Previous Story
Pacific Islands Report
|
Posted on Aug 22 2000
Air Pacific plans no lay-off
SUVA, Fiji Islands — Air Pacific, Fiji’s national airline, has announced that it will not layoff workers in its effort to cut costs following the May 19 government coup and an associated decline in passengers.
However, in an internal staff notice, chief executive officer Michael McQuay confirmed that 75 airline employees have volunteered for leave without pay.
The airline plans to reduce fare prices and reopen its routes to Japan next month in an effort to encourage more travelers to Fiji, McQuay said.
Niue teacher suspended for TV appearance
ALOFI, Niue — A teacher at Niue High School has been suspended for appearing on television over demands for pay increases, according to the Niue Economic Review.
Epsy Puheke was asked by protesting teachers at the school to be their spokesperson.
Although her first TV interview was authorized by the school’s acting principal, Puheke was suspended for making a second appearance last week.
The Public Service Commission said Puheke, in giving a second interview, violated a regulation prohibiting government employees from talking to the press without permission.
Samoan crew members target of smuggling
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — Fourteen of the 16 crew members of a Samoan cargo ship have been released as suspects in the government’s investigation into the attempted smuggling of 16 cases of cigarettes into American Samoa last week.
However, Assistant Attorney General Robert Maez said two crew members are still being investigated.
A local businesswoman who owns the shipment is also being investigated.
The woman, a native of Samoa, resides in the territory and operates an import and export business.
