PACIFIC BRIEFS

Rabuka suspect in Fiji mutiny

SUVA, Fiji Islands – Former prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka is under investigation for alleged involvement in the mutiny at Suva’s main Queen Elizabeth II military barracks on Thursday.

The revolt, by troops loyal to imprisoned May 19 coup leader George Speight left eight people dead and more than 30 injured.

Rabuka, who has been banned from all military posts, denied any involvement in the revolt.

Military officials said he was stopped at a checkpoint after the revolt and one of the alleged ringleaders of the mutiny was found in his car.

Rabuka said he only was acting as a negotiator.

$9.58-M from D.C. to compensate Guam

HAGATNA, Guam – Governor Carl Gutierrez has received $9.58 million from the federal government to compensate Guam for costs incurred while hosting immigrants from the three U.S. Freely Associates States in Micronesia.

Danny Aranza, Director of the Interior Department’s Office of Insular Affairs, presented the governor with the funding.

Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau are permitted virtually unrestricted immigration to Guam, other U.S. territories and all 50 states.

Guitierrez said $1.7 million of the Compact impact money already has been set aside for Guam Memorial Hospital. (Pacific Islands Report)