Kubuabola on Natapei, US Tourism, Consultations on Elderly, Manhunt Questions

URGENT NOTICE. The Citizens’ Constitutional Forum (CCF) has produced  its first film ‘Enduring Hope’ to promote racial harmony and tolerance in Fiji.  The 30-minute film, which is in  Fijian, Hindi and English with sub-titles in English where necessary, will be launched tomorrow  Wednesday, 21st, 6.30pm–8pm, at the Marine Studies Lecture Theatre, University of the South Pacific (USP), Laucala Campus, Suva. 

TACTFULLY NOT CALLING HIM A LIAR. Responding to a 19th July press statement by Vanuatu PM Edward Natapei on his reasons for deferring the MSG Summit that was to have taken place in Suva later this week, Foreign Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola  (photo) said the statement "contained what could be deemed as inaccuracies and misrepresentation of facts."

Specifically --

• The claim that he had consulted and had the support of PNG and Solomon Islands when both had given their support in writing for Fiji to Chair the 2010 MSG meetings as hosts, in line with the traditions and practices of the MSG.
• A letter dated 13tth July from Sir Michael Somare to Natapei copied to Fiji in which Sir Michael disagreed with and disputing the decision, terming Natapei's  actions as “un-Melanesian”.
• The Solomon Islands High Commission in Suva categorically stated that Solomon Islands was not a party to the decision. Ratu Inoke said Mr. Natapei’s claims were especially baffling given  PNG and Solomon Islands support for the "Engaging with the Pacific" meeting this week.
• The claim that by Natapei that he had send a Personal Emissary to Fiji to explain his decision. No emissary arrived.
• The claim that he acted "without the influence or interference by the Australian Government is moot," given the extensive Australian lobbying.

Ratu Inoke said Natapei's action could have long term implications, leading to possible fragmentation of the MSG Bloc. He called on him to set aside personal agendas and come together for the collective good of the Region. It was with this objective that Fiji was convening the “Engaging with the Pacific” Meeting where the Pacific Leaders would have an opportunity to dialogue, resolve differences and identify solutions for the good of the Region through the “Pacific Way ”. -- Abbreviated MOI release 1060.

FIJI TOURISM TARGETS 900 US TRAVEL AGENTS. With US visitor arrivals for the first four months of the year showing a marked increase – up 10% over the corresponding period in 2009 – Tourism Fiji has embarked on what is seen as an extremely timely ten-day road show designed to further boost numbers from this key market.

The national tourist office is targeting more than 900 travel agents in 12 cities in Pacific and mid-western regions of the US from 12-23 July with the support of Air Pacific, Continental Airlines and 16 of its Fiji industry colleagues.

CONSULTATIONS ON ELDERLY.Social Welfare Minister Dr Jiko Luweni  says Government is currenlty working on a National Policy Framework to protect the elderly that will include health care, transportation, long term institution care, support arrangements for family caregivers and support for the disabled. The first round of consultations that will involve other government ministries, town councils, academic institutions, corporate agencies and NGOs will start next week on Wednesday.

A MANHUNT IS ON  for five men who escaped from Lautoka's Natabua prison over a 24-hour period. During the same period another prisoner escaped from Korovou Prison. Police suspect they are being hidden by members of the public.

Another explanation is that the escapees were assisted from the inside by one or more crooked prison official. The possibility of organized crime involvement should also not be overlooked. The incidents also explain why Government relies so heavily of the military for tasks that, in "normal" circumstances, would only involve prison and police authorities.