Hou: 2017 budget disappointing

CHAIRMAN of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Rick Hou says after examining the 2017 budget, he is disappointed that the good intentions may not be achieved through this budget. Speaking on Tuesday in parliament on the budget, Mr Hou said unlike the previous two budgets, the 2017 one is somewhat unclear as to the policy…

Constituent concern on cross-boundary voters

A SAVO Russell Islands constituent wants the Electoral Commission to implement measures that will stop people from registering to vote in constituencies which they don’t reside in. The concerned constituent Tim Ngelea raised this concern after witnessing the lack of development in the Savo Russell Islands Constituency. He said people are finding difficulty accessing funds…

New approach to tuna management

THE Pacific Ocean and those who depend on its fish face a growing crisis, according to Greenpeace. So the environmental organisation has decided to take a new approach in its efforts to persuade the body tasked with setting fishing rules – the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) – to live up to its…

PNA bid to control longline fishing

THE eight Pacific nations and Tokelau that make up the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) are seeking more control over the little-scrutinised longline fishing industry in the Pacific. While purse seine fishing boats are required to carry an independent observer to report on catches, the PNA is imposing its own measures on longline vessels…

Lasi highlights nation’s agenda in WCPFC13

UNDER Secretary Technical of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has highlighted the country’s key issues of interest in this year’s Western Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) in Nadi, Monday. Ferral Lasi, in his country statement at the official opening of the thirteenth WCPFC meeting, said some of the critical issues on the…

Laucala thrashes ANZ

LOCAL students studying in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) was narrowly beaten 4 -3 by USP Laucala 1 side in an impressive showdown at the SIFF academy field, Tuesday. It was an electrifying match as both teams battled it out to grab themselves a point in their first match. However, it was USP Laucala 1…