Quirky Tales

From Da Rohng, Pohnpei, FSM February 7, 2005
A Pohnpeian Arrested

Several years ago, a dispute arose between Joseph Paulus and Pohnpei State Government relating to the latter's use of Paulus' land in Kitti Municipality. As a result of the said dispute, Paulus was told by the Pohnpei Board of Trustees Department of Land to select a lot in Kolonia as a means to settle the dispute. Paulus complied and selected the lot across from the former Kolonia Town Police Station.

The government, however, told Paulus to move out. The government claimed the lot selected by Paulus has been reserved for the construction of a "Five Star Hotel." Paulus waited and waited, but no "Five Star Hotel" was built. Paulus then waited for a "Four Star Hotel" and a "Three Star Hotel" and a "Two Star Hotel" and finally, a "One Star Hotel." Nothing happened on the lot, not even construction of a "Zero Star Hotel."

Paulus waited about 10 years. He finally decided to move back on the lot.

Recently, Paulus was told by Pohnpei State Government to move out. The government claimed this time that "Tuna Commission" will use the lot. As of this writing, "Tuna Commission" has not showed up on the lot. And Paulus is waiting. He is waiting for any kind of commission to show up, be it a "Yellowfin Commission," a "Tuna-Tuna Commission," or whatever.

On January 21, 2005 Pohnpei State Government served a letter on Paulus to vacate the lot … While in the process of moving out, Pohnpei State Police Force descended on Paulus and his wife with handcuffs and .38 handguns on their hips. The policemen arrested Paulus and his wife …. Pohnpei State Government filed 24 criminal charges against (them).

There are many people, including high government officials, who are presently occupying public lands in Pohnpei without proper land documents. It raises concerns why Joseph Paulus was selected among so many people who are also residing on public lands without proper authorization from the government.

From Avaiki Nius Agency http://avaiki.blogspot.com
New Order Media Trends

Media in French Polynesia are adapting rapidly to new administrative cultures. Agence Tahitienne de Presse, for example, has dropped the "French" from its presidential coverage within days of new pro-independence leader Oscar Temaru being sworn in.

They now refer to him as the President of Polynesia-"Le président de la Polynésie Oscar Temaru"-rather than as the President of French Polynesia as former leader Gaston Flosse was previously quoted.

From Fiji Sun, March 22, 2005
Workers, Students Fail To Turn Up

Workers around the capital missed work or came late to work yesterday after staying awake half the night watching and celebrating the victory of the national sevens (rugby) team.

Employees at the Public Works Department at Walu Bay in Suva said about five of its workers did not turn up to work yesterday.

"I think these people were celebrating last night and did not turn up this morning, maybe too much grog, of course who will miss the opportunity of staying up late," said Timoci Lave. However, he said the rest of the workers were in a jovial mood because of Fiji's win in So Kon Po on Sunday night.

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