DOCSLIB.ORG

Agreement Between the Republic of Fiji and Solomon Islands Concerning Their Maritime Boundary

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Agreement Between the Republic of Fiji and Solomon Islands Concerning Their Maritime Boundary APPENDICES Agreement between the Republic of Fiji and Solomon Islands concerning their Maritime Boundary 1 | P a g e Table of Contents Schedule of Submissions on the Agreement between the Republic of Fiji and Solomon Islands concerning their Maritime Boundary .............................................................................................................................. 3 Submission by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat ............................................................................... 4 ................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Submission by the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) Secretariat ............................................ 9 Submission by the University of the South Pacific ................................................................................ 10 Submission by the Fiji Maritime Affairs Coordination Committee ....................................................... 11 Submission by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community ...................................................................... 17 2 | P a g e Schedule of Submissions on the Agreement between the Republic of Fiji and Solomon Islands concerning their Maritime Boundary Oral Submissions Date Time Submitters Tuesday, 15th 9.31am Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) September, 2020 10.28am Pacific Islands Development Forum 11.16am The University of the South Pacific Monday, 21st 9.32am Fiji Maritime Affairs Coordination Committee September, 2020 12.28pm Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) 10.10am Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tuesday, 22nd September, 2020 10.57am Ministry of Defence, National Security and Policing Monday, 28th 11.55am Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) September, 2020 Monday, 5th 11.49am Office of the Solicitor-General October, 2020 Written Submissions There were no written submissions received for the stated treaty. 3 | P a g e Submission by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat 4 | P a g e 5 | P a g e 6 | P a g e 7 | P a g e 8 | P a g e Submission by the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF) Secretariat PIDF’S WRITTEN SUBMISSION 1. The Chairperson of the Republic of Fiji Parliamentary Standing Committee (‘Committee’) on Foreign affairs and defence, Hon. Alexander O‟Connor, and distinguished members of the Committee. 2. The PIDF Secretariat (‘Secretariat’) has noted Section 109 2(e) of the Standing Orders of the Parliament of Fiji which mandates the Committee to look into matters that relates to Fiji‟s relations with other countries, development aid, foreign direct investment, oversight of the military and relations with multi-lateral organisations. 3. The Secretariat acknowledges the Committee‟s request for the opportunity to forward its submission on a Treaty before the Committee on the Agreement (‘Agreement’) between the Republic of Fiji Islands („Fiji‟) and the Solomon Islands concerning their Maritime Boundary and whether Fiji should sign the Agreement or otherwise. 4. The Secretariat further notes that this agreement focuses on resolving Fiji‟s overlapping EEZ boundaries with the Solomon Islands. 5. The Secretariat recognizes and appreciates the Governments of Fiji and the Solomon Islands for their continuous support as an active member of the organization in helping our Pacific Island transition towards a sustainable Green-Blue Economy. 6. The Secretariat has reviewed and taken into consideration the final Agreement and Written Analysis of the Agreement provided by the Committee and is of the view that such agreement should be endorsed provided that: 6.1. Adequate due diligence has been carried out with other relevant stakeholders; 6.2. Article 2 of the Agreement (Purpose) should be amended by inserting (UNCLOS) after the word „international law.‟ Although the agreement is referring to UNCLOS it must be precise in the narrative of the agreement, particularly on the various Articles. 7. The Secretariat supports this agreement because it demonstrates the global commitments of our member states towards UNCLOS, SDG14 and the UN Oceans Conference. 8. This is important for both conservation and security. A defined maritime boundary allows for efficient monitoring and enforcement. An unresolved maritime boundary invites illegal [IUU] fishing, provides routes for illicit trafficking of illegal substances etc. 9. The Secretariat would like to acknowledge the Committee for its consideration in seeking the Secretariat‟s submission on this very important agreement and looks forward to receiving its final recommendation to Parliament. -Ends- 9 | P a g e Submission by the University of the South Pacific 10 | P a g e Submission by the Fiji Maritime Affairs Coordination Committee 11 | P a g e 12 | P a g e 13 | P a g e 14 | P a g e 15 | P a g e 16 | P a g e Written Responses to Questions Asked during Submission by the Fiji Maritime Coordinating Committee SUBMISSION BY THE MARINE AFFAIRS COORDINATING COMMITTEE TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI AND SOLOMON ISLANDS CONCERNING THEIR MARITIME BOUNDARY The Maritime Affairs Coordinating Committee („MACC‟) has the honour of once again addressing the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence („Standing Committee‟) by way of a written submission to clarify the following― 1.0 PIFS submission to introduce a “finality clause” in the Agreement in relation to sea level rise and climate change: 1.1 Foremost, MACC would like to emphasise that the Agreement between the Republic of Fiji and the Solomon Islands concerning their Maritime Boundary („Agreement‟) is a heavily negotiated text between the two countries and has been finalised for Parliament‟s consideration after years of meticulous negotiations between the two countries. 1.2 Therefore any further major amendments such as introducing new clauses to the text of the Agreement must be addressed first, by way of further bilateral negotiations between the two countries. Additionally, introducing a new clause at the final stages of the process has the ability to adversely affect the progress of the negotiations and also hinder the signing of the Agreement itself. 1.3 We note that PIFS has made the submission regarding the inclusion of a “finality clause” off the cusp of the Regional Conference on Securing the Limits of the Blue Pacific: Legal Options and Institutional Responses to the Impacts of Sea-Level Rise on Maritime Zones, in the Context of International Law (“PIFS Regional Conference”) that which was hosted by PIFS from 9 through to 17 September 2020. 1.4 Having participated in the PIFS Regional Conference ourselves we note that the issue of a “finality clause” was one that was raised by a participant of the PIFS Regional Conference and has over the years, become one of a number of options discussed as a way to address the issue of maritime boundaries and sea level. The idea of a “finality clause” is new and remains to be tested and further distilled by experts in this area. 1.5 Noting the above, we advise that the introducing a “finality clause” in the Agreement is not advisable at this point due to the following – 17 | P a g e (a) Firstly, in including a “finality clause”, we cannot assume that this is an option that the Solomon Islands are agreeable to and given that this is an issue that will need a decision from the national or political level we are in no position to also assume that including a “finality clause” in relation to sea level rise and climate change is the preferred option that will be agreed to by Solomon Islands on this issue. (b) Secondly, as highlighted above, the issue of a “finality clause” is one of a number of options discussed by participants in the PIFS Regional Conference as a way to address the issue of maritime boundaries and level rise. However apart from a wide range of international and regional actions or options, there are number of options also at the national level which include the following― National options for action 1) Countries place greater importance on completing their maritime boundaries and delimitations as soon as possible. 2) These should be based on coordinates and charts rather than physical characteristics. 3) These should be deposited with the United Nations Secretariat; 4) The coordinates etc. should also be included in domestic legislation which makes clear that they are permanent and not subject to change. 5) When depositing them the accompanying Diplomatic Note should state that these coordinates etc. have been determined in accordance with the requirements of LOSC and are intended to be permanent and not subject to change. The Note should also refer to the domestic legislation that incorporates these coordinates etc. and asserts their permanence. 6) If these coordinates have already been deposited, a subsequent Note should be deposited making the above observations. Thus as MACC, we are of the opinion that alternatively rather than introducing a “finality clause”, the best option moving forward are the above steps (1 through to 6) given that Fiji is also in the process of reviewing its domestic legislation in relation to maritime boundaries and is in a position to issue a note verbale/diplomatic note on the issue after further deliberation at a bilateral and national level. (c) Thirdly, introducing a “finality clause” is not necessary in the Agreement given some of the current protections available under international law against sudden changes
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Media Release 02-06-2020Gh
    SOLOMON ISLANDS GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT MEDIA RELEASE 02-06-2020GH SOLOMON ISLANDS HIGH COMMISSIONER THANKS FIJI GOVERNMENT The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Fiji, Mr William Soaki has thanked the Government of Fiji for authorizing the permit and clearance for the Solomon Airlines A320 aircraft to repatriate Solomon Islands Nationals who were stranded there for more than two months. A statement from the High Commission Office in Suva on Friday 29 May said High Commissioner Soaki has acknowledged the Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fiji Civil Aviation Department, Fiji Ministry of Health & Medical Services, Fiji Police, Fiji Military for availing their personnel to facilitate airport protocols and COVID 19 standard procedures prior to the departure. The stranded nationals finally flew back home on Wednesday 27 May 2020. This was after the Government of the Republic of Fiji gave its clearance for Solomon Airlines to operate a chartered recovery flight to Nadi International Airport. The flight arrived into Nadi International Airport at around 3.40pm having airlifted Fijian Nationals and other citizens from Port Vila, Vanuatu. The majority of the stranded citizens travelled to Fiji in early March to attend the USP and FNU Graduation ceremonies that were eventually cancelled due to COVID 19 pandemic, and subsequently effective implementation of border restrictions and lockdown in Lautoka and Suva. The Solomon Islands Government had also made similar travel restrictions since the COVID-19 virus was announced as a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 11 March 2020. Since then, several measures were taken by the government to ensure containment, prevention and preparedness of the COVID-19 response was set up, including frontline workers trained, quarantine centers readied and equipment and kits available and accessible for testing.
    [Show full text]
  • Oceanswatch Sustainable Livelihoods Report English Pdf 1.08
    OceansWatch Sustainable Livelihoods Report Temotu Province, Solomon Islands, 2014 Produced by Chris Bone with field assistance from Charlotte Leger and Sophie Bone OceansWatch PO Box 1803 Whangarei 0140 New Zealand Phone : +64 9 4344066 Email: [email protected] Website: www.oceanswatch.org OceansWatch is a registered New Zealand Charity, CC 23092 © OceansWatch 2014. Copyright in this publication and in all text, data and images contained herein, except as otherwise indicated, rests with OceansWatch New Zealand. Keywords: OceansWatch, Sustainable livelihoods, Temotu, Solomon Islands, Vanikoro, Reef Islands Acknowledgements: Charlotte Leger, Sophie Bone, John Laulae, Lawrence Nodua, OceansWatch Solomon Islands, the people of Ngadeli, Mola’a, Buma, Otelo, John Paia, Temotu Provincial Government. Recommended citation: Bone C, OceansWatch Sustainable Livelihoods Report, Temotu Province, Solomon Islands 2014 Front page: Scraping coconuts, Buma, Vanikoro by Britt Basel Funding: NZ Embassy Solomon Islands Head of Mission (DAP), Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, OceansWatch New Zealand © Chris Bone and OceansWatch Page 2 of 17 Table of Contents Acronyms .................................................................................................................................................... 4 Maps of program area .................................................................................................................................. 4 Socio economic climate in Temotu. ..............................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship-By-Investment Programme: OPTION 1
    INVESTMENT OPTIONS There are two investment options which serve as a qualifier for your ANTIGUA AND application to the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship-by-investment programme: OPTION 1 BARBUDA National Development Fund (NDF) Contribution Main applicant or a family of up to 4: USD 100,000. CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME For a family of 5 or more: USD 125,000. Global community - Global citizenship OPTION 2 Real Estate Investment ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA Approved property: USD 200,000 or 400,000. Antigua and Barbuda is an independent Commonwealth state in the Eastern Caribbean. With GOVERNMENT FEES some 365 beaches of clean turquoise waters, the lush tropical islands of Antigua and Barbuda are an inviting paradise and considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. As a NDF: result, tourism is the key driver of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generates around 60% of Family up to 4: USD 25,000. the island’s income, with key target markets being the U.S., Canada and Europe. Antigua and Each additonal dependant: USD 15,000. Barbuda is a member of the United Nations, the British Commonwealth, CARICOM and the Real Estate: Organisation of American States (OAS) among many other international organisations. Family up to 4: USD 50,000. Each additional dependent: USD 15,000. WHY ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA TRAVEL WITH EASE PROCESS AND TIMELINE Month 1-2 Sign a retainer agreement and pay the first retainer invoice. The Antigua passport unlocks visa-free travel to over 140 countries including Hong Kong, Preparation Prepare required documentation. Singapore, the UK and the Schengen states.The passport is valid for a period of 5 years and will 10% payment of government fees.
    [Show full text]
  • PAPUA NEW GUINEA and SOLOMON ISLANDS - 6HYHUH6HD6ZHOO)ORRGV $IIHFWHG$UHDV5HSRUWHGDVRI'HFHPEHUY
    PAPUA NEW GUINEA and SOLOMON ISLANDS - 6HYHUH6HD6ZHOO)ORRGV $IIHFWHG$UHDV5HSRUWHGDVRI'HFHPEHUY Legend 7LGHVKDYHDIIHFWHGQXPHURXVLVODQGV RIIWKHQRUWKFRDVWRI0DQXVLQFOXGLQJ $IIHFWHGORFDWLRQ 3RQDP3LW\OXK$ KXV$QGUDDQG%LSL 1DWLRQDOFDSLWDO 0DMRUWRZQ 7KHFRDVWOLQHEHWZHQ )ORRGLQJGDPDJHDURXQG 0RVWKHDYLO\DIIHFWHG .DYLHQJDQG1DPDWDQDL $IIHFWHG :HZDNWRZQDORQJWKH LQ1HZ,UHODQG3URYLQFH EmirauTench ,QWHUQDWLRQDOERXQGDU\ (DVW6HSLNFRDVWDQG0XULN PonamPityluh 3URYLQFHERXQGDU\ ,VODQGVLQWKH6HSLNULYHU $WROOFRPPXQLWLHVLQFOXGLQJ Kavieng 0$186 7DVPDQ0RUWORFN1XJXULD 7KLVPDSVKRZVUHJLRQV Konos DQGWKH&DUWHUHWV DQGVSHFLILFORFDWLRQV Kimadan DIIHFWHGE\VHYHUHVHD :(67 Wewak P D U 1(:,5(/$1' L V F N Namatanai VZHOOVLQ3DSXD1HZ 6(3,. % 6 H D Tasman *XLQHDDQGWKH6RORPRQ ($67 ,VODQGVDVRI'HFHPEHU 6(3,. ($671(: Mortlock %5,7$,1 Nuguria 0$'$1* Madang Pelau %XNDFRDVW 3OHDVHUHIHUWRWKHODWHVW (1*$ :(67(51 :(671(: +,*+/$1'6 2&+$6LW5HSIRUPRUH %5,7$,1 Luaniua GHWDLOHGLQIRUPDWLRQRQ 0252%( $8721202865(*,21 6287+(51 &+,0%8 2)%28*$,19,//( +,*+/$1'6 ($67(51 +,*+/$1'6 Lae SOLOMON Map Doc Name: 6 R 2&+$B31*B.LQJB)ORRGVBYB O R P R GLIDE Number: )/ *8/) Q 6 H D ISLANDS Creation Date: 'HF PAPUA NEW GUINEA Projection/Datum: *HRJUDSKLF:*6 :(67(51 Web Resources: KWWSRFKDRQOLQHXQRUJURDS Nominal Scale at A4 paper size: Popondetta 3HODXDQG/XDQLXDRQ2QWRQJ NPV -DYDDWROOLQWKH6RORPRQ,VODQGV &(175$/ Map data source(s): *$8/31*1DWLRQDO6WDWLVWLFDO2IILFH 162 *(%&2 252 0LOQH%D\ 8QLWHG1DWLRQV&DUWRJUDSKLF8QLW Port Moresby Disclaimers: 0,/1(%$< Honiara 7KH GHVLJQDWLRQV HPSOR\HG DQG WKH SUHVHQWDWLRQ RI PDWHULDORQWKLVPDSGRQRWLPSO\WKHH[SUHVVLRQRIDQ\
    [Show full text]
  • Our Development Cooperation with Solomon Islands
    Our Development Cooperation with Solomon Islands New Zealand’s primary objective is to help Solomon Islands’ government build resilience, social cohesion, stability and economic growth to contribute to prosperity and security in the Pacific Region. New Zealand’s long term objectives are to help Solomon Islands’ government: achieve a stable, resilient and socially cohesive society; develop an economy that enables prosperity and more equitable distribution of benefits; and deliver for all citizens and engage constructively in the region This includes strengthening economic governance, and incentivising reforms with general budget support. We are a long-term partner in the education sector, focused on systemic change to lift education outcomes. We are looking to reduce the costs of transport and energy, and increase connectivity to support more equitable economic growth. We are helping develop tourism, fisheries and other sustainable growth opportunities that provide alternative revenue sources to logging. On top of this, New Zealand is working with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to improve community safety and re-establish community trust in the police, and we are working with young people to improve their access to services, training and opportunities. Recent achievements New Zealand has contributed NZD$31.7 partnership with the Solomon Islands million towards transport infrastructure in the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Western Province of Solomon Islands since Development (MEHRD), Solomon Islands has 2010. New Zealand’s largest infrastructure seen a 30% increase in literacy rates. investment in the region sees safer and more regular flights to the Western Province and We have supported the Solomon Islands improved connectivity within the province, Inland Revenue Division (SIIRD) since 2005, which is crucial to the development of tourism.
    [Show full text]
  • Solomon Islands
    Conserved coconut germplasm from Solomon Islands Genebank Contact Dodo Creek Research Station Country member of COGENT PO Box G13 Dr Jimie Saelea Honiara Director, Research Solomon Islands Ministry of Agriculture and Primary Industries PO Box G13, Honiara Solomon Islands Phone: (677) 20308 / 31111 / 21327 Fax: (677) 21955 / 31037 Email: [email protected] The Solomon Islands is a country in Melanesia, east of Papua New Guinea, consisting of nearly 1000 islands. Together they cover a land mass of 28,400 km². As of 2006, the vast majority of the 552,438 people living on the Solomon Islands are ethnically Melanesian (94.5%) followed by Polynesian (3%) and Micronesian (1.2%). A history of the coconut industry in Solomon Islands is given by Ilala (1989). Since the ethnic tension in 1998, copra and cocoa have been the focus of most international extension and development projects. Moves to introduce high-yielding hybrids were unsuccessful in most cases because of resistance by farmers, poor husbandry and susceptibility to pest, disease and weed infestation. Coconut research has been carried out since 1952 in the Solomon Islands. In 1960 a Joint Coconut Research Scheme was established by the Solomon Island Government and the Levers company, Russell Islands Plantation Estates Ltd, based at Yandina, Central Province. A seed garden for the production of Dwarf x Tall hybrids seednuts was producing up to 240,000 seednuts a year. Sixteen coconut varieties were also conserved at Yandina, until the blaze at the Dodo Creek Research Station in 2000. Levers was the largest single producer and buyer of copra and cocoa in the country (and the largest employer), but the company was declared bankrupt in 2001.
    [Show full text]
  • Tier 1 Countries Annual Dues
    Tier 1 Countries Tier 1 Countries Tier 2 Countries Tier 3 Countries Tier 4 Countries Annual Dues - $250 (continued) Annual Dues - $100 Annual Dues - $50 Annual Dues - $20 Qatar Andorra San Marino Albania Angola Afghanistan Antigua and Barbuda Saudi Arabia Algeria Anguilla Benin Argentina Seychelles American Samoa Bangladesh Burkina Faso Aruba Singapore Armenia Bhutan Burundi Australia Sint Maarten Azerbaijan Bolivia Central African Rep. Austria Slovak Republic Belarus Cabo Verde Chad Bahamas Slovenia Belize Cambodia Comoros Bahrain South Korea Bosnia/Herzegovina Cameroon Dem. Rep. of Congo Barbados Spain Botswana Congo Eritrea Belgium St Kitts/Nevis Brazil Cook Islands Ethiopia Bermuda St Martin Bulgaria Côte d’Ivoire Gambia British Virgin Islands Sweden China Djibouti Guinea Brunei Darussalam Switzerland Colombia Egypt Guinea-Bissau Canada Taiwan Costa Rica El Salvador Haiti Cayman Islands Trinidad/Tobago Cuba French Guiana Liberia Channel Islands Turks and Caicos Dominica French So. Territories Madagascar Chile United Arab Emirates Dominican Republic Georgia Malawi Croatia United Kingdom Ecuador Ghana Mali Curacao United States Equatorial Guinea Guadeloupe Mozambique Cyprus Uruguay Fiji Honduras Nepal Czech Republic Virgin Islands Gabon India Niger Denmark Grenada Indonesia North Korea Estonia Guatemala Kenya Rwanda Faroe Islands Guyana Kiribati Senegal Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Iran Kosovo Sierra Leon Finland Iraq Kyrgyz Republic Somalia France Jamaica Lao PDR South Sudan French Polynesia Jordan Lesotho Syrian Arab Republic Germany
    [Show full text]
  • Agreement Between Papua New Guinea and Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Australia and New Zealand, Concerning the Status of Elements of the Defence F
    Agreement between Papua New Guinea and Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Australia and New Zealand, concerning the Status of Elements of the Defence F... Australian Treaty Series [Index] [Global Search] [Database Search] [Notes] [Noteup] [Help] Australian Treaty Series 1994 No 30 DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE CANBERRA Agreement between Papua New Guinea and Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Australia and New Zealand, concerning the Status of Elements of the Defence Forces of those Countries Deployed in the North Solomons Province of Papua New Guinea as part of the South Pacific Peacekeeping Force (Suva, 28 September 1994) Entry into force generally and for Australia: 7 October 1994 AUSTRALIAN TREATY SERIES 1994 No. 30 Australian Government Publishing Service Canberra (c) Commonwealth of Australia 1995 AGREEMENT BETWEEN PAPUA NEW GUINEA AND FIJI, TONGA, SOLOMON ISLANDS, VANUATU, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND, CONCERNING THE STATUS OF ELEMENTS OF THE DEFENCE FORCES OF THOSE COUNTRIES DEPLOYED IN THE NORTH SOLOMONS PROVINCE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA AS PART OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC PEACEKEEPING FORCE PAPUA NEW GUINEA, FIJI, TONGA, SOLOMON ISLANDS, VANUATU, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND: RECOGNIZING the need for cooperation between countries in the South Pacific; NOTING that on 8 September 1994 Papua New Guinea entered into a Ceasefire Agreement with the Bougainville Revolutionary Army and the organisation known as the Bougainville Interim Government after five years of fighting in Bougainville, North Solomons Province of Papua New Guinea; NOTING FURTHER that the said Ceasefire Agreement provides for a Bougainville Peace Conference to take place at Arawa and for other activities in support of the ceasefire to occur in other agreed places in the said North Solomons Province; http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/1994/30.html[04/09/2015 10:32:03] Agreement between Papua New Guinea and Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Australia and New Zealand, concerning the Status of Elements of the Defence F..
    [Show full text]
  • Download File
    Testtttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt Country Office Annual Report 2019 Pacific Island Multi-Country Programme Update on the context and situation of children Economic and political context Of the 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTS), 11, including Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, registered average gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 3.1% in 2018 and are projected to grow by a modest 2.8% in 2019 and 3.0% in 2020 (IMF, Oct 2019). GDP increases in recent years have been spurred by growth in fisheries revenues, which increased from 5% of GDP in 2011 to approximately 30% of GDP in 2017. The region has registered steady improvements in social protection, health and education policies, including investment in schools and hospitals, as well as complementary investments in critical urban services infrastructure (ADB, July 2019). However, the recent measles outbreak in the region is likely to dampen other major sources of revenue, such as tourism. Overall, no major, short-term changes are expected with regard to resources for social sectors and children’s issues in the Pacific. Of note, Cook Islands is slated to become the first PICT to achieve ‘developed country’ status. During 2019, there were several changes of political leadership following the elections in six countries Kiribati, FSM, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu with no significant impact on the programme implementation. The 2019 Pacific Islands Leader Forum held in Tuvalu has urged for more coordinated actions to secure the health and wellbeing of Pacific people in light of the climate crisis.
    [Show full text]
  • Agreement Between the Republic of Fiji and Solomon Islands Concerning Their Maritime Boundary
    AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI AND SOLOMON ISLANDS CONCERNING THEIR MARITIME BOUNDARY WRITTEN ANALYSIS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (‘UNCLOS’) provides the legal principles for coastal states to define their maritime boundaries and to enjoy the rights and obligations set forth in UNCLOS to utilise and sustainably manage the resources within their Exclusive Economic Zone (‘EEZ’). 1.2 Maritime boundaries are critical for governance, security, law enforcement, and marine resource management within a country’s maritime zone. Fiji is progressing in securing and finalising the delimitation of its maritime boundaries through negotiations with neighboring Pacific island countries. 1.3 According to UNCLOS, all coastal states are entitled to a 12 nautical mile territorial sea (Article 3 of UNCLOS), 24 nautical mile contiguous zone (Article 33 of UNCLOS), and a 200 nautical mile EEZ (Article 57 of UNCLOS) including the extended continental shelf claims not exceeding 350 nautical miles (Article 76 of UNCLOS) from the baseline from which the territorial sea is measured. 1.4 As a party to UNCLOS, Fiji has an obligation to define its maritime boundaries, most especially its EEZ which, while it is measured to 200 nautical miles, often overlaps with the EEZ boundaries of other coastal neighboring States which surround Fiji. In accordance with Article 74 of UNCLOS, if there is an overlap of the EEZ boundaries between coastal neighboring States, these States need to negotiate and finalise an agreement for the delimitation of those EEZ boundaries. 1.5 Therefore the Agreement between the Republic of Fiji and the Solomon Islands concerning their Maritime Boundary (‘Agreement’) focuses on resolving Fiji’s overlapping EEZ boundaries with the Solomon Islands.
    [Show full text]
  • Pacific Islands: Fiji Solomon Islands Western Samoa Vanuatu Tonga
    COUNTRY PROFILE Pacific Islands: Fiji Solomon Islands Western Samoa Vanuatu Tonga Our quarterly Country Report, Pacific Islands: Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Western Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, analyses current trends. This annual Country Profile provides background political and economic information about Fiji, Solomon Islands, Western Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga and some of the smaller territories. Papua New Guinea has a separate Country Profile of its own. 1996-97 The Economist Intelligence Unit 15 Regent Street, London SW1Y 4LR United Kingdom The Economist Intelligence Unit The Economist Intelligence Unit is a specialist publisher serving companies establishing and managing operations across national borders. For over 40 years it has been a source of information on business developments, economic and political trends, government regulations and corporate practice worldwide. The EIU delivers its information in four ways: through subscription products ranging from newsletters to annual reference works; through specific research reports, whether for general release or for particular clients; through electronic publishing; and by organising conferences and roundtables. The firm is a member of The Economist Group. London New York Hong Kong The Economist Intelligence Unit The Economist Intelligence Unit The Economist Intelligence Unit 15 Regent Street The Economist Building 25/F, Dah Sing Financial Centre London 111 West 57th Street 108 Gloucester Road SW1Y 4LR New York Wanchai United Kingdom NY 10019, USA Hong Kong Tel: (44.171) 830 1000
    [Show full text]
  • Grenada Citizenship Spice up Your Life Introduction to the Island
    CCS CITIZENSHIP & RESIDENCY EXPERTS Grenada Citizenship Spice up your life Introduction to the Island Grenada is a small, independent island nation located in the Caribbean region. The country is part of the Commonwealth and as such recognizes Queen Elizabeth as its head of state. The country is a member state of a larger regional grouping called the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) which form a common currency and trading group. The island is best known for its luxury hotels and world renowned spices. ~~~ Nature’s Spice Isle ~~~ Grenada offers white sand beaches, lush tropical jungles and crystal clear waters to its residents and visitors. The island is truly a gem in the Caribbean possessing a storied history of colonialism and revolution. Grenada also consitutes several small islands surrounding the main island leaving plenty to explore! The Program The Citizenship by Investment dependents to become Program was re-established lifetime citizens of Grenada in 2013 and has its legal in accordance with legal foundations in the Grenada requirements. The Citizenship Citizenship by Investment by Investment Unit is the Act, No.15 of 2013 together authority with the responsibility with various amendments for managing all matters to the Act and supporting relating to the Program. Regulations. Investors are given the opportunity to apply for themselves and their E2 US VISA There are two main pathways to obtain Citizenship in the country. The first is a non refundable donation to the Government - National Transformation The Cost Fund (NTF) and the second is by investment into a Government approved Real Estate Project. Application Fees Donation Option - NTF Application Fee Per Person .......................$1500 Single Applicant ........$150,000 Due Diligence Fee Main Applicant & up to Main Applicant ................$5,000 Three Dependents ....$200,000 Dependent Above 17 ......$5,000 Each Extra Dependent $25,000 Dependent Below 17 ........
    [Show full text]