Articles Search

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, Nov. 30) – The Tongan government has announced that the planned coronation of King George Tupou V has been deferred by a year because of the destruction caused by the riots two weeks ago.

The coronation is now set for August 1st 2008.

The Matangi Tonga website says the postponement will allow the government to focus on rebuilding Nuku’alofa.

King George Tupou V came to the throne in September following the death of his father, King Taufahau Tupou IV.

[PIR editor’s note: Meanwhile, according to a story Tuesday posted by Radio New Zealand International, Lopeti Senituli, who advises Tongan Prime Minister Feleti Sevele, charged that Honolulu academic Sitiveni Halapua is campaigning to have Sevele removed because of his own political ambitions. Halapua – who at the request of the Tongan Government is on secondment  from the East-...

By Eric Palacios

HAGATNA, Guam (Pacific Daily News, Dec. 1) – In an effort to raise awareness on the perils associated with the drug known as ice on Guam, several federal and local law enforcement agencies launched their public outreach programs in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice-sponsored National Methamphetamine Awareness Day.

U.S. Attorney Leonardo Rapadas said the anti-drug campaign would be more than just the tabletop display yesterday at Guam Premier Outlets.

"We're going to hit new venues, get into the villages and the schools and meet with youth groups in the coming year to raise even more awareness on this evil," Rapadas said.

"And the youth are the most vulnerable today," he said.

Rapadas added that yesterday's event was unique in that, being a national event, it was held at the same time as in every state and federal jurisdiction to highlight the "nationwide efforts to increase awareness and decrease demand" of the...

By Fili Sagapolutele

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa (Samoa News, Nov. 30) - Governor Togiola and First Lady Maryann will be among the dignitaries attending the inauguration ceremony for Hawai'i Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona on Monday, Dec. 4.

The governor's office said Togiola and Mrs. Tulafono depart on tomorrow night's Hawaiian Airlines flight (that was re-scheduled from the regular Thursday flight). They are scheduled to return Dec. 7.

Lingle's spokesman Lenny Klompus said from Honolulu yesterday that Togiola has accepted the invitation. He said all governors from the states and territories were invited to the event themed, "One Ohana (family)."

Klompus estimates that around 1,000 VIPs will attend the swearing-in ceremony that's scheduled to begin at noon on Monday at the Hawai'i State Capitol Rotunda following a procession from Iolani Palace.

Hawaii Chief Justice Ronald Moon will administer the oath of office to Lingle first...

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (The National, November 30) – A PGK10 million [US$3.5 miilion] cheque for the resistance fighters in Bougainville who assisted security forces during the bloody crisis was handed over yesterday.

Bougainville Affairs Minister Sir Peter Barter and Defence Minister Martin Aini flew to Buka yesterday to hand over the much-talked about payment.

At least 4,085 Bougainville Resistance Force members in the region will benefit from the payment.

The cheque was handed over in a small ceremony at the Kuri Village Resort.

The payout to each member of the Bougainville Resistance Fighters (BRF) is expected to begin tomorrow, and would take a week to complete.

Sir Peter thanked the BRF members for their understanding and patience with the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) in processing the payment.

"I would like to thank all the veterans from both sides the Bougainville Revolutionary Army...