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PM touts benefits of ‘momentous occasion’

By Jasmine Netzler-Iose

APIA, Samoa (Samoa Observer, Dec. 30, 2011) – Government ushered in Samoa’s new time zone with prayer, song and fireworks at its Mt Vaea Prayer house just before midnight, last night.

The "momentous and well noted occasion" was attended by Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and many guests.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa said the change means Friday – which is supposed to be today – has disappeared from this year’s calendar. Samoa is now aligned with New Zealand and Australia in terms of having the same days. It means Samoa now has five days to do business with these countries, the Prime Minister said.

[PIR editor’s note: Several sources have noted that the New Zealand self-administering territory of Tokelau followed Samoa’s lead by switching its time zone as well.]

"Tonight...

Says company abandoned him during detention

By Felix Chaudhary

SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times, Jan. 1, 2012) – Former soldier and current employee of United States security contractor Triple Canopy Incorporated (TCI), Mark Fisher, who was detained by the Iraqi military for 18 days is warning locals of the dangers associated with employment in the trouble-stricken country.

Mr Fisher said anyone seeking work as a security contractor needed to understand the real dangers of the job and the fact that he and his team were practically abandoned by TCI during their detainment.

"I am never going back there and I urge anyone considering a job as a security contractor to think twice because no amount of money is worth what me and my men went through.

"TCI did not contact my wife to inform her of what had happened.

"It was only after she threatened to go to the media that they formulated a response that basically said TCI officials were in constant contact...

Sanford sued over detention of San Nikaunau

By Fili Sagapolutele

PAGO PAGO, America Samoa (Samoa News, Jan. 1, 2012) – The High Court has dismissed, without prejudice, the New Zealand based Sanford Limited lawsuit against the American Samoa Government (ASG), after both sides submitted mitigating factors. Specific details of the mitigating factors filings were not immediately clear.

Sanford had sued ASG for revoking the customs clearance that would have allowed the company’s fishing vessel, San Nikaunau, to depart the territory last month. The company argued that the Customs Division had no authority to keep the vessel here since it does not owe any outstanding debts to ASG, who disagrees saying it has full authority because of provisions which deal with federal customs law.

Earlier this month, a federal grand jury in Washington D.C. handed down a seven count federal indictment against Sanford for the alleged violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from...

Toribiong: Palau can now realize revenues from natural resources

By Aurea Gerundio-Dizon

KOROR, Palau (Island Times, Dec. 30, 2011) – President Toribiong yesterday signed into law the Petroleum Act for the Republic of Palau.

The new law, designated as RPPL No. 8-37, will govern the prospecting, exploration, exploitation, development and production of oil and gas resources, including mineral resources that are found on land, offshore within the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone or on the continental shelf subject to the sovereign jurisdiction and exclusive ownership of Palau.

The Petroleum Act clarifies the rights and obligations of the national government and state governments, as stated in the Constitution as well.

The Petroleum Act was aimed at establishing a comprehensive, national petroleum law, incorporating international guidelines, standards and practices in the petroleum field that will promote the prudent development and effective...