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(Photo:
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat) |
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NEW ZEALAND: Pacific Islands Forum and
Secretariat relevant
The Pacific Islands Forum and its Secretariat is
as relevant today as it was forty years ago.
Addressing the Pacific Islands News
Association/Forum Secretariat Forum Regional
Media Workshop underway in Auckland, New
Zealand, the Secretariat’s Deputy Secretary
General, Mr Feleti Teo said: “Some people have
questioned the value of the Forum and its
Secretariat and whether we will still exist in
40 years. I would like to think so.”
“The Forum and its Secretariat has been part of
a very dynamic region over the past four
decades, and many of the challenges that we face
can only be best addressed through regional
integration and cooperation. There really is no
other way,” said Mr Teo.
“The Forum is only a reflection of its Members,
many of whom have a stake in regionalism and
working together. Smaller Island States in
particular have recognised the benefits that
this region could accrue by working together and
pooling their resources towards common
objectives.”
Highlighting some of the achievements of the
Forum in the past 40 years, Mr Teo said, “to
have made it to forty is an achievement in
itself.”
“In many ways, it shows the value and commitment
of Pacific Leaders to the Forum and its unique
capacity to support a consensus style of
decision making - often referred to as the
‘Pacific way’. This has been one of our real
strengths over the past 40 years - providing a
space for countries in the region to discuss
issues of common interest, learn from each
other, and work together to tackle issues of
common interest.”
Mr Teo highlighted some of the achievements in
the Forum’s first 40 years as including:
• The return to peace and on-going stability in
Solomon Islands as an outcome of the Regional
Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI);
• A nuclear-free Pacific region;
• The Pacific Plan endorsed by Leaders in 2005
for a renewed focus on regional integration and
cooperation;
• Support for regional approaches on key global
issues facing the regional including at global
climate change talk;
• Establishment of the Forum Fisheries Agency
for the effective conservation and management of
the region’s tuna resources.
“So clearly there have been gains as a result of
the establishment of the Pacific Islands Forum
in 1971 and our work with partners in the region
and across the globe,” said Forum Deputy
Secretary General Mr Teo.
Some of the challenges facing the region in the
next 40 years include:
• The impact of climate change and getting
greater access to the billions of dollars in
global sources of finance for adaptation and
mitigation activities;
• Finding employment for the next generations
especially with the high population growth in
the region;
• Ensure that governments remain responsive to
the demands of their people; and
• Ensure that democratic values and respect for
human rights, which are a core part of the
Pacific Islands Forum remains a feature of the
region.
“I anticipate that the next forty years will not
be easy. But we will be better placed as a
region and people if we focus on our common
interests, our strengths, and work together to
make the Pacific region the best that it can
be,” Mr Teo concluded.
Photo Caption: Feleti Teo... Pacific
Islands Forum and Secretariat relevant.
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(Photo:
Savali News) |
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SAMOA:
Clinical Health wants to
get friendly
Source:
Savali News
In light of a recent rash of complaints from the
public, Clinical Health is soon to launch a more
customer-friendly approach. According to General
Manager Leota Lamositele Laki Sio, a help desk
will be set up in the Outpatient area where
people - sick and otherwise - can seek
information.
“Most of the time, the doctors and nurses are
unaware of just how sick people are, or the
information they need.
They are just running around in front of sick
people. So the help desk - along with a
suggestion box - will be there for those people
to seek the relevant information they need and
submit any suggestion to improve our service.“
From what I see, much of the problem lies with a
lack of communication. When people don’t get the
relevant information they require - or think
they require - they start complaining. Which is
not at all a bad thing.”
Leota said that the national hospital is
stretched at the moment with a severe shortage
of doctors.
“We have a register of about 40 doctors and
house surgeons - including expats - but that
number also includes those currently on study
leave. So it is not reflective of the actual
doctor situation here.
In fact, there is only one registered doctors
and three house surgeons on the outpatient
roster. There are only two daily shifts and they
(doctors) have to work a 12-hour day. Other
doctors assigned to wards are reassigned after
normal working hours to cover the Outpatient.
“The work of doctors at the Outpatient is not
like other professions. Once you start, you
don’t rest until your 12-shift is up. It’s
patient, after patient, after patient, each with
different ailments which requires a doctor’s
full attention. Motootua Hospital I don’t need
to remind, is never short of patients.”
The community outreach programme, Leota, said,
is being strengthened to relieve pressure on the
national hospital.
“We recently re-opened the Lufilufi district
hospital and renovations are about to begin for
the hospitals at Poutasi and Fusi. The district
hospital at Poutasi will be relocated inland in
line with government’s policy of relocating
essential services inland away from the sea.”
“We are employing a number of private doctors to
carry out our outreach programme in the
villages. “We are encouraging people in the
villages to see these doctors when they visit
instead of coming all the way to Motootua. We
will soon publish a schedule of what days these
doctors will come around to the districts.”
National Health recently completed its first
ever corporate plan which is now under review.
“A crucial element in it, regards staff
remuneration to streamline wages, and salaries
and working conditions. Though the construction
of a new multi-million teaching hospital has
already started, Leota said that the doctor
situation has to be sorted out.
“It’s good in terms of hospital facilities, but
we need sufficient doctors to provide the
necessary service”
Leota believes the education and scholarship
system should reflect the demand for doctors in
the country.
“I think there should be favourable leverage for
students who take up medicine. Perhaps a
scholarship quota system for med students.”
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AUSTRALIA: Australian doctor provides medical
training for AFL workers
Source:
Fiji Times
One could be rest assured that in the event of a
medical emergency at the airport, help would be
readily available from Airports Fiji Limited.
At least 1000 AFL staff were trained by Doctor
Peter Wirth, an emergency medical specialist
based in Canberra, Australia, on cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) and the use of
defibrillators in cases of cardiac arrest (heart
attack).
"Because of the interest shown in attending the
training, two sessions were conducted to cater
for the numbers from fire services, customs,
immigration, security, the duty free shops, Air
Pacific," AFL said in a statement.
Dr Wirth, with five other emergency physicians
from Australia, was in Fiji to discuss
specialist services across the Pacific with
AusAID.
"This is our passion," explained Doctor Wirth.
"We're very keen to offer our services to
Pacific nations, either working through the Fiji
School of Medicine and/or working with
ministries, hospitals, local doctors and nurses,
and potentially having Fiji's doctors and nurses
visiting our hospitals in Australia."
Dr Wirth's connection with Fiji goes back to
l999 when he worked with local medical
personnel. In 2001, this association became
formalised through the AusAID-sponsored Fiji
Health Sector Improvement Programme (FHSIP),
where Dr Wirth's involvement continued until
2006.
During that time, with the assistance of Mr
David Rak, Regional Operations Manager of
Laerdal, a defibrillator supply company, Dr
Wirth organised the donation of two
defibrillators and training mannequins to AFL.
"Because I was coming to Fiji, I contacted AFL
and asked if there was any interest in our
resuming training. I received an enthusiastic
reply from AFL's Mr Lawrence Liew, General
Manager Airports. The existing equipment only
needed new batteries and pads, and was used in
these training sessions.
"Another time, I would like to organise training
on both sides of the country. These sessions
took place at very short notice, but they should
give the country, AFL, tourism, immigration,
everyone involved greater confidence in dealing
with medical emergencies," said Dr Wirth.
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(Photo:
Gladstone Observer) |
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PAPUA NEW GUINEA: New resort to open on Conflict
Islands
Source:
Gladstone Observer
One of the most secluded areas in Papua New
Guinea will be readily accessible to Australian
travellers at the start of 2012, with the
opening of the first resort at the Conflict
Islands.
Consisting of 22 pristine, untouched islands,
the Conflict Islands group is located in the
Lower Milne Bay area, at the top of the Coral
Sea, and boasts world-renowned diving and
fishing experiences.
The private Conflict Islands resort is located
on the Island of Panasesa and consists of six
traditional double occupancy timber bungalows
complete with beachfront balconies. These
bungalows include modern comforts such as
air-conditioning, a mini bar with tea and coffee
facilities, iPod dock, and an ensuite bathroom
complete with essential toiletries.
Each bungalow can be fitted with either a queen
bed or two king singles, with a maximum of 12
people on the island at any one time.
The islands are part of the Milne Bay Province,
which is famous for its array of diving
locations and unique coral reefs which have
twice the diversity of the Great Barrier Reef.
Alotau, on the edge of Milne Bay and part of the
mainland, is a popular base from which to
explore the surrounding Islands.
On the Conflict Islands you will be spoilt for
choice on how to spend your days. The activities
include diving and snorkelling, fishing, island
tours, sailing, paddle boarding and kayaking or
simply relaxing in your own private paradise.
The resort has its own resident chef who uses
the abundance of fresh local produce available
on the islands to create a delightful cuisine.
The surrounding waters also provide a variety of
fresh seafood, including numerous varieties of
fish, lobster, crayfish and many other marine
delicacies.
Previously not open to the public, this island
resort was developed as a private hideaway for
the owner and is now being opened up to a
limited number of guests who want a personalised
holiday away from the hustle and bustle of daily
life.
The secluded island getaway is being offered at
a rate of $3,750 (normally $4,500 - $5,000) per
person for bookings between December 2011 and
June 2012. This price covers all expenses,
including transfers to and from Port Moresby,
plus all activities, meals and basic alcohol.
To take advantage of this amazing offer, a seven
night minimum stay must be booked and the
resorts’ occupancy full (12 people). Travel must
also be made between December 2011 and June
2012.
The resort is available for individual and group
bookings of up to 12 people.
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SOLOMON ISLANDS: Secretary-General holds climate
change talks with PM
Source:
United Nations Development Programme Press
Release
The Secretary-General, on a visit to the Solomon
Islands, held talks yesterday with H.E. Mr.
Danny Philip, the Prime Minister of the Solomon
Islands, and other cabinet members.
The Secretary-General also met separately with
H.E. Sir Frank O. Kabui, the Governor General;
H.E. Sir Allan Kemakeza, the Speaker to
Parliament, and H.E. Dr. Derek Sikua, the Leader
of the Opposition.
In those meetings, the discussions focused on
the challenges of climate change and sustainable
development, including green growth, the
sustainable economic use of the oceans, and
education.
The Secretary-General also emphasized the
importance he attached to raising the status of
women and to ending violence against women. He
urged the Government, Opposition and Parliament
to follow through on the Prime Minister’s pledge
to reserve five seats for women in Parliament.
The Secretary-General and his Solomon Islands
interlocutors also discussed the role of the
Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
The Secretary-General received a briefing on
climate-change adaptation funding from Mr. Rence
Sore, Permanent Secretary for Environment in the
Solomon Islands.
The Secretary-General also met with Mr. Nicholas
Coppel, Special Coordinator of RAMSI, and other
officials from the mission. They briefed the
Secretary-General on the mission’s mandate,
achievements and transition plans. The
Secretary-General praised the mission as a good
example of regional cooperation.
The Secretary-General also had a meeting with a
number of donor countries based in Honiara.
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(Photo:
Secretariat of the Pacific Community) |
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WORLDWIDE: HIV/AIDS forum hears Pacific voices
on AIDS response in the region
Source:
Secretariat of the Pacific Community Press
Release
Pacific Islanders attending the second largest
international forum on HIV/AIDS are using the
forum to highlight the successes and challenges
of responding to HIV/AIDS in the region.
In his address at the 10th International
Congress on AIDS for Asia and the Pacific (ICAAP
10) underway in Busan, South Korea, Fiji’s
President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau urged political
leaders, representatives of civil society and
other concerned individuals to engage more
actively in responding to HIV/AIDS.
‘It is essential for leaders across the region
to be more actively engaged if they are to
translate regional political commitments into
more effective national action through enhancing
public policy, strengthening the enabling
environment and programming health and social
services,’ Ratu Epeli said.
The response to HIV needs people who care and
are committed to the cause, said former Deputy
Prime Minister of Samoa Misa Telefoni Retzlaff
during a Pacific symposium at the conference. Mr
Retzlaff, who is also chairperson of the
Commission on AIDS in the Pacific, said it is
very important to have the ‘element of caring as
part of the equation.’
UNICEF’s Regional Ambassador for the Pacific,
Mere Nailatikau highlighted the need for Pacific
youth to have a more robust global voice.
‘In a region with a burgeoning youth population,
Pacific youth must take their place at the
global table. Our challenges are too great not
to take every opportunity for meaningful
participation at every level - national,
regional and global,’ she said.
The Most Reverend Archbishop John Ribat of Papua
New Guinea said churches played an important
role in raising awareness on HIV/AIDS related
issues in the most remote places.
He acknowledged the difficulties that churches
have in promoting humanrights-based approaches
to HIV/AIDS prevention and care. However,
Archbishop Ribat said he believed that this
would change over time as people and the
churches accept this approach to‘preserving,
protecting and loving life.’
About 60 Pacific Islanders from PNG, Fiji,
Samoa, Tonga and the Federated States of
Micronesia have joined more than 2500
participants, mainly from the Asia-Pacific
region, for the biennial
conference.Representatives from the Secretariat
of the Pacific Community (SPC) are also
attending ICAAP10. The SPC provides support to
its member countries in issues relating HIV and
STIs.
The theme for ICAAP 10 is ‘Diverse Voices,
United Action’, and the conference comes at a
pivotal moment in the AIDS response. This year
marks the 30th anniversary of the identification
of the first case of AIDS in the United States.
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