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Immigration reform bill has CNMI-specific provisions: Sablan

By Haidee V. Eugenio

SAIPAN, CNMI (Saipan Tribune, Oct. 4, 2013) – A provision offering a pathway to U.S. citizenship for thousands of long-term, legal aliens in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is included in an immigration reform bill that Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced on Wednesday, four months since the Senate passage of S. 744.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) is one of 120 co-sponsors of H.R. 15, called the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, which includes "specific provisions for the Northern Mariana Islands."

Like S. 744, which passed the U.S. Senate in June, HR 15 provides a path to citizenship for the 11 million immigrants living in the U.S. illegally and tightens border security.

Sablan, in response to Saipan Tribune questions, said he has worked to be sure that people who were...

Despite expecting resistance, group holds productive discussion

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, Oct. 3, 2013) – Civil society groups in Solomon Islands say the acting police commissioner and her executive are very supportive of the contents of a petition calling on the prime minister Gordon Darcy Lilo to resign.

The Joint Civil Society Group has given Juanita Matanga 14 days’ notice of its intention to hold a public forum on the people’s petition.

The interim chairperson, Barnabas Henson, says the group had expected resistance from police but this week’s meeting was very productive.

Mr. Henson says that is because the petition raises issues over where the present form of governance is leading the country, issues he describes as common knowledge among the people.

"As we progress it, we explain to people the issues that are contained in the petition. And as the realisation hits them, we seem to be gaining more and more and...

Chinese, New Zealand funded project ‘driven’ by Cooks government

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, Oct. 6, 2013) – A batch of workers from China are due in the Cook Islands in coming weeks to start work on an aid project, regarded as a world first.

The 50 million US dollar project to upgrade Rarotonga’s water supply was signed off amid some fanfare at the Pacific Islands Forum last year, as the first joint aid venture involving a traditional western donor and China.

Researcher Dr Philippa Brant has been in the Cook Islands to study the project which will see the Chinese lay 26 kilometres of pipes and New Zealanders install water treatment facilities.

Dr Brant says what is noticeable is how the project is being driven by the Cook Islands government.

"They’ve set up really strong governance structures. They will convene meetings between the New Zealand side, the Chinese and their own people to make sure that the political...

Underwater vessel to operate on Tabua Reef, Malolo Island

By Reginald Chandar

SUVA, Fiji (Fijilive, Oct. 6, 2013) – The SeaView, an all new 18m semi-submersible underwater viewing vessel which has been 100% built in Fiji is set to boost the marine tourism market.

The Melanesian Trading Company Ltd owned vessel has a 47 crew total capacity and boasts full air-conditioning, surround sound A/V system, 30 underwater LED light arrays as well as 14 super-sized viewing windows.

The vessel represents an investment of approx 1.8 million FJD (US$971,000) by the company and will operate in Mamanuca waters close to Malolo Island in an area called 'Tabua Reef'.

Chief executive Robert Van Der Moigg said they are excited to move into the next stage and start operations of the SeaView at Tabua Reef.

He said with the help of the traditional owners of the rightful fishing grounds (Qoliqoli) the Vanua o Nakovacake, the area has been made a MPA (Marine...