Articles Search

$70 million project to be completed by March 31

NUKUALOFA, Tonga (Matangi Tonga, Feb. 29, 2012) – The Nuku'alofa Central Business District CBD is like a town that is getting ready for a party, new buildings, new roads, new car park, and even a new wharf, all that we are waiting for now are for the guests to arrive.

Six years after riots destroyed the heart of Nuku'alofa on November 16, 2006, the reconstruction work funded by an TOP$118 million [US$70.3 million] loan from China is expected to be completed by March 31 this year.

The $118 million pa’anga loan is the biggest that the government has ever made from China. Government onward-lent the funds at a slightly higher interest rate, to some of the people who lost their commercial properties in the fire.

Construction work started in 2009, and today the works completed include a new Taumoepeau Building, a new O.G. Sanft Building, a new City Assets Molisi Tonga Building, the renovation of the Royal Palace...

Awareness programs, mosquito eradication used to reduce risks

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, Feb. 29, 2012) – Health authorities in Niue have issued calls for the public to help eliminate mosquito breeding grounds after the discovery of dengue on the island.

The chief medical officer, Dr. Eddie Akau’ola, says three dengue cases have been confirmed with two people hospitalized and the third being treated as an outpatient.

Dengue is not often found on Niue – there were no cases last year.

Dr. Akau’ola says they have launched an awareness campaign using local television and radio.

"Our public health staff have been out in the field spraying the mosquito and we have talked to the people who have come through the hospital, to schools and to communities as well. It is just an awareness program to let them know that dengue is on the island at the moment and we all work together to eradicate the breeding grounds for mosquitoes...

Paris announces ‘disestablishment’ of 177 positions, 100 job loses

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, Feb. 29, 2012) – French Polynesia’s education minister has called for an urgent meeting with French officials to soften the impact of teaching job cuts.

Tauhiti Nena’s call comes a week after Paris announced that as part of cuts to the education budget, 177 teaching positions will be disestablished in French Polynesia once the new school year starts in September.

Mr. Nena wants to engage the top level committee dealing with contentious matters, which is co-chaired by the French high commissioner and the French Polynesian president.

According to press reports, Mr. Nena expected no more than 100 jobs to be lost in the restructure.

There has been tension between Mr. Nena and French officials because France wants to send some French Polynesian teachers to French schools in line with the prerogative of Paris to allocate posts to...

‘Serious concerns’ remain for staff over unpaid salaries, benefits

By Tammy Doty

SAIPAN, CNMI (Marianas Variety, March 1, 2012) – Residents can breathe a sigh of relief; at least temporarily.

Commonwealth Health center (CHC) medical staff agreed yesterday in a morning meeting to place the staff walkout on hold.

A day after a meeting among Senate President Paul A. Manglona, Ind.-Rota, Sen. Ralph DLG. Torres, R-Saipan, Dr. Michael Deary, Anthony Raho and Dr. Tony Stearns, the medical staff congregated for an early morning meeting at CHC.

Citing "concern for the community’s health" and a willingness to "wait for a legislative resolution" on the CHC-Marianas Public Land Trust (MPLT) deal were the overarching reasons for the decision.

Although the majority of staff supported staying on the job, a vocal minority advocated during the one and one half-hour session to implement the walkout to signal the strongest possible statement about what staff...