Pacific Region News

Earthquake affects whole of Pentecost Island

PORT VILA, Vanuatu - An aerial survey shows that all of Pentecost Island was affected by the earthquake and tsunami which hit the island early Saturday morning.

The official death toll remains at eight, with two others still missing and four seriously injured.

Officials said it is difficult to estimate how many people have been left homeless, but they estimate the number to be in the thousands.

The top government priority now is getting water to the islanders, as most water tanks and underground supplies have been destroyed.

Malaitans accuse Solomon Islands gov’t

HONIARA, Solomon Islands -– Hundreds of people displaced during ethnic tension in the Solomon Islands earlier this year have accused the government of holding up resettlement funds.

The government promised the money to ethnic Malaitans, who were displaced in disputes with Guadalcanal islanders over land rights and jobs, to cover resettlement costs on their neighboring home islands.

Thousands of the displaced people have returned home, but hundreds more remain without funding in the country’s capital.

The ethnic Malaitans said in a petition to the government that they have been waiting for funds for nearly six months.

French Polynesia salaries to increase 1.2 percent

PAPEETE, French Polynesia -– Trade federation and employees’ union leaders have agreed to raise year 2000 salaries by 1.2 percent.

The agreement was signed by Federation Generale du Commerce President Gilles Yau and employees representatives, after what was termed harsh negotiations between he two parties.

“We found a common ground for understanding, after a series of three meetings. Overall, we’re now satisfied,” Yau said.

The pay increase becomes effective January 1, 2000.

New Caledonia domestic airline strike ends

NOUMEA, New Caledonia -– An Air Caledonie strike which affected domestic flights throughout the French territory has ended.

The strike by the USTKE union, demanding the reinstatement of a dismissed Air Caledonie employee, caused domestic flight delays last week for several days.