Pacific Region News

Gov. Tauese denies approving casino plan

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — Governor Tauese Sunia has denied saying he would approve a casino gambling bill as soon as it is passed by the Fono (legislature).

The Fa’aola Group from California, which submitted a bid for the casino, said the governor had given his assurances of approval during a closed door meeting last week with nine company representatives.

Sunia said he told the group only that once the legislation was in place, there was a “strong possibility” he would sign it.

At a public meeting in December, he announced he would not sign the bill, because most American Samoans oppose it.

Pacific churches support West Papua independence

SUVA, Fiji Islands — Pacific Conference of Churches head Rev. Kila Pat, said Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid is ignoring the wishes of the Irian Jayan people by refusing to grant their demands for independence.

During a New Year’s Day visit to the remote province, which shares the island of New Guinea with independent Papua New Guinea, Wahid agreed to change the name of Irian Jaya back to Papua but ruled out independence.

Rev. Pat said, “The desire of the West Papuan people for independence still stands.” He urged Jakarta to continue the dialog with West Papuans about their political future.

Evian plans to bottle Fiji water

SUVA, Fiji Islands — The French mineral water company Evian plans to begin bottling and exporting Fiji water.

Agricultural Minister Poseci Bune says Evian will use water from a deep underground well in a once volcanically active area north of Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu.

Meanwhile, Fiji’s existing water bottler, Natural Waters, plans to increase output from its factory due to growing international demand.

Natural Waters currently exports to 5,000 outlets in Florida, New York and California.

Marshalls considers abolishing import taxes

MAJURO, Marshall Islands — Former Member of Parliament Tony deBrum has reported that the recently defeated government had been considering abolishing all import taxes later this year.

He said the move was aimed at reducing the cost of enforcement and bringing the country in line with the planned Pacific free trade zone proposed by the 16-nation South Pacific Forum.
deBrum said eliminating import taxes would benefit the government because to fully enforce collection of current duties requires a major increase in customs personnel. (PIR)