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PACIFIC BRIEFS
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Posted on Feb 05 2001
Niue battling money laundering
ALOFI, Niue (PIR) — The government is committed to tightening laws against money laundering, Deputy Premier Young Vivian said, but is struggling to do so given its limited legal resources.
Niue, a country of fewer than 3,000 permanent residents located south of American Samoa, was named this week in the latest list of “non-cooperative jurisdictions” drawn up by the Group of Seven’s Financial Action Task Force.
Vivian said it is in Niue’s own interests to satisfy the requirements of the international community, and has asked New Zealand for assistance.
Two major U.S. banks this week imposed a ban on sending money to Niue, citing money laundering concerns.
Cook Islands population down to 14,300
RAROTONGA, Cook Islands (PIR) — New government population statistics show that almost 5,000 Cook Islands residents have left the country in the last five years.
The current resident population is estimated at 14,300 people, the lowest since the end of World War II more than half a century ago.
Many former residents have migrated overseas, particularly to New Zealand, where higher paying jobs and higher education opportunities are more readily available.
Cook Islanders, who also are New Zealand citizens, are permitted to travel back and forth between the two countries without restriction.
Marshalls acts to obtain drugs
MAJURO, Marshall Islands (PIR) — The urgent need for medicine at Majuro and Ebeye hospitals is expected to be resolved soon, following placement of drug orders worthy $300,000.
The move still doesn’t address the government’s $700,000 debt to off-island drug vendors and other medical needs at the two hospitals, but it will get the Marshalls through the current crisis, according to hospital officials.
Majuro Hospital administrator Sandy Alfred said recently collected quarterly health fund revenues are being used to purchase the drugs.
