Press Release – Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Pr

Agreement strengthens partnership between Pacific and Caribbean 5/26/2011 Rosalie Nongebatu – Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation Read more »

Press Release – United Nations

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today paid tribute to the more than 120,000 military, police and civilian personnel serving in the various United Nations peacekeeping missions across the world and honoured those who have lost their lives in the cause … Read more »

Speech – The Maori Party

Guest Speaker at Massey Wellington, Ceremony to Honour Maori Graduates : ‘Maori Achievement: Decade Two.’ Great Hall, Museum Building, on Friday 27th May at 10.00am Rahui Katene, MP for Te Tai Tonga Nga rangatira o te paepae, tena koutou. Tena koutou … Read more »

Press Release – RAMSI

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has taken another important step forward with the opening of seventeen new houses for RSIPF officers and their families in Lata, the capital of Temotu Province. Read more »

Press Release – Pacific Periscope

27 May 2011 A weekly update of trade and investment in the Pacific Islands region brought to you by Pacific Islands Trade & Invest (PT&I). Islands to tell stories of renewable energy use ‘Private sector engagement with least developed … Read more »

Press Release – Australian High Commission

The opportunity for Pacific musicians to share and display their musical talent has returned. Pacific Break 2011 is now officially open with entries being showcased online at www.radioaustralia.net.au/pacificbreak and across Radio Australia’s network … Read more »

Estonian Risto Harmat ... charged over the Ratu Mara flight to Tonga. Photo: FBC

Pacific Scoop:
Report – By Maca Lutunauga in Suva

An Estonian fisherman, Risto Harmat, has been charged with obstructing justice in the fugitive Ratu Mara affair.

Harmat, living in Fiji, appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court yesterday charged with one count of obstructing to defeat the course of justice – for allegedly assisting former 3rd Fiji Infantry Regiment commander Lieutenant-Colonel Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara escape from Fiji to Tonga.

Harmat is alleged to have assisted Mara reach his pick-up point off Kadavu where he was picked up by a Tongan naval vessel two weeks ago. Read more »

Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara ... father of the "Pacific Way". Graphic: PMC

Pacific Scoop:
Comment – By Eni F. H. Falaomavaega

It has been said among Samoan traditional fishermen that if you get stung by the spines of the Alamea (crown-of-thorns starfish), you should turn the starfish over and have its spongy-like feet touch the area where you have been stung.

Although this is no laughing matter as the toxic chemicals in the spines could prove fatal, Samoans believe the Alamea will heal its own doing, hence, the Samoan proverb, “E fofo ele Alamea le Alamea.”

When matters arise between two parties and conflicts develop, resolution is found by finding the soft side within. Read more »

Press Release – Hutt City Council

Hutt City Council has established a community fund to help local community groups get into the Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) spirit. $50,000 is available to help groups, organisations and clubs needing financial support to deliver rugby-themed … Read more »

Column – Harvey Wasserman

New readings show levels of radioisotopes found up to 30 kilometers offshore from the on-going crisis at Fukushima are ten times higher than those measured in the Baltic and Black Seas during Chernobyl. Read more »