30 April 2015

Manager of Univ. of West Indies OT Campuses visits Virgin Islands





Anguillian

– Press Release


University of the West Indies Alumni, Dr. The Honourable D. Orlando Smith, Premier of the British Virgin Islands and Dr. The Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, were among the distinguished BVI Officials meeting with Manager for the UWI British Overseas Territories Sites, Dr. Phyllis Fleming-Banks last week.

Dr. Fleming-Banks was on her first official visit to the BVI, one of the six British Overseas Territories under her supervision. While there, she also held discussions with Dr. Marcia Potter, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Culture, Dr. Karl Dawson, President of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and Mrs. Susan Frett-Potter from the Department of Education, all of whom are also UWI graduates.

The BOT Manager and the BVI Open Campus Programme Officer, Mrs. Carla Johnson-Brown also met and shared UWI Open Campus programmes with Commissioner of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Mr. David Morris and were guests on the “Morning Ride” Radio programme with Paul “Gadheitz” Peart of ZROD 103.7 FM. During the four-day visit Dr. Fleming-Banks also held discussions with the BVI Site Staff and UWI Open Campus BVI Students.

According to Dr. Fleming-Banks, the visit was successful in providing feedback, reinforcing UWI alliances and opening up additional opportunities for collaboration and programme delivery.


28 April 2015

On W. Sahara, UN Won't Confirm Crackdown, Morocco Letter, Corell Links


By Matthew Russell Lee

UNITED NATIONS, The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, MINURSO, which has yet to hold any referendum, gets reviewed this month in the UN Security Council, with the UN's ambiguous position on (not) including human rights monitoring in the mission's mandate and on exploitation of natural resources once again coming to the fore. 

 On (the lack of) human rights monitoring, on April 15 Inner City Press asked UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric:
Inner City Press: there are reports and I wanted to know whether you or MINURSO [United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara] know if they are true of a, quote, Moroccan crackdown on demonstrations in [inaudible] directed at the idea of there being a human rights monitoring mechanism so it…


Spokesman Dujarric:  We will ask our colleagues in MINURSO.

 But nine hours later, no answer, no information. No monitoring.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE.


24 April 2015

U.S. trys to justify bombing Northern Marianas: "Pagan is not Vieques"




sablan.house.gov



09 Apr 2015 
By Alexie Villegas Zotomayor

Marianas Variety


The training proposed and the type of weapon systems to be employed for Pagan are not the same as those on Vieques in Puerto Rico. This was the assurance made by the visiting Marine Corps Forces Pacific during a meeting with the lawmakers on Capital Hill, Tuesday.

Responding to Speaker Joseph Deleon Guerrero’s concern about whether Pagan would be in a similar fate as Vieques that had been contaminated following the massive military bombing of the island, Marine Corps Forces Pacific environmental specialist said, “The way we use ranges, the type of weapons we will use is totally different to what was used in Vieques.”

She said it will be a totally different training to be had on Pagan.

“I don’t think we are comparing apples to apples,” she said.

Vieques is an island of Puerto Rico which was occupied by the U.S. Navy in 1941-2003. It was used as a live-fire training ground for warships and aircraft. It was reported that the Navy claimed it had accidentally fired 263 rounds of ammunition with depleted uranium in 1999. Vieques residents complained of contamination and blamed the federal government for high incidence of cancer.

A report by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry showed that there is no link between the military operations and the residents’ health issues.

READ FULL REPORT AND COMMENTS HERE.


22 April 2015

Final Communiqué The National/International Reparations Summit


ibwlogo-120

Final Communiqué

The National/International Reparations Summit

April 9-11, 2015,New York City, NY, USA

In the spirit of the Durban Declaration of 2001 which declared the Atlantic Slave Trade and chattel slavery as crimes against humanity, scores of representatives from the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC), the National African American Reparations Commission (NAARC) and representatives of emerging Commissions in Martinique, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, United Kingdom and Europe gathered in New York, April 9-11, 2015 for a historic National/International Summit. Convened by the Institute of the Black World 21st Century, these representatives were joined by hundreds of Credentialed Observers from the U.S. and the Pan-African world, and hundreds of residents from the greater New York area who participated in the Reparations Rallies, a Tribute to Cong. John Conyers and the Business Sessions.

These participants from some twenty (20) countries in the Caribbean, Europe, Central, and South America, Canada and the USA gathered with a clear determination to strengthen the global movement to finish the continuous, heroic struggle of Africans on the continent and people of African descent everywhere for reparations to repair the damages inflicted on our peoples by genocide and enslavement at the hands of European colonial and slave-holding nations.  In the memory of our ancestors, those who gathered for this historic Summit New York viewed the National/International Summit as the beginning of the final stage in the long historical process of seeking reparatory justice, for the monstrous crimes of African enslavement and native genocide.

It is in that spirit that the Summit adopted the following Resolutions, Pronouncements and Action Items:
  1. Agreed to consolidate and expand the growing African global reparations movement by calling on civil society organizations and governments in countries where there is a legacy of enslavement to establish national reparations commissions or committees. Such commissions and committees should place a particular priority on educating, mobilizing and organizing young people. In that regard, the Summit agreed to connect with and engage the #BlackLivesMatter Movement in the United States and globally.
  2. Agreed that the CARICOM Reparations Commission (CRC), which is demanding compensation/restitution from the former European colonialists for Native Genocide and African enslavement, will support the National African-American Reparations Commission (NAARC) by encouraging and facilitating Caribbean political leaders, artists, civil society activists and scholars to participate in various NAARC educational and mobilizing/organizing initiatives in the months and years ahead.
  3. NAARC recognized the extraordinary value of the vision/mission of CARICOM in establishing the Reparations Commission and pledged to support the commission in its milestone programmatic and mobilizing/organizing work in whatever ways are feasible.
  4. Agreed to welcome the establishment of reparations commissions in Europe, Britain and Canada that share the mission and values of the CRC and NAARC, and to seek meetings with such commissions in the near future.
  5. Agreed to convene a Global Summit in Europe at the earliest practical date to take CARICOM’S demand for reparations for Native Genocide and African enslavement into the homes of the offending nations. In addition, it was agreed that a global summit of reparations commissions and aspiring bodies be convened in the Caribbean in 2017.
  6. Called upon the CARICOM Heads of Government to proceed urgently with the recommendation that the slave-owning and slave-trading European nations be invited to attend an inter-governmental reparatory justice summit in 2015.
  7. Recognized U.S. Cong. John Conyers, Jr., as a champion of the reparations movement and as the consistent sponsor of HR-40, the reparations study bill in the US Congress, and urged the Congressional Black Caucus, major civil and human rights, faith, labor and civic organizations in the USA to support the global reparations movement.
  8. Declared a Decade for Reparations and in that context, applauded the General Assembly of the United Nations on the Declaration of 2015-2024 as the Decade for People of African descent which should advance the demand for reparations. The Summit expressed strong support for the UN Decade’s program of activities. It also called on member states of the U.N. to officially launch the Decade. The Summit further applauded UNESCO for its continued support of the ‘Slave Routes Project’ and the ‘General History of Africa Project’.
  9. Applauded the government of Brazil for making mandatory the study of African history and culture at all levels of the educational system in that country and called on all countries with African-descended populations to do likewise and also to recognize the validity of traditional African spiritual and religious systems.
  10. Called on the global reparations movement to develop sustainable funding strategies and called on the international community to work towards a 21st Century new moral order for sustainable development in which reparatory justice is an integral component.

Contact: info@ibw21.org  ♦ www.ibw21.org 

20 April 2015

Was Virgin Islands snubbed from meeting with President Obama @ US-CARICOM Summit? US, Canada block Puerto Rico seat at Summit of the Americas

None of the Overseas Territories with Associate Membership in CARICOM were invited to recent US-CARICOM Summit on April 9, 2015 in Jamaica.

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- While the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was meeting with the United States of America’s 44th President, Barack H. Obama, for a one-day important summit on April 9, 2015 the Virgin Islands (VI) and the other Associate members of the Caribbean Community had to sit out as they were not issued an invitation.

READ THE FULL REPORT IN VIRGIN ISLANDS NEWS ONLINE


*****************


Compañeros Unidos para la Descolonización 

de Puerto Rico



(English translation below)

El presidente Rubén Berrios Martínez del Partido Independentista Puertorriqueñohabló el martes 14 de abril de 2015 en el programa radial Fuego Cruzadosobre lo que pasó en la Cumbre de Las Américas recientemente en Panamá. 

Él dijo que los 33 miembros de la Organización de Estados Americanos propusieron que el gobierno de Estados Unidos retractara su expresión de que Venezuela representa una amenaza a la seguridad de Estados Unidos. Además, propusieron que Puerto Rico debería tener un asiento en la Organización de Estados Americanos. El gobierno de Estados Unidos y Canadá fueron los únicos que se opusieron a estas 2 propuestas. Por lo tanto, no hubo una resolución este año. ¡Hasta aquí con los procesos democráticos en las organizaciones internacionales!

Rubén y Obama tuvieron un breve intercambio de palabras. El intercambio, en mi opinión, representa, una vez más, la determinación histórica de mantener a Puerto Rico como su colonia para siempre. 

Rubén explicó el intercambio de esta manera. Rubén le dice a Obama que Estados Unidos debería resolver el estado colonial de Puerto Rico. Obama le responde que los puertorriqueños tienen que hablar. Rubén le contesta que Estados Unidos tiene que hablar también. 

La reacción de Obama no es diferente de lo que han dicho los demás presidentes estadounidenses. Todos han dicho el mismo embuste de que Puerto Rico es una colonia porque los puertorriqueños no se deciden sobre lo que quiere. Esto representa la evidencia contundente que el gobierno de Estados Unidos quiere mantener a Puerto Rico en el coloniaje para siempre.

Puerto Rico es una colonia de Estados Unidos, porque el gobierno de Estados Unidos lo quiere. El gobierno de Estados nos invadió militarmente para hacerse duerno de Puerto Rico. 

En el 1960, la Organización de Naciones Unidas (ONU) determinó que el colonialismo es un crimen en contra de la humanidad. Desde entonces, la ONU le ha pedido 33 veces al gobierno de Estados Unidos que inmediatamente descolonice a Puerto Rico. El gobierno de Estados Unidos ha ignorado las peticiones de la ONU hasta el presente. 

Es importante señalar que en estas resoluciones no se menciona la necesitad de los puertorriqueños tener que decidir tal o cual cosa. Lo que dice específicamente es que el gobierno de Estados Unidos le debe entregar a Puerto Rico su soberanía. ¡Eso es precisamente lo que el gobierno de Estados Unidos nunca ha querido hacer!

Para tratar de encarnar al mundo que el gobierno de Estados Unidos realmente cree en la democracia, los derechos humanos y la igualad, él prefiere seguir hablando de que los puertorriqueños tienen que decidir lo que prefieren en plebiscitos tras plebiscitos. ¿Y por qué el gobierno de Estados Unidos le preguntó nada a los puertorriqueños para colonizarnos?

La realidad es que aunque 100% de los puertorriqueños quieran seguir siendo una colonia de Estados Unidos, eso significaría absolutamente nada. El colonialismo seguiría siendo ilegal e intolerable ante la comunidad internacional. 

Me hubiese gustado que la repuesta de Rubén a Obama hubiese sido así: Señor Presidente, nosotros necesitamos decidir nada. El gobierno de Estados Unidos es el que esta cometiendo un crimen. ¡Y usted, Señor Presidente tiene la obligación de inmediatamente y unilateralmente descolonizar a Puerto Rico!

Por tal razón, Compañeros Unidos para la Descolonización de Puerto Rico hacemos marchas permanentes hasta que logremos nuestra descolonización. Estamos convencidos de que el gobierno de Estados Unidos necesitará ser obligado a cumplir con la prohibición de tener colonias. 

Apoyamos la marcha en Nueva York del sábado 30 de mayo 2015. Además, invitamos a todos estar presente en nuestra 2da Marcha Oscar – Mandela en Nueva York el 22 de junio de 2015. En ese mismo día, la ONU celebrará su vista anual sobre la descolonización de Puerto Rico. ¡Su presencia es muy importante porque, los que mantienen colonias no creen en la justicia para todos! 



The Puerto Rico Independence Party President Rubén Berrios Martinez spoke on April 14, 2015 on “Fuego Cruzado” radio program in Puerto Rico about what happened in the recent Summit of the Americas in Panama. 

He stated that 33 members of the Organization of American States agreed that the United States (US) government should retract from its position that Venezuela poses a threat to the United States security. They also proposed that Puerto Rico should have a seat in the organization. The United States and Canada were the only 2 countries to oppose these 2 proposals. Therefore, no resolution was reached this year. So much for democratic principles being observed at international organizations.

Rubén and President Obama had a very brief interchange of words. The exchange, in my opinion, reveals once more the unchanging historical determination of the United States (US) government to maintain Puerto Rico as its colony forever. 

Rubén’s account of the exchange went like this. Rubén tells the President that it is time that the US resolves Puerto Rico’s colonial relationship. The President responds by saying, “Puerto Ricans have to talk.” Ruben answers back, “United States has to talk too.”

President Obama’s response to Puerto Rico’s 116 year of US colonialism is no different than all other American presidents of the past. They have all used the same lie that Puerto Rico is a colony because Puerto Rico can’t decide what she wants. This is unquestionable evidence that the US government wants to keep us a colony forever.

Puerto Rico is a colony because the US government unilaterally decided that. It invaded Puerto Rico to own her.

In 1960, the United Nations (UN) ruled that colonialism is a crime against humanity. Since then, the UN has asked the US 33 times to adhere to its international law prohibiting colonialism, and to immediately decolonize Puerto Rico. The United States has ignored the UN’s requests thus far. 

It is important to note that these UN resolutions does not mention the need for Puerto Ricans to decide anything. What it does state specifically is that the US government should give Puerto Rico her sovereignty. That is exactly what the US government does not want to do. 

In order for the US government to continue to pretend that it believes in freedom, justice, democracy and the rule of law, it prefers to talk about Puerto Ricans having to decide what they want through plebiscites after plebiscites. So, why didn’t the US government ask Puerto Ricans whether they wanted to be colonized? The fact of the matter is that even if 100% of Puerto Ricans decided to remain a US colony that would mean nothing. Colonialism would still be a crime, and as such, it would still be intolerable to the international community.

I would have wished that Ruben’s response to Obama have been: Mr. President, we don’t have to decide anything. The US government is the one violating the law. And it is up to you, Mr. President, to make sure that the US immediately and unilaterally decolonizes Puerto Rico! 

17 April 2015

Fifo hors les murs : Début des projections dans les archipels

TAHITI INFOS, les informations de Tahiti

E, le 14 avril 2015. (COMMUNIQUE) Le Festival International du Film documentaire Océanien se déroule à Papeete en février chaque année. C'est un moment fort en découverte, rencontres et échanges qui se prolonge, depuis maintenant 8 ans, par 6 mois de projections et de partage avec la population de Polynésie. 
FIFO outside the walls: Start projections in the islands
L’équipe du festival a ainsi le plaisir d’organiser une tournée de projections de films issus de la sélection du FIFO, dans les îles et au delà de nos frontières. Ces projections rassemblent en moyenne chaque année entre 6000 et 8000 spectateurs. Le début de cette grande aventure du FIFO Hors les murs commence dans nos archipels et permet au public polynésien de découvrir, au travers de ces nombreux documentaires, la richesse et la diversité des cultures océaniennes.

Cette année encore, la caravane du FIFO va parcourir de nombreux kilomètres. Au programme au delà de nos îles : la Nouvelle-Zélande, la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Wallis et Futuna et la métropole.

FIFO DANS LES ÎLES

Le FIFO dans les îles c’est avant tout la volonté de partager le festival avec la population des îles, malheureusement, trop souvent oubliée. C’est permettre à notre jeunesse de Polynésie de découvrir les cultures des frères et cousins océaniens. C’est offrir à la population des moments de découverte et d’échanges. Et c’est enfin, faire de la Polynésie ce carrefour d’images océaniennes, où les cultures se découvrent.

Le public scolaire est une priorité pour l’organisation. Pendant le festival, nous avons eu le plaisir d’accueillir 3663 scolaires et pendant cette tournée du FIFO dans les îles, pas loin de 6000 scolaires profiteront des projections.

Ces événements sont aujourd’hui attendus tant par le corps enseignant, par les élèves que par la population.

Le choix de la programmation des films projetés dans les établissements scolaires est laissé à l’appréciation des équipes enseignantes.

La mission du FIFO de faire voyager et de partager les films de la sélection s’étendra cette année sur 6 mois.

Ces événements sont mis en oeuvre grâce au soutien du groupe EDT-GDF Suez, Air Tahiti, des Ministères de la culture et de l’éducation, des établissements scolaires et communes de Polynésie. C’est bien grâce à leur confiance et à leur engagement que les films du FIFO voyagent et se partagent.

DU 14 AVRIL AU 31 MAI, 10 îles et communes et Tahiti accueilleront l’équipe du FIFO pour des projections à destination des scolaires et du grand public :
Îles sous le vent : Raiatea / Tahaa / Huahine / Bora Bora /
Îles du vent : Moorea/ Taravao/
Tuamotu - Gambier : Rangiroa / Hao /Makemo /
Australes : Rurutu

DU 1ER SEPTEMBRE AU 1ER DÉCEMBRE, l’organisation prolongera son opération Hors les murs en Polynésie en se déplaçant aux îles Marquises (Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva et Hiva Oa) et en organisant cette année une tournée dans les collèges et lycées de Tahiti. Une soirée de projection publique sera également proposée à l’ensemble des communes de Tahiti. Les dates de ces événements sont encore à définir.

Notre travail en étroite collaboration avec les différents chefs d’établissements, professeurs, maires des communes et associations va permettre d’offrir plus de 250 séances de projections pour les scolaires et plus de 40 projections gratuites pour le grand public.

Fifo hors les murs : Début des projections dans les archipels
Et la caravane du FIFO continuera sa route au delà des frontières de la Polynésie.

LES CARTES BLANCHES DANS LES FESTIVALS OCÉANIENS

Depuis maintenant 2 ans, le FIFO accueille des représentants de festivals de la région et de métropole à l’occasion de la Rencontres des festivals océaniens. L’objectif étant de faciliter, créer et consolider les liens entre festivals, mais également de mettre en commun des réseaux, créer des synergies et initier des projets communs. A l’issue de cette 2nde rencontre des Festivals océaniens, il a été convenu qu’un projet d’Association des festivals océaniens pourrait être mis en place pour l’année 2016.
Les liens tissés entre les festivals de la région permettent d’ores et déjà à chacun d’offrir une fenêtre de programmation aux autres festivals.

Fifo hors les murs : Début des projections dans les archipels
NOUVELLE-ZÉLANDE :

Après avoir accueilli le festival du Doc Edge pour un après midi « carte blanche » dédié à leur programmation pendant le FIFO 2015, c’est maintenant à leur tour de nous accueillir au sein de leur festival pour deux soirées « carte Blanche au FIFO », qui se dérouleront à Auckland et à Wellington. Y seront projetés 2 films du palmarès du FIFO 2015, Kumu Hina (2ème prix du jury et prix du public) et Tender (grand prix FIFO France Télévisions)
Auckland : mardi 26 mai 2015
Wellington : mardi 9 juin 2015

D’autres « Carte blanche » avec des festivals de la région sont en cours d’élaboration.

Fifo hors les murs : Début des projections dans les archipels
AUTRES ÉVÉNEMENTS HORS LES MURS

FRANCE :

Pour la 6ème édition de la course de pirogue : Vendée Va’a, la commune des Sables d’Olonne organise 4 jours d’animations culturelles autour de la Polynésie. A cette occasion le FIFO proposera 4 projections de films : Tatau, la culture d’un art / Va’a Tahoe / La compagnie des Archipels / Kaimiloa, l’énigme de l’Odyssée Polynésienne

Jeudi 14 mai :
Sables d’Olonne, les Atlantes, Salle Vendée Globe à 16h : Tatau, la culture d’un art
Sables d’Olonne, les Atlantes, Salle Vendée Globe à 20h : Va’a Tahoe

Vendredi 15 mai :
Sable d’Olonne, les Atlantes, Salle Vendée Globe à 16h : La Compagnie des Archipels
Sable d’Olonne, les Atlantes, Salle Vendée Globe à 20h : Kaimiloa, l’énigme de l’Odyssée polynésienne
http://www.vendeevaa.com

WALLIS ET FUTUNA :

En juillet 2015, Wallis et Futuna accueillera pour la deuxième année, le FIFO Hors les Murs à Wallis, organisé en partenariat avec Wallis 1ère et l’Association Café Fale.

Pendant une semaine de nombreuses projections seront proposées aux scolaires et au grand public des différentes îles de Wallis et Futuna. Nous avons eu le plaisir d’accueillir pour le FIFO 2015, Patrick Bonfils, le responsable du FIFO Hors les murs de Wallis, ainsi que trois jeunes de l’association, qui ont pu profiter des projections et des nombreux ateliers pendant le festival. Ils sont ainsi rentrés à Wallis, la tête remplie
d’idées et de projets et avec la programmation pour le Hors les murs qu’ils vont organiser dans leurs îles.

D’autres événements Hors les murs (Paris et Nouvelle-Calédonie) sont en cours d’élaboration.

16 April 2015

Okinawa Governor Onaga compares the Japanese government to the island’s former “autocratic” US High Commissioner

Okinawa Governor Onaga compares the Japanese government to the island’s former
Okinawa Governor Takashi Onaga (right) and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga (left) talking together for the first time at the ANA Crowne Plaza Okinawa Harborview Hotel in Naha at around 9:35 a.m. on April 5.

The Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga and Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga have held a stormy meeting at a Naha hotel. Suga said, “Giving up Henoko relocation could lead to Futenma Air Station becoming a permanent fixture. Based on applicable laws and regulations approved by the former Governor Hirokazu Nakaima, we are carrying out the landfill without making a fuss.” Onaga responded, “Although the chief cabinet secretary repeatedly used the word ‘without making a fuss,’ it reminds me of the third High Commissioner of the U.S. Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands, General Paul Caraway who refused to allow Okinawans any increase in self-rule or autonomy.” Onaga strongly criticized Suga, saying, “That attitude fuels the anger of the Okinawan people and makes it impossible to build a new U.S. military base in Henoko.”
The April 5 talks, part of which were open to the public, is the first time that Suga and Onaga have met face-to-face since Onaga won the gubernatorial election in December 2014. A major platform of his campaign was a pledge to stop the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to the Henoko district of Nago.
At the beginning of the meeting, Suga talked about how the Japanese government had been working to reduce Okinawa’s burden, (in terms of the island hosting so many US bases.) He also spoke about plans to promote the island. He said, “We would like to work together with the Okinawan people and we would like the people to trust us once again.”
Onaga said, “The difference between me and the former governor comes down to the approval of the Henoko landfill. The decision to approve the reclamation was a major issue in the last gubernatorial election. My victory in that election by a margin of 100,000 votes shows the overwhelming opposition felt by the Okinawan people to the Henoko relocation plan.”
Onaga told Suga that he understood the importance of the Japan-U.S. security arrangements. However, he added, “The U.S. military forcibly took over Okinawan land to build bases, which continues to bring huge sufferings to the people today. The Japanese government claims that Okinawa should bear the burden of hosting a new base because Futenma Air Station is the world’s most dangerous base. If Okinawan people oppose it, the Japanese government blames Okinawans for not thinking about the importance of Japan’s security.” Onaga continued, “The fact the Japanese government is making such an unreasonable demand clearly shows how low Japanese politics has sunk.”
Onaga went on to say that if the Henoko relocation was cancelled, the Japanese government would be responsible for what happened next, “You and the former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said that Futenma Air Station is the most dangerous base in the world. I would like to know whether the base will become a permanent fixture if the Henoko relocation does not work.”
Onaga intends to keep the conversation going with the central government while at the same time considering how best to exercise his powers as governor. This may result in him cancelling his predecessor’s order to approve construction work on the Henoko seabed.
The Naha meeting lasted an hour. During the 30 minute closed-door portion, Onaga and Suga exchanged opinions without the presence of their administrative officers.
(English translation by T&CT)

15 April 2015

United Nations publishes 2015 reports on U.S. Dependencies


Image result for decolonizationThe United Nations (U.N.) has begun to release its informational Working Papers for 2015 on the 17 non self-governing territories. Below are links to the three dependencies administered by the United States in the Caribbean formally designated by the U.N. The reports are prepared annually by the Decolonisation Unit of the Department of Political Affairs, and are used by the member States of the U.N. Decolonisation Committee as they review the political, constitutional, and socio-economic developments in each territory and make recommendations to the General Assembly on measures to advance the decolonisation process. To view the U.N. reports on the United Kingdom-administered dependencies click 
on:   United Nations publishes 2015 reports on British dependencies.


Image result for decolonization
www.buddhistpeacefellowship.org
According to the latest Report of the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) on the U.N. system support to the decolonisation process (2007), the production of the annual Working Papers on the 17 non self-governing territories are the "primary way" the Decolonisation Unit supports the Special Committee (on Decolonisation). The OIOS Report indicated that the research, analysis and drafting of the Working Papers constitute the Unit’s main output" utilising "some 73 per cent of the total Unit work months." 

These Papers also constitute the main substantive documents for the annual regional seminars originally designed in 1990 to alternate between the Caribbean and Pacific, and to focus on the small island territories which constitute most of the remaining dependencies.

United Nations Working Papers 2015
U.S. - administered dependencies






______________________________


For analysis of the U.N. role in the decolonisation process see the following:











14 April 2015

Northern Marianas Mayor: "No Military Activity On Pagan"

Government should focus on homestead program: Aldan

By Cherrie Anne E. Villahermosa 
Marianas Variety

Northern Islands Mayor Jerome Aldan’s message to the military is to "pack up and leave Pagan alone." Aldan was among the public officials who were in the House chamber yesterday to hear what the representatives of the Marine Corps Forces Pacific had to say during a meeting that lasted for more than three hours.

Aldan in an interview said he has not changed his position and is still opposed to the proposed use of Pagan for any military activities in the Northern Islands.

"Pagan is an island that people of Northern Marians descent should use to the full extent. There are a lot of resources there that we can tap. When you’re talking about bombs and live ammunition, that’s destruction to me. No matter how you call it…I still find it hard to believe because when you’re dropping bombs of course they will have a a significant impact once they hit the ground."

Instead of considering the military proposal, the CNMI government should help implement the homestead program for the Northern Islands.

He did not say how the financially strapped CNMI government can finance the resettlement of Pagan, which has an active volcano.

"We need the government to help us expedite the homestead program so we can go back to the Northern Islands. It’s not true that the place is uninhabited. There are still families living there and the numbers have tripled. So instead of prolonging the issue, let’s implement the homestead program. We can start it in Pagan. There’s a lot of flat land in Pagan and it’s a lot easier to maneuver there — there’s a road and there’s an existing landing area there already and all we have to do is renovate and upgrade them."

The mayor said the airport master plan was done by Efrain Camacho & Associates and it cost $500,000.

"All we need is to get the money," he added.

"We are losing a lot of lands already. There are over 4,000 pending applications for homestead lots so my take is let’s do it. Let’s start improving Pagan. We don’t need the military’s money. In fact I even asked the Marianas Visitors Authority to include Pagan to the list of the CNMI’s tourist attractions. It’s beautiful and there are a lot of attractions there."

[PIR editor’s note: Marianas Variety also reported that ‘There is a gradual loss of access to the islands. ... This was a perspective that Sen. Arnold I. Palacios, chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Relations and Independent Agencies conveyed to the visiting Marine Corps Forces Pacific representatives yesterday in a meeting on Capital Hill. ... "We are starting to lose our islands," said Senator Palacios noting that it was not just to the U.S. military, but to other federal agencies as well. ... The islands are being federalized. ... "I am just looking at it from a different perspective. Out of the 14 islands, we have lost eight of our islands — eight to the federal government; one to nature—Anatahan."’]

Aldan said he is not against the military.

"Our CNMI leaders are also leaning toward no to bombs, no to live fire exercises at all. Even on Tinian, there are a lot of concerns…. I’m just surprised that nobody has asked yet about the possible contamination."

He is urging members of the public to get involved in the upcoming meetings.

"It’s important to participate. We want the people to come out and voice their concerns and be active and be involved because these are their islands.

"Again, I am not against the military. It’s their proposal that I’m against with. It’s not the plan that we see for our kids and the future. I just hope the Legislature and the governor will do the right thing and decide what is best for the people."

For his part, Lt. Gov. Ralph Torres is also requesting community members to participate in the hearings and public meetings regarding the draft of the Environmental Impact Statement.

Torres in a statement yesterday said: "We are in a crucial stage of the long-discussed military activities on Tinian and Pagan. In the hearings and public meetings of the coming weeks, we are provided an opportunity to participate in this important process.

"I strongly encourage the members of the public and community organizations to take the time to contribute your thoughts and comments both in writing and during the scheduled public meetings."

*****

CNMI Mayor: Strong Opposition To Pagan Militarization


Militarization and resettlement incompatible


A Northern Marianas mayor says most of the people in his region opposes the United States military's plans for a live fire range on Pagan island.

The military wants to lease the uninhabited island in its entirety so the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marines can practice live fire training as part of plans for a greater presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

But the mayor of the CNMI's northern Islands, which include Pagan, Jerome Aldan, says the island's original inhabitants were hoping to re-settle, but those plans will be scuttled if it is turned into a firing range.

"What do you think about live-fire and live-bombing? For me, it's destruction, contamination and basically after they're done the island is going to turn into a wasteland. I can say about 100 percent are against this, more particularly the folks from the northern islands who are waiting to make good use of the island, go back home."

Jerome Aldan says there are also plans to site a fishing community on Pagan in coming months, but this could now be halted.



09 April 2015

Hawaiians seek to protect mountain from construction of telescope

Mauna Kea, Kaʻohe, Hāmākua, Hawaiʻi
For Immediate Release
April 7, 2015

TMT SHUTDOWN

Protectors of Mauna Kea update the status of their encampment on the mountain

The protectors of Maunakea continue to camp out across the Maunakea Visitors Center at approximately 9,200 feet elevation night in and night out and will soon reach the two week mark of their encampment. Although over 30 arrests were made on Thursday, April 2 by the Hawaii County Police Department and the DOCARE officers of the DLNR, the protectors atop the mountain of Wākea, continue their stance against the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope and continue to build momentum and gain support. 
One reason for the building of momentum and support, they say, is what they are calling the Kapu Aloha. “Abiding by this is what has fueled and protected us in this movement,” says Lanakila Mangauil. Mangauil says the Kapu Aloha is about conducting oneself with respect towards others, under any and all circumstances. Over the weekend, hundreds of supporters ascended the mountain to join in the protection efforts, with many flying in from Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. Although no construction has taken place since the day arrests were made, the protectors have kept a constant presence and plan to continue to do so while attempting to garner more support.
Protectors of the mountain have many reasons why they oppose the proposed construction of the TMT, one being that the mountain is considered sacred and perhaps the most sacred lands in all of Hawaiʻi. The mountain is named after Wākea who mated with Papahānaumoku to birth Hawaiʻi Island. The peak of the mountain is considered to be wao akua, or the realm of the gods, as it is the dwelling place of gods and goddesses such as Poliahu, Waiau, Lilinoe, Lihau, Kukahauula, Kahoupokane and Mooinanea. 


Another reason for the opposition to the TMT is the fact that protectors feel that the TMT does not adhere to the developmental laws of conservation lands as determined by the State of Hawaiʻi and the mountain also contains many religious shrines as well as burial sites and sits on top of the largest aquifer on the island of Hawaiʻi and therefore they consider it to be desecration. 
Lastly, the protectors realize and understand that even if the TMT was in compliance with the laws of developing on conservation lands, the State of Hawaiʻi is illegal and the Hawaiian Kingdom was never lawfully annexed by the United States of America and therefore continues to exits today according to International Law. This stems from the fact that Americaʻs only claim to annexing Hawaiʻi is by Joint Resolution on July 7, 1898, which is really just a domestic law having no authority outside the boundaries of its territory, and Hawaiʻi clearly was not a part of the U.S in 1898 since it required annexation. 
Because the State of Hawaiʻi is illegal, the protectors argue that every extension and branch of the State is therefore also illegal and due to this, all contracts between the contractors and the State of Hawaiʻi are void and illegal. Protectors of the mountain call upon all countries involved to honor the continued independence of Hawaiʻi that America has refused to acknowledge for the last 122 years while illegally occupying Hawaiʻi in violation of the laws of occupation.
The protectors of the mountain know that there are many out there who have and continue to offer their support through donations of food, water, money and other necessities, and while appreciated, those atop the mountain humbly and respectfully ask that any attempts of raising funds and collecting and delivering donations be communicated first with the protectors so as not to mismanage resources and cause confusion amongst the people in regards to what certain funds and donations could be used for. 
Kahoʻokahi Kanuha, one of the protectors and one who was arrested in the first group last Thursday, says “We canʻt thank everyone enough. The amount of support we have received over the past week is absolutely unbelievable and simply amazing. I am not quite sure our people have seen a movement like this in their lifetime and I think itʻs a testament to the fact that our people have been ignited and are ready to move forward and solidify ourselves once again throughout the world as a people and a country.”


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For more information, contact:
1-808-494-0626 or 1-808-936-4249
tmtshutdown@gmail.com
Twitter: @tmtshutdown
#TMTshudown on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
http://www.gofundme.com/maunakeaohana
See also:  
Hawaii Governor Calls ‘Timeout’ on Mauna Kea Telescope Construction