China Group Leases Solomon Islands Provincial Capital

Tulagi highlighted . pn521

Central  Province has agreed to lease on long term the whole island of Tulagi to Chinese firm China Sam Enterprise Group Ltd to be developed into a “Special Economic Zone”.
Premier Stanley Manetiva signed the agreement with Sam Group reps in Honiara last month.
The agreement also mentioned lease of islands surrounding Tulagi to the Chinese firm.
Sam Group prides itself as one of China’s top hi-tech investors.

The Bougainville Independence Predicament

pn520

The referendum to take Bougainville a step closer to full independence finally looks set to start on 23 November, after the issuing of the writs late last month. Voters will have a fortnight to reach the polling places, which will close on 7 December. The Referendum Commission, chaired by former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahearn, says the count will be completed no later than 20 December.
The referendum result will still not be the final deciding factor on whether Bougainville stays with Papua New Guinea or cuts loose. Rather, it will “inform” the required post-referendum consultations between the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the PNG Government to determine Bougainville’s future. Click here to read the full article about the "predicament."

It Ain't Our Plastic

Ninety-Eight Percent  Plastics in Pacific Ocean 'from elsewhere'

pn522

The World Wildlife Fund Pacific office says more than 98 per cent of plastic found in the Pacific Ocean did not come from Pacific islanders but from Asia and America.

WWF great sea reef programme manager Alfred Ralifo said plastics have become a global problem and the Pacific has not been spared.

“The plastic industry only started in the 1950s but since the beginning about 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic has been produced.

“In 2010 about 8 million tonnes of plastic were found in the ocean and about 291 billion pieces of plastic in the South Pacific Ocean,” he said. He said this global problem requires a global and coordinated effort.

-- By Epeli Lalagavesi in Fiji Live 8.10.19

The Firms Most Responsible for Carbon Emissions

pn519

 New data show how fossil fuel companies have driven climate crisis despite industry knowing dangers

• Half a century of dither and denial – a climate crisis timeline
• Why we need political action to tackle the oil, coal and gas companies - video explainer

Why Do Some People Still Think Climate Change Isn't Real

pn518

At its heart, climate change denial is a conflict between facts and values. People deny the climate crisis because, to them, it just feels wrong.

As I've argued elsewhere, acknowledging climate change involves accepting certain facts. But being concerned about climate change involves connecting these facts to values. It involves building bridges between the science of climate change and peoples' various causes, commitments and convictions.

Diwali comes early for New Zealand

pn517

For some reason unknown to me Auckland, and New Zealand, is celebrating Diwali this weekend, while Fiji and the rest of the world will celebrate the festival from the 27th.  Check out this link about the festival.

Indonesia closed PNG border: tensions escalate

pn516

Jacinda Ardern on our rural-urban divide

pn515

Politics that portrays a "town versus country" climate change divide was unhelpful, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a speech to business. She said she was seeking consensus on climate change economic strategy, and called for an end to sniping between townies and farmers.
Click on "she said" to read and listen. Skip the ads.

Weekend Reading 12-13th October 2019

pn514

• Why some people don't believe in climate change
• The firms mainly responsible for carbon emissions
• Bougainville's independence dilemma
• Solomon Islands leasing a provincial capital to China group
• Plastic is the Pacific

Fiji Day: a Nation United and Divided

Today is Fiji's National Day celebrating 49 years of independence. It should be a day when people recall the many things they share and unite them, a day when differences are put aside.

Two days ago SODELPA Opposition leader Sitiveni Rabuka called for "unity in a 'divided' nation".

pn513

In a nation so polarised and divided, he called for a willingness "to work together for the good of all, rather than the interests of only a select few...  It is time that we show patriotism through dialogue, understanding and respect for one another to progress and realise our collective dream for a vibrant and prosperous future.”

He said Fijians need to collectively work together through dialogue and consultation so that Fijians continue to enjoy the freedom that so many sacrificed for. He said the Government must continue to embrace the sacrifices of our forefathers and former leaders.

Local Elections: Why the Downhill Slide — Others' opinions and mine

pn512

Fewer people have always voted in local elections than in national elections but this year’s voting for mayors, wards, regional councils, health boards, and in some cases community boards and licensing trusts —all on the same voting paper! — seems likely to be even less than usual. And once again researchers and media columnists have tried to pinpoint causes and offer possible solutions.

SpinOff’s Alex Braae thinks this year’s slide could be due to

Our New Race Relations Commissioner. Meng Fong talks about his life

Waata Shepherd, Ying and Meng Foon and Hinetau Dell. pn511

It’s nearly 50 years since New Zealand had its first Race Relations Conciliator. That was Guy Powles. And he’s been followed by Harry Dansey, Hiwi Tauroa, Walter Hirsh, Chris Laidlaw, John Clarke, Rajen Prasad, Gregory Fortuin, Joris de Bres, and Susan Devoy.
Along the way, in 2002, the title was changed. The Conciliator became our Race Relations Commissioner. And that’s what Meng Foon has been over the last few days since he turned from his job as Gisborne’s mayor and took up his new role within the Human Rights Commission.