Pacific Region News

10 die in Tsunami

PORT VILA, Vanuatu—The official death toll from the earthquake and tsunami, which hit Pentecost Island last weekend, has risen to 10.

Five people died from the earthquake that measured 7.3 on the Richter scale.

Another five persons were killed by the tsunami that resulted.

Emergency supplies and temporary shelters have been flown to Pentecost from the capital, and government officials are discussing financial and material assistance needs with resident diplomatic missions and aid agencies.

Government spokesman John Sese said at least a thousand people were affected by the disaster, with many homes washed away by the tsunami.

“Also, the infrastructure on the island has been damaged,” Sese said. “There are road blocks — landslides around the island — and there’s a problem with water also.”

Fiji cracks down on illegals

SUVA, Fiji Islands—Fiji Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has announced that the current crackdown on illegal immigrants by the police force and the Department of Immigration is not targeted only at Chinese nationals.

He said the investigation is directed at any person staying in Fiji in violation of immigration laws and “every illegal immigrant will be removed from the country.”

The police department recently established a special task force known as the Asian Unit, which has uncovered gambling activities operated by illegal Chinese immigrants.

Woman charged with murder of Polynesian tatooist

AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Police have charged a 53-year-old South Auckland woman with the murder of Paulo Suluape, 49, one of the world’s most accomplished tattooing experts.

Samoan-born Suluape, who practiced the dying art of navel-to-knee tattooing, was found beaten to death in his home late last week.

The woman charged with his murder, whose name has not been released, is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.

Austere budget for PNG

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea—Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta has warned that this year’s budget will be the most austere the country has ever seen.

In a speech to mining industry officials, he said the budget would be an “unremitting attack on waste, inefficiency, mismanagement and malpractice” and would continue the government’s “coherent and integrated strategy to lift PNG out of the economic crisis inherited from the Skate government.”

Major cuts will be made in the government’s operating budget, except in the areas of health, education and private sector business development. (Pacific Islands Report)