Government Briefs

Palau

Paving of Palau's long-delayed Compact Road began on November 24. Alex Morrison, resident engineer and administrative contracting officer for the United States Army Corps of Engineers, told Pacific Magazine "12-to-18 months is a reasonable projection on the paving operation. Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co. hopes to finish in 12-to-14 months." Work on the 53-mile road officially began on Nov. 1, 1999.

-NC

Region

Prolific Australian writer and academic, Helen Hughes, has released another report on the Pacific, entitled The Pacific Is Viable. In it she argues that all Pacific Islands could be viable but that economic reform is not enough. "The Pacific needs radical reforms of government as well as the economy before policing and law can bring a new morality to public and civic life."

-SM

CNMI

At the Kalabera Cave in Marpi on Saipan, historic preservation officials found what appear to be ancient human remains, prompting the closure of the popular historical scenic site on November 17. Once an assessment and proper documentation is done by the Historic Preservation Office, Kalabera Cave will reopen to the public, says historic preservation officer Epiphano Cabrera. Prehistoric pictographs believed to have been made by ancient Chamorros have been found at the cave.

-FR

Guam

The Guam pro-casino gambling group, Citizens for Economic Diversity, will file a court action challenging Nov. 2 referendum results. The group sought unsuccessfully to stop the vote since the Guam Election Commission had not mailed copies of the 80-page proposal to Guam voters as required by law. Though the initiative was defeated 21,200 votes to 13,300, the group says the vote was invalid and a special election should be held. The major group opposing the initiative, Communities Opposing Proposal A, said it will oppose the court suit.

-FW

Samoa

The ruling Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) has won the latest by-election in Samoa, increasing its majority in Samoa's 49-seat Parliament to 33 seats to the opposition's 16. Only HRPP candidates contested the by-election. The sole opposition candidate was refused registration for late arrival at the electoral office but opposition MPs claim their man was unfairly treated. They also claim there is a clamor to join the government because of the big difference in pay and other benefits between government and opposition members of Parliament. The HRPP has been power in Samoa for about 20 years.

-AT

The Samoan government has designated Father's Day a public holiday, joining the existing holiday for Mother's Day. There is also a public holiday to mark Children's Sunday or White Sunday. Father's Day holiday will now replace Labor Day celebrated at the end of August every year.

-AT

Contributors: Samantha Magick, Frank Rosario, Frank Whitman, Alex Rheeney, Nancy Chism and Afamasaga Toleafoa