Page 9 - IB November 2023

Whispers Whispers

arrangement. Steven Udvar-Haxy told of the proceedings in Cook Islands
the Skift Aviation Forum in Texas: upset some media covering the Forum,
“Every time I go down there [Vanuatu], who are concerned that it would
which is like every two years, I kind of limit meaningful coverage of leaders’
feel guilty that I’m charging these poor deliberations.
people like $325,000 a month. And I see
kids on the street that don’t have shoes. Questions over ‘controversial Front Page Pte Limited
And every once in a while they have a persons’ list GPO Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands.
cyclone and we have to send medical There are questions over the status Tel: +679 9209375
supplies. I have empathy for them, but of the ‘controversial persons’ and Sales & Advertising
they need our plane. It’s the only link ‘prohibited persons’ lists developed marketing@islandsbusiness.com
they have to Australia and New Zealand, by Fiji’s previous government after Circulation & Distribution
so it’s the only lifeline to the outside former Samoan rugby player and subs@islandsbusiness.com
world.” Air Vanuatu has had another Pacific players’ advocate, Dan Leo,
tough year, having to ground its only 737 was stopped by Immigration recently. Finance
passenger jet, YJ-AV8 for periods this He was in Fiji briefly to talk about finance@islandsbusiness.com
year due to mechanical issues. his film, Oceans Apart, which takes Fiji stockists
a look at the treatment of Pacific Amy St Pharmacy - Amy St, Toorak, Suva
Tightening spaces Island players by rich rugby nations. Dominion Bookshop - BSP Life Building Arcade, Suva
Concerns amongst civil society partners It also examines mismanagement by Ginger Kitchen - Fiji Museum
of the Pacific Islands Forum that space the Pacific’s own rugby unions, which
Hot Bread Kitchen - Damodar City, Suva/LICI building,
for meaningful discussion is tightening. is what, presumably, raised the ire Butt St, Suva/Namaka, Nadi/Rajendra’s Foodtown Complex,
Over several years, there has been work of the FijiFirst government. Leo was Valelevu/Namoli Avenue, Lautoka
to include civil society organisations eventually allowed to enter the country, Kundan Singh Supermarket - Tamavua and Pacific Harbour
in processes such as development of but given the disclosures about the Maui Bay TOTAL Service Station - Lot 15, Maui Bay Estates
the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific, state of Fiji Rugby that have recently Nausori Airport Kiosk - Nausori International Airport,
but there are concerns that some of come to light, one wonders why he was Nausori
this access and spirit of collaboration still on the list at all, and when that list Palm Court Bistro - QBE Arcade, Victoria Parade, Suva
is being eroded. Meanwhile, the will be reviewed. Post Fiji - General Post Office, Suva/Nausori/Labasa
hosting of the Forum Leaders retreat Raiwaqa Bakery - Flagstaff/Nausori/Marine Drive, Lami
an expensive flight away from the rest Whispers is compiled under the Samabula Drug Store - Samabula
supervision of the editorial team.
The Projects Collective - Colova Estate (The Beachouse),
Coral Coast, Korolevu
USP Book Centre - USP Laucala Campus, Suva
Vuda Marina General Store - Vuda Marina, Lautoka
Yees Xpressmart - Unit S22, Port Denarau, Nadi
Regional
ASCC Le Bookstore - Pago Pago, American Samoa
Friendly Islands Bookshop – Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Hachette Pacifique – Papeete, French Polynesia
Heritage Park Hotel – Honiara, Solomon Islands
Naoero Postal Service Corporation (Nauru Post) – Civic
Centre, Aiwo District, Nauru
Palau Community College Bookstore - Koror, Palau
Samoa Stationery and Books - Apia, Samoa
Tuvalu Post - Funafuti, Tuvalu
Vanuatu Post - Port Vila, Vanuatu
Yap Cooperative Association – Colonia, YAP, FSM

The Fiji Media Council has launched, following the repeal of the Media Industry Development Authority Act. The
Council includes a diverse range of community members, and will hear public complaints about media content
and ethics. Photo: Fiji Government/Facebook

Islands Business, November 2023 9