Neu: 2001-10-10 Contents of this issue:
1. Rights Reminder 2. Island Ready 3. ======================================================================== October 10th, 2001 1. Rights Reminder: The United States has been cautioned that anti-money laundering measures be carefully targeted to ensure they did not over-ride th sovereign right of nations to determine their tax regimes. Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Noel Levi, has welcomed the recent announcement by the United States to introduce stronger measures against money laundering, as part of international efforts to combat the financing of terrorism. "Money laundering is a very serious criminal activity that we must all seek t stamp out," Mr Levi said. "We understand that the latest US measures are part of efforts to also cut off financial sources to those who sponsor or benefit from the evils of terrorism. "Indeed, Forum Leaders have for the past decade promoted law enforcement cooperation programmes aimed at countering money laundering. These include model legislation that individual countries may modify, as well as legal drafting assistance to prepare relevant legislation. Other efforts to establish Financial Intelligence Units will help to address the issues of transparency and information sharing." said Mr Levi. Niue still remains on the black list of the OECD but is receiving assistance from New Zealand to set up a Financial Monitoring Unit for its offshore centre. 2. Island Ready: Niue is dressed 3. in its Sunday best waiting to welcome 400 visitors to a double-banger celebration which starts next week. Along with celebrating 27 years of self government in free association with New Zealand the sparsely populated island is also recognising 100 years of political association with New Zealand. Guest of honour is the Governor General of New Zealand and Niue Dame Silvia Cartwright who will be joined by the Maori Queen Dame Atairangikaahu and a group of New Zealand MP's. Other dignitaries representing neighbouring Pacific Islands will also be attending a special flag raising ceremony outside the Fale Fono, Legislative Assembly. The main centre of Alofi has been given a coat of paint - old stone fences are sparkling white and residents of the 14 villages have made a special effort to have their gardens in full bloom. This week judging took part to find the best kept garden on the island. And as a lead up to the celebrations the island has been fundraising to support Niue's beauty queen Rossylyn Pulehetoa (21) of Liku who is packing her bags to head for the Miss South Pacific pageant in Apia later this month. Most of the island's workforce will be taking a break during the week long party to assist with preparing food and cultural entertainment for the many guests. The Niue Hotel has opened its doors and the new owners -a group of local shareholders - are preparing the property for an influx of customers. The owners will have 15 of the 32 rooms open along with bar facilities.All other properties on the island are fully booked during the festivities. Niue residents of Maori descent will provide a traditional welcome for the Maori Queen and her entourage.Tongans Samoans and Cook Islanders living on the island are also looking forward to welcoming and entertaining representatives from thei countries. Niue youth have been busy constructing three man canoes in what will be the biggest display of the craft ever. One village has built 21 canoes. Many of them will be raced in a special event at Sir Robert's wharf during the celebrations. But some folk are choosing to head off island during the break.A special charter flight from the Cooks will be taking some people back to Rarotonga for a week while a $750 return fare to New Zealand on a direct charter from Auckland has tempted many to an early Christmas shopping expedition. Sporting groups have planned a number of events including a major four day golf tournament which has a $50 entry fee. And to top off the celebrations there will be one of the biggest fireworks display ever seen on Niue. __END__
