Page 7 - IB Dec 2020

Whispers

of five newly elected Pasifika MPs; Bar- cal tussle between a troika of nations
bara Edmonds, Terisa Ngobi, Dr Neru with poor human rights records— China,
Leavasangi Utikere, Teanau Tuiono and Russia and Saudi Arabia (which has close
Kris Faafoi. The five newest Pasifika ties to Bahrain)—and a pre-emptive
MPs and their families were welcomed move against the US Presidency of Joe
by Minister for Pacific Peoples, Aupito Biden. They say Fiji is the meat in the
William Sio. They join six Pasifika MPs sandwich.
who were re-elected to parliament in Fiji’s usual allies are circumspect, Front Page Pte Limited
the polls. with an Australian Department of PO Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands.
Foreign Affairs Spokesperson saying Tel: +679 330 3108
Technical college troubles only: “The presidency of the Human Email: advertising@islandsbusiness.com
The future of technical colleges in Rights Council in 2021 is a matter for
Fiji is under scrutiny after government the Asia-Pacific Group of states,” and Circulation & Distribution
said that some may be closed. Fiji’s the US saying it “is deeply committed subs@islandsbusiness.com
Attorney General says some of the col- to supporting human rights. As a mat- Finance
lege courses have been staffed by un- ter of long-standing policy, the United finance@islandsbusiness.com
qualified teachers. The Fiji National States does not make its voting prefer- Regional and local magazine sales agents
University (FNU) is now undertaking ence known.” The Pacific Community’s
an extensive review of the colleges Human Rights & Social Development Amy Street Pharmacy - Amy Street, Toorak
to streamline and strengthen their Division says: “Fiji is the first Pacific Hot Bread Kitchen-selected outlets, Fiji
programs. FNU has owned the colleges Island Country to sit on the Human Gulabdas & Sons - Levuka, Fiji
since December 2019. They were first Rights Council and to nominate for the Kundan Singh Supermarket – Arts Village, Pacific Harbour,
set up by the Fiji government in 2015 presidency. Having Fiji as President Fiji
and offered 13 programmes in engi- (and noting that the Republic of the Kundan Singh Supermarket – Tamavua, Suva, Fiji
neering, construction, hospitality and Marshall Islands was recently elected Lami Pharmacy – Main Street, Lami
agriculture. The main concerns stem to the Council) will be a significant Mad Hatter Hut - Suva, Fiji
from the fact that around 250 staff opportunity for the Pacific to lead and Methodist Bookstore – Stewart Street, Suva, Fiji
members’ contracts will end this year guide deliberations on key human issues MHCC – Suva, Fiji
and their future is unclear. for the region, such as climate change Nausori Airport Bookshop – Nausori
and gender-based violence and gender Samabula Drugstore – Samabula, Suva, Fiji
Human Rights tussle equality more broadly. Suva Bookshop – Downtown Boulevard, Suva, Fiji
Fiji allies are remaining tight-lipped “This is an opportunity for the Pa- Tappoo outlets – Fijiwide
on its bid to take on the Presidency cific to demonstrate its leadership and Textbook Wholesalers – BSP Centre Suva, Fiji
of the United Nations Human Rights progress on human rights issues in both USP Bookcentre – USP, Laucala Campus, Suva, Fiji
Council in 2021. Fiji’s Nazhat Sha- words and actions.”
Palm Court Bistro – QBE Arcade, City Centre, Suva
meem Khan was the only contender The Fiji government, publicly at
for the position until three days before least, is staying quiet until the vote, al-
Boroko Foodworld – Boroko, PNG
nominations closed, when Bahrain though it is lobbying behind the scenes
Friendly Islands Bookshop – Nuku’alofa, Tonga
nominated a candidate. Some observ- to ensure its support.
ers say it is part of a larger geopoliti- Hachette Pacifique – Papeete, French Polynesia
National Stationery Supplies – Honiara, Solomon Islands
Nouvelle Messageries Caledoniennes de Presse – Noumea,
Tweet of the month: New Caledonia
Pacific & Occidental Capelle & Partners – Yaren, Nauru
Pacific Supplies – Rarotonga, Cook Island
Robert Reimers Enterprises – Majuro, Marshall Islands
South Seas Traders – Alofi, Niue
Stop Press – Port Vila, Vanuatu
Yap Cooperative Association – Colonia, YAP, FSM

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