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Among company’s biggest setbacks

SUVA, Fiji (Fijilive, Aug. 31, 2008) – The Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited (FSC) group recorded a loss of FJ$19.3 million [US$12.1 million] during its financial year ending May 2008.

The previous year, FSC recorded an operating profit of $6.6 million [US$4.1 million].

The FSC has described this as one of its biggest loss ever recorded in recent years.

Corporation director Marika Gaunavou said these results reinforced the much need restructure of the sugar industry as a whole so it was competitive in the international market and meet stakeholders’ expectations.

He said while it was encouraging to see added focus on accelerating progress on sugar industry reform programmes, trading performance was disappointing, which saw sharp decline in cane production and sugar make.

"It is apparent that delays in implementation of various reform programmes, which are significantly behind schedule, are now beginning to have...

Company executives hard to find

NUKUALOFA, Tonga (Matangi Tonga, Aug. 31, 2008) – Airline Tonga, one of the two airlines operating Tonga's domestic air service is facing financial problems, according to the Minister for Transport, Hon. Paul Karalus.

He said that an urgent meeting was scheduled on August 29 but no one from Airline Tonga attended and they could not find anyone from Airline Tonga to elaborate on what was happening with the airline.

[PIR editor’s note: Airline Tonga, one of two domestic air carriers in Tonga, suspended service on Aug. 23, stranding a handful of passengers in Vava'u and Ha'apai.]

The Minister said that another meeting has been scheduled for this week.

Meanwhile, Chatham Pacific has put on additional services to the outer islands to cater for Airline Tonga passengers who were affected by this sudden suspension.

Figure up 71 percent over last year

SUVA, Fiji (Fji Times,Aug. 31, 2008) – Polynesian Blue Airlines, the joint venture airline between Virgin Blue Airlines and the Government of Samoa, has announced a record pre-tax profit of $10.27million [US$ 6.4 million].

The results were for the 2007/2008 financial year, which increased by 71 per cent from last year's pre-tax profit of $6m.

Virgin Blue chief executive Brett Godfrey said: "It is a tremendous achievement for any airline to be making money in the current aviation climate and Polynesian Blue is well and truly performing like a seasoned player in the global arena, generating a good profit when airlines around the world are collapsing under the weight of industry challenges.

"The ongoing success of Polynesian Blue is testimony to the shared vision and strategy behind the airline, as well as the fantastic frontline team responsible for day-to-day operations. The partnership between Virgin Blue and the...

CHINESE ‘TRIAD’ MOBSTERS ARRESTED IN PNG

Port Moresby raid nets 20 suspects

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (The National, Sept. 1, 2008) – A Chinese national believed to be a triad leader, escaped after police raided a restaurant in Port Moresby in search of him for allegedly injuring another Chinese male while demanding protection payments.

[PIR editor’s note: "Triad" refers to organized crime in China.]

Police crashed a birthday party last Thursday and arrested 20 Chinese, including a three-year-old boy, at a restaurant at Boroko at about 10pm.

Police claimed that the Chinese had travelled in from throughout PNG to celebrate the birthday of the triad leader.

Members of the organised crime, drug and mobile squads were informed and raided the restaurant. But the suspect had escaped.

Those who were rounded up were all from Fujian province in China.

They were brought to the police headquarters in Konedobu and interviewed into...