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Visitors witnessed ‘biggest ever’ display in nation’s history

By Douglas Marau

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Solomon Star, July 3, 2012) – The spectacular fireworks that lit up Lawson Tama stadium yesterday has been described as one that will go down as the biggest ever in the Solomon Islands.

Some commented it should also be remembered as one of the best compared to past Pacific Arts Festival events.

A record crowd which packed the stadium as early as 11am yesterday morning could not believe their eyes as the skies lit up with an extravagant display of fireworks to officially mark the opening of the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts.

Solomon Islands had never experienced such startling display in its history.

"It is just amazing," and "I will never forget this moment," this paper overheard a group of teenagers exclaim.

The fireworks display took about 10-15 minutes leaving a legacy that will always be remembered.

Even foreign...

Inscription as heritage site allows for technical funding opportunities

By Aurea Gerundio-Dizon

KOROR, Palau (Island Times, July 2, 2012) – Palau made history Friday when it became the first Small Island Developing State to have a property inscribed to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List.

The UNESCO World Heritage List is an international group of 911 natural, cultural and mixed (natural and cultural) sites that are important to the world and worthy of preservation due to their outstanding universal value.

Palau nominated the 100,200 hectares marine site to the World Heritage list due to its cultural and natural importance.

Bureau of Arts and Culture Dir. Dwight Alexander shared to Island Times yesterday that the Rock Island Southern Lagoon was initially requested by the Koror State Traditional Leaders to be inscribed to the World Heritage list back in 2006.

"The process has been...

Mayor looking to increase trade relations with Pacific nations

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Radio New Zealand International, July 2, 2012) – Auckland’s mayor Len Brown says a New Zealand trade delegation he’s leading to the Pacific will generate millions of dollars of new business for city.

The 20-strong group from Auckland’s food and beverage, infrastructure, and education sectors will leave today for Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands.

Auckland contributes about half of the 240 million U.S. dollars worth of New Zealand exports there each year.

Mr. Brown says the 10-day trip will give that a significant boost.

"If the trade mission delivers back something like 10 to 20 million New Zealand dollars [US$8 million to US$16 million] per annum, then it’s a very worthy investment and it builds great relationships with potential trading partners for our business and Auckland."

Len Brown says they also want to open Auckland’s doors to more of the...

Some representatives object to consultation with public over motion

By Pesi Fonua

NUKUALOFA, Tonga (Matangi Tonga, July 2, 2012) – Parliament has allowed Tonga's Prime Minister 14 days to respond to a Motion for a Vote of No Confidence in him signed by 10 People's Representatives.

This afternoon the House passed a motion in favor of breaking for two weeks to allow members to go on their annual National Tour, and to give the Prime Minister 14 days to respond to the motion.

The signatories to the motion filed with the Speaker on June 18 were: Samuela 'Akilisi Pohiva, Semisi Sika, Sitiveni Halapua, 'Aisake Eke, Siosifa Tu'utafaiva, Sione Saulala, Sione Taione, Falisi Tupou, Semisi Tapueluelu and Mo'ale Finau.

After debating all day today July 2 on a motion by 'Akilisi Pohiva for the PM to respond within four days, and another motion by the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Samiu Vaipulu, for the PM to be given 14 days, and also for MPs to consult the...