Cocktails from a Fiji resort where seven people fell ill from a suspected poisoning incident did not contain methanol or illicit substances, authorities say.
Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka says a toxicology report of the pina colada mixture served at the five-star Warwick Fiji resort found the drinks were not laced with illegal alcohol.
“After testing the ingredients of the drinks served to guests by the Fiji police force, I can confirm that no illicit substances or methanol were found in the ingredients or liquor samples,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
A resort representative previously said the pina colada ingredients included a powder smoothie mixture from New Zealand, coconut liqueur, pineapple juice and white rum.
The resort bought them from established suppliers, he said.
Fijian police and its health department continue to investigate the cause of the group’s illness.
Mr Gavoka also said the seven affected people, which includes four Australians, had been discharged from hospital and had recovered.
The group, aged between 18 and 56, was taken to hospital on Saturday after drinking the cocktails at the resort on Viti Levu island.
“The findings that there is no evidence of alcohol poisoning is great news for Fiji,” Mr Gavoka said.
Australian mother and daughter, Tanya and Georgia Sandoe landed back in Sydney on Monday evening after being released from hospital.
Mr Gavoka, who is also the tourism minister, said the South Pacific nation was a safe and reliable destination for travellers and the community was in disbelief about the poisoning allegation.
“We were rocked by this, the whole industry was quite affected … No one in Fiji would do anything harmful to any of our guests,” he said.
“Fiji holds the highest standards when it comes to food, beverages and overall safety (and) the health and wellbeing of our visitors remains our top priority.”
Mr Gavoka also asked foreign governments to remove travel warnings related to the incident.
A health official told reporters the symptoms the group suffered could have been caused by an infection or other chemicals and these were lines of inquiry.
The incident follows the death of two Australians in Laos, where they were among several victims of a suspected mass methanol poisoning.
About one million Australians visit Fiji each year and tourism contributes significantly to the nation’s economy.
In a significant move to support regional solidarity, Prime Minister for Papua New Guinea, James Marape announced the approval a K20 million relief package to assist the government and people of Vanuatu in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck the island nation earlier this week.
The funding will enable immediate deployment of aid and resources, including personnel from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), to assist in relief, rescue, and recovery efforts.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Vanuatu during this difficult time,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“The National Executive Council’s decision to approve K20 million in relief reflects our commitment to standing with our Pacific neighbours in their time of need. This funding will facilitate urgent assistance, including the mobilisation of PNGDF engineers, medics, and logistical experts, along with critical supplies such as food, water, and medical aid.”
The PNGDF is preparing to deploy a contingent to Vanuatu in the coming days.
Their mission will focus on addressing immediate humanitarian needs, supporting search and rescue operations, and assisting in the restoration of essential services.
“This is not just about delivering aid but also about reaffirming our shared commitment to the Pacific family. When one of us is impacted, we all stand together,” he said.
Meanwhile, Australia has already begun aid efforts in Vanuatu.
The Australian government has repatriated 148 citizens on two air force planes sent to deliver search and rescue teams and other assistance following the 7.3-magnitude earthquake that devastated Port Vila.
Overnight, 148 Australian citizens returned home on the two RAAF aircraft that delivered vital assistance to Vanuatu.
We are helping Vanuatu to restore operations at the commercial airport.
Additional assistance will be provided where possible, ahead of the airport reopening. pic.twitter.com/r6Pzn8f6Pg
With the airport reopening on Wednesday afternoon, relief and support from Australia was able to touch down including a C17 Globemaster and C130 Hercules with personnel from Queensland and NSW fire and rescue.
Australian Federal Police, a foreign affairs department crisis response team and a medical assistance team were also deployed.
A supplied image obtained on Thursday, December 19, 2024, of AustraliaÕs disaster response teams arriving in Port Vila, Vanuatu, Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Australian rescue and medical teams have arrived in Port Vila as the Pacific nation races to respond to Tuesday’s 7.3-magnitude earthquake. (AAP Image/Supplied by DFAT)
Their first priority was to help people trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings as “there are lives to be saved there right now”, taskforce leader chief superintendent Douglas May said.
Fossil fuel giant Santos has rejected allegations it plucked arbitrary figures out of thin air to support claims it could reach net-zero emissions by 2040, a court has been told.
The oil and gas exploration company has been accused of misleading and deceptive conduct by advocacy group Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility in Federal Court proceedings launched in August 2021.
As a 13-day trial began on Monday, Santos’ barrister Neil Young KC denied claims of “greenwashing,” saying his client had merely set out targets and had not promised any achievements.
“They are all targets, they’re not promises or predictions to achieve those outcomes,” he told Justice Brigitte Markovic.
Santos made no promises or predictions about greenhouse gas emissions, its barrister said. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)
Announcements that the firm could reduce emissions by 26 to 30 per cent by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2040 did not have to be accompanied by ready-made projects or detailed modelling, Mr Young said.
“Some of the elements depended totally on the development of a market that did not currently exist and that could not be modelled in the way contended for by ACCR,” he argued.
Santos had never argued that natural gas was carbon-neutral but rather that it was an important transition fuel as the country moved towards net-zero, Mr Young said.
He argued that the firm had also flagged the use of carbon capture technology to remove carbon dioxide emitted during the production of “clean” hydrogen fuel but only if that was accompanied by carbon credits.
Earlier on Monday, barrister Noel Hutley SC made arguments for the advocacy group, claiming that Santos lacked reasonable grounds for making its statements.
Santos’s climate change “plan” was not a plan at all, he told the court.
“It was little more than a series of speculations … cobbled together in a matter of weeks.”
Kevin Gallagher told investors Santos had a “doable plan” to reach its climate targets. (Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS)
The centre holds shares in firms like Santos to try to force them to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, an international treaty on climate change that was signed by various nations in 2016.
The mining giant’s chief executive Kevin Gallagher told a December 2020 investor briefing his company had a “doable plan” to reach its climate targets, Mr Hutley said.
“I think we’re now at a point where we can talk confidently about realistic roadmaps, real activities and a plan to achieve net-zero by 2040,” the company boss said at the time.
This was all pitched with certainty and not as mere aspirations, Mr Hutley said.
The firm claimed it could completely reduce its emissions through the use of carbon capture technology and blue hydrogen production, with a minimal reliance on offsets, he said.
Blue hydrogen is created from natural gas but uses carbon capture to remove the related emissions from the atmosphere.
Santos forecasts failed to include carbon dioxide produced in the manufacturing of this hydrogen and the fact that it was impossible to completely capture all emissions produced, Mr Hutley said.
The firm’s claims it could rely on carbon offsets to meet its goals would “make a total farce” of the touted roadmap, he added.
Calculations of estimated emissions and barrels of oil and gas produced out to 2040 were “wholly arbitrary”, Mr Hutley said.
“Those figures get locked in because of Mr Gallagher’s directions,” he said.
“The basis for them is wholly unexplained.”
Santos allegedly made the misleading statements at the December 2020 investor day and in its 2020 annual report and climate change report, both published in February 2021.
The advocacy group is seeking injunctions forcing the firm to issue a corrective notice about the environmental impacts of its operations.
It is not seeking damages or compensation, saying it had filed the lawsuit to vindicate the public interest in ensuring corporate climate change commitments are reasonably based.
THE Pacific Islands Forum or PIF leaders meeting this week in Nukualofa, Tonga will discuss key issues on climate change and forest conservation.
Before departing Port Moresby on Sunday (25 August 2024), Prime Minister James Marape said “Pacific Island countries will continue our advocacy on the impact of climate change at established countries who are big carbon emitters to ensure climate change relief funds are made available to Small Island State for climate mitigation.”
He said, “Papua New Guinea is not a Small Island State. We are a big nation but we also have small island communities amongst us who face these climate changes.”
The PIF summit will also grace the presence of United Nations Secretary General, Mr Antonia Guterres.
PM Marape and UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres at PIF leaders meeting in Tonga.
PM Marape said Mr Guterres has requested specifically for Papua New Guinea to have a bilateral meeting with him.
Both leaders will discuss the progress of the Bougainville Peace Agreement; what is happening in Bougainville and PNG’s views on Forestry.
On the issue of West Papua’s ongoing struggle for independence, Prime Minister Marape said it is within the sovereignty of Indonesia to address issues relating to West Papua.
PM Marape met with Indonesian President Elect Prabowo Subianto in Port Moresby before departing for Nukualofa.
Prior to departure PM Marape was asked whether West Papua will be discussed openly at the summit, he responded saying just as PNG would not want its neighboring countries talking about sovereignty issues within its borders, Indonesia would not want its neighbors talking about West Papua and its sovereignty.
However, Mr Marape said all other areas of its relationship with Indonesia such as economy will be open for discussion. Indonesia’s incoming president indicated preservation and greater respect to indigenous views on customs, culture, land rights and indigenous heritages. But his visit was tainted when Indonesian Embassy officials banned Journalist and Benar News correspondent, Harlyne Joku from covering a joint press conference of both leaders.
The PNG Media Council condemned the action of Indonesian Embassy officials saying it was also shameful that PNG Government officials allowed this to happen to a PNG Journalist.
Over in Tonga, Benar News has reported that the 18 member Pacific Island Forum Leaders is underway with top diplomats from key partners including China and the United States gathered for a week of talks on decolonization of New Caledonia, climate change and regional security and cohesion.
JAPAN, Tokyo – Japan is hosting the 10th Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) from July 16th to 18th 2024 in Tokyo.
Following his visit to Indonesia, Prime Minister James Marape and a government delegation are in Japan to join other Pacific Island leaders to discuss regional matters and to strengthen ties.
Crucial on the agenda is the dumping of radioactive waste or ‘treated water’ into the Pacific Ocean.
The Japanese government says the Advanced Liquid Processing System or what it calls, ‘ALPS treated water’ from the Fukushima disaster in 2011 has a radioactive concentration far below regulatory standards and views this as safe.
While Human Rights groups and NGOs have voiced concerns on Fukushima, the Japanese Government has been explaining to the international community based on scientific evidence from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that it will ensure the nuclear treated waste will not cause harm to humans and the environment.
A major earthquake and tsunami occurred at Fukushima in 2011 destroying the nuclear power station.
Thirteen years on, the reconstruction of Fukushima is ongoing. Japanese citizens live normal in some parts of Fukushima while there are fewer restricted areas. This is essential for the decommissioning of the site and reconstruction of Fukushima.
Earlier in the evening (16th July 2024), Prime Minister James Marape, met with Japan’s Prime Minister, Kashida Fumio ahead of PALM 10.
Both leaders also discussed the ALPS treated water in which Prime Minister Marape again expressed his confidence in Japan’s measures to secure it.
The Japanese Prime Minister also extended his condolences to PNG for those whose lives were affected by the recent landslide in May and stated his wish to further strengthen bilateral relations towards Japan-Papua New Guinea 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
He expressed gratitude to PNG for ensuring stable access for Japanese fishing vessels in PNG waters, and conveyed the country’s decision to provide a fishery research vessel as well as fishery equipment.
Heads of 14 Pacific Island nations are in Tokyo for PALM 10, including Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, who is head of the Pacific Island forum.
He conveyed the forum’s collective views on bilateral relations with Japan, in particular the Blue Pacific 2050 strategy. He called for peace and security in the region to safeguard the ocean, lands and common heritage.
Palm or Pacific Island Leaders Meeting is hosted every three years and is the pillar of Japan’s foreign policy with Pacific Island countries.
Petroleum Minister and Member for Esa’ala, Jimmy Maladina has stepped aside from his ministerial portfolio to attend to a domestic assault matter before an Australian Court.
Jimmy Maladina was arrested over the weekend in Sydney following a domestic dispute. He was granted conditional bail and will appear at Waverley Local Court on Thursday (July 11).
Maladina, 58, was alleged to have assaulted a 31-year-old woman known to him. Police who attended to the matter saw bruises on the woman’s face.
Maladina immediately released a statement saying he does not condone any forms of violence and requests privacy for all parties involved in the matter.
“I understand the gravity of the situation and the concerns it raises. As a public servant I hold myself to high standards of conduct, both personally and professionally.”
Prime Minister, James Marape through the PM’s Media head, Matrom John advised the media in the morning that “The Australian Authority will have to provide a brief to the PNG Department of Foreign Affairs before the Foreign Affairs Minister briefs the Prime Minister on this matter.”
Late in the afternoon, the Prime Minister then announced the Petroleum Minister’s decision to step aside from his position while a complaint against him is being heard in court in Australia.
“I thank Minister Maladina for taking responsibility to uphold his name and the integrity of the public office he holds in a professional manner in respecting the judicial process to run its course.
“I had my discussion with the Minister, and as a responsible government that respects the Rule of Law, we uphold high standards. Minister Maladina stepping aside is appreciated,” said PM Marape.
The Prime Minister urged the public to refrain from spreading speculations as this matter is now before a competent prosecutorial process.
The cabinet will appoint a new Minister to act in the position.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Generative AI was the hot topic as journalists all over the world gathered in Manila, Philippines for the 2024 International Media Conference.
With the theme “ The Future of Facts”, discussions started off with how artificial intelligence has taken information creation and sharing to a whole new level.
Panelists discussed how AI can be used as a tool in the newsroom and the challenges that come with it.
The panelists were:
Khalil Cassimally, Head of Audience Insights, The Conversation,
Don Kevin Hapal, Head of Data and Innovation, Rappler
Irene Jay Liu, Regional Director for Asia & Pacific, International Fund for Public Interest Media and
Howie Severino, Editor at Large, GMA News Online
Khalil Cassimally shared how the conversation was able to repurpose information to the younger audience using AI and how it proved to be very effective.
Don Hapal from the Philippines Rappler said the AI tool Chatgpt, was very helpful in profiling candidates in the Philippines General Elections.
While a lot of skeptical questions rose from the audience regarding factual information generated by AI, Irene Jay Liu, the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, International Fund for Public Interest Media, said it is important that newsrooms must be responsible for fact-checking all information they want to disseminate.
She also added that traditional newsrooms must accept the fact that the audience is ahead of us and already using AI.
The panel, involving journalists and Online specialists called for newsroom collaboration to remain relevant and act quickly by helping to formulate policies that regulate the use of AI so it is not abused.
Six InsidePNG staff are in Manila to participate in the bi-annual International Media Conference hosted by the East-West Center (EWC) in Manila, Philippines.
Inside PNG is part of the Pacific Island contingent, supported by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
The prestigious global event brings media professionals from around the world to discuss current trends and challenges faced by the media industry.
The InsidePNG team, comprising journalists and experienced editors, is looking forward to gaining valuable insights, networking with their international counterparts, and sharing their experiences in covering stories that matter to the people of Papua New Guinea.
The conference, organized by the EWC and partners from various countries, will feature panel discussions, workshops, and presentations on topics such as investigative journalism, press freedom, media ethics, artificial intelligence and the role of journalists in promoting transparency and accountability.
“We are excited to represent InsidePNG at this prestigious international media conference in Manila,” said Charmaine Yanam, Chief Editor and co-founder of InsidePNG.
“We are grateful to OCCRP for recognizing the importance of an independent newsroom that transmits through it’s continued support in pursuing investigative reporting.
This is the second time for InsidePNG to attend this event, the first was in 2022 where only two representatives attended. This time, six staff are in attendance.
InsidePNG Managing Director, Kila Wani (second from right) and Sincha Dimara (First left) standing with team at airport. This picture was taken in 2022 before Wani and Dimara left for Honolulu where the IMC was hosted in 2022.
“What makes it extra special for InsidePNG is, as an independent media organization, we have been selected along with five other Pacific Island media organizations as recipients of Financial Investigative Reporting Mentoring Project.
InsidePNG staff Charmaine Yanam and Julie Badui Owa are on this project for three years,” said Wani.
“This is a huge achievement for me personally and for Inside PNG, as we envisioned it to be an expert in that niche of journalism in Papua New Guinea.
There has been a lack of Financial Investigative Journalism or in-depth research and reporting on the topic in PNG; hence to have this opportunity and the backing to delve into it is a huge achievement. There are a lot of books that needs looking into; and this mentorship program will greatly assist us understand the financial language and hold those misusing public money accountable,” said Yanam.
Mrs Julie Badui Owa said “Inside PNG, although at its infancy stage, with only two years into operation, plans to be the leader in investigative journalism in the country.
“What we are focused on is influencing the trend of journalism through investigative journalism that has been lacking in PNG over the years.
Badui-Owa attributed her statement to three main reasons:
Lack of resources from media organizations
Security
Lack of training and capacity building.
“As a Lead Investigative Journalist with Inside PNG, I am privileged and blessed to be one of the recipients of the FIRM assistance project through the East West Center.
“With the great assistance and support from EWC through FIRM, I believe my Team and I will help contribute in generating change in Journalism and to effectively report on facts, or tell those stories that affect us and that matters; so everyone can participate in democracy.
“I believe we will make a big difference in bringing positive change through the stories we tell, and bring confidence back to the members of the public to hold those in power accountable for the betterment of our country and the world,” expressed Badui-Owa.
The team’s participation in the conference is expected to not only enhance their professional skills and knowledge but also foster greater collaboration with media professionals from diverse backgrounds, ultimately benefiting the media landscape in Papua New Guinea.
“Our journey embodies resilience within the media realm. As a newly established independent investigative journalism organization, we strive for not only financial sustainability but also the voices of the people amidst adversities and uncertainties, particularly in the face of the pervasive influence of social media and AI.
“Currently, our efforts are driven by volunteerism and partner donors in Organized Crime Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), EWC, and Internews and we continue to seek sustainable funding to fortify our operations for the long haul,” expressed Kila Wani.
She further emphasized the significance of press freedom and investigative journalism in today’s media landscape.
“Press freedom is the cornerstone of democracy, and investigative journalism plays a pivotal role in holding power to account and uncovering truths that would otherwise remain hidden.
“We, as journalists, have a duty to uphold these principles and safeguard the public’s right to information.”
The presence of InsidePNG staff at the International Media Conference signifies their commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism, and the pursuit of truth in an era marked by skepticism and misinformation.
**Inside PNG is a member centre of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)**
TOKYO (AP) — Two Japanese navy helicopters carrying eight crew members crashed in the Pacific Ocean south of Tokyo during a nighttime training flight after possibly colliding with each other, the country’s defense minister said Sunday. One crew member who had been recovered from the waters was later pronounced dead, while rescuers searched for seven others who were still missing.
The two SH-60K choppers from the Maritime Self-Defense Force were carrying four crew each and lost contact late Saturday near Torishima island about 600 kilometers (370 miles) south of Tokyo, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara told reporters
The cause of the crash was not immediately known, but officials believe the two helicopters “highly likely” collided with each other before crashing into the water, Kihara said.
He added his ministry will suspend training flights for all SH-60s for now.
The navy chief of staff, Adm. Ryo Sakai, said the trainings will be suspended until the accident’s cause is determined and preventive measures are adopted.
Rescuers have recovered a flight data recorder, a blade from each helicopter, and fragments believed to be from both choppers in the same area, signs that the two SH-60Ks were flying close to each other, Kihara said. Officials will analyze the flight data to try to determine what led to the crash.
Search and rescue efforts for the missing crew were expanded Sunday, with the MSDF and Air Self-Defense Force together deploying 12 warships and seven aircraft. Japan Coast Guard patrol boats and aircraft also joined the operation.
The helicopters, twin-engine, multi-mission aircraft developed by Sikorsky and known as Seahawks, were modified and produced in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. They were on nighttime anti-submarine training in the waters, Kihara said. One lost contact at 10:38 p.m. (1338 GMT) and sent an automatic emergency signal a minute later. They lost contact about 270 kilometers (150 nautical miles) east of Torishima island.
Only one distress call was heard — another sign the two helicopters were near the same place, because their signals use the same frequency and could not be differentiated, Kihara said.
One helicopter belonged to an air base in Nagasaki, and the other to a base in Tokushima prefecture.
The SH-60K aircraft is usually deployed on destroyers for anti-submarine warfare, but is also used for search and rescue and other missions. Japan has about 70 of the modified helicopters.
Saturday’s training only involved the Japanese navy and was not part of a multinational exercise, defense officials said. They said no foreign aircraft or warships were spotted in the area.
Japan, under its 2022 security strategy, has been accelerating its military buildup and fortifying deterrence in the southwestern Japanese islands in the Pacific and East China Sea to counter threats from China’s increasingly assertive military activities. Japan in recent years has conducted its own extensive naval exercises as well as joint drills with its ally the United States and other partners.
The navy chief of staff said Saturday’s training was part of routine anti-submarine warfare drills involving MSDF warships, submarines and Seahawks.
The crash comes a year after a Ground Self-Defense Force UH-60 Blackhawk crashed off the southwestern Japanese island of Miyako, due to an engine output problem known as “rollback,” leaving all 10 crew members dead, which shocked the nation. In 2017, a Japanese navy SH-60J, an earlier generation Seahawk, crashed during a nighttime flight training off Aomori due to human error.
Saturday’s crash and possible collision also recalled a July 2021 nighttime training off the southern island of Amamioshima, where two SH-60s had a minor collision, both suffering blade damage, but causing no injuries.
Following that collision, the MSDF introduced a set of preventive measures. Sakai said Saturday’s crash could have been prevented if all those measures were adequately followed.
In the U.S., a fatal crash of a MH-60S Seahawk during training off California in 2021 was attributed to mechanical failure from unsuspected damage during maintenance, according to the Navy.
Japan’s NHK public television said no weather advisories were issued in the area at the time of Saturday’s crash.
HONG KONG (AP) — Apple said it had removed Meta’s WhatsApp messaging app and its Threads social media app from the App Store in China to comply with orders from Chinese authorities.
The apps were removed from the store on Friday after Chinese officials cited unspecified national security concerns.
Their removal comes amid elevated tensions between the U.S. and China over trade, technology and national security.
The U.S. has threatened to ban TikTok over national security concerns. But while TikTok, owned by Chinese technology firm ByteDance, is used by millions in the U.S., apps like WhatsApp and Threads are not commonly used in China.
Instead, the messaging app WeChat, owned by Chinese company Tencent, reigns supreme.
Other Meta apps, including Facebook, Instagram and Messenger remained available for download, although use of such foreign apps is blocked in China due to its “Great Firewall” network of filters that restrict use of foreign websites such as Google and Facebook.
“The Cyberspace Administration of China ordered the removal of these apps from the China storefront based on their national security concerns,” Apple said in a statement.
“We are obligated to follow the laws in the countries where we operate, even when we disagree,” Apple said. A spokesman for Meta referred to “Apple for comment.”
Apple, previously the world’s top smartphone maker, recently lost the top spot to Korean rival Samsung Electronics. The U.S. firm has run into headwinds in China, one of its top three markets, with sales slumping after Chinese government agencies and employees of state-owned companies were ordered not to bring Apple devices to work.
Apple has been diversifying its manufacturing bases outside China.
Its CEO Tim Cook has been visiting Southeast Asia this week, traveling to Hanoi and Jakarta before wrapping up his travels in Singapore. On Friday he met with Singapore’s deputy prime minister, Lawrence Wong, where they “discussed the partnership between Singapore and Apple, and Apple’s continued commitment to doing business in Singapore.”
Apple pledged to invest over $250 million to expand its campus in the city-state.
Earlier this week, Cook met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, pledging to increase spending on Vietnamese suppliers.
He also met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Cook later told reporters that they talked about Widodo’s desire to promote manufacturing in Indonesia, and said that this was something that Apple would “look at”.
![InsidePNG Staff pose for a photo on Day 1 of the International Media Conference. [[Picture/Charlie Piringi]]](https://insidepng.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_0139-768x512.jpg "Six InsidePNG Staff Attend 2024 International Media Conference")
