Regional Archive January 2010

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pacific Island governments need to provide sound policies to counter against the global economic crisis in order to save its people from poverty.

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.

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.

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.

The current Fiji government is investigating some of its civil servants for contributing to anti-government blogging sites.

Pacific Island doctors have raised their fear that low-grade meats are being sold to the region.

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.

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.

An office has been opened in the Marshall Islands for an organisation to help oversee part of the region's fisheries.

A new anti-energy drink laced with kava is gaining popularity in Southern California, USA, where it is being used for relaxation.