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Minister cites concerns over threats, pornography via devices

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, Jan. 3, 2013) – The Papua New Guinea police minister, Nixon Duban, is considering forcing mobile phone owners to register their devices by the end of this year.

The Post Courier newspaper reports his concerns at the increasing frequency with which mobile phones are used to transmit threats or pornography.

Currently many mobile phones are bought over the counter and do not require a proof of identity from the owner.

The paper reports the minister saying misuse of the phone can be very distressing and he likens it to emotional or psychological rape.

The minister says currently there is no record of users and he is certain that many Papua New Guineans have been victims of this powerful device but perpetrators cannot be punished because they are like ghosts who cannot be traced.

He says the government will look at whether it...

Chief ‘Deporting’ Vanuatu Troublemakers To Home Islands Unnamed Efate chief calls on other leaders to do the same

By Len Garae

PORT VILA, Vanuatu (Vanuatu Daily Post, Jan. 2, 2013) – A highly respectable chief from an offshore island of Efate has challenged chiefs from other islands and provinces in Vanuatu to do what he did and "deport" their trouble makers home to their islands.

The chief who asked not to be named said a young member of his community was causing instability in the homes of couples from his island in Port Vila.

He organized meetings with her and the victims that she continued with her disorderly behavior and finally he decided to send home to her island and banished her from Efate for five years.

"I also made myself clear to all owners of water taxis that any boat found transporting her to the main land would automatically have his business license cancelled," the chief says.

"But my chiefly decision did not go down well...

Council says sufficient relief provided, shelters to close on Jan. 5

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, Jan. 3, 2013) – Samoa’s National Disaster Council says it will close all temporary shelters this week and start moving people displaced by tropical cyclone Evan back to their homes.

The Council says the decision to close the shelters comes after consultations regarding evacuees returning to their villages.

It also says it’s now time to start the process of rebuilding.

The Council says sufficient relief supplies have been provided to families over the last three weeks; and school buildings and facilities used as shelters need to be cleaned and ready for the commencement of the school year at the end of January.

The shelters will officially close on the 5th of January 2013 at midday.

However, personnel at the National Emergency Operation Centre will be on call in case of emergencies.

Meanwhile, remaining...

Official says country moving towards new vision

By Nasik Swami

SUVA, Fiji (Fiji Times, Jan. 3, 2013) – Fiji’s flag which will be designed this year is one that will focus on uniting the whole nation. This was confirmed by the permanent secretary for the Prime Ministers Office Colonel Pio Tikoduadua.

Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, in his New Year's Day message on Tuesday, revealed that the government would revamp Fiji's flag.

Col. Tikoduadua said Fiji needed a new identity.

"Fiji is embarking on a new journey and a new vision. We have a new constitution, a new brand for our national airline, new currencies and we want the flag to include things that are found in Fiji," he said.

Col. Tikoduadua said the new flag was part of the changing spirit Fiji was heading towards and was one that would brand and market the country.

He said everyone would unite under the flag and it would set out a new direction for Fiji.

"We...