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PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (PNG Post Courier, June 6) – The Papua New Guinea Government will not allow any new mining company operating in the country to operate on a fly-in fly-out basis.

All new operators of large mining companies will be told to build satellite towns in the country to accommodate their employees and families.

Mining Minister Sam Akoitai said this yesterday in response to a report in the Townsville Bulletin that a major Chinese company establishing a large scale mining operation in Papua New Guinea was considering setting up its Australian fly-in fly-out base in Bowen — about 200 kilometers south of Townsville in Queensland, Australia.

He said new mining companies that operate large scale mining operations in Papua New Guinea will have to follow on the foot prints of other major mining companies such as the former Bougainville Copper Limited and build townships to accommodate their workers and families. "If they are going to sleep...

NUKUALOFA, Tonga (Matangi Tonga, June 6) – Tonga’s 2006 Parliamentary session meeting on its first day, was this morning postponed until June12 by the Speaker of the Tongan Legislative Assembly, Hon. Tu'iha'angana.

The House is awaiting the return of the Nobes Lasike and Tu'iha'ateiho who must travel to Vava'u to present the House's reply to the Princess Regent's speech from the throne on the opening of the 2006 parliamentary session on June 1.

The Chief Clerk of the House, Tevita 'Ova said that Nobles Lasike and Tu'iha'ateiho would leave tomorrow for Vava'u where the Princess Regent is staying.

He said that the Minister of Finance Hon. Siosiua 'Utoikamanu launched his 2006 estimated Budget this morning, and during the few days break members will have the opportunity to study it. This year's Budget is said to be Tonga's biggest budget ever of over $200 million [US$98 million] compared to $178 million [US$87 million] for 2005-06.

Despite the increase, the...

SAIPAN, CNMI (Marianas Variety, June 7) – A raid by Marshall Islands immigration and police at the weekend netted a dozen Chinese nationals illegally in the country who have been put on notice that they have 60 days to leave the islands or face three years in jail.

The raid is a sign of a stepped-up campaign to get long-term visa overstayers from China out of this western Pacific nation. New Attorney General Posesi Bloomfield said that in the group detained briefly at the weekend were Chinese nationals who had overstayed visas anywhere from six months to as long as eight years.

High Court Judge Richard Hickson set bail at US$1,500, and a dozen of the group, nearly all women who are suspected of working illegally as hostesses, handed US$18,000 cash over to the judge to secure release from jail. This in turn set in motion hearings, at which the group pleaded not guilty but was told they would face trial in 60 days unless they’ve left the country.

Deputy public...

SUVA, Fiji (Fijilive, June 6) – Fiji President Ratu Josefa Iloilo has called on the newly elected Parliamentarians to ensure the success of the multi party Cabinet.

Speaking at the opening address of the new Parliament this morning, Ratu Josefa said this could be done by making the chamber less a forum for partisan political debate and more an opportunity for constructive dialogue

"I appeal also to all our citizens to give their strong support to this new representative form of Government. We can do this by contributing to a positive political climate, supportive of the steps that have been taken to encourage our different communities to cooperate in the development of Fiji," he said.

Ratu Josefa said it was evident the public welcomed the multi party Government established under the provisions of the Constitution.

He said it was a challenge for all in Government and Parliament to make it work for Fiji.

Ratu Josefa also pointed out that the media...