Your watching the "Weekend Report" for May 1st, 2009 (requires Quicktime 7.4)
Below is the text vesion of the weekend report with headlines from around Palau and the Pacific.
NEWS:
The new virus that may soon become an pandemic is getting a name change. Known to the world as "Swine Flu", The World Health Organization has changed the name to "Influenza A (H1N1) virus". The name change was prompted due to the potentially negative impacts on the pig industry.
In a statement from the World Health Organization, "The H1N1 virus is not known to be transmissible to people through eating processed pork or other food products derived from pigs. Pork and pork products, handled in accordance with recommended good hygienic practices will not be a source of infection".
Confirmed cases of H1N1 worldwide saw a one day increase from 147 on Wednesday to 257 on Thursday. More than 150 deaths from H1N1 have been suspected in Mexico while 1 death and 109 cases have been confirmed in the United States. Non-lethal cases have been reported in Austria, Canada, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
In response to the outbreak of H1N1, Palau has issued a public health alert and is prepared to upgrade the alert to national emergency should a case be suspected. Health Minister Dr. Kuartei, has gathered a task force to identify the measures needed to prevent any possible outbreak. The Task Force has recommended the reinforcing of screening procedures of passengers entering Palau by airport and seaport, securing personal protective equipment for border control, and setting up ready care or alternative sites for H1N1 cases.
In a press release, the Bureau of Public Health encourages everyone to take preventive measures by regularly washing hands with soap and water, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
For more information contact the Division of Environmental Health at 488-6073 or the Community Advocacy Program 488-2002
It has been a little over 100 days since President Johnson Toribiong assumed presidency and he was pleased to report that his biggest issue completed within the hundred days was the reactivation of the Compact of Free Association between Palau and the United States. He also informed reporters that he was able to orginize a cabinet to help him as soon as possbible and is still working hard to help PPUC to restore Palau's power. He was also pleased to report that Palau has paid most of its debts outside the country and has strengthened its relationships with countries such as Taiwan, Japan, and the United States.
During his state visit to Japan, President Toribiong was able to convene with Prime Minister Taro Aso during which, the prime minister expressed his hopes for Palau's cooperation during the upcoming Pacific Islands Summit. The prime minister's aim for the summit, is to take on issues such as global warming, human security, and personnel exchanges between Japan and the Pacific islands. President Toribiong assured the prime minister that Palau will do its best to make the Summit a success, and expressed his gratitude for Japan's continuing assistance to the Pacific islands. The summit is has been held every three years since 1997 and has been promoting development in the Pacific regions including Australia, New Zealand, and Palau.
In an OTV exclusive, President Toribiong has shared a letter from US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. In the letter dated March 27th, Ms. Clinton writes, "Dear Mr. President, It was a pleasure tom meet with you during your recent visit to Washington. I appreciated the opportunity to hear your thoughts on the issues facing Palau and the United States. I would also like to thank you for the books on Palau. They will serve as wonderful reminders of your country's rich culture and natural beauty. I look forward to working with you to advance the partnership between our countries. With gratitude and best wishes, I am sincerely yours, signed Hillary."
On the lighter side of news, PPUC has resumed its 24 hour power schedule. Palau will no longer have to deal with power rationing since the No. 12 Mistubishi generator was repaired, tested, and brought back online, which enables PPUC to have up to more than 11-megawatts of power in total. All that remains are the generators in Malakal that are in need of repair.
PPUC will have to fund the remaining repairs with a limited budget. Demai Obak, who is the only member of the PPUC board currently on island, stated that only $4 Million dollars is left out of the 7 million dollars budget that was granted to PPUC in 2006. The other $3 million dollars was used for rehabilitation. He also added that PPUC had $2 million dollars in stock that was lost at the close of Pacific Savings Bank.
The 5 member PPUC Board is still awaiting 2 appointments. Last week the Senate disapproved the Presidential appointment of Surangel Whipps Sr. by a vote of 4 YES to 6 NO. The Senate will vote on the President's other appointment of Dr. Victor Yano later this week.
Two Chinese contract workers are facing charges for forgery after being arrested during another successful detection and apprehension case under the anti-money laundering law. Haishan Li and Wenli Fu, were taken in to custody by the agents of the Attorney General's office. The two men, who were reportedly getting ready to leave to Australia. Reports say that hey had forged the signature of a bank official in bank of Hawaii to alter the balance of their accounts in order to get to Australia. The report stated that the two Chinese nationals had posed to the Australian embassy a combined balance of over 58 thousand dollars. Under the law, all banks are required to report any movement of funds over 10 thousand dollars. Thanks to Bank of hawaii's report, the Financial Investigation Unit, which is under the Financial Institution Commission, was able to track down the suspects.
Former president, Senator Remengesau said that carry-on debts are normal. He stated that carry on debts from the end of a fiscal to the beginning of the next have been on going since the inception of the Compact. He showed that since 1994, there have been debts up to 3 million dollars. Senator Remengesau explained that this is because collections don't end at the end of a fiscal year and the government accrues debt in order to continue.
Otv would also like to congratulate Chasmon Tarimel for being named as a Gates Millenium Scholar. Chasmon is a senior at the Academy of Cintezenship and Empowerment and will receive a full scholarship to college, and wishes to attend the University of Washington. The Gates Millennium Scholarship program offers leadership development programs with personal academic, and professional growth opportunities including mentoring services. They target young people of color who have exceptional potential and develop them to become leaders who will contribute significantly to building a better society. Chasmon is one of the only 1000 students across the nation to be selected.
Today marked Palau's first Law Day Moot Court Competition. Participants from every high school in Palau, except Bethania High, joined in to compete in a mock trial event. The competition was designed to help students experience the court procedures that lawyers go through during court trials. Today six students from each corresponding school entered in a three-on-three mock trial. By the end of the competition, Palau Mission Academy proved to be the top dogs in both the prosecution and defense sides. The Palau Bar Association hopes to make the competition an annual event. Congratulations to Palau Mission Academy from Otv for a job well done.
Mindszenty High School is celebrating its annual MHS Day event. MHS Day is a day when the school can enjoy many recreational activities set up by the Mindszenty Student Body Association and faculty and staff. The event started on Friday and shall conclude on Monday. Otv would like to say good luck and have fun to all Mindszenty students, faculty and staff, and especially to the parents.
After a long 39 days of sailing, the Alingano Maisu, finally arrived in Saipan on Thursday with the 12 crew members from the PCC navigation school. They met up with two voyaging canoes from Satawal, which is one of the outer islands from Yap. This was just in time for them to attend the Flame Tree festival that takes place every year. Jennifer Yano, who is the secretary of the Micronesian Voyage Society, reported that the crew arrived sometime around 11am and are in good health and are enjoying the experience. The voyaging group consists of 3 crew men, chief navigator, Sesario Sewaarlur, and the eight voyaging students. They will soon be making their way back to Palau with a stop over at Yap to meet with Sesario's father.
While watching an aired security footage on Otv, a person, who wishes to stay anonymous, was able to call the Criminal Investigation Section or CIS, of the Bureau of Public Safety, with information on the identity of the suspect wanted for the attempted bank robbery on April, 27 th . The suspect tried robbing the bank of 30 thousand dollars and was caught on the security cameras installed in the bank. Since the anonymous call to CIS, the suspect has been arrested, an ongoing investigation is taking place with case agent Willie Mays Towai of CIS. The Bureau of Public Safety, and the Ministry of Justice would wish to thank Otv and the general Public and assistance.
Media outlets in Fiji from print to television are protesting their government's new censorship laws. Fiji One, Fiji's main television station has refused to broadcast it's 6pm news bulletin and the Fiji Times left the second page of their Sunday edition blank with only an advertisement and a notice stating, "The stories on this page could not be published because of Government restrictions."
On April 10th, Fiji's Constitution was abolished by their President Ratu Josefa Iloilo after a Court of Appeals ruled that their Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama's government was illegal. President Iloilo then fired the judges, revoked the constitution, declared emergency powers and reappointed Bainimarama and his cabinet for five years.
Under the new censorship regulations, soldiers and information ministry personnel are now required inside print and broadcast newsrooms. The media have been told they must "cooperate" and must not criticize the new regime or carry stories that could be regarded as "incitement".
If media organizations fail to follow the new regulations they could be shut down. Already, 3 media officials have been deported with countless others detained.
The 3rd annual Olechotel a Bilis er a Belau, Palauan Dog Show, takes place this Sunday, May 3rd at Asahi Field. It's fun filled day of activity for the whole family that starts at 12 noon where the fans can enjoy $1 hot dogs and $1 raffle tickets while they watch Palau's most beloved K-9's "compete" in 10 different categories, ranging from Best Trick, Best Smile, Happiest Dog and the Dog and Owner Obstacle Race. This year will feature even more educational information on how to register and take care of your pets in addition to awareness on the monkey epidemic and diseases from animals. The 2009 Palauan Dog Show is proudly sponsored by Koror State and PAWS.
It's almost down to the final 4 in the NBL Playoffs as the single elimination round continues. #1 seed Peched Raw handled #10 seed 92 - 79 while #6 PCC Mesekiu upset #5 Ngiwal 79ers 73-69. Rounding out last weeks action was #4 ranked Islanders beating out #7 Meda Boys 84 - 71. Tonight the 3rd ranked Rivals will take on 8th ranked Ididers, while #2 Styxers match up with #9 Jaguars. The playoffs will continue next week with games on Monday and Wednesday setting up the Championship round beginning on Friday at the PNOC Gym. Who will be in the Finals? Find out right here on OTV as we'll be bringing you all the NBL action next week sponsored by the Palau Basketball Federation and Shell Palau.
In the weird news story of the week, Sega Toys sold 50,000 units of toys in just 3 months. The type of toy if your wondering, is the Pekoppa "plant" which has leaves and branches that flutter when spoken to. The company's success is attributed to the epic loneliness of many Japanese
This is a beta test site, please be patient as we improve your viewing experience.
please send your comments to info@oceaniatv.net
All content is the property of Roll 'em Productions, international and domestic copyrights apply. viewer ship is for personnel use only and may not reproduced or broadcast in any way without express written consent or Roll 'em Productions. Please contact us for additional information or permission rollem@email.com.