NEWSPAGE 15 July
2011

(Photos: New Zealand Defence Force)

NEW ZEALAND: Chief of Army visits troops in Solomon Islands

SAMOA: Pacific Ministers to discuss green growth
Source: South Pacific Regional Environment Programme Press Release

In an important new initiative, Pacific Finance and Environment Ministers will come together in Apia this month to discuss opportunities and challenges for building green economies in the region.

The Apia meeting is the first in a series of preparatory meetings for Pacific small island developing states in the lead up to a major global UN Conference on Sustainable Development that is scheduled to take place next year in Rio de Janeiro.

The Rio+20 Conference, as it is known, will mark the 20th anniversary of the first “Earth Summit” held in Rio in 1992. The two key themes are: “a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication” and “the institutional framework for sustainable development.”

The green economy is aimed at ensuring economic growth is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. It involves a transformation in development values and priorities, as well as in the way our economies function.

The green economy concept has arisen in the wake of major global financial, energy and ecological crises, including the growing challenges of climate change. It recognizes the importance and value of preserving and investing in the environment, our natural resources and biodiversity, both on the land and in the ocean. This is necessary if we are to satisfy food security and other basic needs for present and future generations, and to produce fair and just development outcomes.

The Apia meeting will be hosted by the Government of Samoa in collaboration with the United Nations System (UN) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

Speaking at the 4th UN Conference for Least Developed Countries in Istanbul, Turkey in May this year, the Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, explained that Samoa had decided to host this preparatory meeting for the Pacific “to underscore the importance of the Rio+20 process”.

He also said that the Apia meeting was an opportunity to highlight the “Pacific’s push” to ensure that marine and ocean issues are integrated into the ‘sustainable development architecture’.

The two-day meeting in Apia will have a one-day Ministerial dialogue, and an open forum on green growth for representatives of development organizations, civil society groups and the private sector as well as Pacific Leaders and Ministers.

The open forum will consist of a number of public seminars, field visits to community biogas and bio-fuel projects, and displays of green materials, goods and services. The purpose of the event is to promote wider discussion and understanding of the issues relating to the main green economy theme of Rio+20.

The Apia meeting will take place on 21-22 July 2011.
 

(Photo: Kym Smith / The Australian)

AUSTRALIA: Dream comes true for Timani
Source: Sportal

As with a lot of Tongan footballers, actions speak louder than words for newly anointed Wallaby Sitaleki Timani.

But don't mistake the second-rower's laidback demeanour or softly-spoken ways for a lack of ambition and drive.

Timani grew up in Tonga with one dream - to one day represent the Wallabies.

While his older brother and fellow lock Sione nailed his flag to the Tongan mast, Timani was never going to waver from his goal until he'd reached it.

That moment came last weekend when Australia coach Robbie Deans rang the 203cm NSW forward, inviting him to join the 40-man Wallabies squad for the international winter campaign.

"I followed the Wallabies when I grew up because a few Tongan players, like Toutai Kefu, Mark Gerrard, Willie Ofahengaue and George Smith, played for them," Timani explained as reporters strained to hear the few words to escape his lips.

Timani could have ended up an All Black after a stint at Auckland Grammar School but when he failed to make the New Zealand schoolboys side he crossed the ditch.

He rose to prominence with the Waratahs this year, producing some monster hits which at times collected team-mates as collateral damage.

Tongan officials kept an eye on his progress and made one last play in an attempt to convince the younger of the Timani brothers to join the red crusade at this year's World Cup.

But they were wasting a phone call.

"I got a phone call from Robbie Deans, so it wasn't too hard, I came over straight away," Timani said.

"It means a lot. I came down here (to Australia) five years ago and dreamt of being a Wallaby and five years later, here I am. It's a dream come true."

Timani may make his Test debut as soon as this Sunday when Australia host Samoa in the first Test of the year at ANZ Stadium.

Photo Caption: Waratahs replacement Sitaleki Timani celebrates his match-winning try.
 

USA: Faleomavaega seeks DOI position on Swains Island
Source: Office of Congressman Faleomavaega Press Release

Congressman Faleomavaega has announced that he has requested assistance from the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) to determine the full nature of the relationship between the United States and the U.S. Territory of Swains Island.

The complete text of Faleomavaega’s letter of July 6, 2011 to Secretary Salazar, which was also copied to Assistance Secretary Tony Babauta, and the Swains Island Delegate to the Fono, Su’a Alex Jennings, is inserted below.

Dear Mr. Secretary:

I am writing to respectfully request your assistance to determine the full nature of the relationship between the United States and the U.S. Territory of Swains Island, in particular, the Administration’s position with respect to federal funding.

Swains Island, which is privately-owned, was officially annexed on 4 March 1925 and made part of American Samoa “under the jurisdiction of the administrators and judicial authorities of the government established therein by the United States” (48 U.S.C. 1662). Subsequently, Swains Island was placed under the administration of the American Samoa Government (ASG) four years later when, on 20 February 1929, the U.S. Congress officially accepted and ratified American Samoa’s two treaties of cession. Under the terms of the ensuing ratifying Act, civil, judicial and administrative jurisdictions over American Samoa, including Swains Island, were vested with the Executive Branch - the said authority currently resides with the Department of Interior (DOI).

The outcome of such arrangement can be best described as very complicated and ambiguous. Indeed, I am not aware of any federal assistance for Swains Island other than allocated funds in the American Samoa Government (ASG) budget. For these reasons, I am hoping you can share DOI’s position regarding federal assistance and the overall nature of our relationship with Swains Island.

Based on available information, Swains Island’s current political status is closely linked to the claim of ownership by the American Sea Captain Eli Jennings and his descendents, which dates back to the 1850’s. Since that time, ownership of the island passed to various members of the Jennings family through inheritance, albeit sometimes amid disputes with other claimants. During this time, there was also some question about whether the island would be better affiliated with American Samoa, the Independent State of Samoa, or with the other three atolls (Fakaofo, Nukunonu, and Atafa) that make up the Tokelau Islands Group. Historically and traditionally, Swains Island was part of the Tokelau group.

In 1924, Secretary of State Charles Hughes concluded that the status of Swains Island, so far as the jurisdiction of the United States is concerned cannot be accurately defined. The resulting resolution signed by President Calvin Coolidge on March 4, 1925, provides that:

· Whereas Swains Island (otherwise known as Quiros, Gente Hermosa, Olosega, and Jennings Island) is included in the list of guano islands appertaining to the United States, which have been bonded under the Act of Congress approved August 18, 1856; and

· Whereas the island has been in the continuous possession of American citizens for over fifty years and no form of government therefore or for the inhabitants thereof has been provided by the United States:

· Therefore be it resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the sovereignty of the United States over American Samoa is hereby extended over Swains Island, which is made a part of American Samoa and placed under the jurisdiction of the administrative and judicial authorities of the government established therein by the United States.

When Congress officially ratified the two deeds of cessions for American Samoa four years later, it also delegated administrative responsibilities to the Executive Branch and that eventually became vested with DOI. And as the agency primarily responsible for federal assistance to ASG, I respectfully request your assistance to shed light on the Administration’s position with respect to Swains Island.

The Congressman concluded his letter by stating, “Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated and I look forward to your response.”
 

(Photo: Vanuatu Daily Post)

VANUATU: Electricity goes to north east Malekula
Source: Vanuatu Daily Post

Prime Minister Meltek Sato Kilman Livtunvanu on Tuesday, July 12, along with the Minister of Lands Steven Kalsakau and Minister of Public Utilities and Infrastructure, Harry Iauko put pen to paper to mark a historic event for the people of Vao, Malekula.

The signing which took place at the Malampa Province Headquarters at Lakatoro saw the sealing of the Unelco Concession Extension of the Rural Area Electrification Project which will now enable the people of Vao to have access to electricity.

Vao will now benefit from the Concession extension which will see now see the whole area as of Norsup up to Vao having direct access to electricity after Lakatoro.

Prime Minister Kilman praised Unelco Managing Director Philippe Hrenberger and the people of Malekula on this historic event and said that the event is a dream comes true for the people of Malekula, especially Vao.

“What we are witnessing today is part of the economic development in the country but for economic development to take place the Government must provide the environment and incentive in order for it to happen.

“Now with the sealing of the concession extension it is up to the people of Malampa to take on the challenge head on,” said PM Kilman.

PM Kilman went on to acknowledge the Malekula MPs who were behind him from day one to make sure the event took place as promised and also praised Malampa Province for having a framework in place for them to work with.

In his speech Unelco Managing Director Philippe Hrenberger said Unelco is looking forward to work more closely with the people of Malampa in the years to come.

“The Unelco power station at Lakatoro as of today can run on 100% coconut oil fuel and for this Unelco is looking forward to being a leader in bio diesel fuel in the region and Malekula and Malampa will greatly benefit from it especially the local farmers and plantation owners,” said Hrenberger.

Unelco along with the Malampa Province first signed the concession back in 2000 agreeing to work together for a period of 20 years, covering 32 million square meters but the new extension will now see it cover a record 387 million square meters.

Photo Caption: Unelco Managing Director Philippe Hrenberger (left) and Prime Minister Meltek Sato Kilman Livtunvanu seal the signing of the concession extension.
 

WORLDWIDE: 2011 FEMM: Ministers to map out region's economic action plan
Source: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Press Release
 

Advancing issues of economic management and development remain high on the Pacific Islands Forum’s agenda.

Forum Economic Ministers gather in Apia, Samoa, from 20th-21st July to deliberate on means of managing the region’s economies through strategic policy responses leading to the formulation of the 2011 Forum Economic Action Plan.

The Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) acts as a key adviser to Pacific Islands Forum Leaders on broader issues of economic management and development. Forum Leaders meet this year in Auckland, New Zealand, from 6th-9th September, where they will be appraised of key issues discussed by the Ministers.

“At previous FEMM meetings, Economic Ministers agreed on ways to manage Pacific economies through policy responses, such as safeguarding macroeconomic stability, pursuing reforms to create an enabling environment for private sector development and strengthening areas of comparative advantage such as agriculture, tourism and fisheries sectors,” explains the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade.

“Persevering with implementation of these policies is essential, and they continue to be the basis for cooperation and to provide guidance for the region.”

Economic Ministers will also be sharing country experiences on measures taken to broaden the economic base and increase growth.

“Discussions are also expected to cover macroeconomic developments since their meeting in Niue last year, including food and oil price implications,” says Mr Slade.

“Other items on the FEMM’s agenda will include updates on the implementation of the Forum Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination in the Pacific, options to improve access to and management of climate change resourcing, Pacific interests in G20 developments, and access to finance for economic growth.”

Forum Economic Officials gather on 19th July before transmitting their recommendations through to FEMM. All meetings will be held at the Tooa Salamasina Hall in Apia.