Breaking News 8

Tangaroa Expedition Postponed
Due to the Tsunami Tragedy, the Tangaroa Expedition has been postponed until April 2006. Expedition organizers aim to build the most spectacular copy of the largest of pre-Inca design balsa rafts ever built. Tangaroa is seen as a tribute to Thor Heyerdahl, who spear headed the Kon-Tiki Expedition due largely to his being adopted by a Polynesian Chief on the island of Fatu Hiva, where Heyerdahl and his wife spent a year in splendid isolation.

The organizers say that they intend to cut the tow line on April 28, 2006. Due to heavily travelled shipping lanes offshore, tugs will tow the Tangaroa raft out of harm's way before releasing it to find its own way across the Pacific just as was done in the case of the Kon-Tiki launch.
Tangaroa Expedition
High-Tech Kon-Tiki
Cogent Argument

Falun Gong Refugees
Residents of the Northern Marianas have signed a petition in support of the Falun Gong movement. The group has millions of followers around the world and claims to teach exercise and meditation. But Chinese authorities have aggressively cracked down on its believers, accusing them of causing the deaths of thousands on the mainland. Their followers in Saipan fear arrest if forced to return to China and one woman has already filed for refugee protection in the US territory.
Pacific Beat
Marianas

Fiji Coup of 2000 Aftermath
In Fiji, another senior minister has been jailed for his involvement in the unrest surrounding the May 2000 coup. Cabinet minister Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has been jailed for eight months, along with three other chiefs in northern Fiji. The news is damaging for Ratu Naiqama's party, the Conservative Alliance, as well as the administration of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase. Ratu Naiqama remains lands minister in the government.
Pacific Beat
Details of the Coup and Its Aftermath
Rod Ewins
Rod Ewins
Ross Nepia Himona
Ross Nepia Himona

Land Conflict in the Solomons
Solomon Islands Chief Justice, Sir Albert Palmer, says his country is hoping to reduce conflict over land by setting up a new customary land disputes tribunal. Sir Albert made the comments in Brisbane over the weekend in the course of a University of Queensland conference on peace, justice and reconciliation in the Asia Pacific region. Sir Albert is chair of the RAMSI-sponsored Customary Land Disputes Committee, which is developing the reforms.
Pacific Beat

Solomon Comments
Dr. Stephen Sherlock, provides background to the land conflict in the Solomon Islands.

Go To Page: 1 2