Zealand aid supported projects objected to by indigenous Fijians.

Barrett said during recently annual talks with Fiji government officials agreement was reached on a range of development assistance program that would benefit all Fijians.

Cook Islands’ PM expected to quit

RAROTONGA, Cook Islands—Opposition leader Dr. Terepai Maoate has told journalists that Prime Minister Dr. Joe Williams will resign just before Parliament resumes on Wednesday — but Williams’ office says no way.

Maoate believes the Prime Minister will hold out until the last minute on Wednesday, and then resign to save face before from being voted out of office in Parliament by a new majority political coalition.

But government spokesperson Elma Maua said, “The PM has always categorically stated that he will not resign.”

Cause of Wahgi bridge collapsed detected

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea-Investigators have reported that the collapse of a new footbridge that dumped up to a hundred people into the Wahgi River, killing two, resulted from someone removing nuts and bolts used in the bridge’s construction.

Engineers who examined the collapsed bridge said there were no structural deformities.

Police officers found the missing nuts and bolts in a nearby village.

Strike cripples airport operations

NOUMEA, New Caledonia —A roving strike at Tontouta International Airport, which began last week, continues to cause flight disruptions at Tontouta International Airport outside the capital.

Members of the STKE (Syndicat des Travailleurs Kanak Exploités) union are taking turns slowing down various catering and baggage services, causing most flights to be delayed several hours.

Union members object to continued employment of a supervisor whom they want dismissed.