Briefs

Ombudswoman receives award Vanuatu’s ombudswoman,

Marie-Noelle Ferrieux Patterson, and her office were given PINA’s Pacific Freedom of Information Award.

The award was presented at the annual general convention of the Pacific Islands News Association held in Port Vila, Vanuatu, last month.

“The ombudswoman combines her knowledge of the law and accounting to bring to the public domain all sorts of questionable practices by people in public office. And, in the true spirit of freedom of information, she ensures that her findings are passed on to the public,” PINA said of Ferrieux Patterson.

Chief immigration officer charged

Samoa’s chief immigration officer was

charged with 18 offences in connection with the alleged sale of the country’s pass ports, Pacnews reported last month.

Tuipoloa Suisala Eteuati was the immedi ate head of immigration until his suspen sion in April.

Former Palau president dies The former Palau president, Ngiratkel Etpison, died last month in California at the age of 72, Pacnews reported.

Etpison, Palau’s third elected presi dent, served a four-year term beginning in 1988 during which time he campaigned for an end to the country’s status as a US administered territory.

Palau gained independence on October 1, 1994.

At the time of his death, Etpison was special envoy for economic matters.

Hanson inspires NZ party Australia’s Pauline!

Hanson has provided the inspiration for a

new anti-immigration political party claimed to have the support of thousands in New Zealanders, AAP reported. John Lehmann said he was turning his four year-old anti-immigration lobby into a

political party.

“I’ve been good friends with Pauline though I don’t agree with everything she says,” he said.

Asia-Pacific links Addressing the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Union meeting in Fiji last month, Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka comment ed on the importance of the support the Pacific could receive from Asian countries.

He said Asia could be valuable in help ing island countries find markets for their products as well as new investors prepared to develop existing industries.

ABC announces new head The Australian Broadcasting Corporation announced Jean-Gabriel Manguy as its new chief executive for Radio Australia last month, Pacnews reported.

Manguy takes over at a time when bud get cuts have forced the closure of Radio Australia’s main transmitter and the loss of more than 50 per cent of the staff. ■