PACIFIC BRIEFS 17/2/2017

INTEGRITY OF CHURCH TRIAL DOUBTED GUAM – A lawyer representing former altar boys on Guam is casting doubt on the trial being held by the Vatican to investigate allegations the island’s Archbishop abused them.

Vatican representatives are this week meeting with Roland Sondia, one of those who has accused Archbishop Anthony Apuron of sexual abuse in the 1970s. Lawyer David Lujan said he, and his client, were attending the depositions hearing which is part of a canonical trial. But he’s already questioning its effectiveness. “I’m dubious about anything regarding the Catholic Church and how it deals with priests and sex abuse complainants. The history has been nothing but to cover up.” Lujan said there was a widespread conspiracy to conceal abuse in the church on Guam.

American Samoa key building ‘unsafe’

AMERICAN SAMOA – In American Samoa, the Director of Administrative Services has described the Government’s Executive Office Building as unsanitary, unhealthy and not safe for people working in it or for the members of the public who visit it daily. The building houses part of American Samoa’s 4000-strong bureaucracy. Fuega Moliga told the Senate Government Operations Committee that he had considered how much the administration might end up paying for negligence for injuries or fatalities due to the condition of the three story building. Fuega also commented on the government housing at Lyons Park saying it’s in the same dilapidated condition. In his confirmation hearing in the House, Fuega said units which are currently occupied at Lyons Park are in no condition to have people in them.

NAURU REQUESTS DATA BE CENSORED

NAURU – Official Australian Government data about incidents at the country’s immigration detention centre in Nauru has been censored as a result of a request from the Nauru Government. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that it used freedom of information laws to request incident logs, but was advised the records had been blocked to protect “international relations.” The immigration department reportedly told the newspaper that the Nauru government had requested any reference to the country be exempted from the release. The department also said releasing the information would adversely impact its ability to maintain good working relations with the government of Nauru. The data, if supplied, would have detailed a log of serious incidents at the facility including assaults, self-harm and other disturbances.

Fsherman’s death may be murder

AMERICAN SAMOA – In American Samoa no arrest has yet been made after an American was found dead on board a fishing vessel a week ago. The territory’s Commissioner of Public Safety, Le’i Sonny Thompson, says US Coast Guard officials have arrived in Pago Pago and are investigating the case. Meanwhile the Pago Pago resietered fishing boat, American Victory, remains impounded and under police guard, and is not allowed to leave port until the police investigation into the crew member’s death is completed. It’s suspected that the man, a navigator on board the 69-metre tuna purse seiner, was murdered. Police have not released the navigator’s identity.