Regional News

Fiji’s national carrier, Air Pacific, says it is looking into reports alleging that it has been exposed as one of the world’s major carriers of shark fins into Hong Kong.

The South China Morning Post says a coalition of environmental groups claims in a letter to the airline that a substantial amount of the shark fins imported into Hong Kong arrive on Air Pacific.

In a statement, Air Pacific says it has acknowledged the concerns raised and is looking into the situation.

Air Pacific states the article exaggerates the situation and is misleading.

Mike Gabbard and Tulsi Gabbard’s non-profit organization Healthy Hawai'i Coalition (HHC) has been presenting its popular program, The Hawaiʻi Watershed Experience, for over 10 years in public and private elementary schools across the state. Close to 6,000 students in over 50 schools on Oʻahu, the Big Island, Maui, Kauaʻi and Molokaʻi have taken part in the program.
 

Samoa’s Attorney General says a provision in a draft law change defining a Samoan citizen has been dropped.

The Attorney General’s Office is currently working to update Samoa’s 1974 Acts Interpretation Act.

Aumua Ming Leung Wai says in a statement the definition of a Samoan citizen is already in the law books, in section 3 of the Samoan Status Act of 1963, but he admits that that Act is also old and needs reviewing.

Our correspondent Autagavaia Tipi Autgavaia says the Attorney General also aired his views to local media this week.

There is good news for secondary students and parents this year.

In July, students in the year 9 up to year 11 will no longer have to pay for school fees.

That is made possible thanks to a grant from the government and New Zealand.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture, Matafeo Tanielu Aiafi said the aid is a much-needed help for students.

What the grant means is there are no more fees, he said.

“This is a great help for parents who don’t have regular income,” he said.