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Rasmussen, who lost reelection bid, makes way for successor

By Phillipa Webb

RAROTONGA, Cook Islands (Cook Islands News, April 9, 2015) – Wilkie Rasmussen has stepped down as the leader of the Democratic Party, leaving the path clear for a new leader to be chosen at their national conference next week.

Rasmussen told CINews yesterday afternoon that he had tendered his verbal resignation to the central executive committee of the Democratic Party as leader of the party.

"I had indicated to the Leader of the Opposition, William Heather Jnr, several months ago and to close friends that once the Vaipae Tautu by-election was over, I would stand down from being leader of the Democratic Party," Rasmussen said.

A lawyer, Rasmussen said he had planned to resign much earlier when he lost his electoral appeal after losing the seat of Penrhyn in the July General Election last year.

Rasmussen had argued voters ordinarily resident in Australia should not...

Matai fear Tuilaepa hasn’t read document properly

By Taina Kami Enoka

APIA, Samoa (Samoa Observer, April 8, 2015) – Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi is being challenged to disclose the original Asia Development Bank (A.D.B) report to the public or debate the issue on television.

The challenges were made on Tuesday by four prominent village matai, Fiu Mataese Elisara, of Sili, Leuleuiali’i Tasi Malifa, of Afega, Tele’ai Dr. Sapa Saifaleupolu and Liliomaiava Ken Lemeta of Vaimoso and Safotu.

The A.D.B. report in question was a result of meetings held in Samoa, with village matai over the leasing of customary land for economic gain.

Although it claims to be based on consultations, the four matai filed a complaint to the Office of the Special Project Facilitator in late 2013, saying that it was information sharing and that no consultations were held.

However last week, in the Sunday Samoan, Tuilaepa rejected this, saying that the...

Attorney: ‘No Guam statute specifically bans same-sex marriages’

By Maria Hernandez

HAGÅTÑA, Guam (Pacific Daily News, April 8, 2015) – The island's public health department did not accept a marriage license application today from a gay couple that's putting Guam's marriage law to the test. The law, as written, is obscure when it comes to same-sex unions.

According to a release from the couple’s attorneys, the women were the first gay couple who attempted to obtain a marriage license on Guam.

No Guam statute specifically bans same-sex marriages, states the release from Guam Family Law Office and law firm of Thompson Gutierrez and Alcantra, PC.

The couple submitted an application for the license today at 1 p.m. at the Department of Public Health and Services, which is the office responsible for processing marriage license applications in Guam.

The two women are Loretta Pangelinan and Kathleen Aguero, both 28.

According to the...

Bank of Guam economist: Tourism should expand in next few years

By Gaynor Dumat-ol Daleno

HAGÅTÑA, Guam (Pacific Daily News, April 10, 2015) – Guam's economy is growing, thanks in part to the rebound in visitor arrivals, but the countries where most of the island's tourists come from face challenges, a local economist said yesterday.

"Tourism has recovered in Guam, and we can hope for industry expansion in the next few years ... Things seem to be moving a little faster now," said Joseph Bradley, chief economist, senior vice president and business continuity officer at the Bank of Guam.

"Japan's economy is faltering, Korea is slowing and China's growth rate is off," Bradley's presentation states.

He made the presentation on local, U.S. and international events and indicators that affect the island's economy, consumers, businesses and government. The presentation was made as a service to the bank's customers.

U.S. economy slowing

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