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Overseas Vanuatu Students’ Government Allowances Delayed Officer says scholarship funds have been exhausted

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, August 6, 2013) – Vanuatu students around the Pacific will not get their allowances on time this month because the government is short of money.

The principal scholarship officer, Glenden Ilaisa, has confirmed there will be a delay because the fund for the scholarship students has been exhausted.

He says the Council of Ministers has already endorsed another US$2 million for the fund but parliament is yet to approve it.

An extra-ordinary session of parliament is planned for the week after next.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ilaisa says his office has written to the universities asking that they maintain services for the students until a supplementary payment is approved.

He says they have also asked parents to support their children during this period.

Last year, the Vanuatu government...

Court wants to balance foreign media coverage, defendant’s rights

By Cameron Miculka

HAGÅTÑA, Guam (Pacific Daily News, August 7, 2013) – As a trial for the man accused of attacking tourists in Tumon this past February draws nearer, the Guam Judiciary is preparing for the influx of foreign media to the island.

Following Chad De Soto's arrest, 20 foreign media outlets requested access to court hearings.

The result was a courtroom packed with reporters and cameras, resulting in the court requiring that the media groups share video from a single camera.

But with a trial drawing closer, the court is working to balance public access to the courts with judicial efficiency and the rights of the defendant.

"Our priority is to maintain decorum in the courtroom so that the matter can be advanced," said Joshua Tenorio, court director of policy, planning and community relations.

Tenorio recognized the level of public interest in the case, both...

Local branches of international brands reportedly doing well

By Aldwin R. Fajardo

HAGÅTÑA, Guam (Marianas Variety Guam, August 7, 2013) – Guam’s relatively high consumer confidence index is sending waves of positive feedbacks from the nation’s biggest names in the retailing industry in the form of new ventures and expansion projects, as mirrored by the numerous "soon to open" signs on the island’s major shopping centers.

Both at the Micronesia Mall and the Guam Premier Outlets (GPO), a number of new construction, expansion and renovation activities are taking place – a strong indication of the island’s booming retail sector, according to industry players.

National and international brands are noticing Guam as an important market, said Phil Schrage, vice president and leasing manager of the Micronesia Mall. He noted the recent opening of New Jersey-headquartered Toys R Us express store at the mall and the expansion of the children’s department at Macy’s...

Young islanders reportedly losing touch with language

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, August 6, 2013) – The Cook Islands community in New Zealand says while good work is being done in early education, much more is needed to preserve the Cook Islands language for future generations.

It is Cook Islands Language Week in New Zealand this week, which encourages the community to embrace, promote and protect their language.

Leilani Momoisea reports.

Te Punanga O Te Reo Kuki Airani is a Wellington early childhood education centre that seeks to preserve and support the Cook Islands language.

The supervisor of the centre, Bridget Kauraka, says teachers and children speak to each other in Reo Cook Island Maori all day at the centre, which gives them a good foundation. But Mrs. Kauraka says it’s difficult for the students to hold on to the language, as they move onto primary, intermediate and high school.

"BRIDGET KAURAKA:...