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NZ Deputy Prime Minister lead Pacific Mission

Pita Ligaiula
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NZ Deputy Prime Minister lead Pacific Mission

New Zealand deputy Prime Minister and Associate Foreign Affairs (Pacific Region) Minister Carmel Sepuloni is leading a Pacific Mission to Solomon Islands, Fiji and Tonga – the first to be undertaken since COVID-19.

“The Pacific region remains our Government’s foreign policy priority, and that includes continuing to strengthen Aotearoa New Zealand’s relationship with our Pacific whānau,” Sepuloni said.

“The Pacific Mission provides us with an invaluable opportunity to strengthen our relationships even further, and reaffirm our commitment to working alongside our Pacific whānau to respond to challenges together,” Sepuloni said.

Sepuloni will be accompanied by Minister for Pacific Peoples Barbara Edmonds, Minister for Climate Change James Shaw and a delegation including Parliamentary and NGO representatives, iwi, business and community leaders and Pacific youth.

“Aotearoa New Zealand is in and of the Pacific. What happens within the Pacific region impacts New Zealanders here at home,” Carmel Sepuloni said?
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this will be the first Pacific Mission we have undertaken since 2019. I’m excited that alongside being able to reconnect with the Pacific face-to-face, we can also showcase the breadth and depth of this reconnection, our engagement and our leadership in the Pacific region.

“We proudly take a Pacific-led approach to solving the issues facing the region, not least to mention, climate change.

“Tackling climate change together, which has become a harsh reality here in Aotearoa New Zealand, continues to be of urgent importance. It’s more important than ever that we all take collective action to combat its effects, especially alongside our Pacific whānau.

“Our shared Blue Pacific Continent also faces a range of challenges including institutional and economic fragility, social and demographic issues, and increasing geo-strategic competition.

“With a focus on climate change and a strong delegation representing all pockets of our country, our message on the Pacific Mission is clear – we’re committed to working together in partnership, to tackle the challenges our region faces like climate change, cost of living pressures, global inflation and heightened strategic competition.

“The Pacific Mission underlines our place in the region, in partnership with and alongside our Pacific whānau,” Sepuloni said.

The Pacific Mission departed for Honiara on Sunday 16 April and return on Friday 21 April….

SOURCE: NZ GOVT/PACNEWS

French Polynesian voters head to the polls to cast ballots

Pita Ligaiula
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French Polynesian voters head to the polls to cast ballots

Voting has started in French Polynesia in the first round to elect a territorial assembly for a new five-year term.

The polls opened at 8am and will close until 7pm French Polynesia Time.

About 200,000 voters can choose among seven lists of candidates vying for the assembly’s 57 seats.

A list securing at least 12.5 percent of the votes today can stand in the run-off round in two weeks.

In the second round, on 30 April the list winning most votes will get a third of all seats as a bonus, which assures it securing an absolute majority.

The remaining two thirds of the seats will then be distributed according to the lists’ relative strength.

To promote gender parity lists must alternate male and female candidates.

Meanwhile, electoral campaigning for the first round of the territorial elections ended at midnight on Saturday.

SOURCE: RNZ PACIFIC/PACNEWS

Considering the possible impacts of deep sea mining in the Cook Islands

Pita Ligaiula
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Considering the possible impacts of deep sea mining in the Cook Islands

In the recent Parliament opening, King’s Representative Sir Tom Masters spoke of the Cook Islands’ desire to develop a sustainable and environmentally responsible seabed minerals sector. This week, also in Parliament, Leader of the Opposition Tina Browne criticised Government for rushing ahead in regards to deep sea mining.

Tina Browne said the Opposition was maintaining a very cautious approach to any commercial seabed mining activity given there are too many unknowns about the seabed and the long-term impacts of mining it.

This article draws on information from an article by the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, and seeks to inform on some of the potential impacts.

While it also includes references to mining seamounts and hydrothermal vents, the mining most likely to occur in the Cook Islands, and internationally in the Clarion Clipperton Zones, is for polymetallic nodules on the abyssal plains.

There is widespread concern about the impacts deep-sea mining will have on the ecosystems and habitats of the deep. Rules and regulations to safeguard the environment are still being worked out at the International Seabed Authority (ISA), of which the Cook Islands is a member. Alongside this, there are questions being asked about whether deep-sea mining is necessary or desirable, and whether it is economically viable.

Environmental impacts

Deep-sea mining is still in the experimental stage, and the impacts on deep-sea ecosystems remain unknown. But existing information has led scientists to warn that biodiversity loss will be inevitable – and most likely irreversible.

On the abyssal plains 4000 – 6000 metres deep, sucking up nodules would involve destruction of the seabed leading to the potential extinction of species. The nodules themselves support complex ecosystems, which would be lost. Each mining operation could effectively strip mine 8000-9000 square kilometres of deep ocean seabed over a 30-year mining licence period.

Stripping seamounts of the outer layer of ‘crusts’ containing cobalt and other metals would destroy deep-sea sponge and coral ecosystems that are likely to have taken thousands of years to grow.

Mining of hydrothermal vents at much shallower depths of around 1600m would destroy vent habitats and kill the associated organisms before the biodiversity of these unique and fragile ecosystems is well understood. The Solwara 1 Project in PNG, for mining hydrothermal vents, was approved with an Environmental Permit for Development in 2009. However, the mining company went bankrupt and the PNG Government lost around US$200 million.

As well as the direct and immediate impacts of the mining operation on areas of the deep-sea actually mined, there are likely to be wider ecosystem effects on the marine environment. For polymetallic nodule mining proposed in Cook Islands waters, we have to consider plumes of sediment that will be created as mining stirs up the seafloor. These could possibly spread over tens of thousands of square kilometres, well beyond the mining sites. The effect this will have on filter feeders such as corals and sponges is still unknown.

Wastewater containing sediment and mine tailing, which may be toxic, pumped back into the ocean would also form plumes. These may travel hundreds of kilometres or further making their way into fish stocks and causing water cloudiness, impacting species that use bioluminescence to hunt or find mates.

Noise, light pollution and sediment plumes could also seriously impact species, such as whales, that use noise, echolocation or bioluminescence to communicate, find prey and escape predators.

Growing global opposition

Deep-sea mining is expensive, and though it may be profitable to individual companies, questions have been raised about its wider economic benefits when considered against the long term environmental risks.

A growing number of governments are now concerned about the environmental implications of deep-sea mining. Palau, Fiji, Federated Stated of Micronesia, Samoa, Vanuatu, French Polynesia, Germany, Costa Rica, Chile, Spain, Panama, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, New Zealand and the European Parliament have all called for a moratorium or precautionary pause. France has called for a ban.

Nauru, on the other hand, has stated its intention to force the ISA to allow The Metals Company to start commercial deep seabed mining in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (International Waters) as early as next year. This is despite the fact that the ISA has not yet agreed on environmental regulations to safeguard the environment in the face of mining.

If the Cook Islands Government is sincere in wishing to make sure deep sea mining is done with the least impact on the environment, Te Ipukarea Society would encourage them to speak out against Nauru’s plans at the next International Seabed Authority meeting.

SOURCE:TE IPUKAREA SOCIETY/COOK ISLANDS NEWS/PACNEWS

ONOC to host 43rd Annual General Assembly and Step Up Oceania Conference in Brisbane

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ONOC to host 43rd Annual General Assembly and Step Up Oceania Conference in Brisbane

The Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) will host their 43rd Annual General Assembly and a week-long of associated events in Brisbane, Australia, from 17 to 21 April 2023 at the Sofitel Brisbane Central Hotel.

The event is jointly coordinated by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), as ONOC member and host National Olympic Committee (NOC).

Ian Chesterman, the AOC President, said, “We are honoured to host our colleagues from ONOC and across the Oceania region in Brisbane for their annual meetings and conference.”

“This gathering will provide an opportunity for the AOC to further strengthen its ties with its neighbours in Oceania,” Chesterman added.

“Step Up Oceania” Conference

A prominent feature for the week will be the “Step Up Oceania” Conference, which will be held on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 April.

A part of “Creating the Home Games Advantage”, the conference objective is to inspire key stakeholders from the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, and Australia, across National Olympic Committees (NOCs), National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), regional sport federations, and critical stakeholders from government, tertiary institutions, high performance centres, and potential partners and supporters.

“Step Up Oceania2 will bring together over 250 delegates in an important communication and engagement platform to explore key issues, good practises, and the latest innovations across high performance, coaching, sport science, and talent identification, with a view to transforming Oceania’s athletic performances on the road to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Dr Robin Mitchell, President of ONOC and President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), said that the conference serves as an important forum to engage with leading high-performance experts, build strong alliances, and create key strategic actions to help create the”Home Games Advantage” on the road to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games for Oceania.

“ONOC strongly believes that Brisbane 2032 must go beyond inspiration and must be remembered as the Games that gave the Pacific Islands a new way of thinking, a new level of outcomes, and a new level of performance that had never been seen before,” President Mitchell said.

The inaugural conference will see participation from 17 NOCs from Oceania (15 from the Pacific Island nations), five associate members, international and regional sports federations, host National Olympic and Paralympic committees, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Olympic Solidarity, ANOC, Commonwealth Sports and Commonwealth Games Australia, the Pacific Games Council, international and regional partners and agencies, South East Queensland academic institutions, and many others.

Oceania Sport and SDGs Strategic Partners Forum

On Wednesday (19 April), ONOC, in partnership with the IOC and Olympic Solidarity, will host an Oceania Sport and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Strategic Partners Forum.

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games have the potential to deliver a significant legacy across Oceania by strengthening the role sport can play as an enabler of the SDGs.

The forum will be an important dialogue to explore the Brisbane 2032 legacies across Oceania to advance social, economic, and environmental development.

Olympic Solidarity Workshop and Olympic Marketing Seminar

On Thursday (20 April), ONOC will partner with Olympic Solidarity to deliver a series of workshops on various topics related to Olympic Movement governance, administration, marketing and development.

These workshops will provide practical guidance and tools for NOCs and other stakeholders to enhance their capacities and performance.

The Olympic Marketing Seminar will cover marketing updates for NOCs and opportunities in view of the 2032 Games in Brisbane.

43rd ONOC General Assembly

On Friday (21 April), ONOC will hold its 43rd Annual General Assembly (AGA), where members will review ONOC’s progress in the past year and discuss key issues, strategic plans, and events that are on the radar.

The General Assembly will review and approve budgetary financial reports, and receive reports from programmes, various ONOC commissions, stakeholders, and partners.

The AGA will also see the election of a new member to the ONOC Executive Board.

Support from the Queensland Government

The Queensland Government has expressed its support for ONOC’s events in Brisbane.

Stirling Hinchliffe, Queensland Minister for Sport and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport Engagement, said, “We are delighted to welcome ONOC’s delegates to Brisbane for their Annual General Assembly and Step Up Oceania conference.”

2Queensland is a key sporting destination and as the runway to 2032 continues, we are increasingly hosting major sporting conferences and events, like this. We look forward to working alongside leaders from Oceania to ensure 2032 will be a Games for all of Queensland, Australia and Oceania.” Hinchliffe MP added.

The week-long event will see an infusion of cultural activities and networking opportunities for delegates to foster friendship and solidarity amongst Oceania’s sporting family.

2The AOC values its close relationship with ONOC and its members, and we are committed to supporting them in their development and preparation for Brisbane 2032,” AOC President Ian Chesterman commented.

“We believe that Brisbane 2032 will be a catalyst for positive change and growth for sport in Oceania. It will be a home Games for all Oceania.” Chesterman added.

The week will also feature a host of side meetings, including the ONOC International Relations Commission Meeting, the ONOC Sustainability Commission Meeting, the ONOC Medical Commission Meeting, the Pacific Games Council Executive Meeting, the Oceania Paralympic Committee (OPC) Workshop, and the Organisation of Sports Federations of Oceania (OSFO) Annual General Assembly. These meetings will be held at the Sofitel Brisbane Central Hotel.

SOURCE: ONOC MEDIA/PACNEWS

Solomon Islands 2023 to distribute broadcasting rights to national companies

Pita Ligaiula
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Solomon Islands 2023 to distribute broadcasting rights to national companies

Broadcasting rights for the Solomon Islands 2023 Pacific Games are set to be distributed among member countries instead of being awarded to a single company.

Pacific Games Council chief executive Andrew Minogue claims the Games’ Organising Committee would produce the programmes and share it out among select broadcasters in select countries.

“We have basically settled on a model that is like the traditional model that we’ve employed in previous Games where the Organising Committee will sort of put it all together in-house and then contract with different regional broadcasters, for example, Fiji TV in Fiji or France Television for the French territories,” Minogue said

“The Organising Committee puts together a host broadcast plan in terms of how they would like to deliver the host broadcast services and they would do that effectively with our blessings.

“They will issue the contracts to the host broadcast organisation, to the other regional broadcasters that might contribute to the production.

“But that has to be approved by the Pacific Games Council.

“That’s the process that we’ve gone through with Solomon Islands.

2There’s been the tender process, the evaluation of tender because there have been different bidders.”

He stated that the decision on broadcasting is for the Council to make as it owns the rights and the Games themselves.

The Council hopes that the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Channel will help in boosting the Games’ reach globally.

Although no agreement has been made with Solomon Islands Broadcasting Company (SIBC), Minogue insists it will also have a role in the Games.

“There will be a role for them,” Minogue said.

“There’s certainly been a big part of the discussions that we’ve had with the Organising Committee.

“And no agreements have been signed yet but our expectation is that SIBC will have the domestic rights in Solomon Islands to broadcast the games internally.

“But they’re not the organisation that will be the host broadcaster of the entire Games.

“We always try and keep that separate from a local broadcaster.”

Solomon Islands is set to host the continental event for the first time from 19 November to 02 December.

SOURCE: INSIDE THE GAMES/PACNEWS

Force upset Fijiana Drua in Super W

Pita Ligaiula
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Force upset Fijiana Drua in Super W

Western Force have moved closer to an inaugural Super W finals appearance with a gritty 23-10 upset home win over defending premiers Fijiana Drua in Perth.

Sunday’s game at McGillivray Oval was locked at 10-10 at halftime, but the Force scored 13 unanswered points after the break.

Lack of discipline proved a massive problem for Fijiana Drua, who were down to 13 players for 10 minutes of the second half and played just over 45 minutes with 14.

Flanker Nunia Uluikadavu was given a yellow card in the 18th minute and another in the 34th, while reserve hooker Keleni Marawa was binned in the second half.

The Force were more consistent and efficient in the set pieces and Fijiana Drua showed only glimpses of their renowned attacking flair.

The hosts notched successive Super W wins for the first time and the victory lifted them one spot to fourth above the Brumbies, who they play in a momentous final round home clash at HBF Park next Saturday, with the winner guaranteed a top four spot.

“Belief is a big thing. We’re riding the momentum of winning now. We’re still learning how to win. I think we’ve just got to ride this train until it runs out,2 Force captain and centre Trilleen Pomare told Stan.

“For us (next week’s game) is a must win. We know that’s our grand final. The momentum of these two weeks leading into next week is what we needed.”

Fijiana Drua, who remain third, one point ahead of the Force, posted first points when star fullback Lavenia Tinai crossed following some great support play featuring multiple offloads.

The Force replied in the 20th minute with flanker Leah Miles diving over in the corner. She was set up by impressive winger Martha Mataele, who notched her own five-pointer a few minutes later to give the Force their first lead.

The irrepressible Tinai levelled the scores following a quick tap.

The Force dominated possession and territory early in the second half, but an inability to finish their opportunities allied to stout Fijiana Drua defence kept the scores level.

A 52nd minute penalty to five-eighth Nicole Ledington edged the Force ahead.

Ledington extended the lead to 10 points five minutes later when she converted after lock Libya Teepa burrowed over after a scrum close to the line.

The Force playmaker added a last minute penalty to complete the scoring.

Fijiana Drua finished on the wrong end of a 24-11 penalty count.

“The girls lacked a lot of discipline this game,” Fijian Drua captain and prop Bitila Tawake told Stan.

“I guess the Force wanted the win more than us, our attack let us down.” .

SOURCE: AAP/PACNEWS

Marshallese foreign minister reinforces support for Taiwan, condemns ‘intimidation’

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Marshallese foreign minister reinforces support for Taiwan, condemns ‘intimidation’

Marshall Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kitlang Kabua said Thursday that her country will continue to support Taiwan’s bid to join the United Nations and other international organisations, and it “strongly condemns” any external intimidation of Taiwan that compromises regional and global peace and security.

Kabua, who is leading a delegation on a visit to Taiwan 12-18 April, made the comments during a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen at the Presidential Office in Taipei.

“The Republic of China, Taiwan, is an important friend and ally of the Republic of the Marshall Islands,” Kabua said. “Our leaders forged this relationship on shared values and democratic principles and respect for human rights.”

The Marshallese foreign minister said her visit signified a strong relationship between the two countries and their shared desire to strengthen the ties, bilaterally and in an international context.

“I wish to assure you that the Republic of the Marshall Islands will remain a staunch ally and continue to voice support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the United Nations and all other regional and international organisations,” she said.

Kabua also commended President Tsai for her “steadfast leadership” in preserving democratic values in the face of external intimidation.

The Marshall Islands “strongly condemns” those intimidatory actions, as they compromise regional and global security and peace, Kabua said.

In turn, Tsai thanked Kabua and the Marshall Islands government for their continued support of Taiwan’s international participation, noting that they have spoken up for Taiwan at several international forums, including the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Assembly.

That vocal support has drawn international attention to Taiwan’s cause, Tsai said.

In recent years, Taiwan and the Marshall Islands have deepened cooperation and achieved notable results in such areas as healthcare, agriculture and education, she said.

Tsai noted that the Taiwan-Marshall Islands Adaptation and Contingency Fund for Climate Change was announced last year, during a visit to Taiwan by Marshall Islands President David Kabua.

Under that fund, the two countries are now about to sign a memorandum of understanding to pursue sustainable development, Tsai said, adding that the MOU will be inked during the foreign minister’s current visit.

In the area of agriculture, the Taiwan technical mission and the government of the Marshall Islands last May established a community farm on the island of Ebeye, which is expected to spur the development of the local farming sector, Tsai said.

Meanwhile, Taiwan has become one of the most popular study destinations for Marshallese students, Tsai said, adding that she knows Kitlang Kabua places special emphasis on education.

This year, 12 students from the Marshall Islands were awarded Taiwan scholarships, four more than last year, Tsai said.

Such programmes will help bolster bilateral exchanges and engagements, as the two allies continue their efforts to strengthen democracy, she said.

“We look forward to Taiwan and the Marshall Islands continuing to support each other on the international stage,” Tsai said. “Together we will strengthen the resilience of global democracy and make greater contributions to the Indo-Pacific region,” she said.

SOURCE: CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY/PACNEWS

UN handover of US$1.7 million in funding to Vanuatu Government

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UN handover of US$1.7 million in funding to Vanuatu Government

The UN Resident Coordinator to Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Tuvalu, Sanaka Samarasinha, paid a courtesy visit to Vanuatu Prime Minister, Ishmael Kalsakau, Friday to officially handover US$1.7 million towards recovery efforts in Vanuatu.

The funding has come out of UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and will be used to provide life-saving assistance to people in Vanuatu following twin Category-4 cyclones Judy and Kevin last month.

The funding will specifically support three key areas – food security, water and sanitation hygiene (WASH), and emergency shelter, targeted at the most vulnerable and most affected populations in Vanuatu.

“I’d like to congratulate the Government of Vanuatu, who have shown world class leadership in their response efforts, navigating through extremely difficult times and supporting their people, especially those who are most vulnerable. This funding will complement the government’s efforts to continue to aid those most affected by last month’s twin disasters,” said Samarasinha.

This afternoon, the Pacific Humanitarian Team (PHT) will meet in Port Vila, jointly hosted by the UN and the Government of Vanuatu. It will be attended by ambassadors and high-level representatives, development partners, and representatives from civil society.

This meeting will be an important opportunity to discuss response progress, and highlight the work that remains to be done. The UN continues to support the people and Government of Vanuatu through these extremely difficult times.

SOURCE@ UNDP/PACNEWS

South Africa’s wanted fugitives Guptas are now citizens of Vanuatu

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South Africa’s wanted fugitives Guptas are now citizens of Vanuatu

South Africa’s Director-general of the justice department advocate Dr Mashabane said on Friday they only just learnt that the Guptas are citizens of Vanuatu in the Pacific islands.

“In the communication we received, the judgment makes reference to the Guptas being citizens of a country called Vanuatu in the Pacific islands.

“This was a new development for us because previously their status was that they were carrying South African citizenship.

“I think that this is a critical development as well that the UAE court recorded them as being citizens of Vanuatu.”

Since the state capture scandal, several of the Guptas’ assets in South Africa have been frozen by the state, including a private jet, their mansion in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, and one in Constantia, Cape Town.

They left South Africa for Dubai after being wanted in South Africa to face criminal charges on two matters — the so-called Nulane and Estina cases.

The Guptas had been fingered as linchpins of the widespread looting of state funds during the tenure of former President Jacob Zuma that has contributed to the country’s broken economy.

An investigator estimated that the Guptas, who fled to the UAE about five years ago, secured at least US$3.2 billion worth of business through a vast network of corporations and government connections.

The Guptas have denied any wrongdoing and said that they are the victims of political infighting.

Meanwhile, Vanuatu’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) had advised Vanuatu’s Citizenship Office of the hostile information against corruption-accused fugitive Gupta brothers – Atul and Rajesh – on two separate occasions in 2018.

This was disclosed when the FIU issued a statement to clarify its position on the controversial issue of the Gupta brothers now being Vanuatu citizens.

SOURCE: TIMESLIVE/PACNEWS

Fiji government suspends Director of Public Prosecutor for alleged misbehaviour

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Fiji government suspends Director of Public Prosecutor for alleged misbehaviour

Fiji’s President Ratu Wiliame Katoniverere Thursday suspended the island nation’s Director of Public Prosecutor (DPP) Christopher Pryde.

The President in a letter advised him that a tribunal would be appointed to investigate alleged misbehaviour.

He said the convening of a tribunal is in keeping with Chapter 5, Part A, Section 112 (3) of the Fiji Constitution.

President Katonivere further informed Pryde that following the advice of the Judicial Services Commission, with regard to the nature of the complaints, it was appropriate that he be suspended pending referral to the tribunal.

His suspension is in accordance with Chapter 5, Part A, Section 112 (4) of the Fiji Constitution.

“You are suspended, and you are to take your overdue leave of 168 days which expires sometime in December 2023, and the same to take immediate effect,” said President Katonivere in the letter that was hand-delivered to Pryde late Thursday.

“Upon receipt of this letter, you are required to immediately hand over all official property, including but not limited to laptop, mobile phone and keys in your possession, to the Chief Registrar of the High Court” the letter added.

The letter was dated 13 April 2023.

In another letter dated Thursday, the President wrote to senior Suva lawyer, Ratu David George Toganivalu to advise him of his appointment as acting Director of Public Prosecutions.

“In exercising the authority vested in me by Chapter 5, Part B, Section 117 (4) of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, and acting upon the recommendation of the Judicial Services Commission, after having consulted the Attorney General, I hereby appoint you to act as Director of Public Prosecutions with immediate effect,” said President Katonivere in his letter.

“I wish you well and hope that you will uphold the dignity and integrity of the office,” the President added.

The move came on the same day the Director of Public Prosecution office announced that police had asked it to consider suspected charges against the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, former Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, former Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho, former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum and Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakeasi Ditoka.

Meanwhile, official complaints received by the Fiji Police Force where all the persons of interest concerned have been brought in, interviewed, and the investigation files were submitted to the ODPP for their legal advice.

“Due to the nature and complexity of the case, the Fiji Police Force will not be releasing information directly on the facts of each case as the matter is still under investigation,” a statement from the Fiji Police Chief of Intelligence and Investigation ACP Sakeo Raikaci said.

“The investigation process is such that when a report is lodged, investigators gather as much relevant evidence and statements before persons are brought in for questioning.

“After such process, the file is then sent to the DPP’s office for legal advice.

The Fiji Police Force does not wish to pre-empt charges until and unless ODPP provides the legal advice on the charges to be laid against the individual person of interest,” the statement said.

The Fiji Police Force will not make further comments on the issue.

SOURCE: PACNEWS

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