12 footballs and a pump may mean a vote for the UN Security Council
24 February 2008 - Source: Hurryet.com

"We are candidates to become members of the United Nations Security Council. We want your vote. In return for this, we are prepared to give you every kind of assistance and support you need..."

The goal is to see Turkey, which is a candidate for the position, be chosen as a member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2009-2010 period. The European group of which Turkey is a part also includes Austria and Ireland.

Austria has already achieved the support of other EU countries in this effort. As for the island nation of Ireland, it is depending on the "spirit of solidarity" from the many tiny island nations that fill the United Nations. As for Turkey, it continues to go from door to door trying to round up support.

Of course, everything has its price, even the votes to be cast in the United Nations General Assembly. When it comes to larger countries, the price usually means reciprocal support in the official chambers of the United Nations General Assembly. But, when you are dealing with a smaller nation, things can change. Smaller countries may ask for things from Turkey along the lines of "a football" or "building a stable."

The latest example of something like this comes from the tiny island nation of Tuvalu. Tuvalu authorities provided an extremely interesting answer to Turkish representatives who came knocking at their door looking for support. They said "Our children love to play football. But we don't really have many standard footballs here..." Ankara moved immediately into action, giving these orders to the Turkish Embassy officials nearest to Tuvalu: "quickly procure some footballs. And also, a football pump. And then send them off..."

The unusual request from Tuvalu did not take long to become the subject of joking in the hallways of the Foreign Ministry. Diplomats are now reportedly asking each other "What will we do if Tuvalu doesn't vote for us?" The answers are varied: some are saying "We'll carry off a secret MIT operation to steal their pump," while other are commenting "We'll send over the Turkish national team and humiliate them." But no doubt the most interesting suggestion has been this: "We could send a knife-wielding representative of the Turkish Republic to Tuvalu..."

But no, it's not what you are thinking. Turkey is a peaceful country. And thus a knife would never be used against a Tuvalu which had not voted for us. No, the knife would just be used to slash the footballs that had been given to this tiny island nation. So, we began in Tuvalu, and let's continue on from there. There are other requests from this nation from Turkey. They also want for Tuvalu passports to be printed in Turkey.

Some nations have asked for "stables" to be built, while others say they need "VIP vehicles". There are other strange requests which have been coming in to Turkish representatives trying to round up support for Turkey's Security Council bid in the United Nations. There are some nations which say "Are animals are hungry, please help us build stables," while other say "help us set up a bazaar site." Some have even said that they would like a "VIP vehicle" to help host foreign dignitaries coming to their nation. And Turkey continues to fulfill these requests, which have been coming in to Turkish Ambassadors for the past three years.

Palau: A VIP vehicle was sent so that Palau could transport official guests of the state president

Zimbabwe: A bazaar site was constructed

Antigua, Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent, St Kitts: 50 computers were donated to each of these nations

Niger: A water cleaning facility was built, drinking water and sewage water lines were built, educational materials were donated, and all sorts of medical supplies were sent

East Timor: Medical supplies and vaccines were donated

Ghana: "Technical training in "nation management"

Kyrgyzstan: Medical supplies worth $328,000 were sent over

Gambia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Angola: Military training provided by Turkish corporals

The Philippines: Two doctors and nurses sent over, medical supplies donated

Ethiopia: Drinking water facilities constructed, wells built

Mauritania: Agricultural areas set up

Afghanistan: Hospitals and schools constructed, as well as necessary supplies for these units...

Despite the assistance, a vote is not guaranteed. While the Foreign Ministry in Ankara works hard to see that these wishes are mostly fulfilled, it is also trying hard to avoid there being links made between these actions and the vote for Turkey's place on the UN Security Council. But after all this unusual work, what are going to be the results? At this point, Turkey looks on paper to be "guaranteed" for its membership on the Security Council. But Turkish diplomats say that they are still not "sitting comfortably." And the reason for this is that the final vote is actually going to be cast in secret. In other words, it is possible that any of these above mentioned nations could actually cast their vote for the temporary membership on the UN Security Council for a different candidate nation.

In the end, we will all just have to wait and see what the outcome is to this fall's vote at the United Nations New York headquarters. Until then, keep guessing....
 

Event Polynesia to market and promote Toa Samoa RLWC campaign
18 February 2008 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

Samoa Rugby League has announced the appointment of Event Polynesia to market and promote Toa Samoa for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, to be held in Australia starting in October. The arrangement includes marketing, promotion and fundraising, starting as soon as possible and includes all commercial arrangements from now up to and after the Rugby League World Cup. Details of the partnership are yet to be finalised, but the two parties are keen to work together for the betterment of Toa Samoa’s World Cup Campaign and commercial arrangements going forward.

“We are so delighted to be working with Event Polynesia for the World Cup and going forward" said SRL President Mr Peter Paul.

Toa Samoa RLWC Fundraising will kick-off in mid April with corporate fights pitching rugby league legends against those from other sports. It will also include fights between corporate professionals pitching CEO’s of the public and private sector against one another. This will be the first time for corporate Samoa to enjoy corporate fights, including wining and dining and cheering on a professional partner, while at the same time, contributing to and fundraising for Toa Samoa’s Rugby League World Cup campaign.

“It is such a relief for us to bring in a professional event company to take care of marketing and commercial matters whilst we concentrate on the administration side of things for the World Cup” said SRL Secretary General Fritz Tuiavii.

The local Samoa Rugby League competition kicks-off in early April, with trials set for July and the World Cup squad to be finalised in August. With the high interest and participation of our premier Samoan professional rugby league stars from all over the world, Toa Samoa stands a very positive chance to make the Semi Finals of the World Cup.
 

'Dead ships' a security threat too?
10 February 2008 - Source: The Times Of India

The 'dead ships' coming to India under flags of convenience are not only an environmental threat but also pose a threat to India's maritime security. A confidential report of the naval intelligence has pointed out that the D-gang is involved in most of the deals going around in the shipbreaking business.

TOI had earlier reported on shipowners in OECD countries using small countries like Liberia and Tuvalu to circumvent international laws that prevent them from sending ships loaded with dangerous chemicals for dismantling to developing countries, such as India. The intelligence report has raised the issue of security threat arising from unregulated shipbreaking in India.

"The high stakes of profit margin, cheap labour, corrupt practices and a large floating population have made labour settlement at Alang (the biggest Asian shipbreaking yard, based in Gujarat) an ideal breeding ground for mafia and anti-national elements to indulge in nefarious activities almost unhindered," the report mentions.

TOI had reported on the controversial 'Blue Lady' aka 'S S Norway', the 2,000-seater luxury liner that was 'officially' sold to a Liberian company for a mere $10 before being bought by an Indian company for scrapping at Alang. "Cash buyers operate hand in glove with the end buyers and owners by under-invoicing a deal. The unmentioned amount is transacted through the hawala route making almost 40-50% metal trade illegal," the report adds.

With scrap steel prices shooting through the roof, the shipbreaking industry has become a small but important supplier of broken down steel and iron from the dismantled ships. "Apparently, a large number of cash buyers are Pakistani nationals based in London and the UAE. Due to large profit margins, the Dawood group appears to have invested heavily in cash buyers thus having a stake in most deals," the report warns.

Indian Naval Intelligence has also warned that the involvement of the D-gang and Pakistani nationals creates a distinct possibility that the shipbreaking industry has become a route for landing contraband and explosives.

The crew on board the dead ships as well as the escorting vessels (the dead ships have to be towed at times by another) have come under suspicion as well. There remains a possibility of the crew escaping scrutiny while landing and leaving Indian waters as well as during their stay in India. This, the security agency has pointed out, "can lead to clandestine collection of data, survey of seabed and coastal area, weather and meteorological data and for dropping and picking agents".

At present, 53 such 'dead ships' are beached at Alang in contravention of Supreme Court orders. The intelligence report mentions that the regulations allow such ships innocent passage through the entire stretch of Indian waters unscrutinised by the security agencies.

Interestingly, the naval report was submitted as part of a case in the SC on the environmental hazards of unregulated shipbreaking. The environment and forests ministry had gone on record to say that no intelligence agency had warned it of such threats specifically.
 

Ten Samoan boxing pioneers receive honorary awards
02 February 2008 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

Ten recipients of the Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing Honorary Awards were presented their awards at the Pre-fight Cocktail on Friday 1st February 2008.

According to Mr. Puni, “It is fitting that the pioneers of Samoa boxing are honoured at the inaugural Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing event for their service in boxing. This weekend Samoa will not only host representatives from the four main world boxing bodies, but will make boxing history with local referee and judges officiating the WBO Oriental Cruiserweight title.”

“Contrary to what most think, it is very hard to raise funds in Samoa to promote boxing and especially to stage international fights here. This is the first and very likely to be the last time Event Polynesia Boxing will bring such an international boxing gathering here to Samoa.”

“Event Polynesia Boxing is committed to promoting Samoan boxers. However, the international title fights will have to be in Auckland where we stage our New Zealand fights because of the huge expenses that we incur to bring such events to Samoa.”

Mr. Puni and boxing officials made a courtesy call to personally thank the Prime Minister, Hon. Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi and to thank the Samoa Government for the financial assistance towards the amateur expenses of this event.

Mr. Reginald Leca, President of Oceania Boxing Association and representative for PABA and WBA at a media conference yesterday, compared Samoa to Cuba as a force in world boxing. But unlike Cuba, Samoa needs to move its amateur boxers to professional boxing earlier rather than very late as is the case with Maselino Masoe.

“This requires amateur boxing to work together with professional boxing in Samoa in association with promoters such as Event Polynesia Boxing, who are helping Samoan professional boxers to get ranking for title fights.”

The 10 recipients of the Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing Honorary Awards are:
Hon Peter Paul – Promoter, Hon Sala Ulugia Suivai – Promoter / Coach,
Savaiinaea Malo Slade – Boxer / Trainer / Coach,
Oscar Meredith – Trainer / Coach,
Hon Fa’asootauloa Sam Saili – Promoter,
Galumalemana Afeleti Betham – Trainer / Coach / Promoter,
Hon Polataivao Fosi Schmidt – Boxer / Promoter / Coach,
Lesa Eric Fatupaito – Trainer / Coach,
Maposua Rudolf Keil – Promoter, and
Ulugia Elijah Stanley – Promoter.
 

Tuvalu struggles to hold back tide
29 January 2008 - Source: BBC News
 
The fragile strips of green that make up the small islands of Tuvalu are incredibly beautiful but also incredibly vulnerable.

The group of nine tiny islands in the South Pacific only just break the surface of the ocean - but for how much longer?

During a King Tide, which is what the islanders call the highest tides of the year, waves rolling off the ocean can have a devastating effect.

The islands' main road is submerged and nearby homes are threatened by the rising waters.

"We have never seen this in the past," a concerned resident tells me. "We have never seen water coming in this far."

No respect

It is not just the shoreline that is at the mercy of the King Tide's sovereignty, the water also surges up from underground through the coral on which the islands are built.

In the space of just an hour, the lowest areas are all flooded.

Everyone feels the impact; a priest has to step carefully through the waters on his way to conduct a funeral.

The higher the King Tides get, the harder it is to keep things going here. A woman tells me that she is unable to grow any food crops because the land has become too salty.

The sea water is poisoning the soil and people are nervous. "It makes me feel scared," another woman confesses. "What will happen to us in 10 years' time?"

The rising waters are slowly creeping into the heart of these islands and slowly but effectively killing them off.

Water bubbles up in tiny streams; and everywhere you look, it just lies on the surface.

And the problem is getting worse. A local meteorologist tells me that the King Tides are getting higher, and it is a trend set to continue.

"The King Tides are getting worse and most of the coastal areas will be washed out," he forecasts for the coming decade.

Runway 'essential'

It is a gloomy prognosis for life on these shores. A typical high tide reaches about two-and-a-half metres, while a King Tide like this can be more than three metres.

The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) forecasts a rise of up to another half metre.

It is cold comfort for Tuvaluans, when the highest point of the islands reaches just about four-and-a-half metres above the encroaching waves.

Each scenario will cost Tuvalu precious land. Only a small rise will see parts of the islands disappear.

This includes the runway, which is a vital lifeline to the outside world.

People here say there must be a technological fix if a rich country like UAE can build entirely new islands.

But the problem is that these islands are founded on coral which is porous; saving these islands will cost a fortune.

For the children, the floods are fun. However, for them to lead their lives on these islands will require massive international support.

But with a population of just 11,000 people, will the outside world think it is worthwhile? 
 

Special accommodation and rental car deals announced for boxing fans
25 January 2008 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
Overseas interest in the upcoming Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing event in Apia on Saturday 2nd February 2008 will see up to 200 boxing fans and supporters arriving in Samoa next week.

Many more are expected to book a ticket to Samoa with the announcement over the week end of special accommodation and rental car deals for boxing fans and supporters.

Hotel Kitano Samoa is offering an accommodation special $200 SAT per room per day for up to three people with ELAVA at Vaitele is offering $120 SAT per room per day up to two people with continental breakfast included.

Apia Rental is offering a 15% discount to all their vehicles with DAT Car Rentals is offering a special $165 per day for their Hyundai Tucson fleet.

This was confirmed by Mr. Teleiai Su’atapulolo’o Edwin Puni, Managing Director of Event Polynesia, “For the next two weeks, Hotel Kitano Samoa and ELAVA Resort will be the home of international boxing with Apia Rental and DAT Car Rentals as the preferred rental car service.”

The inaugural Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing is an initiative of Event Polynesia Boxing in association with SPBI and SABA to provide our Samoan boxers both amateur and professional a pathway to boxing world titles by setting up the needed top international competitions right here in Samoa.

Mr. Puni credits the support from media partners Samoa Observer, Le Samoa Post, SBC, TV3, Vaiala Beach TV and Radio Polynesia in promoting the upcoming fight.

Mr. Puni goes on to say, “Staging international title fights in Samoa is very good for tourism and local businesses and also allows for our people to see the action LIVE and up close.”

WBO Oriental Cruiserweight title contender and current IBF Australasian Cruiserweight champion Mr. Lawrence Tauasa arrived in Samoa on Sunday with his manager Mr. Lincoln Hudson to prepare for the upcoming fight.

For more information contact Mr. Tuilagi Maiava Saipele Esera on (+685) 751-9458 or email: saipele@eventpolynesia.com.
 

Rumble in Apia for the WBO Oriental Cruiserweight Title
17 January 2008 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

Mr. Teleiai Su’atapulolo’o Edwin Puni, Managing Director of Event Polynesia this week confirmed receipt of Certification Letter from World Boxing Organisation Asia Pacific Chairman Mr. Leon Panoncillo.

In his letter Mr. Panoncillo wrote “Herewith, is the letter to confirm that World Boxing Organization Asia Pacific have certify that the boxing match on Saturday, February 02, 2008, at Apia, Samoa between Lawrence Tauasa vs. Charles Baou for the WBO Oriental vacant Cruiserweight title has been officially sanctioned and recognized by the WBO.”

According to Mr. Puni, “This is history in the making and the start of great things for Samoa boxing going forward. WBO is one of the four major organizations including WBA, WBC and IBF which sanction world championship boxing bouts.”

Mr. Puni also confirmed that Mr. Lon Panoncillo will be in Samoa for the upcoming fight night.

“Samoa’s success in the recent South Pacific Games and the Oceania Tournament 2007 is a welcome sign and comes as no surprise with Samoa being strong in amateur boxing over many years. Unfortunately, Samoa is not able to capitalize on this local talent in the transition to international professional boxing,” Mr Puni said.

The inaugural Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing is an initiative of Event Polynesia Boxing in association with SPBI and SABA to provide our Samoan boxers both amateur and professional a pathway forward by setting up the needed top international competitions right here in Samoa.

Mr. Puni however goes on to say,” Unfortunately we are finding it very hard to raise the funds required to bring such international bouts to Samoa.”

Teleiai Su’atapulolo’o credits the determination and commitment of both the Samoa Amateur Boxing Association (SABA) and the South Pacific Boxing Incorporated (SPBI) in keeping boxing alive in Samoa despite of the lack of financial resources, especially with professional boxing.

The main under card is also a title fight of twelve rounds by three minutes between the rugged Walter Pupu’a of Tonga up against Lupematasila Bob Gasio of Samoa for the South Seas Cruiserweight title fight. Other bouts include the ‘Prime Minister Challenge Cup’ between a top New Zealand Amateur Invitation Team verses a top Samoa Amateur Invitational Team.

For more information contact Mr. Tuilagi Maiava Saipele Esera on (+685) 751-9458 or email: saipele@eventpolynesia.com
 

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2008 from Event Polynesia
24 December 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
At the beginning of this year, we all wondered what 2007 will bring. Just before Christmas, we sit and look back over the year that was. And what a year it has been!!

This year we have been blessed and our lives enriched through meeting and being in touch with so many remarkable people.

The passing away of more great leaders of the Pacific were sad moments we all collectively shared. While we differ in opinion in how to compact the war against "terrorism," least we forget the sons and daughters of the Pacific serving around the world for freedom and peace, in particular the families of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Through Event Polynesia Multimedia, we have endeavoured to provide a vehicle for our Pacific people to tell their stories and be heard, particularly with our online website portal www.eventpolynesia.com.

Through Event Polynesia Boxing and Event Polynesia Entertainment, we hope to provide a platform to showcase the talents of the Pacific.

Next year we will launch Event Polynesia Tours as an extension of our service. Keep watching this space.

And so before we sign off for 2007, we would like to thank each and every one of our readers, supporters and contributors and do appreciate all the advertisers who recognize our readership, coverage and brand strength.

A special acknowledgment goes out to our business associates and event partners as we strive to provide a robust marketing vehicle to promote your services and products.

From the Event Polynesia Team, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
 

WHO notes water woes of low lying atolls
20 December 2007 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

The World Health Organisation says the problem of water-borne diseases is far worse for low-lying small Pacific Island states, who remain highly susceptible to the effect of climate change.

The WHO attended this month’s Asia Pacific Water Summit that was called to help solve the region’s water and sanitation problems.

Steve Iddings, the environmental engineer for the WHO’s Pacific office in Fiji, says water sources in countries like Tuvalu, Kiribati and the Marshall Islands are more vulnerable to salt water, variable weather patterns and increased population demands.

He says industries, like tourism, also increases the risk of pollution.

Mr Iddings says the WHO is working with the South Pacific Applied Geoscience commission and governments to try to reduce the effects of pollution, and better manage clean water sources.

“The theme of water and climate were very important for health because of the incidences of diarrhoeal diseases and includes even cholera which does occur in the Pacific as well as to other diseases related to water and sanitation.”

Steven Iddings says although efforts are focussed on prevention measures, the situation for island states remains critical.
 

Tuvalu criticises world’s will to battle climate change
16 December 2007 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

The head of Tuvalu’s delegation at the UN Climate Change talks in Bali has criticised the lack of political will among developed nations to fight global warming.

Enele Sopoaga, who is Tuvalu’s Secretary for Foreign Affairs, is pushing for urgent international action on carbon emission reductions and adaptation projects.

Mr Sopoaga says it’s irresponsible of international leaders to continue merely talking about the need to assess the impact of climate change when Tuvalu and other small island states are already suffering.

He says the global community’s hesitance to act shows a lack of leadership.

“I think it’s morally unjust and wrong because it’s the same people who cause climate change who are themselves arguing about who should be doing what and what level these people should be doing. This is totally unacceptable and I think it’s totally irresponsible.”

Enele Sopoaga has welcomed the launch of the Adaptation Fund to assist in adaptation measures in developing countries.
 

Outcomes of the Visit by Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Tuvalu
12 December 2007 - Source: Korea.net

1. Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Tuvalu, Apisai Ielemia visited Korea from December 8 to 10, at the invitation of Prime Minister Han Duk-soo. During the visit, he had meetings with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister and exchanged views with them on various issues of mutual interest including ways to promote substantial cooperation between the two countries and cooperation in the international arena.

2. At the meeting with Foreign Minister Song Min-soon on December 10, Prime Minister Ielemia expressed his congratulations to Yeosu for hosting the International Exposition in 2012, and hoped that the International Exposition in Yeosu would become an occasion to call the world's attention to the seriousness of the environmental issues. Minister Song expressed gratitude and asked for Tuvalu's interest and participation in the event.

3. Prime Minister Ielemia explained that the rising sea level due to climate change is bringing Tuvalu to a national crisis, and asked for Korea's interest in and support for developing countries in the South Pacific suffering from global warming. Minister Song explained the Korean Government's policies on the environmental issues, including global warming, and its plans for cooperation with developing countries which are directly faced with difficulties resulting from the environmental issues. Minister Song promised that the Korean Government will consider Tuvalu as a country suffering with the most difficulty from climate change and it will actively look for ways to provide effective assistance to Tuvalu.

4. Minister Song also stressed the importance of joint efforts by the international community and multilateral support for counter-measures against global warming, and asked Tuvalu to continue to raise this issue and ask for assistance in the international community. He assured that the Korean Government will continue to promote the global interest in global warming through close consultations with Tuvalu.

5. The two sides also agreed to continue strengthening bilateral development cooperation and cooperation in the international arena, including the UN.

Spokesperson of MOFAT.
 

Our Planet Under Water translated into Tuvaluan
08 December 2007 - Source: Alofa Tuvalu Press Release

Now available in seven languages, the comic book “Our Planet Under Water” will be present in Bali

10 years after the historic signing of the Kyoto Protocol, and on the eve of the UN Bali Summit, the comic book about Tuvalu and climate change “Our Planet Under Water” will be released in its 6th and 7th version: Portuguese and Tuvaluan.

The original French version, “A l’eau la Terre”, was launched in October 2005 for the first « Big Top Event », a weeklong initiative for school children, which took place outside Paris in Clichy-Sous-Bois. The 350000 copies, published by the French-Tuvaluan NGO Alofa Tuvalu and the ADEME - the French Environment and Energy Management Agency, are being distributed in schools, environmental festivals, and conferences in France and other French-speaking countries. The distribution of the comic book is often accompanied by the projection of “Trouble In Paradise,” a documentary film by Gilliane Le Gallic and Chris Horner. This film led to the creation of the assistance plan initiated by Alofa Tuvalu, “Small Is Beautiful” (SIB). The film and comic book are among the most important tools of the SIB program.

The English version, “Our Planet Under Water”, was published a few months later in early 2006 in response to a request by the ADEME regional office in India. Hugo, a young westerner, Mamaua, the Tuvaluan girl and the little flea Sib, the custodian of our environment, conquered the Pacific (the Maldives, Tuvalu, Australia, New Zealand), before arriving in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Last March, the ADEME and Alofa Tuvalu were at the Paris Book Fair to announce new releases in Thai, Vietnamese and Tamil, in partnership with the Thai Electricity Company and the Maldives Environment Ministry. And more translations are underway.

In November 2007, the release of the Portuguese version “O nosso Planeta Debaixo de Agua!”, coincided with the European Environment Days in Lisbon. Printed thanks to the ADEME, the Portuguese version was translated by a Portuguese architect, David Valentim, a member of the NGO.

And finally the latest version to date: the symbolic translation in Tuvaluan “Ka Lofia Te Paneta”, a collective venture by a group of teachers, a young adolescent, Lasela Kofe, and a professional translator, Puafitu Faaalo. It is being printed in Fiji by SOPAC/PIEPSAP, and brings to 7 the number of available translations.

“Our Planet Under Water”, Hugo, Mamaua and Sib will be in Bali for the 13th Climate Change Conference. Pepetua Latasi, from the Tuvalu Environment Office, will present the “Tuvalu National Renewable Energy Training Center” recently launched on an islet of the capitol atoll by Alofa Tuvalu, again with the support of the ADEME.

Alofa Tuvalu was created to help the smallest nation on earth – and the most vulnerable to climate change – but hopes this seed will germinate to serve the entire planet. The success of “Our Planet in the Water” proves that federating energies around a common good is possible. We all are Tuvalu!

Contact : alofatuvalu@alofatuvalu.tv or denis.tappero@ademe.fr

Our Planet under water» is available in pdf on www.ademe.fr and www.alofatuvalu.tv

For more info about the association’s recent activities, please see our “Newsletter to our Tuvaluan Friends-Fall 2007”.
 

Tuvalu boat to service Rotuma
04 December 2007 - Source: Fiji times

A Tuvalu government ship will operate the Suva-Rotuma route after local ship-owners failed to show interest in providing the service.

But the Fiji Ship Owners Association has demanded that the maritime authorities state whether the foreign vessel will be subject to income tax or not.

Association president Leo Smith said local shipping laws demanded that ships on domestic routes be registered first in Fiji.

He asked whether the Tuvalu government had met the requirements.

Interim Minister for Transport Manu Korovulavula defended the decision to allow the Tuvalu operator in, saying the Nivaga II would provide a much-needed service to the islands.

He said the interim Government intended to improve the level of service to the people and this mandate required "swift and decisive action".

"The interim Government has taken this step after we invited the local shipping industry to register their interest in servicing the Rotuma route," said Mr Korovulavula.

"Unfortunately, for reasons best known to persons such as Mr Smith, no local shipping company responded.''

But Mr Smith said it was time the interim Government increased the freight rates.

He said low freight rates contributed to the high cost of servicing routes around the country and made it hard for the ship owners.