Pacific Briefs

Fiji newspaper criticizes Council Of Chiefs

SUVA, Fiji (PIR) — The Fiji Times criticized the Great Council of Chiefs for its failure to name a national president after a two-day meeting last week.

The newspaper said the council risks being seen as an “archaic body with little relevance to modern-day Fiji.”

In an editorial headed “Chiefs Divided,” the newspaper also praised acting President Ratu Josefa Iloilo for putting the national interest first since last year’s attempted coup.

The council’s decision to name a president was deferred until Tuesday – two days before Iloilo’s term expires.

Cook Islands examines Suwarrow dev’t plan

AVARUA, Cook Islands (PIR) — The government is considering an Australian company’s proposal to develop the uninhabited Suwarrow atoll, an important breeding area in the Pacific for sea birds and endangered turtles and crabs.

The company wants to lease part of the atoll to establish a fish processing plant and black pearl farm in the lagoon.

The development calls for at least 100 workers to live on the atoll.

Environmental groups say any development on Suwarrow would destroy its natural habitat.

West Papua refugees flee after police attack

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (PIR) — A number of West Papuan refugees living in a camp near Vanimo fled their settlement after being attacked by Papua New Guinea police.

The attack left two people hospitalized and 13 others with various injuries.

The Catholic Church, who is looking after the refugees, said about 20 of the estimated 400 refugees in the settlement went into hiding following the clash.

Human rights activists say thousands of people have died in fighting between Indonesian security forces and West Papuans seeking independence.

A. Samoa soda importers oppose new levy

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (PIR) — The cost of a can of imported soda could increase to $1, under a proposal now before the territorial House of Representatives.

The legislation calls for the increase of the soda import tax from the current 4 cents to 15 cents a can.

Soda importers are protesting the proposed law, saying that lawmakers overlooked holding public hearings on the issue.

The group said soda consumption will drop, thus forcing lay-offs and increased unemployment in the territory.

Warning on killing baby dugongs in PNG

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (PIR) — Western Province residents are being reminded that it is illegal to kill baby dugongs.

Despite being listed on the endangered species list, the sea mammals continue to be killed for commercial purposes, officials said.

It’s estimated about five dugongs are killed each week.

The Environment and Conservation Department said lack of funds make it difficult to enforce the ban.