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SUVA, Fiji Islands (February 28, 2000 – Fiji’s Daily Post)---The recent formation of a Fiji-India Business Council will strengthen the economic relationship between Fiji and India, says the council secretary, Hasmukh Desai.

This will result in joint venture set-ups, he said, which will enhance the economy of Fiji.

He said the council, which was formed following the overwhelming support of the local business community, will open up tremendous opportunities not only for the corporate sector but many individuals in Fiji.

"With great knowledge and expertise from India, Fiji can achieve further awesome rewards in the information technology sector," Mr. Desai said.

"Joint ventures can be set up for both software and hardware based computer generated applications.

"Small cottage industry formations by families in villages was the main reason how India was able to survive its most critical period of poverty," he added.

"The people of India chose to...

PLAN

By Nanise Fafita

NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga (February 29, 2000 – Radio Australia’s Pacific Beat)---The Tongan government is devising a plan to create a national retirement system.

The Central Planning Department has invited public input on the proposal, which would invite membership from individuals in the government and private sectors.

A consultant from the International Labor Organization is working with the Central Planning Department in securing financial assistance from overseas donors.

The Tongan government gave the green light for the project in 1997.

The proposal would look at the Tonga’s retirement benefit options for private sector employees as well as civil service employees, the country’s largest working sector.

For additional reports from Radio Australia/Pacific Beat, go to PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT News/Information Links: Radio/TV News/Radio Australia/Pacific Beat.

By Vaaimamao Poufa

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (February 28, 2000 - Samoa News/PINA Nius Online) - Villages that do a good job of preserving and conserving their wetlands will be recognized by the Department of Commerce’s American Samoa Coastal Management Program in a "big ceremony" during Wetlands Month in May.

Brownwyn "Bua" Mitchell of DOC told Samoa News that this is the first year the program will give out Village Wetland Awards, but it now plans to make them on an annual basis.

Mitchell said that any resident can nominate their village and, according to an announcement placed in Samoa News, "All villages containing wetlands (swamps, marshes, streams, springs, etc.) are eligible to compete for this illustrious designation."

For villagers curious about what the illustrious designation and award will be, Mitchell said that ASCMP is trying to get away from a monetary recognition. They have not yet decided on a specific award, but she said that "it will...

GREENPEACE AND FOREVER ACTIVIST

By Erin Phelan

Suva (PINA Nius Online, 25 February 2000) - Samantha Magick cradles her baby daughter, Samira, in her arms while talking about her past career as a journalist in Fiji and her current position as Communications Director for Greenpeace Pacific.

"I'm doing this because I've got a child who is going to be around long after me, hopefully, and I would like her not to have to deal with the (environmental) issues we face now," says the former journalist, forever the activist.

But she also admits that after eight years with Communications Fiji Limited (CFL), where she finished her term as News Director for three radio stations and Website Editor, she had reached a plateau.

"There were people there who could take over for me. I wanted new challenges and, to be honest, I got sick of not being able to say what I wanted to say.

"William (Parkinson, Managing Director of CFL) has a policy of not...