[PDFlist] PACIFIC NEWS

[Mere Roden]

Thank you Soloveni and so so good to know you're back with PDF.

Only wish Fiji and have the same visa free entry to Aussie and other big
countries.

Good day
Mere

On Wed, May 30, 2018 at 5:15 PM, Soloveni Vitoso <
infor at pacificdisability.org> wrote:

>
>
> *PACNEWS*
>
> Pacific News Agency Service - administered by the Pacific Islands News
> Association (PINA)
>
> First Edition
>
>
> © Copyright PINA 2018
>
>
>
> *Taiwan grants visa-free entry to Nauru, Tuvalu nationals*
>
>
>
> TAIPEI, 29 MAY 2018 (CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY) --- Taiwan on Monday announced
> visa-free entry for nationals of Nauru and Tuvalu, two of its two
> diplomatic allies in the Pacific, as part of its efforts to grant visa-free
> privileges to its allies to promote closer exchanges.
>
>
>
> Starting 01 June, Nauru nationals will enjoy reciprocal visa-free entry
> for visits of up to 30 days, while Tuvalu citizens will get reciprocal
> visa-free stays of up to 90 days, according to a Ministry of Foreign
> Affairs (MOFA) statement.
>
>
>
> The decision was made based on the principle of reciprocity as the two
> countries have already granted Taiwan passport holders visa-waiver entry,
> according to MOFA.
>
>
>
> Taiwan is also working with its four other diplomatic allies in the region
> -- Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Palau, and Solomon Islands -- on procedures
> for arranging similar reciprocal visa-waiver treatment, and things are
> proceeding well, the ministry said.
>
>
>
> Taiwan will grant these countries visa-free entry once all related
> administrative procedures are completed, it noted.
>
>
>
> The ministry previously granted visa-waiver treatment to all 11 of its
> diplomatic allies in the Caribbean and Latin American region in July 2017.
>
>
>
> Taiwan now has only 10 allies in the region after losing the Dominican
> Republic to Beijing on May 1, but the visa-waiver treatment for nationals
> of that country remains in place, according to MOFA.... PACNEWS
>
>
>
>
> *Hawaii ‘vog’ blankets Marshall Islands*
>
>
>
> MAJURO, 29 MAY 2018 (MARIANAS VARIETY) --- Haze attributed to the ongoing
> Kilauea volcano eruption on the Big Island of Hawaii blanketed Majuro Atoll
> and other islands in the Marshall Islands today.
>
>
>
> United States weather officials on Guam issued a special weather update
> Sunday about the “haze plume” that is expected to continue moving westward
> through the Federated States of Micronesia.
>
>
>
> Hawaii residents refer to the haze caused by volcanic eruptions on the Big
> Island as “vog,” a phenomenon now being experienced in the Marshall
> Islands, more than 2,300 miles to the southwest of the Hawaiian Islands.
> The volcano in Hawaii is now in its fourth week of continuous eruptions.
>
>
>
> The “volcanic haze (is) spreading across Micronesia,” announced the U.S.
> National Weather Service based in Guam.
>
>
>
> “The latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hysplit model
> run executed by Weather Forecast Office Guam projects haze produced by
> Kilauea volcano in Hawaii to spread southwestward over the next few days.
> This trajectory indicates haze will spread southwestward across
> Micronesia.”
>
>
>
> Local residents in Majuro reported limited visibility caused by the haze.
> “Local weather observers at both Kwajalein and Majuro have reported haze at
> the airports today,” said the Guam weather office. “This haze is expected
> to spread farther westward and reach Kosrae, Pohnpei and possibly Chuuk (in
> the Federated States of Micronesia) over the next few days.”
>
>
>
> The “Marshall Islands experience a similar phenomena several years ago due
> to Kilauea releasing plumes,” said Meteorologist in Charge of the Majuro
> weather station Reginald White on Sunday.
>
>
>
> Guam weather officials advised “residents with respiratory health problems
> (to) stay indoors and avoid being outdoors when haze is seen.” Weather
> officials also cautioned pilots and marines to be aware of the “lower
> visibilities” caused by the haze from the volcanic eruptions in
> Hawaii....PACNEWS
>
>
>
> *Fiji highlights climate change challenge at ACP gathering in Togo*
>
>
>
> LOME, 29 MAY 2018 (DEPTFO NEWS) --- Fiji’s Climate Ambassador and Head of
> Mission to the European Union, Ambassador Deo Saran, has spoken of the
> particular vulnerability to climate change of members of the ACP – African,
> Caribbean and Pacific countries – who are currently meeting in Togo.
>
>
>
> The Ambassador has been attending a special session of the ACP Council of
> Ministers in the Togolese capital, Lomé, to consider the ACP position on
> negotiations with the European Union over their relationship after the
> long-standing Cotonou Agreement comes to an end in 2020.
>
>
>
> The meeting has focused in particular on the Future Perspective of the ACP
> Group and examination of its Draft Negotiation Mandate.
>
>
>
> Speaking on the theme “Advancing the Climate Change agenda in a
> Repositioned ACP Group”, Ambassador Saran said climate change was having a
> significant impact on all ACP countries - including threats to agriculture,
> education, health and finance – and needed to be given top priority in the
> partnership agenda.
>
>
>
> Ambassador Saran said that while important work remains to be done, COP23
> under Fiji’s leadership has made considerable progress towards clear and
> comprehensive implementation guidelines for the Paris Agreement, which will
> make the agreement operational. He said that “this is crucial to help
> governments plan their economies and give confidence to investors and
> businesses that the low-carbon economy is here to stay.”
>
>
>
> “Some of the legacy items from Fiji’s Presidency of COP23 that will
> continue to benefit citizens of vulnerable nations including many of the
> ACP States for decades to come include historic agreements on agriculture;
> the importance of women as well as indigenous people and communities in the
> climate battle; a global scheme to provide access to more affordable
> insurance for climate-vulnerable nations; and a recognition by many in the
> global community through Fiji’s Ocean Pathway initiative of the
> inextricable link between climate change and the health of our oceans.”
>
>
>
> Ambassador Saran informed the Council that the Talanoa Dialogue is
> progressing well and Fiji believes this process will lead to more ambition
> in our climate action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build
> greater resilience, in line with the long-term goals of the Paris
> Agreement....PACNEWS
>
>
>
>
> *South Korea to help Tuvalu avoid risk of sinking under water*
>
>
>
> SEOUL, 29 MAY 2018 (KOREA BIZWIRE) --- On the brink of being submerged in
> water due to rising sea levels, the island state of Tuvalu, situated in the
> Pacific Ocean, hopes to benefit from a project that aims to prevent its
> demise.
>
>
>
> Composed of nine coral islands, Tuvalu stands at just 5 meters above sea.
>
>
>
> Due to global warming, the region’s sea level has been increasing at a
> rate of 5mm per year, and the island nation is on the verge of submersion.
>
>
>
> With a total area of 260,000, Tuvalu is home to approximately 10,000
> residents.
>
>
>
> To deal with the crisis, Tuvalu Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga asked Korean
> officials for assistance regarding the matter during an international
> symposium held on the island in 2016.
>
>
>
> In response to the prime minister’s request, the Korean Ministry of Oceans
> and Fisheries initiated the foundational work towards a solution last
> August.
>
>
>
> According to a report detailing the solution, a combination of facilities
> including a 600-meter breakwater will be installed to fight the rise in sea
> levels.
>
>
>
> The government of Tuvalu has secured $36 million from the United Nations
> Development Fund for use on projects that will help overcome rising sea
> levels.
>
>
>
> An official at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said that the
> cooperative venture between the two nations concerning the project will be
> outlined through ministerial level talks.
>
>
>
> “We hope to have Korean constructions companies participate in the plan as
> well,” said the ministry official.... PACNEWS
>
>
>
>
> *Shutting down facebook in PNG is a reality*
>
>
>
> PORT MORESBY, 29 MAY 2018 (POST COURIER) --- Facebook users in the country
> can expect a month’s shutdown access to the site in PNG in order for the
> Communications and Information Technology Department to carry out research
> and analysis of its use.
>
>
>
> Communications Minister Sam Basil said that the shutdown would enable the
> department and National Research Institute to conduct further research on
> how the social network was being used by users.
>
>
>
> “The time will allow information to be collected to identify users that
> hide behind fake accounts, users that upload pornographic images, users
> that post false and misleading information on Facebook to be filtered and
> removed.
>
>
>
> “This will allow genuine people with real identities to use the social
> network responsibly,” Basil said.
>
>
>
> The Minister said that the department could better analyse the positive
> impact it would have on the population during the month-long shutdown and
> weigh the impact of progress without or with its use.
>
>
>
> Basil said that his Ministry was trying to enforce the Cyber Crime Act
> which was legislated in 2016.
>
>
>
> “The Act has already been passed, so what I’m trying to do is to ensure
> the law is enforced accordingly where perpetrators can be identified and
> charged accordingly. We cannot allow the abuse of Facebook to continue in
> the country.
>
>
>
> “I will now work closely with the Police for them to be properly trained
> and informed to fully enforce the Cyber Crime Act.”
>
>
>
> Basil said the positives of the social network were there for the people
> to embrace.
>
>
>
> “We can also look at the possibility of creating a new social network site
> for PNG citizens to use with genuine profiles as well.
>
>
>
> “If there need be then we can gather our local applications developers to
> create a site that is more conducive for Papua New Guineans to communicate
> within the country and abroad as well,” he said.
>
>
>
> Basil said that a time had not been set as yet to implement the options
> but he would advise depending on assessment of the usage of the site over
> time.....PACNEWS
>
>
>
>
> PACNEWS DIGEST
>
> *The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing
> articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS*
>
>
>
> * Coalition of islanders seeks new ways to support local NGOs*
>
>
>
> SAIPAN, 29 MAY 2018 (MARIANAS VARIETY) ---“The greatest challenge for
> NGO’s is [finding] resources to fund not only its programmes but more
> importantly the hiring of full-time, skilled talent,” said April Peebler.
>
>
>
> Peebler is the executive director of Heirs to Our Oceans, a U.S.-based
> non-government organisation “housed” by Chamolinian Cultural Village Inc.
> that supports local youth in developing their leadership skills and ocean
> literacy.
>
>
>
> Heirs to Our Oceans is one of the many NGOs operating here in the
> Marianas, where the challenge of starting community programmes often
> revolves around a basic lack of funding and administrative know-how.
>
>
>
> NGOs commonly begin as a brainchild of someone with a specialised skill
> and a dream for how that ability can be wielded to help the larger
> community. Rarely do people enter into the venture already knowing how to
> accomplish every task associated with running a non-profit; they’re forced
> to learn about HR, accounting, payroll, marketing, grant writing, and
> fundraising  on the fly. And, unfortunately, these complicated hurdles can
> prevent the nonprofit from reaching its potential.
>
>
>
> That’s where the Marianas Alliance of Non-Governmental Organisations or
> MANGO hopes to help.
>
>
>
> MANGO is the local chapter of PIANGO, or Pacific Islands Association of
> Non-Government Organization, a Blue Continent-wide coalition of islanders
> dedicated to “strengthening and building the capacity of the civil society
> sector.”
>
>
>
> PIANGO unites NGO organizers from 27 Pacific Island countries and
> territories by helping them start their own local chapters (FSM’s is FANGO,
> Belau’s is BANGO, and so on).
>
>
>
> PIANGO chair Sarah Thomas-Nededong and PIANGO project officer Akmal Ali
> attended MANGO’s most recent meeting on May 17, where they discussed with
> MANGO leaders Frances Sablan, and Maxine Lazelo, and Emma Perez how to make
> MANGO a more powerful ally for Marianas NGOs.
>
>
>
> PIANGO project officer Akmal Ali said that PIANGO can serve as a “voice
> amplifier” for Marianas-based NGOs “through support in terms of capacity
> strengthening.”
>
>
>
> PIANGO also offers resources like the Civil Society Organisation or CSO
> Capacity Building Program, which aims to invest in skill-building and
> increased technical aptitude for CSOs across the Pacific.
>
>
>
> But, as Thomas-Nededong explained, ultimately “it comes down to people on
> the ground.”
>
>
>
> “People from the outside can only do so much if it’s going to be
> sustained,” she said. “It’s got to come from the roots. It’s got to come
> from the people.”
>
>
>
> Emma Perez said before MANGO can become an ally for local NGOs, it must
> strengthen itself with “solid, committed, skilled leadership,” and other
> financial and technical resources.
>
>
>
> With the right assets, Perez said MANGO “could bring millions of dollars
> of funding into the community for nonprofits and allow them to focus on
> their program work by reducing the administrative burden and helping ensure
> compliance with government regulations and grant requirements.”
>
>
>
> In addition to acquiring additional resources for itself, MANGO’s next
> step will be to better its understanding of what local NGOs need. They will
> start by holding a reorganization meeting at the WestCare Pacific Islands
> CNMI Office today, Tuesday, at 5 p.m. They may also plan a non-profit
> congress for later this summer, during which representatives of local NGOs
> can share their knowledge and experiences.
>
>
>
> Ali said the more NGOs take part, the more assistance MANGO can offer.
>
>
>
> “The best way to be involved in the Marianas with PIANGO is by getting
> your local NGO, faith-based organisation, community-based organization,
> sporting organization, and cultural groups to become proactive members of
> MANGO,” he explained. “More membership would mean MANGO being able to
> secure more funding to be able to support its members.”
>
>
>
> Hope, the ocean, and care for local communities constitute a few of the
> common threads that everyone can hang on to across the diverse landscape of
> CSOs based in an area as vast as the Pacific:
>
>
>
> “I have hope for our kids’ futures if our youth are given the tools they
> need now through well-supported NGOs who truly work to develop leadership,”
> April Peebler told  Variety. “Until there is significant education reform,
> the next generation is reliant upon committed and effective NGOs who will
> support them to not only understand the state of the natural environment
> they are inheriting and to start on a journey of being a part of the
> solution not the problem, but also, sadly, to connect with their natural
> environment again by getting into the ocean as often as possible and
> observing it.”
>
>
>
> “I feel hopeful because I know that there are a lot of good people here
> doing a lot of good work,” Thomas-Nededong said.
>
>
>
> But as she stated earlier, the responsibility for MANGO’s success lies
> squarely on the locals’ shoulders; MANGO may help the Mariana Islands
> become stronger than ever, but only if local NGOs are interested in banding
> together to make it happen.... PACNEWS
>
>
>
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>


-- 

*Mere RodenEmployer Liaison Officer, Employment Task Force*
Include Disability - Employ This Ability Program (IDEA)
GPO Box 15178, Suva
3 Brown Street, Toorak (Suva) Fiji Islands
E: employers.idea at gmail.com Mobile: 867 9522    Ph: +679 3307 908

Include Disability - Employ This Ability Program is managed by leading
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