RAROTONGA, 02 AUGUST 2017 (COOK ISLANDS NEWS)—The draft Crimes Bill 2017 decriminalises homosexuality in Cook Islands which is an offence in the existing Crimes Act 1969. The Bill drafted by the Crown Law Office with assistance from the New Zealand parliamentary law drafting office (Parliamentary Counsel Office) does not include parts of sections 154 and […]
Category: Top Stories
Posted inTop Stories
Japan again calls for emergency restrictions on Pacific tuna catches
TOKYO, 03 AUGUST 2017 (JAPAN TIMES) — Japan has proposed imposing emergency restrictions on Pacific bluefin tuna catches if stocks of the species continue to fall, informed sources said. Japan aims to have the proposal approved at a meeting of the Northern Committee of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) set to start […]
Posted inTop Stories
Plastic ban in Vanuatu
PORT MORESBY, 01 AUGUST 2017 (VANUATU DAILY POST) — Plastic bags and bottles will be banned in Vanuatu. The government has decided to address plastic waste disposal which is causing huge environment impacts and serious problems. [restrict] Therefore, the government will be creating a ban to phase-out the use of bottles and plastic bags nationwide, […]
Posted inTop Stories
House passes budget bill that includes pay hike for CNMI lawmakers, mayors
SAIPAN, 01 AUGUST 2017 (MARIANAS VARIETY) — The House of Representatives on Monday passed a fiscal year budget bill amounting to US$150 million which includes US$4 million for the Department of Public Lands and a salary increase for lawmakers and the mayors of Saipan, Tinian, Rota and the Northern Islands. Under House Bill 20-105, each […]
Posted inTop Stories
Trump, frustrated by Afghan war, suggests firing U.S. commander: officials
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump’s doubts about the war in Afghanistan has led to a delay in completing a new U.S. strategy in South Asia, skepticism that included a suggestion that the U.S. military commander in the region be fired, U.S. officials said on Wednesday. [restrict] During a July 19 meeting in the White […]
Posted inTop Stories
Michelle Carter set to be sentenced for encouraging Conrad Roy’s suicide
As Michelle Carter prepared to be sentenced for the death of Conrad Roy III Thursday, Roy’s aunt argued she should be given twenty years behind bars. Kim Bozzi said Carter should be “kept far away from society” after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter for urging Roy to take his own life. [restrict] “Take away the […]