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FEMA

By David V. Crisostomo

HAGÅTÑA, Guam (August 5, 2002 - Pacific Daily News)---It will take at least six more months before landslide-ravaged Chuuk State can recover from structural and agricultural devastation, said Federated States of Micronesia President Leo Falcam.

But the grieving process over the massive loss of life in Chuuk will take much longer, said Falcam, who visited Guam yesterday.

"People in Chuuk are still in shock. It will linger on for a long time," Falcam said.

Torrential rain from then-Tropical Storm Chata'an pounded Chuuk State July 2 and triggered more than 30 massive landslides throughout the state. The death toll remains at 47. The disaster injured hundreds of people and destroyed hundreds of homes. About 1,000 people have been displaced by the deadliest disaster in the state's history.

Falcam visited Guam to meet with Federal Emergency Management Agency officials, who are providing assistance to Chuuk. Falcam...

PORT VILA, Vanuatu (August 5, 2002 – VBTC/Port Vila Presse/PINA Nius Online)---Five senior government officials plus members of the Vanuatu Police Service Commission have been released on bail following a day of drama in Port Vila.

Fifteen people, including Attorney General Hamilson Bule, were arrested in an early morning operation yesterday on allegations of conspiracy in the appointment of new Police Commissioner Apisai Mael.

During a brief hearing last night, the Magistrate's Court said that since all 15 are being charged with the same count, they should be released. This was done even though police officers requested at least two be kept in custody.

The commander of Vanuatu's Police Mobile Force, Abby Jack Marikembo, said the arrests were mainly to force the authorities to review the appointment of the new commissioner, a former police officer.

Meanwhile, the President of the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, Tom Numake, has appealed for calm.

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HONIARA, Solomon Islands (August 5, 2002 – Radio New Zealand International)---A religious leader in the Solomon Islands says most families in Honiara are living below the poverty line.

The Director of the National Ecumenical Youth Program of the Solomon Islands Christian Association, Reverend Gideon Tuke, says most families find it difficult to manage as a result of the continual influx of people into Honiara.

He says that almost every boat trip to Honiara brings people form the provinces into the capital.

Solomon Islands Radio quotes Reverend Tuke as saying these people do not normally have work and end up living with family and friends in already overcrowded homes.

He urges those who have nothing to do in Honiara to return to the villages and help cultivate the land.

For additional reports from Radio New Zealand International, go to PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT News/Information Links: Radio/TV...

APIA, Samoa (August 5, 2002 - Samoa Observer/PINA Nius Online)---While more boys than girls drop out of school in Samoa census, figures show more men received university education than women, a workshop heard.

The workshop was called to discuss details of a report a committee of the Samoan government compiled. It was among initiatives to put into effect the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Women from all sectors were invited to the presentation of the committee's report.

The report said the Samoan constitution provides protection against discrimination. It "prohibits any laws and any actions by the State that discriminate against any person on the grounds of descent, sex, language."

The report says that in public life in 2001 in Samoa, there were three women MPs, one minister, seven heads of departments, one head of statutory bodies, and 18 assistant directors.

In the judiciary, there are no female judges but...