Pacific Briefs

American Samoa tightens labor regulations

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa – The government has tightened regulations governing the employment of foreign workers in the territory’s garment industry.

The action was taken as the result of continued labor unrest at Daewoosa Samoa, which employs workers from Vietnam.

Governor Tauese Sunia said garment manufacturers now must post a cash bond for each foreign worker that is sufficient to fully cover the sponsor’s obligations, including return airfares.

The governor said if employers are unwilling to meet this condition, they are not wanted in American Samoa.

Concern over Cook Island brain drain

RAROTONGA, Cook Islands – The government is becoming increasingly alarmed over the nation’s “brain drain” but cannot pinpoint why Cook Islanders continue to leave for Australia, New Zealand and other areas during a period of economic boom.

Finance secretary Kevin Carr said the government is investigating ways to encourage citizens abroad to return home and resolve a serious labor shortage.

It has been a problem for at least two years, particularly among skilled workers, the Cook Islands News reported.

Local Fiji air fares go up 15%

SUVA, Fiji Islands – The government’s aviation ministry ratified a domestic airfare increase this week of 15 percent.

Air Fiji chief executive Ken MacDonald said the major reasons for the increase are a doubling of aviation fuel costs since August 16, 1999 and the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, in which the industry conducts international business.

Poor airstrips on several outer islands also are accelerating the wear and tear on aircraft, he said.

Guam’s Underwood sworn in for 5th Congressional term

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Delegate Robert Underwood (D-Guam) was sworn in this week for a fifth term in Congress.

“My focus remains on making sure I provide the service the people of Guam deserve for these next two years,” he said.

When Congress reconvenes after the inauguration of George Bush as president, Underwood said he plans to reintroduce two measures that passed the House but failed in the Senate last year: a bill to establish a commission to determine U.S. restitution for World War II abuses against Guamanians, and a bill that would lower the tax rate for foreign investors.