PM Archives
Another Palau Vote, Solomons ‘Appalling Debt’
Nov. - Dec. 1993
Palau was about to hold its eighth plebiscite on its proposed Compact of Free Association 10 years ago, and the majority required to approve was reduced from 75 percent to 50 percent. There was much optimism that the Compact would be approved. (It was.) The new capitol building for the Republic of the Marshall Islands has just been dedicated. The new finance minister for the incoming Solomon Islands government, Andrew Nori declares the government to be in "appalling debt" and its "finances in chaos," following the previous administration. The new Prime Minister, Francis Billy Hilly, says he will put a stop to unnecessary spending. Gov. A.P. Lutali in American Samoa has just returned to his duties after recovery from a stroke. And a campaign to repopulate Niue is getting financial support from PNG. The funds will be used to upgrade housing to attract citizens home. The South Pacific Regional Environment Program has received ratification from enough countries in the region to separate from its parent, the South Pacific Commission. The ITT-Sheraton Pacific Hotels' deluxe Sheraton Vomo Island Resort opened Oct. 1. It is the chain's second Fiji property. The U.S. Department of Labor announces it will raise the minimum wage in American Samoa from $3.00 per hour to $3.05. The United Nations Development Program is contributing US$1.4 million to Samoa to improve fruit tree production.
