Pacific Magazine > Magazine > December 1, 2001
Government Briefs
Government Briefs
By Fili Sagapolutele, Giff Johnson
Marshall Islands
Prostitution is now illegal in the Marshall Islands, following Nitijela (parliament) passage of a new law outlawing it in October. The bill which was strongly endorsed by local churches and community leaders, provides for strong penalties for people engaging in, patronizing or promoting prostitution in the country. Participating in prostitution as the provider or the user is subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and up to two years in jail, while anyone convicted of promoting prostitution can be fined up to $10,000 and/or given a jail term of up to five years.
The Marshall Islands has replaced Bank of New York (BONY) as its trustee of Compact funding from the U.S. and is expected to replace its trusteeship over nuclear investment funds as well, according to Ministry of Finance officials. The Marshall Islands government shifted from BONY to First Hawaiian Bank effective October 1 for Compact funds, according to Finance Secretary Saeko Shoniber. BONY has supervised the funds since 1986.
Samoa
Cases of anthrax exposure discovered in the U.S. have forced Samoa’s customs agents and some postal workers to wear protective gloves. Customs agents working at the Faleolo International Airport started wearing gloves in October and the new program extended to the domestic Fagalii Airport. Although the use of gloves by Customs agents at the country’s air and seaports have been in long term plans, assistant head of Customs Department Leilua Mariner told reporters, “We have had to hasten their use now because of the situation in the United States.”
American Samoa
The American Samoa government’s financial future has brightened with a $22 million cash infusion to help pay many debts. The money is part of $40 million Affiliated FM has agreed to pay to the local government for punitive damages won through a lawsuit against the insurance company for non-payment of government claims following Hurricane Val in 1991. The Governor’s press officer, Leiataua B. Ala’ilima, said the $22 million is now in the government’s bank account. Government spokesman Jack Kachmarik said the $22 million will pay old debts such as $12.5 million the local government owes in FICA taxes, a $3.6 million loan to Bank of Hawaii and majority of the money for local tax refunds that go back to tax year 1998.
The family of Tanugamanono Peleti, who died almost nine years ago after being beaten by police while in custody will be compensated by the government, following the passage of special appropriation of $55,000.
