Page 7 - IB June 2020

Briefs

China last year. Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani said the equip-
ment was seized from Customs without a warrant, and that
the province had already paid the import duty. In response, West Papua
the central government has reprimanded Premier Suidani, Three men have been found guilty of treason for their part
saying Taiwan is not a recognised diplomatic partner, and that in anti-racism protests last August.
the means of sending equipment was “suspicious”. The Balikpapan district court sentenced United Liberation
Solomon Islands has won a seat on the United Nations Eco-
nomic and Social Council. The Council is the principal body for Movement activist, Buchtar Tabuni, to 11 months in prison.
Two university students, Fery Kombo and Irwanus Uropmabin,
coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommenda- were sentenced to 10 months each. Four other defendants
tions on economic, social and environmental issues, as well as were awaiting their sentences in relation to the protests when
for implementation of the internationally agreed development we went to press.
goals.

Tonga Region
The former Head of the Oceania Customs Organisation Australia has increased financial support to the Pacific
will be extradited from Tonga to Fiji to face charges of theft Islands Forum’s Geneva Office.
and dishonesty. Anisi Kulufeinga Bloomfield will be sent to The agreement confirms support for USD$1.8 million for
Fiji after Tonga’s Supreme Court ruled that the Extradition 2020-2021. The Geneva office supports Forum Island Coun-
order be upheld. Bloomfield allegedly committed the offences tries’ engagement at the World Trade Organisation and other
between 2011-2014. UN bodies and international organisations based in Geneva.

PIFS Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor says “we are witness-
ing an unprecedented impact on trade to our Forum Island
Vanuatu Countries due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, and I
The retirement age in Vanuatu has been increased from 55 expect the expertise which has delivered so well over the last
to 60 years. “This is in accordance with improved health fa- three years will rise to the task."
cilities and awareness by health officials. Our life expectancy
has improved and it is proper for us to increase the retire-
ment age to 60 years,” Prime Minister Bob Loughman said.

PIF BOSS: FOUR CONTENDERS AND A CALL TO DEFER THE VOTE

Tuvalu has asked Pacific Leaders to consider deferring the
formal appointment of the new Secretary General of the
Pacific Islands Forum until a face-to-face meeting next year.
Islands Business is aware of four candidates for the role;
Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna, Marshall Islands
Ambassador to the US, Gerald Zackios, international civil
servant to the UN and regional organisations, Tonga's Amelia
Kinahoi Siamomua and former Pacific Community (SPC) Sec-
retary General, Solomon Islander Dr Jimmie Rodgers.
However Pacnews reports that Tuvalu Prime Minister and
chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Kausea Natano has writ-
ten to Leaders asking them to accept a proposal by Vanuatu Henry Puna Gerald Zackios
to defer the formal, face-to-face Pacific Islands Forum Lead-
ers meeting to 2021 – to be hosted by government of Fiji.
Natano is requesting a virtual Special Forum Leaders Re-
treat later this year to consider the ongoing impacts of the
COVID19 pandemic on the region and Vanuatu’s offer to host
the annual Leaders meeting in 2023.
The contract of current Secretary General, Dame Meg Tay-
lor expires at the end of this year, but Leaders could extend
it until they meet face-to-face next year. Alternatively they
could vote for one of the four contenders. The jockeying has
already begun.

Amelia Kinahoi Siamomua Dr Jimmie Rodgers

Islands Business, June 2020 7