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Repeal various decrees, review Constitution among recommendations

SUVA, Fiji (Fijilive, Nov. 3, 2014) – Calls to review the 2013 Constitution and to review, amend or repeal restrictive decrees were among 39 recommendations Fiji is still to provide a response to following its second universal human rights review.

The 39 recommendations also include calls to repeal the Media Industry Development Decree" 2010 to "end intimidation and harassment of those that express criticism of the State, to change the climate of fear and self-censorship and to ensure that no one is arbitrarily arrested and detained for exercising their rights".

Justice Minister and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum told the human rights council that the 39 recommendations will be examined by the country.

In his concluding statement at the interactive dialogue on Fiji's 2nd Universal Periodic Review before the Human Rights Council, Sayed-Khaiyum said it was necessary to either consult...

Trade agreement eventually to be replaced by PACER Plus

By Vuniwaqa Bola-Bari

SUVA, Fiji (Fijilive, Nov. 3, 2014) – Australian Minister for Industries, Ian Macfarlane is currently reviewing the South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement (SPARTECA) deal with Fiji.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop said the deal, which injects about $100million into the country annually, was discussed in her meeting with Fiji’s Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

SPARTECA is a non-reciprocal trade agreement under which the two developed nations of the South Pacific Forum, Australia and New Zealand offer duty free and unrestricted or concession access for virtually all products originating from the developing island member countries of the forum.

"The PM and I did have a very positive discussion about the SPARTECA. We do recognise the importance to Fiji of this industry and the relevant Minister back in Australia.

"I certainly will...

$360 million Alter City investment to begin next year

By Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa

SAIPAN, CNMI (Marianas Variety, Nov. 3, 2014) – After more than a month of discussion and review, the Department of Public Lands’ lease agreement with Alter City Group, which wants to build a $360 million casino on Tinian, was approved by the Legislature on Friday.

During the joint session all 28 members of the Senate and House voted unanimously to approve the land lease agreement which involves the construction of a hotel-casino next year.

Each of the 28 lawmakers expressed concerns regarding the project, specifically about the Tinian dumpsite and its closure.

Rep. Ramon Tebuteb wanted to make sure that the dump site issue will be addressed properly by the investor and by the CNMI government.

Senate Vice President Victor B. Hocog said the government should address the issue as soon as possible.

Sen, Frank Borja of Tinian said these concerns were...

Cultural events take place in Pago Pago and Apia

By Lance Polu

APIA, Samoa (Talamua, Oct. 30, 2014) – Old Samoan songs, chants, children’s lullabies and stories (fagogo) dating back to the mid 1800’s will become part of the inaugural Samoan Musicology Forum that kicks off in American Samoa this weekend and ends in Apia on Friday 7 November.

The inaugural forum will feature respected ethnomusicologist Professor Richard Moyle who will discuss his findings of old Samoan music from 10 years of extensive field work and research.

An Honorary Research Professor, Moyle is the former Director of the Centre for Pacific Studies and a graduate of The University of Auckland. He came to Pacific Studies after 22 years in the Department of Anthropology. For 17 years Richard was also Director of the Archive of Maori and Pacific Music.

He held teaching positions at Indiana University and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and for eight years was a Research Fellow...