PACIFIC BRIEFS – 01/05/2018

FIRES PUTTING FIJI’S ECONOMY AT RISK

FIJI – An NGO says uncontrolled fires are putting Fiji’s farming and tourism sectors at risk in the country’s west. Nature Fiji’s Robin Yarrow said forest loss due to the fires during dry seasons left topsoil exposed to torrential rain during this year’s cyclone season. He said cyclones Josie and Keni earlier this month caused topsoil losses which clogged waterways and endangered reefs. Yarrow said the reefs and marine life are a key tourist attraction in Viti Levu’s west and deforestation caused by fire is putting the industry at risk. He also said waterlogged lands made farming difficult, jeopardising the country’s food security. “What is being lost is essentially the topsoil which is the most fertile. Nature Fiji’ is working with the Fiji government, the Pacific Community and other NGOs to develop a National Fire Strategy to help prevent further forest losses.

FIJI TURNS TO CHINA FOR DRUGS TRAINING

FIJI – Fiji’s police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho is undertaking a visit to China to discuss plans for training his force on ways to combat the importation, manufacture and illegal use of synthetic drugs in the country. Qiliho will be especially focusing on methamphetamine. The Fiji Sun reported 20 officers from the Fiji Police Force could be trained in China on a course funded by the Chinese government. The police chief said the Chinese government has always stood by Fiji’s officers despite the political events that Fiji has gone through. He said he has also been discussing using surveillance drones for police work which would be confirmed during the China visit.

HIP HOP GODFATHER PASSES AWAY

PACIFIC – Hip hop legend, Ted Devoux (pictured), of American Samoan descent and better known as the ‘Godfather’ from the Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E., has passed away. His death was announced on social media, with old school hip hop fans all over the world posting messages of condolences for his family. Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. was once a hugely successful American hip hop group from the late 1980s up until the release of their last album, West Koastra Nostra in 2003. The group composed of the Devoux brothers Paul, Ted, Donald, Roscoe, Danny, David and Vincent, who were commonly known by their stage names – Gawtti, The Godfather, Kobra, Monsta O, Ganxsta Ridd, E.K.A and Murder One. The family is originally from American Samoa.