[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 31 October 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "President Baldwin Lonsdale still believes the Government and Opposition can come together and find a practical solution to the country's current political instability. He is reported as saying this yesterday afternoon in a press conference covered by both" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 31 October 2015 by bobmakin President Baldwin Lonsdale still believes the Government and Opposition can come together and find a practical solution to the country's current political instability. He is reported as saying this yesterday afternoon in a press conference covered by both national radio VBTC and the Daily Post this morning. The Head of State had been asked to dissolve Parliament by Prime Minister Kilman following a Council of Ministers' decision of 16 October and he had replied on 21 October that there was still time for both political sides to reach agreement. For President Lonsdale, dissolution would be a "last resort." The 14 MPs convicted of bribery remain in Correctional Services until their appeal is heard on or after 9 November.If their appeal is upheld they would resume their constitutional posts. Fr Baldwin Lonsdale, having met with both sides in the political crisis again, yesterday called on the Malvatumauri, the National Council of Women, the VCC and youth councils and citizens of the Republic to help the country find the solution. The Deputy President of the Vanua'aku Pati and former PM Joe Natuman told VBTC that the Opposition is agreed to work closely with the Government to find a way of working together towards the national elections scheduled for 2016. Natuman said the Opposition, however, is clear in "not wanting to work under the leadership of a government formed by criminal activity." PM Kilman has said this week that he would agree to step down if everyone worked together for a government of national unity (GNU). The Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu (PCV) has called on both sides to come together with urgency and humility to take the country out of the situation in which it finds itself. It also urged them to make strenuous efforts towards the reunification of the major political blocks responsible for the country's development since 1980. The absence of such groupings was of major concern and discussion at the PCV Assembly at Erakor in August this year. bobmakin | October 31, 2015 at 11:23 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-EJ Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/20h4Tnp Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 30 October 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Apologies for no Digest yesterday. We are now effectively in what is a sort of campaign time again. The calls for unity started with the Port Vila by-election, and were carefully worked into the Unity Front campaign which achieved a start to unity between" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 30 October 2015 by bobmakin Apologies for no Digest yesterday. We are now effectively in what is a sort of campaign time again. The calls for unity started with the Port Vila by-election, and were carefully worked into the Unity Front campaign which achieved a start to unity between the VP, NUP and GJP, and now they continue at the national level. But how much party unity do we need or want? Apart from the VP, NUP and GJP, we have UMP, GC, LDP, PPP, VNP, Nagriamel, VRP, Iauko Group, MPP, RMC, VPDP, Natatok and at least 4 Independents. The multiplicity of parties has done as much as anything to decrease the value of our votes (and the likelihood of bribery). As was pointed out in yesterday's Daily Post in the 1979 elections 76.4% of the population managed to have their chosen candidate elected. In 2012 this had fallen to 36%. How united can we ever be? At least we now have two main illogically named political groups - the Government and the Opposition. The Government quite clearly does not command a majority, with 14 of its members and half its original cabinet in gaol, and this is another reason why we need a sitting of Parliament as soon as possible, with or without a GNU, and the MPs can spend as many days and nights as necessary deciding whether or not there is one amongst them they can accept as leader. And then they need to get on with the business of the budget sitting. There is no time or cash for a snap election. Furthermore, whilst yesterday's Daily Post has former PM Korman calling for a GNU as its headline, the sub-title was more to the point: Korman says common sense must prevail. Fortunately common sense prevails in the minds of the majority of the population (we have had no riot or disturbance) and in that of the Head of State. President Baldwin Lonsdale has shown a great deal of wisdom in the handling of the premature pardons granted by his stand-in and he continues to manifest his leadership ability in his attempt to get principals of the Government side and Opposition side to sit down together, something at which the Government leader balks. The Opposition insists on Kilman resigning because of his primacy over a corrupt government. Opposition and Government have met President Baldwin separately. This morning Kilman has asserted he has a police investigation running against the Opposition's Natuman for a "conspiracy to defeat justice" and another alleging 'theft' by Natuman. This was reported by Radio Vanuatu News. Yes, it is certainly campaign time again. bobmakin | October 30, 2015 at 10:35 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-EI Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1kX4K8s Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

Kopi Asli Papua added you on Google+

Add Kopi Asli and others to your circles to follow and share with them. Don't know this person? You don't have to add them back (they'll only see what's shared with them). Learn more. Add to circles People you might know in Kopi Asli Papua's circles. View all » Papua Post 2 people in common Add to circles Papua Bengkel Musik 2 people in common Add to circles elisangela sena Add to circles Unsubscribe from these emails.View Kopi Asli's profile or block Kopi Asli completely.Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043 USA

from Gmail
via IFTTT

Google Alert - Melanesia

Melanesia Weekly update ⋅ October 28, 2015 NEWS Tempo.co NTT Hosts Melanesia Festival Tempo.co CO, Kupang - East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has been elected host for Melanesia festival that will be rolled starting from October 26 to 30 in Kupang. Flag as irrelevant Melanesia festival to strengthen melanesian countries` cooperation ANTARA Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia, for the first time, will be hosting the Melanesian Cultural Festival 2015 in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara from ... Festival expected to improve public understanding of Melanesian race - ANTARA Full Coverage Flag as irrelevant Radio New Zealand Indonesia to host Melanesian festival, aimed at enhancing regional cooperation Xinhua Marijan said the festival was highly expected to improve international community's understanding on Melanesia race and their culture, encouraging ... Flag as irrelevant Tempo.co Education Minister Launch Book on Melanesian Diaspora Tempo.co ... nine-chapter book tells the story on how Melanesians arrive in the archipelago, their genetic traces, and diversity of languages ​​in Melanesia. Flag as irrelevant See more results | Edit this alert You have received this email because you have subscribed to Google Alerts. Unsubscribe | View all your alerts Receive this alert as RSS feed Send Feedback

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Another GNU?

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Daily Post reports today that just an hour before yesterday's Opposition press conference, MP Isaac Hamariliu withdrew his support from the Opposition motion of no confidence in PM Kilman to become the new Minister of Lands. PM Kilman is reported today to" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Another GNU? by bobmakin Daily Post reports today that just an hour before yesterday's Opposition press conference, MP Isaac Hamariliu withdrew his support from the Opposition motion of no confidence in PM Kilman to become the new Minister of Lands. PM Kilman is reported today to be wanting to lead a Government of National Unity (GNU). Older Ni-Vanuatu will still recall the dis-unity which resulted from the Kalsakau and Leymang GNUs in the lead-up to the Santo Rebellion and Independence. Whilst the Opposition would be happy to have a proper national unity government, MP Ralph Regenvanu said in the Opposition press conference yesterday, it would be on the condition the PM resign and everyone comes together as equals to "decide on how to build a government in the interests of the nation." He went on to say that a GNU could not be expected to work with Kilman in charge and presently commanding a minority government. VP Leader Joe Natuman added emphatically "We feel that as head of the Government whose MPs were implicated in the bribery saga in court, tarnishing Vanuatu's reputation, the the integrity of this nation, Parliament, and the government, he [Kilman] must do the right thing and step down," Natuman said. "The people of Vanuatu deserve better leaders." In an interesting comment to this Digest news service today USP Professor Sue Farran wonders whether offering ministerial posts to relatively inexperienced MPs to induce them to support a minority government is not also a form of bribery. Prof Farran queries whether it is distinguishable, for example, from a cabinet reshuffle among senior members of an existing government. The Penal Code says 'No person shall corruptly give, or offer, or agree to give any bribe to any person with intent to influence any public officer in respect of any act or omission by him in his official capacity.' The Oxford dictionary describes a bribe as 'an offer ... Money, etc offered to procure ... action or decision in favour of the giver.' Farran ends "What a tangled web of law and politics in Vanuatu." bobmakin | October 28, 2015 at 12:08 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-EH Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1S8tXI1 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Opposition demands PM Kilman resign

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The Vanuatu Opposition has renewed its call for the Prime Minister to resign immediately, Opposition leaders jointly told the media this afternoon. They point out that the whole world has witnessed the imprisonment of more than half of the Kilman Governme" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Opposition demands PM Kilman resign by bobmakin The Vanuatu Opposition has renewed its call for the Prime Minister to resign immediately, Opposition leaders jointly told the media this afternoon. They point out that the whole world has witnessed the imprisonment of more than half of the Kilman Government's cabinet on corruption and bribery charges. However, they say. "Kilman unashamedly holds on to power while protecting his minority government in defiance of public opinion and international democratic norms and principles. "Therefore the Opposition, which currently commands the majority of Members in Parliament again calls on the Prime Minister to do the honorable thing at this juncture of Vanuatu history by resigning immediately." The Opposition press release issued this afternoon says "If Constitutional crisis should emerge then the Opposition will squarely put the blame on the Prime Minister for his intransigence and lack of leadership. "In the national and public interest the Opposition stands ready to form a new government with interested parties to avert any Constitutional crisis and put an end to the mass squandering of public money and the abuse of Government assets by the current, defunct Kilman Administration." bobmakin | October 27, 2015 at 6:38 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-EG Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1NxBmPe Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | PM wants snap election

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Prime Minister Kilman has stated through the national broadcaster that he has met with President Baldwin Lonsdale to give the Government's view that the Head of State should dissolve Parliament. Elections should be called to resolve the present political " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | PM wants snap election by bobmakin Prime Minister Kilman has stated through the national broadcaster that he has met with President Baldwin Lonsdale to give the Government's view that the Head of State should dissolve Parliament. Elections should be called to resolve the present political crisis. The PM has just lost 5 members of his Cabinet (CoM) and 14 government supporting MPs following the Bribery Case. Kilman said he had met with Ham Lini and Ralph Regenvanu of the Opposition with a view to their strengthening the government side. That possible solution did not work out, Kilman stated. The PM claimed his solution was in the interests of the nation, not of any political grouping. The Vanuatu Daily News Digest would here remind readers that when a motion of no confidence was voted to remove the Carcasses government, a worthwhile and undisputed 33 MPs supported Joe Natuman as Prime Minister of Vanuatu until he was toppled in June. There has been no indication of diminution of support for his unification moves (VP, NUP, GJP) and the grouping has not suffered any convictions. The present PM accepted a ministry in the Natuman Government. A national snap election at this time would be hugely expensive and the Electoral Office has expressed concern about the loss of voters' registrations cards along with other personal papers in cyclone Pam. Police are starting investigations of three further MPs allegedly involved in the Bribery Case. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) stated an official report has named the MP for Tafea Outer Islands John Tesei, Ambae MP Richard Mera and former Speaker and Maewo MP Philip Boedoro as being those concerned. Further large sums of money are alleged to have been received from jailed MP Moana Carcasses by these MPs. The Prime Minister's Office says regardless of their immunity under the Prosecutions Act following their testimony, there are still MPs whose cases must go to court. (Radio Vanuatu) According to national radio this morning, the PMO has also complained about rumours circulating which are simply not true. Apparently rumours have alleged one of the convicted MPs has died in custody. bobmakin | October 27, 2015 at 10:08 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-EF Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1KBKjm8 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Presidential ultimatum

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "President Baldwin Lonsdale has given the Government and Opposition until 6 November to resolve the ongoing political crisis. The Principal Private Secretary confirmed to Radio Vanuatu the deadline which has been set by the Head of State. If it is not met " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Presidential ultimatum by bobmakin President Baldwin Lonsdale has given the Government and Opposition until 6 November to resolve the ongoing political crisis. The Principal Private Secretary confirmed to Radio Vanuatu the deadline which has been set by the Head of State. If it is not met by the protagonists the President will have to take urgent steps to ensure resolution and to return the country to stable government. A meeting was scheduled by State House for ten o'clock this morning to bring the Government and Opposition together at State House. However, Radio Vanuatu reported Prime Minister Kilman unable to attend. Eight appeal applications have been received by the Supreme Court from the thirteen MPs convicted of bribery last week. The Appeal Court will sit from 9 November and two weeks of hearing are scheduled by the Court for all cases. Radio Vanuatu lunchtime news today said it seems likely the MPs' appeals will have a priority in the scheduling of cases. Vila Times today points out that sentencing in the Bribery Case took place exactly a year after one Fong Man Kelvin deposited the sum of 48 million vatu with the China Construction Bank for Pacific International Trust Company's Thomas Bayer to make available to MP Moana Carcasses, the principal figure in the case completed last week. The Government Gazette reveals significant amendments to the Official Salaries Act today, Daily Post tells us. Various categories of staff including cooks, gardeners, cleaners and support staff are entitled to child allowance and home island leave passages and the allowances are back-dated to June 23. bobmakin | October 26, 2015 at 2:36 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-EE Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1LQrEVz Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | PNG adopts harsh new social media laws

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The World Today By Eric Tlozek Updated yesterday at 6:10pm Thu 22 Oct 2015, 6:10pm Papua New Guinea's government is preparing to crack down on people who use social media sites to criticise politicians. It is enacting a new law that makes it illegal " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | PNG adopts harsh new social media laws by bobmakin The World Today By Eric Tlozek Updated yesterday at 6:10pm Thu 22 Oct 2015, 6:10pm Papua New Guinea's government is preparing to crack down on people who use social media sites to criticise politicians. It is enacting a new law that makes it illegal to "improperly" use the internet to transmit "offensive" or "false" information. The PNG government says the law is necessary to curtail the rising use of social media as a forum for personal attacks. But political bloggers and PNG's media are outraged at what they say is an attempt to stifle political debate and cover up corruption. In recent years many Papua New Guineans have gone from not having a telephone to being on social media, and they are increasingly using sites like Facebook to critique their leadership. PNG's communications minister Jimmy Miringtoro said some people were using social media to spread false information about the government and the actions of politicians. "People are using devices that use internet to create problems," he said. "Tarnishing a person's name ... can create a very bad situation in the country because some people may not think properly and can react and create a situation where there can be fight or whatever." The new regulations create an offence of "improper use" of information and communications technology. People could face a fine of up to $A10,000 or jail if they spread "offensive" or "false" information online. Martyn Namorong is a writer and political blogger who could potentially fall foul of the laws. "The fact they've enacted such laws indicates that the government clearly does not understand what it's trying to control, so they create such laws out of fear," he said. Mr Namorong is promising to keep writing about politics. "I definitely will not stop writing online," he said. "I definitely will not stop speaking out about things. I definitely will not stop using very strong language." The package of laws go further than social media use. Communications minister Mr Miringtoro said they were aimed at stopping cybercrime. "Those people who transmit pornographic material, those people who use ICT device to tarnish other people's name, those people who do threatening, those people who steal information." The minister said the laws were not intended to curtail freedom of speech. Rather, he said he hoped they would bring some respect to the political debates occurring online. "People must be responsible when they are talking about certain topics and they were discussing certain issues," he said. "They must not go beyond, something that is not true, something that can tarnish other people's name." Blogger Martyn Namorong actually agrees that the changes could improve the standard of political debate because they will separate the amateur bloggers from those who have more experience and insight. But he said politicians and senior bureaucrats were in privileged positions and needed to develop thicker skins. "Once you become a public figure you should expect a few insults and a few harsh words being used against you. It's just part of the job," he said. "People who think that they want to hold public offices yet do not want to be open to scrutiny are undemocratic, dictatorial fascists, and those are the people who are enacting such laws in Papua New Guinea." The new laws take effect from January. bobmakin | October 24, 2015 at 11:17 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-ED Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1LTbfDm Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 24 October 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The bribery and corruption charges have left the Government number in the 52 seat Parliament reduced by 14. Most of the 14 so convicted are likely to appeal within the required fortnight. Justice Mary Sey's judgment was thorough and comprehensive. There h" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 24 October 2015 by bobmakin The bribery and corruption charges have left the Government number in the 52 seat Parliament reduced by 14. Most of the 14 so convicted are likely to appeal within the required fortnight. Justice Mary Sey's judgment was thorough and comprehensive. There has been no plausible suggestion as to how any appeal might enable punishment other than the MPs custodial sentences and so the convicts' seats are likely to be declared vacant on 22 November. A minority presently rules Vanuatu. PM Kilman has sworn in MP Don Ken as Infrastructure Minister and MP Jerome Ludvanune as Minister for Planning and Climate Change. Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Commerce and Lands are three ministries which remain vacant. The Prime Minister is saying little in the matter other than that whilst he has a minority Government, the Opposition has to accept that it "cannot call Parliament and form a Government because it does not have 27 MPs." bobmakin | October 24, 2015 at 11:15 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-EC Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1LTbhuQ Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | The sentencing – more

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The entire sentencing of the 14 convicted in the Supreme Court of Vanuatu yesterday on bribery charges can be read at http://ift.tt/1McNSXr which gives the detail and rationale of the sentences mentioned in this Digest yesterd" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | The sentencing – more by bobmakin The entire sentencing of the 14 convicted in the Supreme Court of Vanuatu yesterday on bribery charges can be read at http://ift.tt/1McNSXr which gives the detail and rationale of the sentences mentioned in this Digest yesterday. The judgment is 55 pages long and particularly thorough. Daily Post today is a sell-out in my neighbourhood today. As well as excellent coverage of yesterday's sentencing, it also details the Opposition's third call on the Prime Minister to step down and allow for the formation of a new and more honest government. Meanwhile, however, PM Kilman has appointed MP Don Ken as Minister of Infrastructure which has apparently achieved the latter's withdrawal of his signature from the Opposition's motion of no confidence in Kilman. Paclii also has on line the judgment of the Constitutional Case of Natuman, Lini and Regenvanu opposing the pardons hastily and recklessly issued by Pipite. bobmakin | October 23, 2015 at 10:51 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-EB Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1LJeHwS Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Custodial sentences for 14 MPs

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Some 14 MPs of the Vanuatu Government, a number of them of Cabinet status, learned today that bribery is indeed a crime in Vanuatu as they were carted off to begin their custodial sentences. The longest term will be served by Deputy Prime Minister Moana C" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Custodial sentences for 14 MPs by bobmakin Some 14 MPs of the Vanuatu Government, a number of them of Cabinet status, learned today that bribery is indeed a crime in Vanuatu as they were carted off to begin their custodial sentences. The longest term will be served by Deputy Prime Minister Moana Carcasses Kalosil (4 years with immediate effect) facing the greatest number of charges. Justice Sey ordered 3 years and 6 months for Public Works Minister Tony Nari. The remainder of those convicted of bribery were ordered to receive custodial terms of 3 years. Minister Willie Jimmy will not serve a prison sentence. Justice Mary Sey clearly explained to each of the convicted the basis on which their term was calculated. All were accused of breaching the high level of trust they had been granted. Justice Sey made it clear that the punishment must be seen by everyone as fitting to the crime when such high office as that held by a Member of Parliament is demeaned. More news will be given tomorrow to help Ni-Vanuatu overseas learn the extent and thorough nature of the sentencing, as well as the names of all the convicted. Seemingly not related to the above, gunshots were heard at 11.30 last night in the Tassiriki area near the Erakor Bridge. Witnesses suggest the shots and expatriate yells of an abusive kind seemed to be more related to an attempted break-in or robbery. bobmakin | October 22, 2015 at 3:35 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-EA Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1LNtUQZ Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

Google Alert - Melanesia

Melanesia Weekly update ⋅ October 21, 2015 NEWS Radio Australia PNG pasin tumbuna long baem meri Radio Australia Pasin Tumbuna oa kastom emi stap long bulut blong ol pipal blong Melanesia na ol pipal ino ken lus tingting long en. PNG Sepik Face. Photo: Pius ... Flag as irrelevant See more results | Edit this alert You have received this email because you have subscribed to Google Alerts. Unsubscribe | View all your alerts Receive this alert as RSS feed Send Feedback

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Pardon Unconstitutional

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The court yesterday declared the application for a Stay Order in the Bribery Case, and the Pipite pardon of most of the accused, un-Constitutional and un-justiciable. Pipite's conflict of interest was again raised. Justice Minister Dunstan Hilton (of the " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Pardon Unconstitutional by bobmakin The court yesterday declared the application for a Stay Order in the Bribery Case, and the Pipite pardon of most of the accused, un-Constitutional and un-justiciable. Pipite's conflict of interest was again raised. Justice Minister Dunstan Hilton (of the Prime Minister's Peoples' ProgressiveParty) will now be investigated by Police in relation to the conspiracy case and subsequent events surrounding the arrests of the 11 MPs and their lawyers. You should read all about the Unconstitutional and Unjusticiable pardons in today's Daily Post. The Digest editor is off to the court to hear Justice Mary Sey's sentencing of the convicts this morning. bobmakin | October 22, 2015 at 7:38 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Ez Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1LMnLEw Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Dissolution of Parl’t a possibility

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Dissolution of Parliament remains an option, President Baldwin Lonsdale was reported to have told the media this morning, if a stable government cannot be found to run the country until the elections in 2016. He made the statement following meetings with " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Dissolution of Parl’t a possibility by bobmakin Dissolution of Parliament remains an option, President Baldwin Lonsdale was reported to have told the media this morning, if a stable government cannot be found to run the country until the elections in 2016. He made the statement following meetings with PM Kilman and leaders of the Opposition side. He encouraged these leaders to find a solution. If the leaders of both sides cannot reach a solution there is still the last option. That is the dissolution of Parliament, the President declared. The Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, the Vaturisu Council of Chiefs, the Vanuatu Christian Council, the Youth Council and the National Council of Women, have today issued a strong call for peace and justice in the country Radio Vanuatu reported a short while ago. They were determined the Government and Opposition should hear their message in advance of the judgment in the two cases this afternoon - the pardon of the convicted MPs given by one of them and the revocation by the Head of State of the pardons so issued. The Supreme Court will hand down its judgment in Constitutional cases 6 and 7 this afternoon at 3 pm. In hearings for these matters yesterday, Justice Saksak put it to counsel for Government MPs Vohor, Wright and Jonas James (Colin Leo) that there might have been a conflict of interest in Pipite granting the pardon following his own conviction in the bribery crime. Leo disagreed. Edward Nalyal representing united Opposition MPs Natuman, Lini and Regenvanu claimed the Pipite pardon had to be seen as unconstitutional because it interferes with the course of justice and is unfair because it favours one group of people. Had it been fair, Willie Jimmy MP would also have been pardoned, Nalyal observed. It was quite a severe earthquake this morning, felt in the capital but located in the vicinity of Santo and Gaua. The Digest believes it was 7.3 on the Richter scale, but without tsunami warning. Daily Post this morning has tackling climate change as an important element in the UN-Habitat report on developing urban resilience in the capital and surrounding areas of Shefa. Post also takes Mele village into potato growing following recent successful trials with rice. In view of Tanna having seemingly abandoned potato growing, after years of a closed season on imports, this will be a particularly interesting move. bobmakin | October 21, 2015 at 1:45 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Ey Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1OHgEzv Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | The potential of this El Nino

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Regional Statement on the El Niño and Potential Impacts for the Pacific Islands Issued on the 16th October 2015 A strong El Niño is currently in place with wide and varying impacts across the Pacific Islands region(see map, appended). El Niño will " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | The potential of this El Nino by bobmakin Regional Statement on the El Niño and Potential Impacts for the Pacific Islands Issued on the 16th October 2015 A strong El Niño is currently in place with wide and varying impacts across the Pacific Islands region(see map, appended). El Niño will continue to have a significant influence on the climate and ocean in most parts of the Pacific Islands region for the remainder of 2015 and much of 2016. El Niño Status and Outlook: Tropical central and eastern Pacific sea surface temperatureshave warmed significantly in recent months and are now at levels not seen since the 1997–98 El Niñoevent.Tropical cloudiness has shifted eastwardsfrom the Indonesian region.The trade winds near the equator have been consistently weaker than normal. Sea level has decreased in the western Pacific, with increases in parts of the central Pacific. El Niño is likely to be at its maximum strength towards the end of 2015, but will remain in place into the first half of 2016. Most El Niño events peaklate in the year in which they develop and slowly degrade in the first half of the following year. As every El Niño is different it is possible the duration, maximum strength and degrading stages may be different to past events. Some Potential Impacts: Historically, El Niño has caused reduced rainfall in the southwest Pacific (from southern Papua New Guinea southeast to the southern Cook Islands) and enhanced rainfall in the central and eastern Pacific (e.g. Tuvalu, Kiribati, Tokelau and Nauru). Also, the number of tropical cyclonesand their preferred tracks are usuallyaffected by El Niño (see below). So, there is a risk of extreme rainfall events even where drier than normal conditions are forecast.El Niño events have also been associated with an increased risk of coral bleaching and changes in tuna catch.Note, impacts vary from event-to-event and across the region. Typhoon/Tropical Cyclone Outlook: The risk of a typhoon in the western and central north Pacificis above normalfor the remainder of 2015. Most of these islands will have a high risk(1-in-3 chance) of serious effects from some combination of high winds, storm surges, large waves, and/or extreme rainfall associated with a typhoon. In the southwest Pacific, tropical cyclone activity is expected to be above normal for the 2015–16 season. Tropical cyclone numbers areexpected to be elevated for a majority of the Pacific Island countries close to or east of the International Date Line, and their tracks may be less predictable. Below average numbers are favoured in the Coral Sea region. Rainfall and Drought: Drier than normal conditions are already being experienced in parts of the southwest Pacific and north Pacific. These conditions are likely to continue for several months. It is likely that some of these locations will experience a prolonged drought in the year ahead. In contrast, above normal rainfall is likely to continue in the central equatorial Pacific. Air and Sea SurfaceTemperature: As island climates are strongly associated with the surrounding ocean temperatures the outlooks for these two variables are likely to be similar. Above normal air and sea surface temperatures are likely in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. Below normal air and sea surface temperatures are likely in Micronesia andfrom Vanuatu southeast to the southern Cook Islands. Sea Level: Current sea level in the western tropical Pacific is below normal, and continued below normal to well below normal sea level is forecast for this region for several months.Low sea levels can result in severe coral bleaching events (see below). Central and eastern Pacific regions are forecast to continue to have normal to above normal sea levels, increasing the risk of coastal flooding from storms, very high tides and other phenomena. Coral Bleaching: For the fourth quarter of 2015, thermal stress-related bleaching is forecast to expand across the central Pacific. Localised bleaching associated with low sea level stands has been widely reportedand is expected to continue at least through the end of the calendar year. The current bleaching event is likely to result in disease and death of corals through2016 into early 2017. Impacts on Drinking Water Supplies: Maintaining access to safe drinking water and sanitation is already a daily challenge for many Pacific communities relying on small and fragile water resources. The unfolding El Niño event has the potential for significant water-related impacts for many communities across the region – with likely conditions varying according to location and local circumstances. Across the Pacific, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, Disaster Management Offices, water departments and civil society groups such as the Red Cross have been active in identifying water-related risks to urban and rural communities, and can assist in community preparedness and response activities. For communities with a history of water-related impacts associated with El Niño events, now is the time to prepare for and respond to potentially abnormally drier or wetter conditions (depending upon the typical impact) – at the household, village, island and national levels. Gutter maintenance and water conservation can help ensure that every drop of rainfall is captured and used wisely. Even small reductions in daily water use can help maintain precious rain or groundwater reserves throughout periods of low rainfall. Maintaining good hygiene practices such as boiling drinking water and hand washing can help avert the worst health impacts of both above and below normal rainfall. Local drought and flood management plans can help clarify roles, keep track of developing conditions, and mobilise responses to those most in need. Planning and preparation is key, as simple actions taken now can lessen impacts and help communities avoid or withstand the worst impacts of El Niño. Sources of Information: For more detailed information about the potential local impacts of this El Niño, please contact your National Meteorological and Hydrological Service, Disaster Management Office, water departments and civil society groups. This statement was produced at the first Pacific Island Climate Outlook Forum (PICOF) held on the 12th to the 16th of October at the University of the South Pacific. The forum had a specific focus on the current El Niño, regional and national climate outlooks and impacts on the water sector.Representatives at the forum were from regional organisations, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, national water sectorsand UN organisations. This statement is consistent with the Nuku'alofa Ministerial Declaration for Sustainable Weather and Climate Services for the Resilient Pacific, which recognised the importance of Meteorological and Hydrological Services in support of relevant national needs, including protection of life and property, sustainable development and safeguarding the environment. The same noted that weather and climate services are not an option but are a responsibility and a basic human right. Contact for related information: pacmetdesk [ENDS] bobmakin | October 20, 2015 at 10:41 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Ex Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1Xgjqxp Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 20 October 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Apologies no Digest yesterday. But ... The main item was that the 11 MPs arrested on Friday remained with Correctional Services until yesterday when they were, however, permitted bail conditions whilst awaiting their sentencing. Today at 2 pm the Suprem" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 20 October 2015 by bobmakin Apologies no Digest yesterday. But ... The main item was that the 11 MPs arrested on Friday remained with Correctional Services until yesterday when they were, however, permitted bail conditions whilst awaiting their sentencing. Today at 2 pm the Supreme Court will hear two Urgent Constitutional applications. The first is of the leading Opposition figures Joe Natuman, Ham Lini and Ralph Regenvanu seeking a declaration that the pardon declared by Pipite is unlawful. Also today, too, MPs Serge Vohor, Jonas James and Tony Wright are seeking a court decision that President Fr Baldwin Lonsdale's revocation of the Pipite premature pardon of the convicted in the Bribery Case is unlawful. The possibility of 2 to 6 cyclones during this cyclone season has been under much discussion in the media as we also start to feel the hot season with us once again. And preservation of adequate supplies of drinking water and suitable catchment areas has also been of concern in this intensifyingly droughty El Nina year. Local resilience - and knowledge - are able to be of great assistance here. Prime Minister Kilman has called for peace and calm in the wake of the the MP trial. bobmakin | October 20, 2015 at 10:29 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Ew Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1W1Eg0X Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

Lee Yu- won added you on Google+

Add Lee and others to your circles to follow and share with them. Don't know this person? You don't have to add them back (they'll only see what's shared with them). Learn more. Add to circles Unsubscribe from these emails.View Lee's profile or block Lee completely.Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043 USA

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 17 October 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The story today is mainly clarification of what's happened this week, and a summing up, and apologies for any repetition. President Lonsdale, as already advised, said when cancelling the pardons issued by his deputy Pipite "the acting President (Marc" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 17 October 2015 by bobmakin The story today is mainly clarification of what's happened this week, and a summing up, and apologies for any repetition. President Lonsdale, as already advised, said when cancelling the pardons issued by his deputy Pipite "the acting President (Marcellino Pipite) should have let justice run its course. He never sought my advice, and he used the powers of my office to pardon the MPs concerned, including himself, on tenth October." Eleven Members of Parliament convicted on bribery charges were thus arrested yesterday, together with their legal advisers allegedly involved with them in what has become a conspiracy to defeat the judicial processes, contrary to the penal code. President Lonsdale revoked their pardons. Ministers Paul Telukluk (Lands), Tony Wright (Education), Tony Nari (Public Works) and Thomas Laken (Climate Change) were therefore removed from their ministerial positions by PM Kilman and these ministries remain vacant presently. The other MPs arrested and allegedly involved in the pardoning conspiracy, following a court order by Justice Oliver Saksak, are Marcellino Pipite, Paul Telukluk, Thomas Laken, Silas Yaten, Tony Nari, John Amos, Arnold Prasad, Tony Wright, Sebastien Harry, Jean-Yves Chabot and Jonas James. The town was peaceful, albeit with considerable traffic congestion, as the arrests took place yesterday. The lawyers detained are Robin Kapapa, Gregory Takau and Wilson Iauma. Justice Saksak pointed out that of the fourteen named and convicted in court on the bribery charges, the following were not arrested yesterday on the conspiracy charges associated with the Pipite premature pardons. They have not been incarcerated. Moana Carcasses, Steven Kalsakau, Serge Vohor and Willie Jimmy were allegedly not involved in the pardon conspiracy matter led by formerly acting President Pipite. We can end this week by noting that this afternoon the victory celebration of Kenneth Natapei of the Vanua'aku, National United and Lan Mo Jastis parties, is beginning in Port Vila. The events of the week are therefore having an unequivocal and unifying closure. We had seen MPs charged and convicted over bribery arranged by one who, despite the 52 million dollars from Hong Kong and America didn't become Prime Minister. Another did. And he now, this latter, has half his cabinet convicted and half of them already imprisoned as well. All that said, Vanuatu is proving its ability to stay strong as the young nation with, as the President says, nobody being above the law. We are having a peaceful weekend. And hope you are, too. bobmakin | October 17, 2015 at 2:57 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Ev Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1GLiLu6 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

Orange Smiley - my space added you back on Google+

Orange Smiley - my space is already in your circles. Learn more. View profile Unsubscribe from these emails.Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, CA 94043 USA

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Arrests in Port Vila

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "A short while ago, it was learned, arrest warrants had become effective for those who had met with Pipite to decide on the pardons (11 of the 14 claimed as pardoned) and they will stay in the Correctional facility until 22 October. Three of their lawyers " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Arrests in Port Vila by bobmakin A short while ago, it was learned, arrest warrants had become effective for those who had met with Pipite to decide on the pardons (11 of the 14 claimed as pardoned) and they will stay in the Correctional facility until 22 October. Three of their lawyers were also charged and arrested. Further information came to light to implicate Moana Carcasses and Steven Kalsakau and Serge Vohor. Moana Carcasses' arrest was expected soonest. There was to be a court meeting this morning to consider the legality of the pardons, but the lawyer for Pipite was apprehended, and the court will now sit Monday morning. Late afternoon crowds (which included tourist ship visitors) lined the streets in front of the Central Police Station as those arrested were brought in, in Police "cages". Not a lot of sympathy was visible. bobmakin | October 16, 2015 at 4:36 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Eu Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1GhbBmp Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest : Correction

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Apologies: It is Tony Wright who has been sworn-in as Minister for Education, undoubtedly, therefore, requiring his renunciation of the No Trust motion. Of course the Clerk of Parliament could not be so sworn. Regardless of that, almost anything has seeme" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest : Correction by bobmakin Apologies: It is Tony Wright who has been sworn-in as Minister for Education, undoubtedly, therefore, requiring his renunciation of the No Trust motion. Of course the Clerk of Parliament could not be so sworn. Regardless of that, almost anything has seemed possible with the present Government, whether legal or illegal. bobmakin | October 16, 2015 at 10:57 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Et Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1VVeknv Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | President revokes pardons order

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "President Baldwin Lonsdale has now revoked the pardons issued to 14 MPs convicted of bribery. The revocation has been gazetted." Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | President revokes pardons order by bobmakin President Baldwin Lonsdale has now revoked the pardons issued to 14 MPs convicted of bribery. The revocation has been gazetted. bobmakin | October 16, 2015 at 10:35 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Es Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1VVKIM1 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 16 October 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The first news this morning concerning the vote yesterday gives the Port Vila Unity Front candidate linking three big parties the winning figure of 4,249 in the unofficial count last night. Noumea station was not available early this morning. However, the" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 16 October 2015 by bobmakin The first news this morning concerning the vote yesterday gives the Port Vila Unity Front candidate linking three big parties the winning figure of 4,249 in the unofficial count last night. Noumea station was not available early this morning. However, the Unity Front (Essentially VP, NUP and GJP) candidate Kenneth Natapei, in the unofficial count, scored 4,249; Independent Ishmael Kalsakau 3,465; PPP's Nadia Kanegai 974; UMP's Giorgio Kalo 965; Natatok's Alain Carlo 385; and Independent Jocelyn Mete 154. Tony Wright, one of the 4 Government side MPs who signed the Motion against the PM is reported to have gone back to the Government side. It is also believed that the Clerk of Parliament has been sworn in as Minister of Education (or is about to be), so he has left the Opposition's Motion, too. However, it was reported that the other 3 Gov't side MPs who had signed the Opposition's no-trust motion remain with the Opposition. This gives the Opposition side 26 to the Government's 25. However, with Natapei likely to win in the Port Vila by-election, the Opposition will have 27 MPs supporting and having signed the motion. The court will likely sit today to hear the urgent constitutional application concerning the validity of the 'Pipite premature pardon' which Opposition MPs Natuman, Lini and Regenvanu lodged two days ago. The premature pardon where bribery has been proven, is more likely than any other factor to have secured the win of Natapei in the capital's voting yesterday. bobmakin | October 16, 2015 at 9:14 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Er Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1OGqT5G Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 15 October 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "27 MPs sign the Motion of No Confidence in Kilman because of the current political situation in the country which has seen an acting president illegally pardoning himself and 13 colleague MPs convicted guilty on bribery charges a week ago. This has embarr" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 15 October 2015 by bobmakin 27 MPs sign the Motion of No Confidence in Kilman because of the current political situation in the country which has seen an acting president illegally pardoning himself and 13 colleague MPs convicted guilty on bribery charges a week ago. This has embarrassed the country internationally the Opposition claims, and as is clearly heard as such in international reporting of overseas broadcasters. The one MP who admitted guilt in bribery matters (Willie Jimmy) was not pardoned. The 27 MPs (just over half the Parliament) are clearly behind the Opposition leaders, Natuman, Lini and Regenvanu. PM Kilman has issued a few more words in the matter of the pardons, simply to say he does not need the advice of the Opposition. (Daily Post) As head of the Executive he must wait until a final decision is taken by the Judiciary, he claims. 'Pipite premature pardons' aside, Daily Post today reveals huge additional allowances for VT 27 million per annum to the Official Salaries Act under headings which have been gazetted - but are effectively "new salaries or perks". The State Law Office says it is neutral on the pardon question and says it did not play an active role in the pardon issues. A senior government officer said that ministers of government did consider deporting Justice Mary Sey after the bribery convictions, but the PM was not present. Anyway, voting day has progressed peacefully today and only took 4 minutes from 'in to out' at the new ex-FOL voting station, the catering and hospitality school. bobmakin | October 15, 2015 at 5:20 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Eq Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1QvxvD6 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

Google Alert - Melanesia

Melanesia Weekly update ⋅ October 14, 2015 WEB 1A Melanesia Court, WARRNAMBOOL VIC 3280 realestateVIEW.com.au 1A Melanesia Court WARRNAMBOOL, VIC 3280 House For Rent: 3 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms. Contact Ludeman Real Estate Pty Ltd for more ... Flag as irrelevant See more results | Edit this alert You have received this email because you have subscribed to Google Alerts. Unsubscribe | View all your alerts Receive this alert as RSS feed Send Feedback

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Sue Farran on the Presidential Pardon

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Sue Farran, Adjunct Professor of Law at USP Emalus, and an associate of the Centre for Pacific Studies at St Andrews University, was concerned at the action to pardon MPs last weekend. She forwarded a research note which she had quickly written and which " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Sue Farran on the Presidential Pardon by bobmakin Sue Farran, Adjunct Professor of Law at USP Emalus, and an associate of the Centre for Pacific Studies at St Andrews University, was concerned at the action to pardon MPs last weekend. She forwarded a research note which she had quickly written and which Daily Post has published today. It is also published here: Understanding the Presidential Pardon - research By Susan Farran Article 38 confers on the President the power to ‘pardon, commute or reduce a sentence imposed on a person convicted or an offence’ The article goes on to add that ‘Parliament may provide for a committee to advise the President in the exercise of this function’. Most usually presidential pardons are exercised around or at independence day for prisoners already serving sentences. In this the President is usually guided by recommendations from the prison service which look at things like gravity of the crime, length of sentence, good behaviour of the prisoner, personal circumstances such as health and hardship to family. The President is not above the law. Although the idea of presidential power may stem from the prerogative powers of the monarch, Vanuatu is a Republic. The President does not exercise the powers as a sovereign. In the past decisions by the President have been subject to court challenge see eg Attorney-General of the Republic of Vanuatu [1994] VUSC 2. In terms of process clearly the President does not have to use a Parliamentary committee. However it has been ruled by the court that pardons granted under Article 38 are ‘orders’ under section 16 of Interpretation Act and must be published in the Gazette – failure to do so may render them invalid. The courts have also recognised guidelines for the exercise of the presidential pardon. These include: the convicted criminal’s good behaviour, family or health reasons, actions of remorse, fresh evidence, national reconciliation (for political crimes or offences) and for humanitarian reasons. While the grant of the pardon is discretionary it may be subject to review if the President takes into account matters which he should not take into account or fails to take into account matters which he should take into account or there is corruption of any sort. This is not the first time that a President in Vanuatu has pardoned a member of parliament. There was a challenge to the pardon of Barak Sope MP in the case of Mautamate v Speaker of Parliament [2003] VUSC, upheld in by the Court of Appeal in Sope Maautamate v Speaker of Parliament [2003] VUCA 5. There the court held unequivocally that ‘under Article 38 the President has no power to pardon a conviction secured by the Court on a person for the commission of an offence. The presidential pardon cannot make a conviction a nullity. What the pardon does it to remove the penalty/sentence imposed by the court: ’ this distinguishes the prerogative of mercy from the prerogative of justice. The court went on to state that: it is beyond the presidential power under Article 38 (to pardon) not only the offences but also the conviction of the plaintiff. The Acting President therefore seems to have been a little too hasty in his pardons. There is nothing yet to pardon. Under the Members of Parliament (Vacation of Seats) Act, which the court of Appeal has held is a valid act of parliament not in conflict with the Constitution and not overridden by the exercise of the President’s powers, section 3 provides that an MP convicted of an offence and sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than two years ceases to be an MP and must vacate his seat. Once an MP has lost his seat, a pardon cannot reinstate it (that MP can of course be re-elected through the usual democratic process). Whether the MP serves that sentence or not is irrelevant. It is important therefore that the court in the current case proceed to sentence and that it is made clear that what is being pardoned (if there is a valid exercise of this power) is the serving of the sentence not the conviction. If the bribery charges of which these MPs are accused attract a punishment of at least two years then the Members of Parliament (Vacation of Seats) Act will apply. It is perhaps fortunate that Minister Carcasses has indicated such respect for the rule of law. bobmakin | October 14, 2015 at 3:37 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Ep Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1OAE3ky Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 14 October 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "It is regretted that the Digest did not appear yesterday. Yesterday we learned that further infamy was achieved by the Acting Head of State Pipite, Saturday, in suspending Ombudsman Mataskelekele. Pipite claimed gross mis-conduct in Mataskelekele's handl" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 14 October 2015 by bobmakin It is regretted that the Digest did not appear yesterday. Yesterday we learned that further infamy was achieved by the Acting Head of State Pipite, Saturday, in suspending Ombudsman Mataskelekele. Pipite claimed gross mis-conduct in Mataskelekele's handling of the Preliminary Investigation in the bribery matter. Pipite made the suspension less than 24 hours before the return of the substantive President, Fr Baldwin Lonsdale, in his, Pipite's, last full day as Acting President, as he did with the pardons of his 13 colleague MPs, along with himself. Santo Pipite supporters, Post reports today, blame Pipite's lawyers for his controversial decision to pardon the 14 MPs. Such advisers, they say, must be held responsible for their wrongful advice. Worse is to come ... Opposition - yes, Opposition - MPs have reported sums of one million vatu being placed into their personal bank accounts around a week ago. GJP Opposition MP Ralph Regenvanu seriously questions the Parliament accounting officer on how such amounts could be made available as allegedly TC Pam refunds. MP Regenvanu is Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. National Radio VBTC and Daily Post will undoubtedly have reports tomorrow which the Digest will carry. The Opposition sounds united in calling for calm, describing Pipite's actions as utterly irresponsible. The Opposition says it understands the "tension and ire of the Port Vila public because of Pipite's folly last weekend. While it would also appear that Mr Pipite was attempting a veiled threat during his public address to justify his action when he abused the President's powers, the Opposition questions his judgement" and said "Pipite and the others involved will not get away with it. One man's period of irrationality could not and should not be accepted as a fait accompli for anyone." The Opposition again registered its disappointment at Prime Minister Sato Kilman standing by and watching while members of his cabinet go about what they are best known for: corruption, saying his continued silence in the face of calamity brought about by El Nino-induced drought, and the nation's brush with anarchy, demonstrates his incapability in running national affairs any longer." bobmakin | October 14, 2015 at 2:35 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Eo Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1RGy3Xu Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 13 October 2015: TIV reports the President

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU delivered his statement at His Excellency’s Residence this afternoon to a room packed with media personals. In his statement the President emphasized the need to uphold Vanuatu’s national integrity, he further stre" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 13 October 2015: TIV reports the President by bobmakin THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU delivered his statement at His Excellency’s Residence this afternoon to a room packed with media personals. In his statement the President emphasized the need to uphold Vanuatu’s national integrity, he further stressed that at the moment Vanuatu’s credibility does not look good, and he deeply apologies for this status that Vanuatu is at, a status that our leaders contributed to create. “No one is above the law,” he said, “as the Head of the Nation, I want to inform all the people of Vanuatu that I feel deeply sorry for what that has happened in our nation since Friday (9th) until today”. President Lonsdale “I appeal to every respected leader, to advice the people under your responsibility to be calm, and to allow the court to complete its process,” the President appealed. President Lonsdale specifically pointed out that the power to pardon is the prerogative power of the President and no one else, therefore any Acting President must consult with the President if they want to exercise that power. “Today, fellow citizens, as I am addressing you, the backyard of the kitchen needs to be cleaned” the President said. “I am considering my options on how I will clean up the dirt after I receive my legal advice’s.” In the statement the President said that “following the Pardoning Instrument that the Acting President signed I am considering the options that I can take, once I am satisfied. When I make my decision, I will instruct the State Law Office to prepare my choice.” After the statement by the President he was asked; what would he had done if he was in the country, “do you think you would make the same decision (as the decision by the Acting President)?”, the President’s responded saying that such a decision needed a longer period to make, “there is not enough time for someone to make this kind of decision within this very limited short time, this is a very sensitive issue, it needs careful consideration” he explained. At the end his response was a “No”, he could not have made such a sensitive decision within a very short time frame. “As the President of the Republic of Vanuatu, I simply ask for one simple request,” he said, “that we must look after our people in the right manner so that our children of tomorrow will live and walk in a good environment”. Transparency International Vanuatu will publish the full statement by the President through our blogsite http://ift.tt/1LGlqXg once it is received from the Office of the President. bobmakin | October 13, 2015 at 11:49 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-En Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1PbutGl Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 12 October 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "In Daily Post today we learn that the Government is not going to comment on the issue of Marcellino Pipite, in his final hours as acting President, pardoning the fourteen MPs including himself convicted in the Bribery Case. Government's PRO told Post: &qu" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 12 October 2015 by bobmakin In Daily Post today we learn that the Government is not going to comment on the issue of Marcellino Pipite, in his final hours as acting President, pardoning the fourteen MPs including himself convicted in the Bribery Case. Government's PRO told Post: "It is the decision of the (acting) President. The Government will not comment on the matter." The Opposition, however, has strong points to make, beginning with their insistence the Government of Sato Kilman stand aside to allow for a new administration. The Opposition is concerned at the conduct of those convicted who are "abusing national institutions and assets without shame or remorse for their actions." The Opposition states Carcasses and his 13 colleagues can no longer claim any of their rights under Article 5 of the Constitution. Furthermore, Pipite's action, was carried out with a "clear conflict of interest." The Ombudsman wants the Constitutional case against aspects of his Preliminary Report (PR) into the bribery matter appealed. Ombudsman Mataskelekele says that MP Moana Carcasses was properly and legally served with notice by the Ombudsman's Office but never replied to correspondence. Furthermore the trial judge did not adequately consider the issue of balance of justice and convenience in the interests of the people in declaring the PR null and void. (Daily Post) Political campaigns close tonight for the forthcoming Port Vila by-election. bobmakin | October 12, 2015 at 2:09 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Em Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1RBHpnl Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | The Pipite confirmation

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Comment from the Digest: It will be interesting to hear what the PM and vast majority of un-convicted MPs feel about Pipite's pardons and also Mr Willie Jimmy's viewpoint." Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | The Pipite confirmation by bobmakin Comment from the Digest: It will be interesting to hear what the PM and vast majority of un-convicted MPs feel about Pipite's pardons and also Mr Willie Jimmy's viewpoint. bobmakin | October 11, 2015 at 5:24 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-El Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1Zqo3Xw Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Pipite confirms pardons

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Vanuatu's acting president Marcellino Pipite has confirmed he has used his interim executive powers to pardon himself and 13 other MPs convicted of bribery. Liam Fox, ABC Mr Pipite told assembled media in his office in Port Vila that the pardon was to m" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Pipite confirms pardons by bobmakin Vanuatu's acting president Marcellino Pipite has confirmed he has used his interim executive powers to pardon himself and 13 other MPs convicted of bribery. Liam Fox, ABC Mr Pipite told assembled media in his office in Port Vila that the pardon was to maintain peace and unity in Vanuatu. He pointed to disturbances in Solomon Islands, Bougainville and Fiji as reasons behind maintaining the nearly one-third of parliamentary members convicted of bribery on Friday. When pressed on how the bribery convictions could spark instability, Mr Pipite failed to answer. The acting president said he had received advice from five lawyers to enact the pardons, and gazetted the decision on Sunday. The move was made possible after Mr Pipite, as parliamentary speaker, assumed the top job when president Baldwin Lonsdale left the country for a visit to Samoa. Under Vanuatu law, the speaker acts as president when the latter is travelling abroad, and has the power to pardon anyone, including himself. The ABC understands Mr Lonsdale is returning to Port Vila later this afternoon. Earlier, opposition MP Ralph Regenvanu told the ABC that police and the court's prosecution were aware of the move and were "working on it" — in regards to stopping the process. On Friday, the court found Pipite, deputy prime minister Moana Carcasses and 12 other MPs guilty of bribery charges. The deputy prime minister was found to have made cash payments amounting to 35 million vat ($452,000) to his fellow MPs last year, when they were all in opposition. Justice Mary Sey ruled that the payments were corruptly made, corruptly received, and designed to influence the MPs in their capacity as public officials. The MPs were facing a maximum of 10 years in jail and were due to be sentenced on October 22. In September, Vanuatu finance minister Willie Jimmy was convicted on two bribery charges, for breaching the leadership and penal codes, after entering a guilty plea. His conviction was not overturned in Sunday's announcement. bobmakin | October 11, 2015 at 5:18 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Ek Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1R5e7g7 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Pipite pardons 14 convicted Friday

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "The ABC in Australia reports the Vanuatu acting president in a bid to pardon himself and 13 others convicted of bribery. On Friday the court found parliamentary speaker Mr Pipite, deputy prime minister Moana Carcasses and 12 other MPs guilty of bribery " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Pipite pardons 14 convicted Friday by bobmakin The ABC in Australia reports the Vanuatu acting president in a bid to pardon himself and 13 others convicted of bribery. On Friday the court found parliamentary speaker Mr Pipite, deputy prime minister Moana Carcasses and 12 other MPs guilty of bribery charges. The MPs were facing a maximum of 10 years in jail and were due to be sentenced on October 22. Under Vanuatu law, Mr Pipete as speaker of parliament also acts as president when the latter is travelling abroad, and has the power to pardon anyone, including himself. Tony Wilson, editor of the Vanuatu Independent newspaper, said he confirmed the pardons through a government MP. "Sometime, yesterday afternoon, the acting president of the nation, Marcellino Pipite, who is actually the speaker of the house of the parliament, pardoned himself and the other 13 MPs," he told the ABC. He said the move was made possible after Mr Pipite assumed the top job when president Baldwin Lonsdale left the country for a visit to Samoa. Opposition MP, Ralph Regenvanu, said nothing concrete had happened and that police and the prosecution were "working on it" — in regards to stopping the process. It is understood there was a government meeting on Saturday night where MPs met with prime minister Sato Kilman to decide how to keep the government intact. The ABC has been told that a press conference will be held in the speaker's office this afternoon. ABC bobmakin | October 11, 2015 at 12:51 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Ej Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1LoF1j1 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 10 October 2015 Here is the Judgement!

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Thanks to the hard-working Paclii team, thoughtfulness of the USP and Judiciary staff and owing to the considerable public interest, here is yesterday's judgement as given by Justice Mary Sey. If the attachment to this Digest bulletin comes un-stuck for " Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 10 October 2015 Here is the Judgement! by bobmakin Thanks to the hard-working Paclii team, thoughtfulness of the USP and Judiciary staff and owing to the considerable public interest, here is yesterday's judgement as given by Justice Mary Sey. If the attachment to this Digest bulletin comes un-stuck for any reason (most likely the IT incapacity of your editor) you can find it for yourself by going to paclii.org and choosing Vanuatu Supreme Court cases for October. You are looking for Criminal case 73 of 2015. It's there! Good weekend reading! Criminal case 73 of 2015.pdf bobmakin | October 10, 2015 at 1:10 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Eg Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1Rz9ko9 Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 10 October 2015: the Bribery Case

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Once again Vanuatu's judicial and legal systems and the separation of powers as required by the Constitution (which we were celebrating earlier this week) have proven themselves and the efficacy of the Westminster System we employ here. Fourteen Members o" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 10 October 2015: the Bribery Case by bobmakin Once again Vanuatu's judicial and legal systems and the separation of powers as required by the Constitution (which we were celebrating earlier this week) have proven themselves and the efficacy of the Westminster System we employ here. Fourteen Members of Parliament have been found guilty of the criminal charge of bribery and will be sentenced on 22 October. There were 112 items in evidence and 39 witnesses. Those found guilty included many of cabinet status and are Minister Moana Carcasses Kalosil (seemingly the ring leader), Speaker of Parliament Marcellino Pipite, Minister Serge Vohor, Minister Paul Telukluk, Silas Rouard Yatan, Tony Nari, John Amos, Arnold Prasad, Steven Kalsakau, Tony Wright, Sebastien Harry, Thomas Laken, Jonas James and Jean Yves Chabot. They were convicted as charged. Huge crowds surrounded the Dumbea court house orecincts and were splendidly managed by the Police. The Correctional Services were on hand to advise concerning prisoner accommodation although sentencing will only take place on 22 October. Presumably bail conditions apply still. The Constitutional case brought by MPs Tony Nari, John Amos, Sebastien Harry Thomas Laken, Paul Barthelemy Telukluk, Steven Kalsakau and Marcellino Pipite against the State can be read already at paclii.org on the internet. This has played a part in reducing the Bribery Case to matters and questions punishable under the Penal Code. It is hoped Justice Sey's complete and very detailed judgement will be similarly available on-line in the very near future. Never-the-less Radio Vanuatu and Daily Post have covered yesterday's case in some detail today. For those wanting the specifics of the judgement earliest it is recommended they purchase Daily Post early today, as supplies of the paper with the headline 14 GUILTY may well not prove adequate. There is certainly plenty to read this weekend. Gud wiken, safe in the knowledge that Vanuatu does have a fearless, effective and responsible judiciary. bobmakin | October 10, 2015 at 10:11 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Ef Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1P4OuOP Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 9 October 2015

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Justice Fatiaki's concerns yesterday in the Constitutional case concerning bribery stem from the Ombudsman's Special Preliminary Report in the matter. Justice Fatiaki stated that the Constitutional Case applicants were not given the "opportunity to r" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 9 October 2015 by bobmakin Justice Fatiaki's concerns yesterday in the Constitutional case concerning bribery stem from the Ombudsman's Special Preliminary Report in the matter. Justice Fatiaki stated that the Constitutional Case applicants were not given the "opportunity to reply to the complaints made against them under the Act." He therefore declared the Ombudsman Preliminary Report null and void. Justice Mary Sey hearing the Bribery Case was expected by Justice Fatiaki to have more to say on this matter today. The full report is carried by Daily Post on its front page today. Post also speaks of increased security in Port Vila today, the judgement in the Bribery Case being given this afternoon at 2 pm. Central School, adjacent to the Dumbea court house is closed for the day Radio Vanuatu informed the general public. The Prime Minister's Office is understood to have requested the Malvatumauri membership to ensure the safety of their people and properties. Transparency Vanuatu is calling on the government to strengthen the Public Accounts Committee. The PAC has been unable to perform because the government has not appointed its members to the Committee as yet. Reports of the PAC in April, on government and statutory body finances, were damning and Transparency's Chairman, Dr Willie Tokon, is appealing to the government to empower the PAC. (Daily Post) The Secretary General of the Citizenship Commission, John Enock Ware, is seriously questioning the whereabouts of some VT 540 million allegedly brought to the country by the Vanuatu Registry Services (VRS) company. Ware says this cannot be verified in bank records. Ware says the CIIP is formally closed and the Vanuatu Economic Rehabilitation Program (VERP) has taken its place. The State Law Office is preparing amendments to the Citizenship Act to give effect to the Real Estate Option to go before the next Parliament. The Airports Vanuatu Limited staff branch of the National Workers Union questions the composition of the Board of AVL. Composition of the Board differs from what is legally prescribed says the Union. A strike notice of the company remains in force. bobmakin | October 9, 2015 at 9:47 am | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Ee Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1G0LwYX Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Correction: Time of Bribery Case Judgement

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Judgement in this matter is at 2 pm tomorrow, not tomorrow morning as stated an hour ago." Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Correction: Time of Bribery Case Judgement by bobmakin Judgement in this matter is at 2 pm tomorrow, not tomorrow morning as stated an hour ago. bobmakin | October 8, 2015 at 5:22 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Ed Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1ZeU7NU Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 8 October 2015 – Judgement tomorrow

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Before Justice Mary Sey began hearing oral submissions in the Bribery Case this morning, Justice Daniel Fatiaki gave his decisions regarding the Constitutionality of the Leadership Code Section 21, dealing with acceptance of loans. He was adamant that lea" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | 8 October 2015 – Judgement tomorrow by bobmakin Before Justice Mary Sey began hearing oral submissions in the Bribery Case this morning, Justice Daniel Fatiaki gave his decisions regarding the Constitutionality of the Leadership Code Section 21, dealing with acceptance of loans. He was adamant that leaders' rights and freedoms are not over-ruled by the provision that a leader must not accept a loan other than on commercial terms from a recognised lending institution and only if the leader satisfies the lending institution's usual business criteria. He was also un-wavering on the provision being Constitutional. He had further comments on the Ombudsman's "pivotal role" in the administration of the Leadership Code. These were shared with counsel and those in the Supreme Court and subsequently distributed in written form and Daily Post will carry his decision in more detail tomorrow. After the Constitutional hearing, Justice Sey took the last oral submissions in the Bribery Case from Messrs John Malcolm and Nigel Morrison. John Malcolm was certain bribery had not been proven and that too much emphasis had been given to the Prosecution's use of statements from those persons granted immunity which continually suggested guilt and therefore requiring the persons implicated to keep proving their innocence. For Nigel Morrison questions relating to whether the Greens' GCT agency is a lending institution or simply a trustee and not requiring a business licence were raised. He felt evidence given by MP Robert Bohn was largely ignored by the Prosecution's report. Judgement in Vanuatu's most important corruption case will be given tomorrow morning in the Supreme Court. bobmakin | October 8, 2015 at 4:07 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Ec Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1VG4khN Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | PANG on Trade Justice for island states

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "MEDIA RELEASE: TRADE JUSTICE FOR PACIFIC ISLAND NATIONS 06th of October, 2015. Civil society groups from Australia and the Pacific are concerned about the rush to conclude talks on the regional free trade agreement known as PACER-Plus. The Australian F" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | PANG on Trade Justice for island states by bobmakin MEDIA RELEASE: TRADE JUSTICE FOR PACIFIC ISLAND NATIONS 06th of October, 2015. Civil society groups from Australia and the Pacific are concerned about the rush to conclude talks on the regional free trade agreement known as PACER-Plus. The Australian Fair Trade and Investment Network (AFTINET), Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA, the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), Friends of the Earth, and Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) are holding a rally to coincide with the latest round of talks in Melbourne to call for trade justice for Pacific Islanders. Kate Lee, Executive Officer of Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA commented that “Australia and New Zealand have a great deal of influence in the region because of their much greater size, wealth and position as aid donors. We are concerned that any agreement will suit the interests of Australia and New Zealand at the expense of the Pacific Island countries. Any agreement must ensure Pacific-centred development that ensures rights for workers, protection of the environment and culture, and respect for human rights.” PACER-Plus talks were controversially launched in 2009 and are considered the most important trade agreement that the Pacific will negotiate in a decade. The talks are unique in their inclusion of Labour Mobility and Development Assistance in the negotiations. Ged Kearney, the President of the ACTU added that “we have supported the Seasonal Worker Program because it is a well-regulated program where the workers that come to Australia have to be employed appropriately, they have to be paid appropriate wages, and they have to have an understanding of their rights. We would like to see that the PACER Plus negotiations continue that situation. We don't want a lessening of the regulation around the program, to ensure that those workers who come here are not going to be subject to exploitation when they arrive.” Pat Ranald from the AFTINET stated that “the threat of rising sea levels from climate change is more urgent than a free trade agreement, and Australia should heed the calls of Pacific Islanders to take a lead in reducing carbon emissions.” There are concerns for what the outcome of PACER-Plus will mean for Pacific livelihoods, government revenue, access to essential services and ability to determine their own development. Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA, AFTINET, the Pacific Network for Globalisation (PANG), Friends of the Earth, and the ACTU are calling for the immediate suspension of the negotiations, the release of the negotiating texts to undertake a human rights impact assessment and respect for the rights of Pacific workers. The rally will take place at 12:00 noon, Wednesday 7th October, outside the Hotel Grand Chancellor 131 Lonsdale St, Melbourne. Ends// bobmakin | October 7, 2015 at 1:52 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Eb Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1FW4yiX Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | ULMWP support from Tonga & Solo at UN

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "UNITED LIBERATION MOVEMENT FOR WEST PAPUA (ULMWP) MEDIA STATEMENT 07th of October, 2015 ULMWP acknowledges Pacific leaders for supporting West Papua aspirations at the United Nations (UN). The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has comm" Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | ULMWP support from Tonga & Solo at UN by bobmakin UNITED LIBERATION MOVEMENT FOR WEST PAPUA (ULMWP) MEDIA STATEMENT 07th of October, 2015 ULMWP acknowledges Pacific leaders for supporting West Papua aspirations at the United Nations (UN). The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has commended the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Hon. Akilisi Pohiva, and the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, for supporting West Papua at the recent 70th United Nations General Assembly in New York. ULMWP spokesperson, Benny Wenda, expressed his deepest gratitude to the Pacific leaders and their people, saying, “on behalf of the people of West Papua, we the United Liberation Movement for West Papua would like to convey all our deepest and most sincere gratitude to our Pacific leaders for being the sole moral voices on West Papua at the United Nations.” “We the people of West Papua listened to your historic speeches at the UN, which have brought great hope, emotion and positivity, which has displayed true Pacific solidarity for our people...we always feel a strong and unbreakable connection to our fellow Pacific family, and the bold statements by both prime ministers from the Pacific have confirmed real Pacific solidarity.” Wenda said the lead taken by Tonga and the Solomon Islands is promising, and is calling on other Pacific leaders to support the call by our Pacific leaders to hold talks with Indonesia for a fact finding mission to West Papua. “We acknowledge and thank our Pacific leaders and people for assisting us to be recognized at the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). The tremendous support has taken the issue of West Papua to the agenda of the PIF leaders, and we welcome the call for a fact finding mission and will work closely with our Pacific leaders on this mission.” The ULMWP recognize the support of PIF leaders and note other significant historical efforts by Pacific Island nations notably Vanuatu, Nauru and Tuvalu to support the right to self determination of West Papua at the United Nations and regionally. Indonesia in its right to reply to both Tonga and the Solomon Islands at the UNGA strongly rejects the references to human rights issues in West Papua and have labelled them dangerously misleading. While Indonesia denied these human right abuses, violations continued in Papua. At 7:00pm on the 28th of September, two high school students were shot at the market in Timika town. One of the student died the other on was taken to hospital. Wenda added that contradiction between official denial and reality indeed calls for a fact finding mission as requested by the both Prime Ministers. “We support the PIF leaders’ decision for an independent fact finding mission as the only way to verify independently the human rights situation on the ground. We urge the UN to support PIFL to set up a human rights fact finding mission.” Since the Prime Ministers Pohiva and Sogavare respective addresses at the UN, there have been jubilant responses and positivity from West Papuans globally despite the ongoing military assault on West Papuan including the most recent death of two youths. “We desperately need the help of our Pacific family for the people of West Papua continue to suffer under the illegal Indonesian occupation.” The human rights situation is deteriorating and it is estimated that over 500,000 West Papuan people have been killed ever since the territory was occupied in 1961. Ends// bobmakin | October 7, 2015 at 1:49 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-Ea Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1GvxJ7A Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT

[New post] Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Ban Ki-moon on the Forum & Climate Change

WordPress.com bobmakin posted: "Ban Ki-moon says the Pacific Islands Forum Declaration on Climate Change Action rightly emphasized the need for global responsibility Remarks at Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, UN Headquarters, 01 October 2015 Thank you very much," Respond to this post by replying above this line New post on Vanuatu Daily Digest Vanuatu Daily News Digest | Ban Ki-moon on the Forum & Climate Change by bobmakin Ban Ki-moon says the Pacific Islands Forum Declaration on Climate Change Action rightly emphasized the need for global responsibility Remarks at Pacific Islands Forum Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, UN Headquarters, 01 October 2015 Thank you very much, Foreign Minister Rimbink Pato of Papua New Guinea, for your able leadership as the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum. The PIF is crucial to realizing our global vision for a sustainable future. This year we have agreed on key global policies – on disaster risk reduction, on financing for development, and now on the Sustainable Development Goals. All of these will boost our work on the SAMOA Pathway for small island developing States. Now we need action on climate change, which has a severe impact on the Pacific region. You speak for the most vulnerable. That is why I am counting on you to raise your voices to build political momentum to resolve outstanding issues. The PIF Declaration on Climate Change Action rightly emphasized the need for global responsibility. Now we must do even more. I will continue to call on major economies to raise their level of ambition. And I will press for priority attention to the needs of small island developing States and least developed countries. I vividly remember my visit to Samoa last year. I went to Lepa to witness the damage from the 2009 tsunami. It was a powerful reminder of how badly small islands are hit by extreme weather events. And it was a sober lesson on how urgently we need to invest in climate change adaptation and mitigation. The dangers continue. This year, El Nino has caused strong droughts and cyclones in the Pacific. Your countries need finance. I have been doing everything possible to ensure that the Green Climate Fund is capitalized and operationalized. It must be up and running before the Paris Conference – with projects and funding ready to go, especially for the most vulnerable. The UN is also ready to support your region in achieving sustainable development and climate resilience. The Paris Conference will represent an important turning point – not an end point – for global climate action. I am hopeful that countries will finalize a new universal and meaningful climate change agreement. This is possible – but it will take clear guidance and firm leadership from heads of State and government. The global goals will help promote peaceful and inclusive societies. That will improve justice, accountability and security while protecting people and ecosystems. We all welcomed the strong SDG on gender equality. This year also marks the 15 year review of Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. I have been doing everything possible to champion women’s equality and to empower women across the United Nations. I thank those of you who are with me in this fight. I was heartened by last week’s meeting on gender equality and women’s empowerment, where leaders agreed to close the gender gap. There has been progress across the Pacific – but we still have to help women who are threatened by violence. We have to do more to involve women in politics. And we have to make women’s rights a reality everywhere. The United Nations stands together with the countries and all peoples of the Pacific. Your region is known for being on the frontlines of climate change – and I thank you for being at the forefront of positive change for our world. Thank you. UN News Centre, 6 October, 2015 bobmakin | October 6, 2015 at 1:16 pm | Categories: The News, Digested | URL: http://wp.me/p2A4RK-E9 Comment    See all comments    Like Unsubscribe to no longer receive posts from Vanuatu Daily Digest. Change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://ift.tt/1L3ml4H Thanks for flying with WordPress.com

from Gmail
via IFTTT