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New ballot, ballot box design to minimize tampering

By Junior Ukaha

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (The National, April 2, 2012) – The 2012 general election will see some changes in the way the election is conducted, Deputy Electoral Commissioner (Operations) John Kalamoro says.

Speaking at the closing of a two-day electoral commission-police workshop last Friday in Port Moresby, Kalamoro said one change was that ballot papers would be printed with serial numbers on them.

He said this would minimise problems such as double-voting, misplacing and duplicating of ballot papers as experienced in the past.

"Each ballot paper will have a serial number. And you cannot use it elsewhere," he said.

"The serial number ensures that we can trace the ballot papers before, during and after polling."

Kalamoro said should there be a dispute, the ballot papers could be used as evidence in court because they were numbered and recorded.

He said...

WASC commends principals, Ministry of Education

By Giff Johnson

MAJURO, Marshall Islands (Marianas Variety, April 2, 2012) – It was a big week for Majuro high schools, as two United States accreditation teams reviewed their programs and gave positive reviews that are expected to lead to extending their accreditation terms.

Following a visit to Majuro Cooperative High School Thursday, principal Kathy Stratte said the Western Association of Schools and Colleges team was impressed with many facets of the school’s 12th grade program. Coop School is one of three accredited schools in the Marshall Islands, but with this year its first year for a graduating class from its high school, it is seeking WASC accreditation of its 12th grade.

"The visit was very positive, and the team was impressed with the challenging curriculum, the number of extracurricular opportunities we provide for students, and the caring, family like culture of the school," said Stratte. "We...

PNG police, military called on to restore order

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (The National, March 30, 2012) – One of the country’s biggest gold mines was yesterday raided by an unruly mob who went on a rampage injuring employees and damaging equipment.

Porgera mine general manager Greg Walker and Enga province Governor Pater Ipatas have sent an urgent message to the government, police and the defence force in Port Moresby to provide security and address the deteriorating law and order problem in the area.

Mine workers were injured and three were taken hostage as scores of illegal miners went on a rampage through the open pit early yesterday morning. The three workers were later freed, with one sustaining serious injuries.

Substantial damage was done to mine equipment although no estimated cost has been released.

The Porgera Joint Venture (PJV) mining operations in the open pit had been halted until the safety of workers could be guaranteed....

8-year old died days after alleged beating

By Jasmine Netzler-Iose

APIA, Samoa (Samoa Observer, March 31, 2012) – The teacher accused of the fatal blows that led to the death of an eight-year-old schoolgirl appeared in the District Court. Telesia Funai, 25, of Fausaga Safata, was accompanied to Court by several family members.

She appeared emotionless as she stood before Judge Mata Tuatagaloa to answer to a charge of assault in relation to the injuries of the late Teuila Aumalo Fuimaono.

The girl from Nu’usuatia, Safata was allegedly assaulted at the school by Funai days before her death. Sergeant Leota Ta’alo Finau, on behalf of the prosecution team, asked for the matter to be adjourned so they could finalise their investigations.

Judge Tuatagaloa agreed and adjourned the hearing to 10 April. Funai did not enter a plea. Meanwhile, Teuila’s death and a report about a 16-year-old student who was slapped at Leulumoega College, angered many members...