IMF Executive Board Concludes 2015 Article IV Consultation with the Federated States of Micronesia

Press Release No. 15/224 On May 11, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the 2015 Article IV consultation1 with the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Micronesia’s economy is stagnating, as externally-funded infrastructure projects are moving slowly while difficulties in the business climate, in particular those related to land tenure issues, continue to hold back private sector development. Staff estimates real GDP growth of around 0.1 percent for the fiscal year 2014 (ending September), while inflation has dropped to 0.7 percent on the back of falling oil prices. The current account strengthened in to 2½ percent of GDP in 2014, due mostly to a one-off increase in tax revenues and an increase in fishing license fees. Growth in 2015 is projected to remain subdued at 0.3 percent, while consumer prices are projected to further decline to -1.0 percent thanks to the continued pass through of low oil prices. The Micronesian economy is projected to grow at 0.6 percent in the medium term, while risks on the outlook are tilted to the downside. The expiration in 2023 of grants provided under the Compact of Free Association with the United States is a significant challenge for Micronesia, requiring the country to implement wide-ranging reforms to enhance fiscal sustainability and private sector growth. Damages caused by the recent Typhoon Maysak have revealed again Micronesia’s vulnerability to tropical cyclones, while disaster assistance arrangements with the United States help the nation to recover from those damages. Some reforms have been started recently, in particular, fiscal consolidation efforts by the state governments under the Long-Term Fiscal Frameworks (LTFF) and the establishment of the Unified Revenue Authority (URA). A new legislation on credit unions is being prepared to extend the supervisory authority of the Banking Board. The recently produced “2023 Action Plan” shows further policy actions that are required, including the implementation of the tax reform package and regulatory reforms. Most of these policy actions will require legislative measures – hence the critical importance in achieving a wide consensus in a nation with a loosely federated structure. Executive Board Assessment2 Executive Directors noted that medium-term growth prospects in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) remain weak given sluggish private sector activity, while fiscal challenges loom ahead, in particular, with the expiration of Compact grants in 2023. They also expressed concern about the impact of the damage caused by Typhoon Maysak in April, notwithstanding the provision of emergency assistance by the international community. Directors stressed the importance of critical fiscal and structural reforms to help lift the economy’s growth prospects and achieve fiscal sustainability beyond the expiration of the Compact grants. Directors called for the formulation of a realistic long-term fiscal framework based on a wide consensus across the national and four state governments, with a view to achieving budgetary self-reliance in the post-2023 period. While commending recent progress—including the establishment of the Unified Revenue Authority, the transfer of the 2014 fiscal surplus to the FSM trust fund, and the start of the Long-Term Fiscal Framework by the state governments—Directors encouraged the authorities to redouble their efforts in strengthening fiscal consolidation. They advised swift implementation of the long-debated tax reform package, in order to raise the revenue-to-GDP ratio closer to regional averages. Directors also noted the scope for improved prioritization of public spending, including through wage moderation and expedited implementation of an updated infrastructure development plan. Directors emphasized that improving the investment climate is key to achieving private-sector-led growth in the FSM. They encouraged the authorities to undertake growth-enhancing policy actions, particularly by addressing land tenure issues through land surveys and registration. Efforts to strengthen investor protection and contract enforcement, and expedited investment application approvals would also help to attract foreign direct investment. In this regard, attention should be paid to safeguarding FSM’s cultural heritage and pristine environment. Directors also supported greater bank credit expansion, including to SMEs, in order to help boost economic activity and promote diversified growth. They noted that business skills of SMEs should be strengthened to support formulation of more bankable business projects. Directors agreed that expanding regulatory oversight of credit unions would help to preserve financial stability. They supported the authorities’ efforts to prepare a new Credit Union Act that places credit unions under the supervision of the Banking Board, with technical assistance from the Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Centre(PFTAC). Directors encouraged the authorities to redouble efforts to strengthen the capacity to produce timely economic statistics, with technical assistance from the Fund and other donors.

Micronesia: Selected Economic Indicators, FY2010–15 /1 Nominal GDP (FY2013): US$315 million Population (FY2013): 103,679 GDP per capita (FY2013): US$3,034 IMF Quota: SDR 5.1 million FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 FY2013 FY2014 FY2015 Est. Proj. Real sector (annual percent change) Real GDP 3.2 1.8 0.1 -4.0 0.1 0.3 Consumer prices 3.7 4.3 6.3 2.1 0.7 -1.0 Employment 3.9 1.7 -2.6 -2.0 0.0 0.1 Public (incl. public enterprises) 1.1 -0.4 -0.8 -0.7 0.0 0.0 Private 7.1 3.8 -4.8 -3.9 0.1 0.2 Nominal wages 2.7 0.4 3.8 1.6 1.8 1.9 public average wage/private average wage 2.2 2.1 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Consolidated government finance (in percent of GDP) Revenue and grants 68.2 65.0 66.0 62.3 68.6 61.9 Revenue 21.6 20.8 22.9 26.8 37.4 30.9 Grants 2/ 46.6 44.3 43.1 35.5 31.2 31.0 Expenditure 67.8 65.6 65.3 59.6 56.1 59.0 Current 46.9 45.6 44.2 45.9 46.0 45.5 Capital 20.8 20.0 21.1 13.7 10.1 13.6 Overall balance 0.5 -0.6 0.8 2.8 12.5 2.8 Overall balance (exc. Grants) -46.1 -44.8 -42.4 -32.8 -18.7 -28.2 Commercial banks (in percentage of GDP; end of period) Loans 19.0 17.9 17.4 17.2 18.0 … Deposits 52.5 53.8 62.7 67.8 75.4 … Interest rates (in percent, average for FY) Consumer loans 14.9 14.4 14.2 15.7 15.7 … Commercial loans 6.6 6.6 6.4 6.4 6.4 … Balance of payments (in millions of U.S. dollars) Trade balance -128.4 -134.0 -125.7 -131.1 -129.2 -119.1 Net services and income -29.8 -32.5 -25.8 -11.7 5.5 5.6 Private and official transfers 113.8 111.2 110.3 111.1 131.7 111.4 Current account -44.4 -55.3 -41.2 -31.6 8.0 -2.1 (in percent of GDP) -15.1 -17.9 -12.6 -10.1 2.5 -0.7 Current account excluding official transfers -153.4 -158.9 -142.5 -129.6 -89.6 -99.4 (in percent of GDP) -52.2 -51.4 -43.7 -41.2 -28.5 -31.5 External debt (in millions of U.S. dollars; end of period) 3/ Stock 86.4 89.8 90.3 85.2 83.0 83.7 (in percent of GDP) 29.4 29.1 27.7 27.1 26.4 26.5 Debt service 4.4 5.0 5.1 5.9 7.1 7.0 (in percent of exports of goods and services) 6.3 6.7 5.3 6.7 7.9 8.0 Exchange rate regime U.S. dollar is the official currency Real effective exchange rate 4/ 109.9 109.5 112.4 115.1 115.8 n.a. Sources: FSM authorities and IMF staff estimates. 1/ Fiscal year ending September 30. 2/ Excludes grants to the Compact Trust Fund. 3/ Government and public enterprise debt only. 4/ Calendar year. 2003=100. 1 Under Article IV of the IMF's Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country's economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board. 2 At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country's authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

Marshall Islands advocate for nuclear test victims honoured in Taiwan

The late Darlene Keju … a pioneering Pacific legacy. Image: WCC

Pacific Scoop:

Report – By Pacific Media Watch [2]

Nineteen years after her death from cancer, Marshall Islander Darlene Keju has been honored in Taiwan with the Global Love of Lives award from a Taipei non-profit foundation.

The Chou Ta-Kuan Educational and Cultural Foundation is honoring 19 people from around the world in an annual ceremony launched 18 years ago following the death of the foundation’s namesake, a Taiwanese boy who died at 10 from cancer.

Keju exposed a United States cover up of nuclear test-caused health problems in her islands and later formed the internationally recognised non-profit group Youth to Youth in Health in the Marshall Islands.

She was represented in Taiwan by Marshall Islands Journal newspaper editor Giff Johnson, her husband of 14 years.

The Chou Ta-Kuan Foundation described Keju as “the Environmental Godmother” of the Marshall Islands who revealed the story of the 67 US nuclear weapons tests at Bikini and Enewetak to protect the safety and health of Marshall Islanders.

Despite Keju’s death in 1996, the youth health organisation she established continues “providing Marshall Islanders with healthcare services and youth leadership training programmes,” said the foundation.

[3]

Darlene Keju’s life story, by her husband Giff Johnson.

Giff Johnson published a biography of Keju in 2013 titled, Don’t Ever Whisper — Darlene Keju: Pacific Health Pioneer, Champion for Nuclear Survivors [4].

Keju’s legacy

Keju is the only Pacific islander in the group that is being honored.

Radio Australia’s Richard Ewart spoke [5] to Johnson about Keju’s legacy,

“It’s sad to say that the US nuclear test legacy continues to this day unresolved and that’s one of the reasons why her advocacy 30 years ago is still relevant now,” he said.

Johnson said Darlene had a tendency to jump in on issues that others were ignoring.

“She definitely was a pioneer in getting out ahead of the curve and bringing people along,” he said.

“But I’m sure she would have found a niche that nobody else was developing.”

He said a priority for Keju was in “developing the skills of young people to be advocates and to get out and do work for other people”.

Other recipients

In addition to Keju, the winners of the foundation’s award this year are from South Korea, Norway, Turkey, Ecuador, China, Belgium, Japan, Germany and Taiwan.

They are active in a range of peace, climate, education, health, human rights, and artistic projects.

The 19 recipients were chosen from 2341 applicants from around the world.

During their visit to Taiwan this week, they will share their stories with high school students, meet with President Ma Ying-Jeou and the mayors of New Taipei City and Taichung City, and visit with children in local hospitals to share messages of hope.

Source: Pacific Media Watch 9290

Tribute to the female ‘Pied Piper’ of Pacific nuclear justice [4]

Article printed from Pacific.scoop.co.nz: http://pacific.scoop.co.nz

URL to article: http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/2015/06/marshall-islands-advocate-for-nuclear-test-victims-honoured-in-taiwan/

URLs in this post:

[1] Image: http://pacific.scoop.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/ps-darlene-keju-wcc-canada-1983-425wide4.jpg

[2] Pacific Media Watch: http://www.pacmediawatch.aut.ac.nz

[3] Image: http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Ever-Whisper-Giff-Johnson/dp/1489509062

[4] Don’t Ever Whisper — Darlene Keju: Pacific Health Pioneer, Champion for Nuclear Survivors:http://www.pmc.aut.ac.nz/articles/tribute-female-pied-piper-pacific-nuclear-justice

[5] Radio Australia’s Richard Ewart spoke: http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/prominent-marshall-islands-advocate-for-nuclear-test-victims-honoured/1452466

Virgin Islands economic ties with Asia continue to grow

BVI continues to work with China 

to deepen business relationships

By Nadia James-Harris

The Qianhai-British Virgin Islands (BVI) Cooperative Development Forum in Shenzhen, China

SHENZHEN, China -- The government of the British Virgin Islands has indicated that it is ready to continue to working with China in the deepening of business relations between the two countries.

This was highlighted during the recently held Qianhai-British Virgin Islands (BVI) Cooperative Development Forum in Shenzhen, China, on May 26.

The forum was hosted by deputy directors-general of Qianhai Authority: Li Qiang, Peng Shuping, and Tian Min, who provided updates on Qianhai’s latest developments, achievements and future plans.

Over 200 financial practitioners and enterprise representatives participated in the forum, which was themed, “Development for cross-border finance under new economic circumstances.” Topics related to the BVI business opportunities, legislation, and Qianhai-BVI cooperation were widely discussed.

Director of BVI House Asia, Elise Donovan delivered the keynote speech titled, “The BVI – Your International Business Partner”, and introduced the British Virgin Islands financial services and advantages.

The director listed the advantages of using BVI company structures and the diverse usage of BVI companies in asset protection and wealth/fund management and showed the BVI is ready to work with China to deepen bilateral relations and open a new era of future success.

Donovan said, “Qianhai has made remarkable strides in its economic development in a relatively short time, and the BVI’s proven track record in financial services provides a platform for success for the BVI-Qianhai relationship.”

A panel discussion titled “How to promote the interaction and development of Qianhai and BVI cross-border financial business” was held and the panel explored the topics of cooperation between Qianhai and the BVI. 

BVI premier and minister of finance, Dr Orlando Smith, while reflecting on the outcome of the forum, stated, “The successful first official forum between Qianhai and the BVI creates a platform for mutual success going forward, and paves the way for further cooperation and development between the BVI and Qianhai.”

The British Virgin Islands is ranked as the leading offshore financial jurisdiction in the Global Financial Centres Index, and China continues to be the territory’s important partner in Asia.

Pacific islanders try to stop US military's plans for a simulated war zone

the guardian

People of Pagan and Tinian to take their appeal directly to Obama to save islands’ rare ecosystems from ‘irreparable damage’ and residents from forced re.location.

If the Pentagon gets its way, a pair of idyllic Pacific islands have just two years before their tranquillity is pierced by the roar of US B-52 bombers, fighter jets and artillery fire.

Faced with the destruction of their homeland, residents are to take their appeal directly to Barack Obama in an attempt to block US military plans to turn Tinian and Pagan – US territories that form part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands – into a simulated theatre of war.

Campaigners say the arrival of thousands of navy seamen and marines on the tiny islands would obliterate rare coral ecosystems and wildlife, and force some residents to relocate.

READ THE FULL STORY IN THE GUARDIAN

Cuban President Receives Prime Minister of Curacao

PRENSA LATINA

Havana, Jun 13 (Prensa Latina)

Cuban President Raul Castro received the prime minister and minister of general affairs of Curacao, Ivar Asjes, who is visiting Havana, the official newspaper Granma reported on Saturday.A press release says that Raul Castro, president of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers, held a fraternal meeting with Asjes on Friday afternoon.

At the meeting, the two leaders exchanged opinions about the development of political ties and the opportunities to further boost trade and cooperation between the two countries, as well as other matters of regional interest.

Asjes was accompanied by Jose Manuel Norberto Jardim, minister of finances, while the Cuban delegation included Council of Ministers Vice President Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, and Interim Foreign Minister Marcelino Medina Gonzalez, the press release concludes.

*****

Curacao to Host CARIFTA Games

Curacao Chronicle

By Duncan Mackay

The island was chosen ahead of the Cayman Islands, who had expresssed an interest but failed to submit a letter of support from its Government.

The annual athletics championships was founded in 1972 by the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) and has two age categories, under-18 and under-20.

Only countries associated with CARIFTA may compete in the competition.

Sir Austin Sealy, then President of the Amateur Athletic Association of Barbados, inaugurated the Games to mark the transition from the Caribbean Free Trade Association to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

CARIFTA was meant to enhance relations between the English-speaking countries of the Caribbean after the dissolution of the West Indies Federation, but the CARIFTA Games took that idea a step further, including the French and Dutch Antilles.

The Games have produced world record holders, Usain Bolt, Darrel Brown, world and Olympic champions such as Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica, Kim Collins of St Kitts-Nevis and Pauline Davis-Thompson of the Bahamas, Alleyne Francique of Grenada and Obadele Thompson of Barbados.

Northern Marianas Humanities Council to conduct public seminar in June on "Samoan Exiles on Saipan, 1909-1915"

A nearly forgotten chapter of local history will be highlighted during an upcoming public program hosted by the Northern Marianas Humanities Council.

“Samoan Exiles on Saipan, 1909-1915,” scheduled for 17-20 June, will explore the events and personalities associated with the exile of ten Samoan chiefs and their families to Saipan during the German administration.

These chiefs, led by the orator Lauaki Namulau’ulu Mamoe, were banished from Samoa due to their involvement in the Mau a Pule (Opinion of Pule), an indigenous resistance movement that sought to reinstate traditional chiefly authority banned by the German colonial government in the late 19th century.

The program will feature public presentations, the dedication of historical markers, oral history interviews, and a special ceremony hosted by Saipan’s Samoan community.

There will be two presentations.  The first, scheduled for the evening of Thursday 18 June, will feature a talk by Dr. Malama Meleisea covering the Mau a Pule.  Dr. Meleisea is the director of the Center for Samoan Studies at the National University of Samoa.

The second presentation, scheduled for the evening of Friday 19 June, will focus on the youngest of the exiled chiefs, Iiga Pisa, who gained fame by undertaking a 120 mile voyage from Saipan to Guam in a traditional Samoan paddling canoe.  This presentation will be made by a senior representative of the late chief’s family.

Both presentations start at 6:00 pm at the Visitors Center Theater, American Memorial Park. They are free and open to the public.

The program will also include the dedication of two interpretive signs marking sites associated with the exile’s six year stay on Saipan; one just north of Lower Base and the second at Agingan Beach.

Activities will conclude with a special ceremony on 20 June hosted by members of Saipan’s Samoan community who have been planning the event in conjunction with the Humanities Council for the past few months.  

A longer term goal of the program is the preparation of a booklet that provides a history of the exiles that may be used by the Public School System and Northern Marianas College. 

This booklet will include information from both written and oral historical sources and illustrated with period photographs.  The Council hopes to complete this publication by early next year.

Future Constitutional Development for Small Island Territories discussed at University of Virgin Islands Lecture

Special to OTR

          

The "Future Constitutional Development for Small Island Territories" was the subject of a lecture at the 2015 Global Institute for Leadership Management and Strategic Development of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) held on the St. Thomas Campus of (UVI). The lecture was delivered by Dr. Carlyle Corbin, International Advisor on Governance and Multilateral Diplomacy, and former U.S. Virgin Islands Representative for External Affairs.

 The presentation began with a review of key United Nations General Assembly resolutions and declarations which contribute to the overall international framework for the constitutional and political evolution of dependent territories leading to the full measure of self-government according to global standards. An important focus of the lecture was its highlight of the specific political status options recognized under international law as providing for a full measure of self-government. 

According to Corbin, these options have emerged through a process of modernization of former  dependency constitutional arrangements in place in former small island territories of the Caribbean and Pacific under varying constitutional arrangements with larger countries.

"These options remain very much available to the remaining dependencies at this juncture a decade and a half into the 21 st  Century," he noted,  "and these models of full self-government can emerge through a genuine process of self-determination in which the people make an informed decision after a comprehensive and sustained public information programme."

The lecture contrasted the present models of dependency governance in play in the Caribbean and Pacific regions under the administration of the British, French, United States, and other 'administering States.' In the Caribbean, these include the six British and two U.S. - administered territories, namely, Bermuda, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In the Pacific, these include the Pacific dependency governance models of U.S. - administered American Samoa, Guam (Guahan) and the Northern Mariana Islands; French - administered New Caledonia (Kanaky) and French Polynesia (Ma'ohi Nui); and New Zealand-administered Tokelau.

Corbin explained that the United Nations General Assembly adopts annual recommendations specific to each of these seventeen remaining dependencies.  He indicated that "in the of Puerto Rico which is not formally listed by the U.N., full committee hearings are conducted each June where close to 100 speakers from that territory's government, political parties and civil society, along with independent scholars and others, provide their perspectives on the future options for Puerto Rico."

"Emanating from this process, he said,  is an annual committee resolution which includes a host of recommendations on economic, social and political development; and which calls for the issue of Puerto Rico to be taken up by the U.N. General Assembly.

In his lecture, Corbin made specific comparisons between the dependency governance models in place in the two regions and other constitutional arrangements which provide for either the exercise of autonomous governance, or governance through integration with countries outside the two regions. In this connection, he reviewed the Dutch autonomous models in play in Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten; and the French collectivity models in St. Martin and St. Barts. The French integrated departments of Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana were also explored, along with the 'partial integration' model in place in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius (Statia) and Saba which are presently under mandatory five-year review.

As Advisor to the Statia 2014 referendum process, Corbin shared specific insights on the implications of the outcome of that process where the majority of the voters elected to replace the 'partial integration' political status with an autonomous governance model. "This initiative can have potential implications for a possible referendum under consideration in Bonaire, the second of the three jurisdictions in partial integration with Holland," he indicated. (The third territory in partial integration is Saba).

In the context of the wider hemisphere, reference was also made to the Pacific jurisdiction of  Easter Island (Rapa Nui) and the Western Caribbean jurisdiction of San Andres in their respective political relationships with Chile and Columbia. 

          

On the Pacific side, the lecture explored the U.S. model of free association in place in the Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Palau which had emerged at the beginning of the 1990s out of the former U.N. Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands following World War II. The associated state models in place in the Cook Islands and Niue vis a vis New Zealand were also examined with specific reference to the wide areas of devolved power enjoyed by the two respective associated states. 

Corbin considered that "the New Zealand autonomous model in the Cook Islands and Niue, as well as the Danish autonomous model in Greenland and the Faroe Islands, were among the most enlightened examples of modern autonomous governance."

During the presentation, the governance advisor made periodic reference to the international 'Self-Governance Indicators (SGIs)' developed in 2011 for the purpose of assessing the sufficiency of self-government of the small island dependent, autonomous, and integrated jurisdictions. Corbin explained that "the Indicators are utilized as a diagnostic tool in conducting comprehensive self-governance assessments in various jurisdictions in the Caribbean and Pacific to measure the level of self-government being exercised, the extent of unilateral power of the larger administering State and the nature of any democratic deficits that may be present in the specific governance model." 

An important element of the lecture was the relationship of global events and the strategic location of a number of the dependencies, particularly those in the Asia/Pacific region. In this connection, Corbin made ample use of maps and other illustrations to indicate the "geo-strategic and geo-economic sensitivity of many of the jurisdictions, particularly those in the Asia/Pacific region, where much attention is being paid to the emergence of China as a growing world power, and the question of the ownership of the undersea mineral resources of the Pacific region, particularly in areas such as French Polynesia."

The lecture on "Future Constitutional Development for Small Island Territories" was preceded the previous day by an address on "The United Nations at 70 - Future Challenges to Global Governance."  Corbin, who serves as the Executive Secretary of the Council of Presidents of the U.N. General Assembly,  noted that "the year 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (U.N.) which has become the pre-eminent world body comprising 193 countries."

Accordingly, the presentation examined the evolution of the U.N. system of organizations, explored the U.N. role in addressing international issues, and identified some of 21st Century challenges facing global leaders including sustainable development, war and peace, nuclear non-proliferation and more. The lecture reviewed the plans of action adopted by global leaders at U.N. conferences aimed at addressing many of these challenges. Both lectures provided for substantial interactive dialogue with the participants. 

The Pentagon Wants To Bomb The Hell Out Of This Tiny Pacific Island

By JAMES CAVE 

HUFFPOST HAWAII

Residents of the Northern Mariana Islands, as well as the Sierra Club and other environmental groups, strongly oppose the U.S. military’s plans for Pagan Island.

Pagan island is a biologically diverse, 10-mile-long island anchored by two volcanoes in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, an independent government associated with the United States.

The island, nearly three-quarters of the way to the Philippines from Hawaii, is home to wildlife that includes an endangered fruit bat, endemic birds, huge spiders, lizards, and a rare tree snail. The island has been mostly uninhabited since 1981, when its population was evacuated because of volcanic eruptions.

It is one of the most habitable islands in the Mariana chain, says Michael Hadfield, a biologist at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, who spent time on the island documenting the wildlife on behalf of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Hadfield, a self-described conservational biologist who also administers the website SavePaganIsland.org, wrote in an op-ed that Pagan Island is a “biological treasure house.”

It may also be the next U.S. bombing target.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.

National Democratic Party Wins 2015 Virgin Islands Elections

Press Release

Colene A. Penn
Communications Officer

Deputy Governor’s Office 

Telephone: 468-2350

Email:    Copenn@gov.vg

The National Democratic Party (NDP) emerged victorious at the Virgin Islands 2015 General Election held on June 8, winning 11 out of 13 seats. The remaining two seats were won by the Virgin Islands Party incumbent’s in districts one and three. The final tally is seen below.

Supervisor of Elections, Ms. Juliette Penn (pictured below) said that the process was a lengthy one and encountered some challenges along the way but all the persons involved in the process executed their duties with integrity and in a transparent manner. 

Ms. Penn said, “I extend my appreciation to the complement of staff employed in this general election in particular my returning officers, presiding officers, tally clerks, poll clerks, tabulators, administrative staff and my Deputy, Ms. Lorna Christopher.”

She added, “This is one exercise in which the community comes together to ensure democracy is served and that elections are free and fair in the Virgin Islands.”

The next step will be the returning of the Election Writs to His Excellency the Governor.

The Office of the Supervisor of Elections is responsible for the administration and execution of General Elections in the Virgin Islands.

Electoral District	Candidate	Party Affiliation	Votes
District 1	Andrew Fahie	Virgin Islands Party	652
District 2	Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull	National Democratic Party	600
District 3	Julian Fraser	Virgin Islands Party	596
District 4	Mark Vanterpool	National Democratic Party	717
District 5	Delores Christopher	National Democratic Party	590
District 6	Alvera Maduro-Caines	National Democratic Party	765
District 7	Dr. Kedrick Pickering	National Democratic Party	607
District 8	Marlon Penn	National Democratic Party	943
District 9	Hubert “Bertie” O’Neal	National Democratic Party	669
Territorial At-Large	Archibald Christian	National Democratic Party	4,659
Territorial At-Large	Ronnie W. Skelton	National Democratic Party	5,333
Territorial At-Large	Dr. D. Orlando Smith	National Democratic Party	5,753
Territorial At-Large	Myron V. Walwyn	National Democratic Party	5,777

_________________________________________________________________

Tally according to Virgin Islands Daily News

1st District

Andrew Fahie, VIP, 652.

Shania Smith, NDP, 277.

Preston Stoutt, Independent, 68.

2nd District

Melvin Turnbull, NDP, 600.

Elford Parsons, People Empowerment Party, 291.

Raja Smith, VIP, 25.

3rd District

Julian Fraser, VIP, 596.

Kevin Smith, NDP, 561.

4th District

Mark Vanterpool, NDP, 717.

Joanne Romney, VIP, 151.

5th District

Delores Christopher, NDP, 590.

Zoe McMillian, 399.

Abdul Shabazz, 23.

6th District

Alvera Maduro Caines, NDP. 637.

Elvis Harrigan, VIP, 237.

Dion Jennings, Independent, 43.

7th District

Dr. Kedrick Pickering, NDP, 607.

Oleavine Pickering-Maynard, VIP, 199.

8th District

Marlon Penn, NDP, 943.

McLloyd Walters, VIP, 185.

9th District

Dr. Hubert O'Neal, NDP, 669.

Elton Sprauve, VIP, 389.

Independent:

Albert Wheatley, 63.

Vernon Vanterpool, 37.

Stephanie Faulkner-Williams, 36.

Fay Reese, People's Empowerment Party, 27.

At-large

Myron V. Walwyn, 5,777.

Dr. Orlando Smith, 5,753.

Ronnie Skelton, 5,333.

Archibald Christian, 4,659.

Dr. Karl Dawson, 3,420.

Irene Penn-O'Neal, 2,905.

Sharie B. de Castro, 2,676

Dancia Penn, 1,837.

Charmaine Rosan-Bunbury, 1,770.

J. Alvin Christopher, 894.

Natalio Wheatley, 470.

Khoy Smith, 158.

Lorie Rhymer, 157.

Dr Rawle Hannibal, 119.

Edmund Maduro, 86.

Ishmael Brathwaite, 64.

Law experts: It’s possible to cancel approval of new U.S military base construction

Lawyer Tsutomu Arakaki (center) and other committee members filed a written opinion claiming that it is possible to cancel the landfill approval. At the Press Club in the Okinawa Prefectural Government Office on the morning of May 1.

 Ryukyu Shimpo

The Review Committee which is investigating the possibility of cancelling the approval for the construction of a new U.S. Military Base consists of lawyers and administrative law experts in Okinawa. On May 1, the committee members visited the Okinawa Prefectural Government Office. They filed a written opinion claiming that it is possible to cancel the approval for the landfill application at Henoko, Nago (where a replacement for U.S. Futenma Air Station is being built) granted by former Okinawa Governor, Hirokazu Nakaima.

After filing the documents, lawyer Tsutomu Arakaki said, “The landfill approval falls within the realm of statutory commissioned affairs. The Okinawa Governor has jurisdiction over this matter.” Arakaki went on to say, “It is possible to cancel the approval now, even before a third party committee set up by the Okinawa Prefectural Government has finished scrutinizing its validity.”

As well as the written opinion, the committee members filed documents on countermeasures which the Okinawa Prefectural Government could take if the Japanese government challenged the cancellation.

(English translation by T&CT)