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Tax up to 15 percent on all but basic goods

Mary Rauto SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times, Jan. 2, 2011) – In Fiji, heralding the New Year included more than merry making.

Shoppers in Suva felt the pinch of the 2.5 per cent increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) that came into effect on 1 January.

VAT had increased from 12.5 per cent to 15 per cent.

One shopper, Joseph Philitoga said the difference in food prices was very high.

"We normally spend around FJ$150 [US$81] when we go out shopping. Now we are paying FJ$213 [US$115], Mr. Philitoga said. At one time last year, the prices of food dropped. It did not last very long then prices went past the normal price."

He said VAT affected "everyday-items".

"These are everyday needs, basic items like food, he said. They talk about price chopping but now it's turned into price rising."

Another shopper, Harry Prasad said the VAT increase before the start of a new school year was "not good".

"It...

Rambi says National Alliance will continue to serve PNG

By Simon Eroro and Todagia Kelola

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (PNG Post-Courier, Dec. 31, 2010) – Labour and Industrial Relations Minister Sani Rambi yesterday said the National Alliance party was intact and will continue to serve the people of PNG.

"I want to reassure the people of PNG that the NA leadership under the Deputy leaders, Don Pomb Polye, Patrick Pruaitch, Ano Pala and Fidelis Semoso is intact and will continue to serve the people of PNG, as it has done so over the last eight years," Mr Rambi said.

In a statement, released last night, Mr Rambi rejected claims that NA was beginning to show signs of disintegration, adding that the party was united and ready to form the next government in 2012.

In the same statement, Mr Rambi described as misleading the denial by Governor of Enga, Peter Ipatas of his role in the recent reshuffle in the government.

"Everyone who follows...

Vessel was carrying construction equipment, supplies

By Giff Johnson MAJURO, Marshall Islands (Yokwe, Jan. 1, 2011) – In the Republic of Marshall Islands, an ocean rescue just before sunset on Saturday of 20 crews and passengers from a country’s supply vessel that sank earlier in the day confirmed the benefit of having safety gear on board. The Jeljelet Ae, a 90-foot landing craft, sank about 4 am on New Year's day as it was transporting heavy equipment and construction materials to Likiep Atoll, about 200 miles from Majuro.

A position broadcasting beacon triggered when the vessel sank gave Marshall Islands and United States Coast Guard search and rescue team accurate information on the location of the crew and passengers, said Alson Kelen, the chairman of the board of the Marshall Islands Shipping Corporation that operates the vessel on Saturday. The ship also had life rafts and life jackets on board, Kelen said.

Details were still sketchy as the open ocean...

Polye reportedly refused to assume ministerial post

By Simon Eroro and Todagia Kelola

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (PNG Post-Courier, Dec. 31, 2010) – The National Alliance Party’s Highlands bloc is expected to cause an upset within the government rank-and-file if actions of sacked Deputy Prime Minister Don Polye and his supporters are any indication.

Mr Polye has refused to take up his new portfolio – Foreign Affairs and Immigration – since he was dumped as Deputy PM and Minister for Works, Transport and Civil Aviation three weeks ago. This is not a good sign for the government with the Opposition pressing on with its motion for a no-confidence vote in the government.

In what then Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare thought was a smart move, he replaced Mr Polye with fellow Engan Mr Sam Abal as Deputy Prime Minister and this has caused a ground-swell of opposition in Enga Province and NA’s 12 highlands bloc MPs who have signed a regional party...