People Briefs
People Briefs
A 20-year-old pre-med student from Yap, Lilliana Gootinag, is consciously trying to break Micronesian stereotypes by playing volleyball and softball for a major U.S. university team, the South Carolina State Bulldogs. "It is something that I'm doing not only for myself but (for) the kids back home-to let them know they could do the same thing I'm doing," she told Pacific Daily News on Guam recently. "There's a lot of potential out there, but they're (afraid) to try because at home, everyone is worried about what people might say." -- GJ
Dr. Oreta Togafau, a long time senior manager for American Samoa Congressman Faleomavaega Eni, has retired from her federal job and is now Governor Togiola Tulafono's senior policy advisor, a newly created position. -- FS
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Outspoken entrepreneur Mere Samisoni of Fiji was named Westpac Businesswoman of the Year, beating four other contenders. Samisoni is managing director of Corporate Management Services trading as the Hot Bread Kitchen chain. Meanwhile, Westpac Fiji appointed Dave Hutchinson as new head of business and corporate banking. -- RM
Tan Holdings Corporation has named Jerry Tan as the company's new president and chief operating officer while former president Willie Tan has become the new chief executive officer of the privately-held Tan family group of companies. Henry Tan, president and chief operating officer of Luen Thai Holdings, will assume responsibilities over the company's apparel group. Tan Holdings does business in more than a dozen countries in the Western Pacific. -- FSR
Kiribati Vice President Teima Onorio was among several dignitaries to attend Taiwan's national day celebrations. The festivities mark the Oct. 10, 1911, Wuchang Uprising that led to the fall of the last Chinese dynasty and the creation of the Republic of China, as Taiwan is officially known. -- GN
David Tua, the New Zealand-based Samoan heavyweight boxer, has won his second comeback fight with a split decision win against American Cisse Saliff. Tua had a two-year layoff as he fought his former manager in court over money. Tua challenged for the world heavyweight title in 2000 when he lost to current holder Lennox Lewis. -- AT
Shequita L. Bennett, 18, was crowned 2005 Miss Marianas Universe in a pageant held October 15 at World Resort Hotel. In addition, Bennett bested her five other competitors and took home Leadership, Best National Custom, Photogenic, Swimsuit and Evening Wear awards. She will represent the Northern Marianas at the Miss Universe competition next year in China. -- FSR
Papua New Guinea mining executive Dr. Ila Temu has been appointed by Canadian miner Placer Dome to head its Tanzania operations in Africa. The Papua New Guinean, who has a Ph.D. in agricultural economics from the University of California, will be Placer Dome's country manager (Tanzania). -- AR
Contributors: Giff Johnson, Fili Sagapolutele, Ricardo Morris, Frank S. Rosario, Afamasaga Toleafoa, Alex Rheeney and Graham Norris.
