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Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawai‘i

Women MPs
Advocacy group says possible 30 percent reserve a big step

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, June 3, 2013) – A women’s advocacy group in Vanuatu says it’s a breakthrough to have ministers acknowledge that women deserve to have seats set aside for them in parliament.

The Council of Ministers has agreed that there should be a right for women to have reserved seats in parliament.

In 2012, 17 women contested the elections, but none were elected to parliament.

The chairperson of the Coalition for Gender Equity in Parliament, Jenny Ligo, says there is still a long way to go, but agreeing on a 30 percent minimum representation of women in parliament, is a big step.

"The government is seeing the reality now that women’s participation, especially in political decisions, have been...

Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawai‘i

Thousands of graduates reportedly lack employment

By Maciu Malo

SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times, June 3, 2013) – The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation is concerned with alarming numbers of high school and tertiary graduates failing to secure employment each year.

Federation acting president Howard Politini said of the average 15,000 school leavers each year only a third of the figure found employment.

He said the federation was focused on changing the mindset of students, parents and leaders to realize that education was not the only option leading to a successful future.

He said it was high time for the people of Fiji to find other ways of employing themselves rather than depending mainly on education for white collar jobs.

Mr. Politini said in spite of the many employment opportunities created each year,...

Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawai‘i

Accessible To Media
Concerns raised by media over lack of response from police

By Jason Brown

APIA, Samoa (Samoa Observer, June 4, 2013) – Prime Minister Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has been reported as instructing Samoa police to be more willing to front up to the media.

This follows media complaints that police have not been adequately informing them.

Last month, he told police not to speak directly with the media but to use press releases.

This has led to the media gaining little or no information on events police are investigating.

Questions sent in from 15 May 2013 have yet to receive a response.

But Tuilaepa told Radio New Zealand International on the weekend that if the police cannot provide information the media need in their press releases, they should front up and answer...

Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center With Support From Center for Pacific Islands Studies, University of Hawai‘i

Illegally
2 minors, three adults allegedly crossed waters from CNMI

By Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno

HAGÅTÑA, Guam (Pacific Daily News, June 5, 2013) – A Guam National Wildlife Refuge park ranger foiled an attempt by a group of five Chinese nationals to enter Guam illegally through Ritidian beach yesterday morning.

A 2-year-old and a 14-year-old, the children's parents, and a second man survived their journey from the Northern Mariana Islands amid yesterday's rough seas.

All five appeared to be in good health, although the two men were suffering from minor sunburn, stated Virginia Kice, western regional communications director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The group was suspected of using a small inflatable boat powered by an outboard motor to enter Guam. The boat came from the Northern...