Guam
For the first time, a US research study has confirmed that Guam received measurable radioactive fallout from US nuclear tests at Bikini and Enewetak atolls in the Marshall Islands. Last week, the US National Research Council presented its report to Congress, assessing new scientific information on radiation exposure from past US nuclear tests. A research committee has been studying whether new areas in the United States should be included under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act.
Guam
Adoptions
American Samoa is in negotiations to legalise international adoptions in an attempt to stop the proliferation of child trafficking. The move comes as investigations into an internet adoption racket continue in the US territory. One agency based in the American state of Oregon has already expressed interest, and says doubts about its credibility are unfounded because they are a non-profit organisation.
Adoptions
New Caledonia
Business leaders in New Caledonia have welcomed moves for the French territory to join PICTA - the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement. Last Wednesday, New Caledonia's Congress passed a resolution giving authority to President Marie Noelle Themereau to enter negotiations on accession to the regional trade agreement.
New Caledonia
Fiji
Fiji is experiencing strong interest from overseas investors, with a record year for investment approvals. Figures just released show that during 2004 the Fiji Trade and Investment Board approved F$ 1.1 billion (around A$860 million) worth of investment. The FTIB's acting CEO,Viliame Volavola, says tourism is the growth industry in Fiji at the moment.
Fiji
Tahiti
The election of the Temaru government in French Polynesia has opened up
new debates about economic development and the future political status
of the country. Political parties in the local Assembly are moving to
review the autonomy statute, which governs French Polynesia's relations
with Paris. But now, the descendants of Tahiti's ancient royalty want
recognition of their rights, and the creation of a Customary Senate in
French Polynesia.
Tahiti
Solomon Islands
The Solomon Islands government has given the final approvals for the
re-opening of the Gold Ridge Mine, which was closed back in June 2000 as
a result of ethnic tension and unrest. At the signing ceremony in
Honiara on Thursday, Mines Minister Basil Manelegua said the way is now
clear for the Brisbane-based consortium, Australian Solomons Gold, to
complete its purchase of the mine. Australian Solomons Gold's largest
shareholder is a company called Michelago.
Solomon Islands
Papua New Guinea
Australia's opposition wants to expand the Enhanced Cooperation Program
with Papua New Guinea, to include PNG police serving in Australia as
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