Regional Archive January 2010
Iguana Determined to be a New Species and an Herbivore
A new iguana species that was causing alarm in parts of Fiji was determined to be an herbivore, therefore not a threat to islanders' food source - seafood. It was also determined to be a new species.
Carbon Emissions Increasing Acidity of Ocean, Threatening Marine Life
The following article was released by SeaWeb in its latest update (January 26, 2010, Vol. 15, No. 2).There is also an accompanying video which can be accessed at the link provided below to the SeaWeb website.
Forum Secretariat Launches Upgraded Website
PRESS STATEMENT - Monday, 25 January 2010 - The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat this week launched its upgraded website www.forumsec.org in line with its new corporate structure and renewed regional priorities.
New Crime Decree in Fiji to Assist Fight against Sexual Abuse
Fiji's new Crime Decree of 2009 will assist in the fight against sexual abuse such as rape with new detail definition of rape and a no-drop policy for property owners on whose premises such acts take place with their knowledge.
Region Needs Sound Policies to Save its People from Poverty
Pacific Island governments need to provide sound policies to counter against the global economic crisis in order to save its people from poverty.
Tuvalu Prepares to Adapt to Climate Change through PACC Project
In upraising the profile of the PACC Project in Tuvalu, a one day inception meeting was held last week at the Government Conference Room to introduce and launch the project.
Forum Secretariat Clarifies its Role after Pacnews Publication
The following is a Press Statement released by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is response to an article that was published regarding the Secretariat's role under PACER.
USP Signs MOU with Korea University
The University of the South Pacific (USP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Korea University last week to establish links for a student and staff program.
Civil Servants Suspected of Blogging in Fiji could Lose Jobs
The current Fiji government is investigating some of its civil servants for contributing to anti-government blogging sites.
Regional Doctors Raise Fear about Low-Grade Meats
Pacific Island doctors have raised their fear that low-grade meats are being sold to the region.
ADB Strengthens Business Processes to Boost Quality, Responsiveness of Work
MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has begun implementing sweeping new changes to the way it does business to improve the quality and responsiveness of its work.
PNG Looks at Legislations to make Women Pay Maintenance for Children
Papua New Guinea is looking legislations that will require women who abandon their families to pay maintenance just as men who do the same are required to.
PNA Office Opens in Marshalls
An office has been opened in the Marshall Islands for an organisation to help oversee part of the region's fisheries.
Kava Drink Gaining Popularity in Southern California
A new anti-energy drink laced with kava is gaining popularity in Southern California, USA, where it is being used for relaxation.