The pacific islands forum meeting

December 11, 2010 by Leave a Comment
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The pacific islands forum meeting was held in Port Vial,Vanuatu. Held in the month of August this meeting invited the top leaders of the pacific. A lot of steadfast arrangements were made for this event by the government of Vanuatu. The country did well to make the event a grand success, considering that it had before this event celebrated its thirtieth independence day.

Topics of discussions revolved around the climate changes in the pacific islands, and its security concerns. Challenges that were being wrestled by the islanders was brought to the spotlight. The Pacific Plan was a new proposal that was discussed extensively.

The Pacific plan is a multipurpose strategy to look into issues faced by the inhabitants of the islands. It offered inventive strategies to overcome challenges by greater regional cooperation frameworks. A number of pioneering start offs was envisioned in the pacific plan. All these initiatives were directed at providing development across all regions of the pacific islands.

Strong growth, good policies, and sustained economic activity drivers were identified. Issue related to poverty and unhygienic living conditions came under the scanner. To improve living standards the forum leaders developed a strategy that combined employment opportunities with emphasis on education.

The main aim of the pacific islands forum has always been to work in unison to support the cause of welfare of the people of the pacific islands. This is done by bringing together the different governments and enabling cooperation and bilateralism.

From the forum members, Australia and New Zealand stand prominently as economically developed countries. This is a good thing for the other countries in the Pacific Islands. Australia and New Zealand are great markets for the island countires to market their goods. Also, Australia and New Zealand have supplied their troops to maintain peacekeeping activities in certain island countries of the Pacific.

India has been a dialogue partner. So is China. A lot of other countries are dialogue partners in the forum as well.

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Health concerns in the pacific islands

December 9, 2010 by Leave a Comment
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Health concerns have been raised at the Pacific islands after the WHO (world health organization) issued an alert on the spread of epidemics. Islands have geographical challenges, in that it is predisposed to being epidemically quarantined. Because of its isolated geographical disposition, epidemic diseases might not get out of the geography easily.

Apart from infectious diseases, the WHO also spotted cardiovascular diseases on the rise in the pacific islands. Even obesity was on the rise. Since the islanders have a propensity to indulge in drugs and alcohol due to the tourist influxes, inhabitants now have addiction problems too.

Most diseases prevalent in the pacific islands are lifestyle-induced. Statistics indicate that the Pacific islands have the highest lifestyle-induced diseases. This is an alarming trend, and the WHO is taking steps to resolve this.

Recently the WHO held a workshop to help people realize the benefits of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The workshop covered aspects of nutrition, and healthy lifestyle patterns. Intending to promote an increased level of awareness, this workshop was worth its efforts in spreading the message of healthy living.

Top ministers and politicians of the Pacific met in Vanuatu, in August 2010, to discuss this problem. They developed a guideline for applying a successful approach to resolve issues related to diet and lifestyle. Emphasizing the need to restrict minors to alcohol, the guideline will pave the way for a more controlled availability of lifestyle food and beverages.

WHO in coordination with the leaders of the Pacific islands, and other global healthcare consortiums are coming up with ways to tackle the problem. Aiming to block the access of alcohol and narcotics to children is the primary concern of the WHO. Young addicts are becoming common in the pacific islands. Given the influx of foreign nationals in most islands, the situation often times is something that is difficult to control. The health of the people of the Pacific islands need to be salvaged, before it is too late.

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Marlin Fishing in Vanuatu

November 10, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Pike Angler Seated in a Float Tube
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Located in the South Pacific, Vanuatu is a jewel of an island that lays far off the usual tourist route. Despite its relative inattention by tourists, there remains a lively and active community of sport fishers who thrive on fishing for Marlin. For many, fishing for Marlin is like following a true religion.

Like any island, there are a variety of boat charters available, and the vessels range in size from small banana boats up to 50 foot yachts. The larger boats are recommended because Marlin can be elusive and difficult to reel in and having a good, solid boat under you is essential.

If you’re a novice to the sport, always secure your charter that has a lot of experience. Seasoned anglers can choose to increase the thrill of the sport by using light and ultra-light tackle, though most charters will provide heavier and sturdier tackle for your day on the sea.

Marlin can be caught by bait and switch, with live bait, dead bait and by towing lures. Most charters will spend some of the time trolling lures so that you can travel between fishing spots without missing out on an opportunity.

The bait and switch fishing technique is always popular and is recommended for novice and experienced fishers. Lures with no hooks are trolled behind the vessel and when a Marlin is spotted the lure is reeled in and a hook baited with live bait is then cast out in front of the Marlin. Once spotted, hopefully the Marlin will take the bait and the battle will ensue.

Charters can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, but no matter how long you go out fishing, catching your first Marlin is always an experience to remember. Even seasoned pros love the thrill of the hunt and the battle with this majestic fish.

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Pacific Islands News Association (PINA)

October 14, 2010 by Leave a Comment
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PINA is the Pacific Islands News Association, the foremost source and outlet for news and journalism in the Pacific Islands. Various media interests throughout the Pacific Islands turn to PINA for representation, and well-founded ideas. Radio, newspapers, television, online services, and magazines are all like through this vital association that represents all news and journalism in the Pacific Islands.

The main mission, or objectives, of the Pacific Islands News Association are as follows:
To defend and promote freedom of information, and expression
To develop, and also to promote, professionalism (through education and training)
To develop fellowship and a spirit of cooperation with professionals

News and journalism in the Pacific Islands is protected, and influenced, by PINA, for the good of all Pacific Islands residents. Training and resource media are developed and distributed to locals. PACNEWS, a daily news service, is operated and managed by PINA, and receives contributions from members. Also, PINA builds relationships with donors, NGOs, and organizations in the region that can help with the mission of PINA.

The executive board of the Pacific Islands News Association is elected by members annually. In 2007, a general convention was held in Honiara, on the Solomon Islands, to elect new officials. These officials strive to make changes in the Pacific Islands, implementing the good will of news and journalism in the Pacific Islands to spread messages of support and understanding.

Joseph Ealedona was elected by members in order to fill the vacancy that Ken Clark left when he resigned from his chair as President of PINA. For Vice President, Jonas Cullwick, of Vanuatu, was elected.

Without PINA, news and journalism in the Pacific Islands would be much less cohesive and supportive of development amongst the islands. A healthy spirit of competition has been bestowed upon the locals by PINA, and for that, everyone is grateful and pleased.

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The Best Pacific Islands Beach Resort

September 7, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Street band, Port Vila, Vanuatu
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On the gorgeous, remote Pacific Islands, people can easily find comfort and relaxation. Vanuatu is the Pacific Island that most people rave about, because it is quite removed from popular destinations, people rarely have that opportunity to rave about it. This new contender for the big tourist bucks has proven a worthy one, with its pristine beaches and abundance of culture.

Rivaling the popular destinations of Fiji, and of New Zealand, Vanuatu is a picky person’s choice. Nature lovers will be especially please with what the island has to offer. 2,000 or more Australian retirees have moved to Vanuatu, establishing state-of-the-art diving centers, restaurants, and accommodations that are both charming and ecologically sound. The cafes and galleries enchant newcomers, and the resorts promise an unforgettable experience.

The coast of Vanuatu, once bare and magical, is now being developed by well-intending venture capitalists. The savvy businessmen who can see what a cash cow Vanuatu will become will become even wealthier, as they begin to offer luxury accommodations in paradise.

People are moving fast to snap-up the precious resources while they remain tax free. One of the fabulous resorts that spans an impressive 2 kilometers of private beach is the Breakas Beach Resort. With glittering pools, excellent drinks, and a rule prohibiting children under 15, this bit of paradise is a safe haven for adults who want to get away from responsibility.

People at the Breakas Beach Resort find themselves showering under a canopy of bright stars, or a sky filled with exotic birds. The walls are made of coral that is positioned for privacy, and a natural experience. The large city, Port Villa, is a compilation of many aspects of Vanuatu, including the impoverished, developing nation, the high-end salons of the West, colonial influences from English occupation, and other attributes. From decadent pastries to cultural experiences that are breathtaking, Vanuatu is a crowd pleaser.

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