By Hayley J. Campbell
Impunity Watch Reporter, Oceania

PAPEETE, Tahiti — French Polynesia’s ruling party, To Tatou Aia, has been unable to address the budget debate due to a continuing struggle to maintain its majority.

The budget meeting set for this morning was delayed after disputes arose among the To Tatou Aia’s members. Hiro Tefaarere was one such member who withdrew his vote for the ruling party and threatened to form his own party.

The wife of Aia Api leader, Emile Vernaudon, also withdrew her vote from To Tatou Aia when the government refused her husband a land deal. Mrs. Heifara Izal later gave her support creating a one-vote majority in the To Tatou Aia assembly.

Internal dissents have plagued the ruling party ever since French Polynesian elections took place four months ago. Members of the opposition have made numerous threats of employing a no confidence motion.

Radio New Zealand International reports that President Tong Song will, “do what he can, and if he cannot fulfill his mandate it won’t be his fault.”

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International — Political instability in Tahiti delays budget debate — 13 August 2008

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APIA, Samoa — The Police Commissioner has launched an investigation and suspended a Samoan police constable after allegations surfaced accusing the officer of sexually offending a 19-year-old woman.

An organization known as the Samoa Victim Support group first reported the allegations two weeks ago. The woman reported the offense, and an investigation soon followed. The young woman is currently under the care of the support group.

Papalii Li’o, assistant police commissioner and spokesman, has said that the Ministry of Police will not tolerate such behavior especially among its police force.

For more information, please see:
Radio New Zealand International — Samoan police constable suspended for alleged harassment — 13 August 2008

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HONIARA, Solomon Islands — The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands is facing charges of driving under the influence of alcohol.  An arrest warrant was issued after Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua failed to appear at court.

The drunk driving incident occurred while Dr. Sikua was the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Education in 2006. The prosecution already completed its case in March, but the court is still waiting on the defense case. Private attorney, Charles Ashley, is representing Dr. Sikua.

Acting director of Police Prosecution, George Ofu, has said that Dr. Sikua’s hectic schedule is the reason for the defense case’s delay.

But Mr. Ofu has also warned that if Dr. Sikua fails to appear for his October 21st court date, the police will have to enforce the law.

For more information, please see:
Solomon Star — Prime Minister Faces Arrest Warrant In Drunk Driving Case — 13 August 2008