American Samoa tightens labor regulations<\/p>\n
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa – The government has tightened regulations governing the employment of foreign workers in the territory’s garment industry.<\/p>\n
The action was taken as the result of continued labor unrest at Daewoosa Samoa, which employs workers from Vietnam.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The governor said if employers are unwilling to meet this condition, they are not wanted in American Samoa.<\/p>\n
Concern over Cook Island brain drain<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Finance secretary Kevin Carr said the government is investigating ways to encourage citizens abroad to return home and resolve a serious labor shortage.<\/p>\n
It has been a problem for at least two years, particularly among skilled workers, the Cook Islands News reported.<\/p>\n
Local Fiji air fares go up 15%<\/p>\n
SUVA, Fiji Islands – The government’s aviation ministry ratified a domestic airfare increase this week of 15 percent.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Poor airstrips on several outer islands also are accelerating the wear and tear on aircraft, he said.<\/p>\n
Guam’s Underwood sworn in for 5th Congressional term<\/p>\n
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Delegate Robert Underwood (D-Guam) was sworn in this week for a fifth term in Congress.<\/p>\n
“My focus remains on making sure I provide the service the people of Guam deserve for these next two years,” he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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