Page 9 - IB December 2021

Whispers Whispers

idea. the industry transported around three
“I’m not going to speak for Australia, coffins a day, taking citizens on their
I’m not going to speak for Fiji and of final journey to be buried in their vil-
course New Zealand but this is PNG lages. “We are now transporting 20
perspective. coffins every day,” he says. “This is
“We come at the invitation of Solo- unprecedented. Each coffin represents
mon Islands Government, we want to a single person who is lost forever as a
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operate under the commoner of RSIPF friend, mother, father, sister, brother,
GPO Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands.
and that’s the position of PNG Govern- son, daughter, uncle, aunt, bubu, wife
Tel: +679 9719660
ment.” or husband.” Earlier this month, the
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National Capital District arranged a
UN’s Samoa quandary mass burial of 50 bodies, people who Circulation & Distribution
The UN’s Resident Co-ordinator in had died of COVID and other causes and subs@islandsbusiness.com
Samoa, Simona Marinescu remains out whose remains had been unclaimed by Finance
of the country following allegations relatives. finance@islandsbusiness.com
she interfered in domestic politics Fiji stockists
during the election earlier this year. Duplication or evolution
The new Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa Eyebrows are raised over the expan- Amy St Pharmacy, Toorak, Suva
ua Tasi (FAST) government has accused sion of TVET Pasifika courses at the Dominion Bookshop, BSP Life Building Arcade, Suva
Marinescu of breaching UN principles Fiji National University. Observers are Essence of Fiji Rejuvenation Centre, Lot 1, Nasau, Nadi
of neutrality in pushing to increase asking if they are in direct competi- Back Rd, Nadi
women MPs in Samoa at the time when tion with the Australia Pacific Train- Foska Stationery & Gift Shop, Digicel House, Nabua
the women’s quote issue was central ing Coalition’s program, or a move to Grand Eastern Hotel, Labasa
to the contested election result. FAST ensure vocational training continues Gulabdas and Sons, Levuka
Hot Bread Kitchen, Damodar City, Suva; LICI building,
insiders considered her interventions at the University after APTC winds up. Butt St, Suva; Main St, Nadi; Rajendra’s Foodtown Complex,
arrogant and poorly-timed. It follows The Fiji government is backing the TVET Valelevu; Namoli Avenue, Lautoka; Savusavu.
ongoing corruption allegations against courses through scholarship places and Kundan Singh Supermarkets, Pacific Harbour and Tamavua
the UN-funded Vaisigano River Catch- funding of industry internships. Still at Methodist Bookstore, Suva
ment Project. That project has now FNU, Vice Chancellor Toby Wilkinson’s Nausori Airport Bookshop
stalled. Meanwhile, Samoa’s PM has contract has been extended until March Palm Court Bistro, Suva
called for better coordination from next year. Wilkinson is now based in the Post Fiji - General Post Office, Suva; Nausori; Nakasi;
the UN. “We caution against a heavy UK. Sigatoka; Nadi; Lautoka; Ba; Rakiraki; Tavua; Labasa.
regional approach that does not respond Raiwaqa Bakery, Nasese
to national needs and priorities,” Fiame FSM Consultant charged with traf- Samabula Drug Store, Suva
Naomi Mata’afa told the UN General As- ficking Suva Book Shop, Suva
sembly in its most recent session. An economic consultant to Federated
The Friendly North Inn, Labasa
States of Micronesia’s President has USP Bookcentre, Laucala Campus, Suva
EFL secrecy been suspended after he was charged
Vuda Marina, Lautoka
Why did the Fiji government seek to with sex trafficking. Rob Solomon was
have Electricity Fiji Limited exempted arrested over allegations he forced Yees Xpressmart, Unit S22, Port Denarau, Nadi
from being audited by the Office of three teenage girls into prostitution. Regional
the Auditor General? A gazette to this “Mr Solomon is presumed innocent until Boroko Foodworld – Boroko, PNG
effect was published recently, but the proven guilty,” a press release from Friendly Islands Bookshop – Nuku’alofa, Tonga
opposition wants to know why. EFL is the FSM government said. “However, Hachette Pacifique – Papeete, French Polynesia
51% owned by government, and 44% the national government’s executive Heritage Park Hotel – Honiara, Solomon Islands
by Japanese consortium Pacific Pte branch, in its respect of the gravity of Nouvelle Messageries Caledoniennes de Presse – Noumea,
Ltd, which is owned by the Japan Bank the charges and allegations, has im- New Caledonia
for International Cooperation (JBIC) mediately and indefinitely suspended Pacific & Occidental Capelle & Partners – Yaren, Nauru
and Chugoku Electric Power Company [him].” He and a second man have been Pacific Supplies – Rarotonga, Cook Islands
(CEPCO). 5% of its shares are owned by charged with solicitation, sexual abuse, Robert Reimers Enterprises – Majuro, Marshall Islands
Fiji account holders. human trafficking, prostitution and Samoa Stationery and Books - Apia, Samoa
kidnapping. SSAB Auckland – Sei Oriana Gift Shop, New Zealand
COVID cost South Seas Traders – Alofi, Niue
Air Niugini CEO Bruce Albaster has Whispers is compiled under the supervi- Stop Press – Port Vila, Vanuatu
given the world a stark reminder of sion of the editorial team. Yap Cooperative Association – Colonia, YAP, FSM
the human cost of COVID in Papua New
Guinea. He says before the pandemic,

Islands Business, December 2021 9