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International community should voice disapproval: law expert

By Bruce Hill

MELBOURNE, Australia (Radio Australia, Nov. 4, 2013) – Fiji's interim government has been reported to the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) governing body for the alleged ill treatment of trade union leaders.

It is alleged trade union leaders have faced assault, harassment, intimidation, arrest and detention.

The ILO's Committee on Freedom of Association has highlighted Fiji as one of three serious and urgent country cases.

Felix Anthony, general secretary of the Fiji Trades Union Congress, says he believes the United Nations agency could take action against the interim government.

"This definitely doesn't put Fiji in good light internationally," he told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat.

"I...

Officials visiting Solomons to observe reform processes

By Joy Angi

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Solomon Star, Nov. 2, 2013) – The Republic of Vanuatu Parliament wants to build stronger relationship with the National Parliament of the Solomon Islands (NPSI).

Its Speaker of Parliament, Philip Boedoro, said he is hoping the Vanuatu Parliament will begin building relations through a twinning program.

And he thanked the National Parliament for the opportunity given to his team to be able to do this study program at the National Parliament office from the 31st of October to the 1st of November 2013.

Mr. Baedoro said the Vanuatu Parliament is about to go through a reform process similar to what the Solomon Islands Parliament is going through, with the support of the UNDP Parliamentary Strengthening Project.

The reason for this visit is to see how work has been carried out in these different institutions, especially in a Melanesian context like...

Leaders say they were not properly consulted about project

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, Nov. 4, 2013) – Traditional leaders in the Cook Islands say there has been poor consultation with landowners on a multi-million dollar water infrastructure project in Rarotonga.

The NZ$60 million initiative, known as Te Mato Vai, is a partnership between the Cook Islands, China and New Zealand.

Beverley Tse has more:

The water supply on Rarotonga is currently untreated. Under Te Mato Vai, a new water system will be installed, including UV treatment, improved storage capacity and new ring mains which will deliver potable, clean drinking water to all residential and commercial properties connected to the existing network. The Cook Islands Infrastructure Minister Teariki Heather says the project is progressing well.

"TEARIKI HEATHER: I’ve just been to China with the inspection of quality assurance for us for the Cook Islands and all...

Minister’s supporters stone Sikua’s house over alleged insults

By Jeremy Inifiri

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Solomon Star, Nov. 5, 2013) – A group of disgruntled supporters of the Member of Parliament (MP) for Baegu/Asifola, and minister of agriculture, David Tome have over the weekend demanded compensation from the Solomon Islands Opposition Leader, Dr. Derek Sikua.

This was after they accused him of allegedly insulting and swearing at Mr. Tome outside Parliament House during the last day of the recent Parliament sitting.

According to reports reaching Solomon Star, the group went up to Dr. Sikua’s residence on Saturday morning at around 9am and starting stoning his residence, and demanding compensation for the alleged swearing.

"There were about seven people who came up to Dr. Sikua’s residence and demanded compensation.

"They said that they had been directed by Mr. Tome himself (who is currently overseas) to come and seek compensation from...