The academic father-figure of Pacific Studies has joined the debate about the merits or otherwise of the Pacific Plan, which will be presented to Pacific Islands Forum Leaders at their meeting in Papua New Guinea next month. Earlier this week, a coalition of Suva-based civil society organisations demanded that the Pacific Plan be delayed for two years to allow greater consultation to take place.
Breaking News
Police Academy
'Virtual' police academic in full flight
It's just over two years since Australia's Prime Minister, John Howard,announced that - with the help of New Zealand and Fiji - he would be
funding a 17 million Australian dollar regional police training program.
When details of the program were announced in Auckland during the
Pacific Leaders Meeting in August 2003, Mr Howard said the funding would
lead to the creation of a virtual police academy in Suva. The first
students studying with that virtual academy have finished their first semester.
Breaking News
Vanuatu Urges Investment
A senior Vanuatu government official is in Papua New Guinea to urge local authorities and businessmen to take advantage of Vanuatu's
tax-free status and invest in the country. Mr Ligo says there are big opportunities to be found for PNG residents wanting to invest in some of Vanuatu's major service industries, including tourism. Under the Melanesian Spearhead group agreement, trade and investment activities are already taking place between the two Pacific states - although the reputation of that trade agreement is still smarting from the on-going "kava wars" between Vanuatu and Fiji.
Breaking News
Tokelau
Mooted trade link to American Samoa
A direct shipping link between Tokelau and American Samoa is being
discussed by the two territories. A delegation from New Zealand-administered Tokelau was in Pago Pago last week for top-level meetings about the possibility of the American Samoan vessel the MV Sili making trips to Tokelau. Both sides are keen on boosting links, and a
trial run by the vessel could be held as early as October.
Breaking News
PNG
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister has pledged his government's
commitment to reduce its dependence on overseas aid. Sir Michael's
statement was included in his address to the nation to mark the 30th
anniversary of independence last week, in which he also said he would
continue to reduce foreign debt.
Breaking News
COOKS
A deal to upgrade the High Commission in NZ is in the offing. The Cook Islands government is examining a deal with a property developer to replace the country's High Commission in Wellington with a modern seven-storey luxury building. Cook Islander Tim Tepaki, Managing
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