NEWSROOM 20 July
2009

(Photo: New Zealand Government)

NEW ZEALAND: Nearly 6000 more Pacific Islanders sign on for benefits

(Photo: eTurboNews)

SAMOA: Samoa picked over Fiji by Australian tourists
Source: West Australia via eTurboNews

Australian tourists are picking lesser-known Pacific islands for their tropical winter breaks to avoid the political instability in military-led Fiji, leaders claim.
The leaders of two Pacific nations, Samoa and the Cook Islands, say their tourist numbers are on the rise because many Australians and New Zealanders no longer want to visit Fiji.

They say that the refusal of Frank Bainimarama's regime to take the country to elections since staging a December 2006 coup has been an "active turn-off" for visitors.

Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele says the global economic crisis has hit his country hard, cutting employment rates and remittance earnings - but tourism appears to be booming.

He believes Fiji's situation has brought "enormous" tourism benefits in both the Australian and New Zealand markets.

"We have noticed a huge improvement in people choosing to come here instead of going to Fiji, with everything going on there," Tuilaepa said.

"Who can blame them.

"Quite obviously we are a much better option."

Jim Marurai, prime minister of the Cook Islands, said he too had been facing tough economic times but tourism was holding strong.

"Tourism is the backbone of our economy and to date the numbers have been stable," he said.

In fact, visitor numbers for June were up two per cent on last year, a trend for which Fiji was likely responsible, Mr Marurai said.

"It's very possible that Fiji contributed to the continuity of the stability of tourism numbers," he said.

Fiji Tourism failed to return calls on the issue but its head, Josefa Tuamoto, said last week that the tourism industry was in strife.

However, he blamed swine flu, rising fuel costs and bad press after extensive flooding at the beginning of the year for the downturn.

New Zealand's prime minister, John Key, said during a trip through the Pacific last week he was "not surprised" to see tourists voting with their feet.

Fiji was suspended from the Pacific Islands Forum in May after setting a belated September 2014 election date and Commodore Frank Bainimarama refusing to relinquish power while the country slid into a recession.

Investment and employment rates are in decline, the dominant sugar cane industry has faltered and heavy public and media censorship remains in place under orders from the regime.
 

(Photo: StarKist Samoa Inc.)

AMERICAN SAMOA: Faleomavaega and StarKist seek local input for ASPIRE
Source: Office of Congressman Faleomavaega Press Release

For the past several weeks, StarKist and Faleomavaega have been working together at the federal level to find real solutions for American Samoa’s tuna cannery workers and the U.S. tuna fishing and processing industries. Today, Congressman Faleomavaega and StarKist are seeking local input for their new proposal to generate economic development in American Samoa.

Known as ASPIRE, or the American Samoa Protection of Industry, Resources, and Employment, the proposal focuses on the need to create an environment where the fundamental advantages held by American Samoa, and the precious waters of the South Pacific that surround the Territory, can once again be leveraged for the benefit of the people of American Samoa while creating a sustainable tuna industry that can grow and compete in a global economy.

In a letter dated July 13, 2009, Faleomavaega presented the proposal to the Governor and Fono, requesting their input and support. “At this time, no bill has been offered as we are seeking the input of the Governor and the Fono before sharing this proposal with the Secretary of the Interior and the U.S. Congress,” Faleomavaega said.

“It is a well known fact that our tuna industry faces competitive pressure from foreign countries that pay workers $0.60 and less per hour. With the announced closure of COS/Samoa Packing, the majority of benefits derived from our core asset, tuna, will now go to foreign countries who are aggressively taking market share from us,” the Congressman continued.

“At one time, it was enough that American Samoa was close to the best fishing grounds in the world. But foreign competitors who pay their workers $0.60 and less per hour have forced our key employers, StarKist and COS/Samoa Packing, to make decisions between staying or relocating to more competitive manufacturing locations. COS/Samoa Packing has already chosen to abandon American Samoa.”

“On the other hand, StarKist has chosen to stay and work with us,” Faleomavaega said, “and I thank StarKist for caring enough about our people to stay long enough to determine if we can turn the principles of ASPIRE into law. If we are successful in this undertaking, StarKist will remain. But the stakes are high. We must act with one voice. Dissension and division will bring about failure. Given that we have very limited time to turn these principles into law, I am hopeful that the Fono and the Governor’s office will offer their input and then stand united in supporting ASPIRE.”

“ASPIRE is built on three pillars. One, first and foremost, is to encourage those who process tuna for the U.S. market to do business in American Samoa.”

“Two, we will reward fishing vessels that direct deliver tuna to American Samoa, as direct delivery provides multiplier effects which result in additional revenue for the territory from visitor expenditures on vessel re-fueling, repair, and other shipyard services; stevedores; fishing net repairs; lodging; dining; and a host of other services,” Faleomavaega said. “While having once provided limited economic benefit through indirect deliveries which ensured a constant supply of fish to COS/Samoa Packing, with the closure of Samoa Packing, American Samoa will no longer receive indirect benefits from the large majority of the eligible fleet which fishes under the auspices of a US. flag and U.S. license. The territory will also receive no direct benefits from these boats, as there are decreased volumes of fish being directly-delivered to American Samoa. The present state of economics has made it more profitable for these vessels to deliver their catch to massive carrier ships on the high seas without returning to port. This is creating a downward economic cycle for our local employers and, now, with the closure of COS/Samoa Packing which once made sure that the fleet provided indirect benefits to our economy by supplying fish to its cannery, every tunaboat that flies the U.S. flag must contribute somehow, someway to our economy, and this is why I fully agree with the Governor’s recent announcement to charge a fee for any tunaboat home-ported in American Samoa.”

“Three, we will leverage the resources of American Samoa and the United States to fully benefit American Samoa and the United States. American Samoa has several advantages including our location, fishing licensure and access to our waters, existing tuna processing infrastructure, and a workforce that is experienced in all aspects of the business. To be more competitive, we must leverage these assets and create an environment that encourages the tuna industry not only to stay, but to expand its operations in American Samoa.”

“We must also act immediately and in unity. This is why I have proposed that the Governor, in conjunction with my office and the Fono, establish a Taskforce to bring vested stakeholders together for purposes of discussing the principles of ASPIRE which would reward sellers and buyers of fish delivered to American Samoa.”

“After discussions with the Governor and the Fono, I will be returning to Washington to meet with the U.S. Department of the Interior. I will also be seeking the support of Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Chairman George Miller, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and other Members of Congress because unified support will be our only chance for enactment. But even with unified support at the federal and local level, the way forward will not be easy, especially considering the unprecedented economic crisis our nation is facing,” Faleomavaega said.

“While we know the challenges ahead will be difficult, StarKist stands with the Congressman as we work together to garner local and federal support to turn ASPIRE into law,” Mr. Don Binotto, President and CEO of StarKist, stated. “We believe the ASPIRE proposal will allow StarKist and American Samoa to become globally competitive again, supporting fishing and tuna processing. Furthermore, the proposal, if enacted, can spur economic growth for American Samoa. Without policy changes such as those offered by this proposal, American Samoa is simply no longer competitive on a global basis.”

“Even though we are temporarily staying while Congress has a chance to consider this proposal, as we move forward, we will continue to manage our facility to make it as cost efficient and competitive as possible and, to that end, StarKist will continue to put further cost-saving measures in place, specifically, additional workforce reductions over the next several months,” Mr. Binotto continued.

“As a member of the community since the 1960s, we value the dedication the American Samoan people have demonstrated to StarKist for decades, and we recognize that our success is in large part due to their hard work and commitment. We are optimistic that, if the principles of ASPIRE are enacted into law, operations in American Samoa will once again be globally competitive and the island will be reinvigorated as a hub for the tuna industry and business in general, and we are committed to working with your Congressman, Governor and Fono in doing all we can to achieve this goal,” Mr. Binotto concluded.

Photo Captions: For the past several weeks, StarKist and Congressman Faleomavaega have been working together at the federal level to find real solutions for American Samoa’s tuna cannery workers and the U.S. tuna fishing and processing industries.

(Photo: Mr. Bullitt)

COOK ISLANDS: Cook Islands tax loopholes tightened as NZ increases aid

Source: National Business Review

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has signed a Tax Information Exchange agreement with Cook Islands Prime Minister Jim Marurai as part of efforts to clamp down on tax evasion and avoid another wine-box affair.

New Zealand Revenue Minister Peter Dunne said the Tax Information Exchange Agreement provides for full exchange of information on criminal and civil tax matters between the two countries.

"The agreement will enable the tax authorities of both countries to gain access to information about income and assets that would-be evaders try to hide in the other country," Mr Dunne said.

He said the agreement will cover "not only information held by banks and other financial institutions but also information on who benefits in company ownership chains and on the settlors, trustees and beneficiaries of trusts".

Aside from their natural beauty, the Cook Islands are also well known in New Zealand for the ‘wine-box’ affair, under which New Zealand businessmen used the laxly regulated Cook Islands banking system as a tax shelter.

Mr Key met Mr Marurai on the main island of Rarotonga today on the final leg of his four-country Pacific visit.

The two prime ministers also agreed to an annual Joint Ministerial Forum to further strengthen the “special relationship” between the Cook Islands and New Zealand.

A protectorate of New Zealand until 1965, the 20,000 residents of the Cook Islands are dwarfed by the 58,000 Cook Island Maori who exercise their right to live in New Zealand.

Mr Key said regular high-level political engagement between the two countries will help the Cook Islands in developing its economy, while reflecting the strong Realm relationship that underpins the partnership.

Perhaps not coincidentally, New Zealand also increased official development aid to the Cook Islands from $11 million to $14 million this year, rising to $17 million over 2011/2012.

“This assistance, delivered through NZAID, will focus on support for activities which contribute to sustainable economic development”, said Mr Key.

“A vibrant and well-supported private sector is an essential building block for growth. We want to support initiatives that encourage small business development, entrepreneurship and investment.

“I’ve also discussed New Zealand’s desire to increase funding for infrastructure support. We are particularly interested in building on assistance for the management of lagoon eco-systems to preserve them for the enjoyment of local communities and overseas tourists alike.

“Tourism is the key foreign exchange earner for the Cook Islands economy and continued strength in this sector is dependent on keeping important air routes open.

“New Zealand has agreed to support the Cook Islands Government’s decision to underwrite any loss on Air New Zealand’s weekly Los Angeles-Rarotonga-Auckland route, with a capped $1 million contribution from the aid programme for the current financial year.”

Photo Caption: Cook Islands Parliament.
 

(Photo: Secretariat of the Pacific Community)

FIJI: Pacific rugby hero urges young people to make right decision about sex
Source: Secretariat of the Pacific Community Press Release

A young Pacific rugby hero is helping to break the culture of silence surrounding sex at the 2nd Pacific Youth Festival in a bid to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Fijian-born Ratu Nemani Driu Nasiganiyavi (21) who plays professional rugby for the New South Wales Waratahs, is encouraging young people to think through things before they make a decision on sex.

Ratu Nemani is at the festival, which is being held in Suva, Fiji, from 11-18 July, as part of an HIV awareness and prevention campaign that aims to empower youth delegates to make the right decisions regarding their sexual behaviour.

He says young women and men must decide for themselves whether they want to have sex or not and if they do choose to have sex, then they need to know the risks and use a condom.

‘It’s something we all need to know about. I’ve been speaking mainly to guys my age who giggle and smile like it doesn’t affect them, but what I can do is to make them aware regardless of the reactions I get,’ he says.

Ratu Nemani believes he can use the popularity of rugby to influence his peers at the festival. ‘Everyone here loves rugby, so it’s a great tool to gain attention for creating awareness on HIV.’

He also wants to encourage parents to talk about issues relating to sexuality with their children in order to help them make the right decisions.

‘Despite the fact that we’re able to talk about everything else with our parents, we don’t talk about HIV because it involves sex,’ he says. ‘We need [their] support if we are to navigate safely in the Pacific.’

Ratu Nemani is keen to continue his ambassador role promoting HIV awareness in the Pacific. ‘You can’t change something overnight. We’re setting the foundations now and I feel obliged to continue.’

Campaign coordinator Jovesa Saladoka, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) Behaviour Change Communication Officer, says the safe festival campaign focuses on skills building through information dissemination, media outreach and peer education.

‘It’s about our young people taking charge of what is a major issue in the Pacific,’ he says.

The campaign has been designed specifically for the youth festival by young people from around the region in collaboration with the Fiji Ministry of Health and National Advisory Committee for HIV and AIDS, the United Nations Population Fund and SPC.

In addition to the campaign, seminars and workshops on HIV-related topics such as reproductive and sexual health, are being held as part of the main festival programme.

Around 300 young people from 13 Pacific Island countries and territories are attending the festival.

Festival background:

The Pacific Youth Festival is a week-long event held every three years. It aims to bring young people in the region together to discuss, share and highlight youth concerns and youth programmes that address these concerns.

The main events at the festival include presentations, panel discussions and workshops on various youth issues. The festival also facilitates inter-regional communication and network building opportunities. Side events include cultural performances and sports.

Photo Caption: Ratu Nemani Driu Nasiganiyavi with Stephanie Pene and Sekope Mataitoga the headgirl and headboy of Suva’s Dudley Highschool at the launch of the safe festival campaign.
 

(Photos: International Cricket Council)

WORLDWIDE: PNG Rokroks claim Under 15 title in Indonesia
Source: International Cricket Council Press Release

PNG Rokroks claim Under 15 title in Indonesia Finals day cancelled following Friday's terrorist incidents The PNG Rokroks have secured a commanding victory in the 2009 Pepsi ICC EAP U15 Cricket 8s Trophy held in Jakarta, Indonesia this week.

With Saturday's finals day of the event cancelled because of the terrorist attacks that took place in the city on Friday, the Rokroks were awarded the title after dominating the round-robin group stage.

The decision to call off Saturday's final day was taken after input consultation involving officials from the ICC's East Asia-Pacific (EAP) office, Cricket Indonesia and the ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit.

No-one involved in the tournament was caught up in the incidents on Friday morning. The visiting teams will be repatriated as soon as possible.

The Rokroks were hot favourites heading in to the tournament having won the trophy two years ago in Vanuatu, and did not disappoint with a near-flawless display for the entire tournament.

PNG completed their sixth win in a row with a dominant performance over host Indonesia at the Cibubur Ground today in the final round to claim the title, with star paceman Vagi again putting in an outstanding display to grab his fourth Player of the Match Award.

The PNG Rokroks, superbly coached by Seura Loa throughout the tournament, dominated from start to finish, displaying power and class throughout the batting order, while their bowling was led by the dominant Vagi and some handy spin options.

Commenting on the premature end to the tournament, ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: "We are extremely grateful for the efforts of the ICC's East Asia-Pacific staff, officials of Cricket Indonesia, the Indonesian Government, our Anti-Corruption and Security Unit and numerous other local, national and international agencies for all pulling together at this difficult time to help ensure the well-being of all those involved in this event.

"Our thoughts are with the families of those who are suffering as a result of the terrorist acts."

"Our regional office will continue to work with Cricket Indonesia to try and ensure the game of cricket in the country does not suffer as a result of what has happened.

"ICC EAP Regional Development Manager Matthew Weisheit added: "We are proud of the way Cricket Indonesia officials have managed the dramatic events of the past few hours and the way they have taken responsible actions following advice from security experts.

"The events of Friday morning are sad and unfortunate but the safety of the players and officials is paramount and we have been in regular communication with the respective National Cricket Bodies to facilitate the safe return of players and officials."

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - PNG in action during Pepsi ICC WCL Div 3.

Photo 2 - PNG celebrate a victory in Pepsi ICC WCL Div 3.