Stealing at Lae wharf rampant
PORT MORESBY (Papua New Guinea Post-Courier/PINA) — There has been increasing theft and pilferage of container cargo at Papua New Guinea’s premier port, Lae.
The Papua New Guinea Harbors Board union and several shipping companies operating in Lae have raised concern with the Papua New Guinea Harbors Board. It is believed to have instigated a major probe into the thefts.
Police in Lae have also been alerted and investigations are underway to catch the thieves.
NUKU’ALOFA (PINA) — The Tongan government has declared June 21 as a public holiday to commemorate the centenary of the establishment of the Anglican Church in the kingdom.
The decision provides that June 21 be declared as public holiday, only this year, while shops and banks may remain open, a government news release said.
The Anglican Church of Tonga was established in Tonga on June 21, 1902 following the receipt of a letter of encouragement dated April 6, 1900 from King George Tupou II.
SUVA (The Fiji Times/PINA) — Fiji Lands Minister Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has now been given an American visa so he can attend a mining and mineral resources development seminar in Washington.
Lalabalavu had earlier said his visa was rejected and the issue was being discussed between the governments.
The problem was understood to be his alleged connections with the Matanitu Vanua party, and its support for May 2000 Fiji coup frontman George Speight.
PAPEETE (Tahitipresse/PINA) — Walles Kotra, international relations director at RFO-Paris, has been appointed at the head of the RFO radio and TV stations in French Polynesia.
He will arrive in Papeete next month and replace current director Albert-Max Briand, who is returning to a position at RFO headquarters in Paris.
