The Hindu | Antarctica's ice-free islands set to grow The Hindu As ice-free islands expand and coalesce, biodiversity could homogenise, less competitive species could go extinct and ecosystems destabilise from the spread of invasive species, which already pose a threat to native species, says the paper.Much life ... |
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How early would you get up to prevent extinctions?
Whether were filming the dramatic recovery of Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge, or participating in an international online press conference, a 04:30 wakeup call is par for the course at Island Conservation.
Island Conservation joined the South Georgia Heritage Trust and the University of Dundee, hosts of the Island Invasives Conference 2017, and others in an online webinar for journalists previewing key presentations and issues to be discussed at the forthcoming event. The conference is the third-ever gathering of its kind, the first to take place in the Northern Hemisphere, and will be held between July 10th and 14th at the University of Dundee, Scotland.
The press briefing was held at 14:00 UK time, so Island Conservation Director of Science Dr. Nick Holmes and I had to get up before the sun to be ready to participate from California at 06:00. But we cant complain; our friend and colleague Dr. James Russell participated from Auckland New Zealand at 01:00 local time!
In the webinar, five expert speakers provided updates on their current projects, providing exclusive access to journalists ahead of the conference, providing the global context and how sharing information can help conservationists and scientists scale up what is being done to meet the escalating challenges.
Professor Tony Martin, University of Dundee, Professor of Animal Conservation, spoke about the South Georgia Heritage TrustHabitat Restoration Project, the worlds largest rodent eradication operation to date. He reported Wilsons Storm Petrels are beginning to come back, quite literally, from the brink of extinction. It is just a joy to traverse the island and see the wildlife starting to come back not that invasive rats and mice are gone. It still brings a lump to my throat when I hear the delicate song of the South Georgia Pippetts, the worlds southern-most songbird, found nowhere else in the world (endemic).
Dr. Piero Genovesi reported on the Honolulu Challenge, first conceived and endorsed by Island Conservation and others at the IUCNs World Conservation Congress in Honolulu late in 2016. Its objectives include increasing island invasive species eradications, and expanding biosecurity [invasive invasion prevention] efforts for countries and islands.
Predator Free New Zealand 2050 is New Zealands commitment to the Honolulu Challenge, explained Dr. James Russell, University of Auckland. This is the most ambitious invasives eradication goal ever set, eliminating invasive rats, possums, and stoats from the entirety of mainland New Zealand (NZ). So ambitious is this endeavour that the tools and methods needed to achieve it arent yet developed or tested. Russell explained, Were very much looking forward to coming to Dundee in a few days. Predator Free New Zealand depends on this kind of collaboration and exchange of information.
Clare Stringer, RSPB, Head of International Spices Recovery Unit spoke about the Gough Island Restoration Programme, which has been in the works for many years. Stringer explained, Gough Island could lose its World Heritage status if we dont intervene soon, or worse, the world could lose the island-endemic Tristan Albatross. Funding is the only thing holding us back.
Island Conservations own Dr. Nick Holmes, Director of Science, wrapped up the formal presentation, explaining why all these speakers, and many more organizations are flocking to Dundee to explore ways to scaling up invasive species eradications:
Thank you all kindly for joining today. I wanted to talk about the global scale of the challenge and opportunity for island restoration, and going to scale.
The previous speakers have all illustrated the challenges and opportunities in eradicating invasive species from islands, and that this valuable tool in the island restoration toolbox can be taken to scale.
We are seeing demonstration of going to scale in New Zealand, where the practice of completely removing invasive species from islands is a mainstream activity, and they have now set a new bar with their 2050 predator free challenge for the nation itself
Were seeing demonstration of going to scale amongst the global island restoration community, coming together to make important commitments around the Honolulu Challenge. The strength of these partnerships has never been greater.
And were seeing this demonstrated through increased scope and scale of individual projects, including remarkable and globally important efforts like South Georgia & Gough. These projects require sophisticated partnerships leveraging new approaches to tackle such challenges.
Before going any further I wanted to touch onwhy islands? Islands have a disproportionately higher rate of extinction and endangerment when compared to mainland areas. Islands occupy less than 6 percent of Earths land area. But when we look at what we have lost in the last half millennia, 61 percent of recorded extinctions have taken place on islands. And when digging into the reasons why, invasive species are implicated as a key cause in extinctions on islands.
When we look at what we have left today, approximately thirty-seven percent of all Critically Endangered Species on the IUCN Red List are found on islands, and approximately 20% of bird, reptile, and plant species.
So, if our goal is to conserve biodiversity, and prevent threatened species from going extinct, working on islands to remove invasive species offers some of the greatest return on investment. And this is the basis for the work that we do.
All around the globe, we are seeing these projects grow in scope and scale. This is a database of efforts to eradicate islands around the world. We are aware of more than 1200 efforts, and a success rate of around 85%.
Here is another example. With a partnership including BirdLife International, Polynesian Ornithological Society, and Island Conservation, we are excited to add to this global impact, and announce the success of a project in the Acteon-Gambier Island Groups, in French Polynesia where there are now 5 new predator-free islands.
This is an example of going to scale because it is a new global partnership conducting the biggest operation of its kind in one of the most remote island archipelagoes in the Pacific.
This is globally significant outcome because this project more than doubles the safe habitat for theCritically Endangered Polynesian Ground-dove, locally known as the Tutururu, one of our worlds rarest birds with an estimated less than 200 left in the world. There is now hope for this rare species.
The Tutururu, a ground-dwelling island bird, is Critically Endangered due to invasive species impacts. A recent project to clear invasive species from its habitat offers hope for its recovery. Photo credit: Island Conservation/Maddy Pott
These biodiversity conservation outcomes are the true driver of our collective efforts of going to scale.
Recently we published a first-of-its-kind study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, titled Invasive-mammal eradication on islands results in substantial conservation gains. You can find a link in the press pack. The authorship included a 30-member team of scientists, and we examined how native species responded to projects that eradicated invasive mammals from islands. From our limited search, we found 596 populations of 236 native species on 181 islands benefited.
Islands with native fauna populations with demonstrated and/or predicted benefits from invasive mammal eradications. Dot size indicates numbers of populations. PNAS
For every one of the 1200 efforts to date, there are hundreds more islands infested with invasive mammals like rats. There is so much more we need to do to bring this, one of the most successful conservation interventions, to the islands on which our worlds most imperiled species rely.
This is the message of hope and the reason you will find us all at next weeks Island Invasives Conference in Dundee. The successes, challenges, and opportunities like those weve highlighted today, are the message of hope and the reason you will find us all at next weeks Island and Invasives conference in Dundee.
The magnitude of the problem we face is a call to action for all of us attending the conference and many others to collaborate on further mainstreaming this conservation intervention; we need to continue to push the envelope by tackling more islands, bigger islands, and to find transformational ways for us to match the scale and scope of the problem and opportunity.
We are looking forward to learning from each other and being inspired, creating new partnerships and rising to the challenge of taking island restoration to scale.
Thus far, the Island Invasives Conference has more than 300 registered participants coming from 43 different countries. There will be about 90 speakers and poster presentations; Nine of these will be provided by Island Conservation Staff, and dozens more will be provided by our esteemed partners and colleagues.
Look out for further updates from us throughout the conference!
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Featured photo: Island Invasives Conference Website
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Wake-up Call for Imperiled Species! - Island Conservation News
Scuba instructor Ashley Roberts had a incredible encounter with a swarm of sharks while on a diving trip to Fijis Beqa Lagoon. Local dive guides counted at least 40 bull, 12 grey reef, 15 white tip and 20 black tip sharks during Roberts dive in the crystal clear waters of the lagoon. Roberts video captures the swirling swarm of sharks. Credit: Ashley Roberts via Storyful
THIS place is heaven on earth and only a few flying hours from Australia.
As an extreme cold front settles over much of Australia this week, we cant help but think of places where we can escape winter.
And here are seven reasons why the always friendly nation of Fiji has our vote.
These are Fijis most Instagrammable spots, according to fiji.travel.
CLOUD NINE
Cloud Nine. Picture: blissfulkcteam/InstagramSource:Instagram
Fijis only two-level floating platform, this slice of paradise has an internationally stocked bar and Italian wood-fired pizzeria surrounded by picturesque turquoise waters.
MONURIKI ISLAND
Look familiar? Monuriki Island. Picture: tropicalfijian/InstagramSource:Instagram
This island in the Mamanuca Archipelago is most famous for providing the setting for 2000s blockbuster movie Cast Away, starring Tom Hanks and a volleyball named Wilson.
SOUTH SEA ISLAND
South Sea Island. Picture: andreajane photography/InstagramSource:Instagram
The best way to see this picturesque island is with a cruise there are plenty of day cruises to choose from, and theyll all take you to see the worlds clearest waters, most colourful coral reefs and whitest sands.
BEACHCOMBER ISLAND
Beachcomber Island. Picture: @mamanuca_islands_fiji/Blair Monk/InstagramSource:Instagram
This pretty island is situated on a scenic marine sanctuary in the heart of the Mamanuca Islands, just 19km from Nadi International airport.
CLOUDBREAK
The famous Cloudbreak. Picture: joliphotos/InstagramSource:Instagram
Cloudbreak is a world-class wave consistently ranked among the ten most challenging waves in the world. It also makes a really pretty picture.
LAUCALA ISLAND RESORT
Laucala Island Resort. Picture: laucalaisland/InstagramSource:Instagram
This spot is a favourite among the rich and famous Miranda Kerr and Evan Spiegal spent their recent honeymoon there. The best part about it has to be that pool.
LIKULIKU LAGOON RESORT
Likuliku Lagoon Resort. Picture: tourismfiji/InstagramSource:Instagram
This is one of the few resorts in Fiji with overwater bures, and its the perfect place to stay for an idyllic Fiji holiday.
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WASHINGTON China has built new military facilities on islands in the South China Sea, a U.S. think tank reported on Thursday, a move that could raise tensions with Washington, which has accused Beijing of militarizing the vital waterway.
The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), part of Washington's Center for Strategic and International Studies, said new satellite images show missile shelters and radar and communications facilities being built on the Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi Reefs in the Spratly Islands.
The United States has criticized China's build-up of military facilities on the artificial islands and is concerned they could be used to restrict free movement through the South China Sea, an important trade route.
Last month, a U.S. Navy warship sailed within 12 nautical miles of Mischief Reef in a so-called freedom of navigation operation, the first such challenge to Beijing's claim to most of the waterway since U.S. President Donald Trump took office.
China has denied U.S. charges that it is militarizing the sea, which also is claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Trump has sought China's help in reining in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, and tension between Washington and Beijing over military installations in the South China Sea could complicate those efforts.
China has built four new missile shelters on Fiery Cross Reef to go with the eight already on the artificial island, AMTI said. Mischief and Subi each have eight shelters, the think tank said in a previous report.
In February, Reuters reported that China had nearly finished building structures to house long-range surface-to-air missiles on the three islands.
On Mischief Reef, a very large antennae array is being installed that presumably boosts Beijing's ability to monitor the surroundings, the think tank said, adding that the installation should be of concern to the Philippines due to its proximity to an area claimed by Manila.
A large dome recently was installed on Fiery Cross and another is under construction, indicating a sizeable communications or radar system, AMTI said. Two more domes are being built at Mischief Reef, it said.
A smaller dome has been installed near the missile shelters on Mischief, "indicating that it could be connected to radars for any missile systems that might be housed there," AMTI said.
"Beijing can now deploy military assets, including combat aircraft and mobile missile launchers, to the Spratly Islands at any time," it said.
(Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Bill Trott)
MOSUL/ERBIL, Iraq After eight months of grinding urban warfare, Iraqi government troops on Thursday captured the ruined mosque at the heart of Islamic State's de facto capital Mosul, and the prime minister declared the group's self-styled caliphate at an end.
HONG KONG Chinese President Xi Jinping, visiting Hong Kong for the 20th anniversary of the city's return to Chinese rule, inspected more than 3,000 People's Liberation Army troops on Friday, as pro-democracy campaigners geared up for protests.
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China builds new military facilities on South China Sea islands: think tank - Reuters
Universals Islands of Adventure theme park, the original home of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, has landed the top spot on the TripAdvisor list of amusement parks for 2017.
To determine winners of its Travelers Choice awards, the travel site used an algorithm of the quantity and quality of its user reviews and ratings from a 12-month period.
Central Florida attractions dominate the U.S. rankings, earning seven of the top eight spots. After IOA, the list goes with Discovery Cove, SeaWorld Orlandos day resort; Magic Kingdom, the original theme park of Walt Disney World; Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles; Universal Studios in Orlando; Epcot; Disneys Animal Kingdom; and SeaWorld Orlando.
Disney California Adventure and neighboring Disneyland finished ninth and tenth, respectively.
Notables further down the list are Busch Gardens in Tampa at 14th and the Fun Spot location in Orlando at No. 18.
In TripAdvisors worldwide rankings, Islands of Adventure and Discovery Cove finish 1-2 as well, followed by Europa-Park of Rust, Germany.
Central Florida water parks took the top three slots for U.S. water parks, with Disneys Typhoon Lagoon in the No. 1 position. It was followed by Aquatica, SeaWorlds water park, and Disneys Blizzard Beach.
But on the worldwide water park list, Floridas attractions trail popular spots in Spain, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.
Among the other Travelers Choice categories are rankings for restaurants, hotels, museums, beaches, landmarks, islands and destinations on the rise.
dbevil@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5477
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Universal's Islands of Adventure tops TripAdvisor rankings - Orlando Sentinel
Nixs Mate, Little Brewster and Spectacle might sound like nifty microbrew handles, but those are just three of several islands dotting Bostons harbor.
These islands were a part of city life and commerce, but are now a section of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, the largest recreational open space in eastern Massachusetts. Numbering 34 islands in all, 13 lie in Bostons Inner and Outer Harbor, and theres no better way to catch a sea breeze and cool down in the summer than heading out on the water.
Historic sites
Little Brewster houses the nations oldest light station. However, its not the oldest lighthouse because, thanks to the enthusiasm of the Boston militia fighting the British during the War of Independence, the original lighthouse Americas first, built in 1716 was destroyed. The current one was constructed in 1783.
Boston Lights first female lighthouse keeper Dr. Sally Snowman will tell you all about the buildings history on the guided tour. You can climb to the top, but the 76 steps and confined space isnt for everybody. The 3.5-hour round-trip tour toLittle Brewster Island via ferry is available for $41 with the climb, or for $30 without it.
Fort Warren on Georges Island was constructed between 1833 and 1860 to guard Boston Harbor. It also served as a prison during the Civil War, as well as World War II, due to fears over German U-boat attacks. Since 1947, the fort has been in civilian hands as a tourist attraction. Theres a visitor center and museum, plus a caf and gift store. Georges Island is on the regular, seasonal ferry service route from Long Wharf, available between May and October.
Music
Berklee College of Musics free Summer in the City concert series extends to Castle, Georges and Spectacle islands this year. Mostly jazz, but with some pop, world and folk artists too, concerts on Georges Island are on Saturdays through Aug. 19; on Spectacle Island during a few Sundays in July; and on Castle Island on Saturdays throughout August. Check out the schools website for a complete schedule.
Cruises
Most cruises around the Harbor Islands do not include any stop-offs, but you do get an up close and personal history of the islands. The Boston Harbor Islands cruise on Northern Lights is a two-hour sail aboard a 1920s style vintage yacht. There is a narrated guide that covers the areas history and some stories about pirates and ghosts that supposedly haunt the islands. Cruises are available through August 19 at $40 for adults and $25 for children. boston-sailing.com
The Adirondack III Day Sail is also a two-hour cruise, but aboard an 80-foot all-wooden vessel modeled after 1890s style pilot schooners. The narrated tour covers the Inner Harbor Islands - Castle Island, Spectacle Island and Long Island, as well as Fort Independence. Trips are available through August at $48 and $28 for children.
Camping
Lovells and Peddocks Island have campgrounds,but dont expect glamping amenities. There are composting toilets only, no showers, no supplies and access to fresh water is only available on Peddocks, which also has yurts with cots. Campfires are not permitted on campsites, but are allowed below the high tide mark.Campers must bring one gallon of water per person per day. Plan to carry it all in and carry it all out.Reservations are required, so plan ahead.
Getting there
The Harbor Islands are among few places where the journey really is as fun as the destination. Most islands with any attractions are accessible by public ferry service fromLong Wharf North in Boston. For more info on getting there and what to do, check out bostonharborislands.org.
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Your complete guide to hopping around the Boston Harbor Islands - Metro US
Miami Herald | MIA launching first Miami-Tortola flight to the British Virgin Islands Miami Herald Miami is getting its first-ever nonstop service to Tortola, British Virgin Islands, next month. On July 22, BVI Airways will begin offering two weekly, round-trip flights on Saturdays and Sundays to the British Virgin Islands' capital and largest ... |
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MIA launching first Miami-Tortola flight to the British Virgin Islands - Miami Herald
The mission was devised not simply as a peacekeeping operation, but as a program to rebuild the state.
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) will officially come to a completion on Friday, June 30. For the past 14 years the Australian-led mission has been assisting the Pacific Island country to reestablish stability and functionality after a period of ethnic violence from 1998 to 2003. During this period hundreds of people were killed, ten of thousands displaced, and the state was brought almost to collapse.
As a modern nation-state constructed out of a British colonial endeavor, the Solomon Islands brought together six large culturally distinct islands (and another 900 smaller islands) alongside 70 languages. Despite the creole of Pijin (closely related to Papua New Guineas Tok Pisin) developing throughout the colonial period as a lingua franca, an accompanying strong civic nationalism that could have transcended tribal divisions had failed to develop alongside it.
The second half of the 20th Century saw significant movement of people from the island Malaita, who were seeking opportunities in the capital of Honiara on the island Guadalcanal. Malaitans soon became the largest ethnic group in the capital and the dominant actors in many of the governments structures and business community. This led to significant resentment within the native Guale population. The increasing tensions led to the formation of two militia groups, the Isatabu Freedom Movement and the Malaita Eagle Force. Law and order began to collapse along with the states ability to deliver services, and economic activity was diminished.
Prior to 2003, Australia had been reluctant to intervene in the conflict. Australias role in the recent independence of Timor-Leste had aroused Indonesian suspicions of potential Australian sympathy towards the independence movement in West Papua. The thinking was that any use of military force in the region could have been perceived by Indonesia as an Australian fondness for regional interventions, compounding suspicions of Australias disregard for Indonesian sovereignty.
Yet with the invitation of the Solomon Islands government, and with increased concern about a failing state in Australias arc of instability, the RAMSI intervention was launched with the support of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Violence came to an almost immediate halt with the RAMSI intervention, and within a few weeks most of the militias weaponry had been confiscated and destroyed. Although Australia provided the bulk of the 2,200 military personnel and police, the other 15 member states of the Pacific Islands Forum all contributed some police and military personnel, as well advisors and diplomats to assist in the reconstruction of the state.
The mission was devised not simply as a peacekeeping operation, but as a program to rebuild the state. This involved significant investment in not only the Solomon Islands security apparatuses, but also within the countrys financial infrastructure, the justice system, and vital public services like health and education. Alongside reviving the countrys economy and building more inclusive civic institutions.
In a statement to the Solomon Islands Parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare recognized the success of this state-building project when he declared that [l]aw and order has been restored, the machinery of Government is functioning again, the economy has recovered and the judicial system has been strengthened; our Police Force has regained the confidence of our people.
RAMSI has remained popular with with general population throughout its mission, and some sections of the Solomon Islands community are concerned that unrest will return when it departs. While government corruption in the Solomon Islands remains an endemic problem, and former warlord Jimmy Lusibaea is now the Infrastructure Minister, the chief of the RAMSI mission, Quinton Devlin, has stressed that the creation of a perfect state was never RAMSIs purpose. The mission was to restore stability to the country and assist in establishing institutions that the Solomon Islands can continue to develop themselves.
However, the success of RAMSI, once it fully departs the Solomon Islands on Friday, will be judged by whether this stability and security can be maintained, and whether the countrys revived institutions have the resilience to withstand the transition back to full sovereignty, and to accommodate the evolving needs of the Solomon Islands people.
For Australia, the end of RAMSI will signal a potential shift in Australias regional foreign policy. Will Australia continue to pursue a more active and interventionist foreign policy, or moves back towards the more reluctant position held prior to RAMSI, weary of Indonesias concerns. Of course the hope is that further interventions of this kind will not be necessary particularly in the Solomon Islands however the forthcoming referendum on Bougainvilles independence from Papua New Guinea (currently scheduled for mid-2019) will undoubtedly be carefully observed by the Australian government.
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RAMSI Ends: What's Next for the Solomon Islands? - The Diplomat
Flooding that has damaged dozens of homes on the Toronto Islands and forced the suspension of ferry service for members of the public has cost the city nearly $5 million so far with the tally expected to go up further.
According to a report by the citys general manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation, the flooding on the islands will cost the city about $4.88 million by the end of July, mostly due to lost ferry revenue and the cancellation of permits.
The report says that should the islands remain closed to the public through the end of August the cost resulting from reduced ferry ridership alone will be an additional $2.23 million.
The report also points out that capital costs for remediation, mitigation and adaptation cannot be fully estimated at this time, meaning that the total bill to taxpayers will likely rise further.
Since May, more than 45,000 sandbags, 1,000 meter bags and 27 industrial pumps have been deployed in an effort to protect homes and businesses but large parts of the sandbar have nonetheless been submerged.
In the short term it (the flooding) has jeopardized peoples homes, closed beaches and park spaces and had a significant impact on businesses over there, Mayor Tory said of the flooding during a news conference to discuss the citys emergency preparedness efforts on Thursday. There has been a cost already mainly through lost revenue of 5 million and in fact the cost going forward of actually reconstructing what has been damaged will be many millions more than that.
Ferry service to the island has been limited to residents and essential personnel since the beginning of May.
The report found that as a result only 14,000 people rode the ferry in May, which was down from 140,000 in May of 2016.
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The Love Island girls have come up with a devious plan to ensure their men don't pull any of the new girls.
Gabby Allen, Olivia Attwood and Amber Davies get very territorial as they send their fellas off to the second villa.
In scenes set to air tonight, the girls are in the bedroom packing up their boys suitcases as it dawns on them that the new boys moving into their villa means that new girls may be joining Chris Hughes, Kem Cetinay, Marcel Somerville , Dom Lever and Jonny Mitchell somewhere else.
Gabby says she is confident in Marcel to stay faithful: "I do trust him not to do anything. He is my boyfriend, its not like Im just coupled up with him."
Olivia adds: "I dont have any [faith]. Have you met Chris? An absolute idiot he is."
She then tries to sabotage his chances of getting with any other girls by packing his worst clothes.
Amber does the same and sprays her perfume all over Kems clothes. She also puts a pair of her underwear in his case.
Later in new villa Casa Amor, the boys open their cases to unpack and Kem and Chris find Amber and Olivias underwear and that their clothes smell of perfume.
"She is marking her territory," Kem says.
As night falls, Chris and Kem try and fail to make a toast. Dom stands up and makes one instead, saying: "Five new girls and a new villa. Weve all got to get to know each other for three days.
"Its going to be absolutely manic so I just want everyone to enjoy themselves, get used to it because this is Love Island."
They all raise their glasses.
The ultimate test of loyalty has landed on the Island what will this mean for the Love Island couples?
* Love Island airs tonight at 9pm on ITV2
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The Marianas Visitors Authority is moving forward with its Flower Islands Project, which aims to transform the islands into a flower-dotted destination.
With the guidance of internationally renowned landscape architect Junichi Inada, famed for helping create the Garden City of Singapore, the MVA held a series of meetings to share the vision of the project with the mayors of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Department of Public Lands, Commonwealth Ports Authority, Department of Public Works, Division of Parks & Grounds, Division of Forestry, and Micronesia Islands Natural Alliance.
During his visit, Inada also assessed current landscape in public areas and tourist sites on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
The Flower Islands Project aims to increase the competitiveness of the Marianas by rejuvenating our islands with trees and colorful flowers incorporated into our professional landscape architecture. At the same time, this new branding will create new business opportunities, said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. As the Flower Islands of the Pacific, we will create memorable experiences with visitors, engaging all five senses. We invite the entire Marianas community to become a part of this plan.
The Flower Islands Project master plan now under development will include long-and short-term phases providing workable guidelines on its implementation.
The plan will be shared with government agencies, private sector, schools and colleges to encourage everyones participation and contribution in achieving one common goal, said MVA Product Development manager Tatiana Babauta. In addition to boosting tourism, it will also develop natural habitats for trees and flowers, filter stormwater, and provide educational opportunities for plant propagation. And just imagine all the great photo opportunities!
Phase I of the plan will include a conceptual directional master plan for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota; a schematic plan for the Francisco C. Ada-Saipan International Airport, Tinian International Airport, Rota International Airport, and Banzai Cliff; a conceptual computer graphic montage for the Saipan airport, Tinian airport, Rota airport, and Airport Road toward Beach Road on Saipan; a topographical study model of Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and schematic image model of the Saipan airport; consultation on lighting posts beautification along the Beach Road pathway; consultation on horticultural nurseries on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota; consultation on acquisition of plants for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota; consultation on acquisition of horticultural equipment for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota; and consultation and coordination in regards to hanging flower baskets on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. (Saipan Tribune)
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Updated June 29, 2017 10:37:53
The Australian-led assistance mission to Solomon Islands will officially end tomorrow, as the country eyes a lasting peace after ethnic violence that left it on the brink of collapse.
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) saw Australia, New Zealand and 13 other Pacific countries send help to stabilise the island nation, at the request of its government.
Australia spent an estimated $2.8 billion on the 14-year mission, contributing 7,200 soldiers and 1,700 Australian Federal Police officers to the effort.
But as the mission draws to a close, there are concerns over whether the current peace will endure and in the words of the country's Prime Minister, Solomon Islands has arrived at a crossroads in its history.
The ethnic violence in Solomon Islands between 1998 and 2003 which locals refer to as "the tensions" saw fighting between militants from Guadalcanal island and the nearby island of Malaita.
Militants in Guadalcanal began targeting migrants from Malaita, who had travelled to Guadalcanal to seek employment in the capital Honiara, and had over the years created multiple settlements on the island.
The militants resented the growing influence settlers commanded over the island, as well as the settlers' presence on their lands.
The resulting violence saw thousands of Malaitan settlers flee back to their home island or to the relative safety of the capital.
A Malaitan militant force was set up in response, further entrenching unrest across the country, and the police force began to take sides in the violence.
After years of worsening conflict and fruitless peace efforts, Solomon Islands found itself on the verge of becoming a failed state.
In 2003 the Solomon Islands government made a formal request for assistance to its regional neighbours, and RAMSI was born.
Australian soldiers and federal police quickly restored law and order and confiscated thousands of guns.
But it was not an easy mission two Australians died, one was shot in the back.
"On the side of law and order [RAMSI] was clearly very successful," said James Batley, a former special coordinator of RAMSI and Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands.
"And dramatically so early on, when the militant groups disarmed and their weapons were destroyed."
Mr Batley spoke to the ABC from Honiara, where he is participating in the end-of-mission celebrations.
"It's really very striking just how warm the messages we are hearing here in Honiara are," he said
Australia's Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and representatives from other participating Pacific countries were also given a warm, traditional welcome to the capital.
Justice Minister Michael Keenan attended the ceremonies and said Australia was duty-bound to lead a regional intervention.
"Australia could not afford to have a failed state on our doorstep," he said.
"We are essentially the superpower in the Pacific, and it's very important that we play our role."
Beyond just ending the conflict, RAMSI had a broad mandate.
The mission also involved repairing national institutions, restoring government finances and the aiding the operation of the public service.
The police force also needed renewal after its participation in the conflict, and was rearmed on a limited basis earlier this year for the first time since the violence ended.
44 unarmed Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers will also remain in the country after the withdrawal to serve as trainers.
But the mission was not without its critics one of the most strident among them being the current Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.
While Mr Sogavare had previously accused the mission of undermining his country's sovereignty, and had even threatened to terminate the effort, he has changed his views in recent times.
Speaking in Parliament earlier this week, he praised RAMSI for fully achieving its mandate.
"It faced a lot of challenges, but of course none of which deterred the mission from pursuing and achieving the objectives it set out to achieve," he said.
"Law and order has been restored, [the] machinery of government is functioning again."
Opposition leader Jeremiah Manele said there was anxiety in some parts of the country over what would happen after the withdrawal.
Acknowledging these concerns, Mr Sogavare described Solomon Islands as being at a crossroads, but said the country's second chance at peace was an exciting challenge.
"We must learn to live together in harmony," he said.
"We must learn, Mr Speaker, to see our differences as a point of strength."
Not everyone is convinced that lessons have been properly learnt following the unrest.
"The Solomon Islands Government did not make use of the opportunity when RAMSI [was] here to solve the underlying causes," Guadalcanal Premier Anthony Veke said.
Mr Veke said land rights on Guadalcanal, a major grievance of the militants there, have not seen any progress.
He said the Government could have used the stability provided by RAMSI to make inroads.
"If the Government wants to see Solomon Islands stability they have to be able to address these land issues in Guadalcanal."
Mr Batley is aware of these arguments.
"There's no doubt that there's a bit of nervousness around," he said.
"Some thoughtful Solomon Islanders are asking the question: 'Did we sufficiently make use of the opportunity that RAMSI provided to really address the really deep issues?'
"There is a bit of national debate around, but I think overwhelmingly the feeling is that the time is right."
Mr Veke was also positive about the prospect of an enduring peace in Solomon Islands.
"I'm confident that the country's future is bright and in good hands," he said.
"Especially with the new Commissioner of Police and also with the more than 40 AFP who will be remaining.
"I think they can still continue to provide an environment in which the common can actually address those issues."
Topics: unrest-conflict-and-war, world-politics, solomon-islands, australia, pacific, new-zealand
First posted June 29, 2017 09:42:13
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Solomon Islands at a crossroads as Australian-led assistance mission bids farewell - ABC Online
Dear Answer Man, one of the ideas that's been mentioned for dealing with all the dredged sand that the Army Corps of Engineers needs to get rid of is to build some islands in Lake Pepin. Is that even possible?
Some people say there's no such thing as a bad idea. I disagree. There are lots of bad ideas, and this is one of them.
Lake Pepin is the only natural lake (also known as a wide spot) along the whole 2,320-mile length of the Mississippi River. It's one of the greatest attractions in Minnesota (and Wisconsin, but that's another story), a place of sublime beauty that somehow has managed not to be overrun by lakeshore development or tainted by pollution. It's a mecca for boaters, anglers, eagle watchers, photographers, road trippers and anyone who enjoys a beautiful view.
First-time visitors to the area wonder how it is that they've never heard of it; longtime area residents take it for granted but are glad it's there.
So, first of all, it's a cockamamie idea to even talk about building islands in the lake. Yes, there are manmade islands in the river downstream around Wabasha; while not ideal, that part of the river has been greatly altered by the Corps' lock and dam system over the years. Lake Pepin remains pristine by comparison.
Then there's the question of where. The lake averages a depth of 20 feet, but it's more like 50 and 60 feet deep through much of it. It's hard to imagine where these sand mountains would be built without disrupting fish and wildlife, water quality, lakeshore residents and lake users.
I could go on and on, and I can think of many people around the lake who'd be glad to weigh in on this issue, but instead I directed one of my research associates to ask the Army Corps of Engineers if the idea of building islands in Lake Pepin is being considered in any way.
George Stringham, a public affairs specialist with the Corps in St. Paul, says the draft plan that was released in May "does not recommend island construction in Lake Pepin. We are not recommending this approach as a part of our strategy to address long-term dredged material management."
The Corps issued a draft plan in May for dealing with about 10 million cubic yards of sand that will be dredged from the river over the next 40 years. The plan calls for piling much of it on now privately owned land near Wabasha, Kellogg and Nelson, Wis., and developing transfer stations that will greatly increase truck traffic and commotion in other areas.
Stringham said there are "several reasons" islands in Lake Pepin are not being considered. "They include adverse environmental impacts, and substantial policy and compliance challenges, among other issues," he said.
Somewhat ironically, the Corps is looking at the possibility of "building islands in the upper part of Lake Pepin in cooperation with the Wisconsin DNR," he said. According to a news release that went out Tuesday, the Corps proposes to "investigate opportunities to utilize dredged material from Pool 4 (the area between the Red Wing and Alma, Wis., dams) to improve the ecosystem in the same pool. Potential opportunities for the Corps to improve the pool include using dredged material to build islands, dredging backwater areas, creating and/or improving wetlands, stabilizing the shoreline stabilization and planting floodplain forest."
There are environmental benefits, in other words, to dredging and reconstructing areas that have been affected over the years by the Corps' lock and dam system. A public meeting on the plan to merely study that possibility will be at 5 p.m. July 11 at the Red Wing library.
"In that part of the lake, there would be environmental benefits of such activity," Stringham told my I-Team member by email, and that area is high up on the lake. "However, no environmental agencies have expressed interest in building large islands in the lower part of Lake Pepin. It does not seem likely that there would be environmental benefits to building a large island in lower Lake Pepin."
Could dredge spoils from the Wabasha area be brought upriver to that island-building project, if it goes ahead? Perhaps, though it would be a drop in the bucket in terms of the 40-year plan.
The Answer Man gets better and better every day. Send questions to P.O. Box 6118, Rochester, MN 55904 or answerman@postbulletin.com.
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Answer Man: Lake Pepin is no place for manmade islands | Answer ... - Post-Bulletin
Weeks of flooding that threatened to force the evacuation of the Toronto Islands this springand continues to keep the park shut caused about $4.88 million in damages, according to a report released by the city Tuesday.
Those estimates cover the losses anticipated until the end of July.
The report, released by the general manager of Parks, Forestry and Recreation,said that the exact damage costs can't be tallied until the floodwaters fully recede.
A large portion of the damages are attributed to the loss of revenue from stalled ferry operations.
Ferry service has been closed to the public since May 4.
Municipal staff estimatethat if Toronto Island Park remains closed through the end of August, the city will lose another $2.23million in ferry revenues.
In May 2016, the service ferried almost 140,000 to the Toronto Islands roughly 10 times the number that use the ferry at the same time this year, according to city statistics.
In light of these emerging costs, Mayor John Tory will makean announcement Thursdayabout how to better equip the city to manage extreme weather events.
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Toronto Islands flood damage could hit nearly $5M, city finds - CBC.ca
SmartNews Keeping you current Drone image of Shelly Island (Chad Koczera)
smithsonian.com June 28, 2017 12:57PM
Visitors to North Carolinas Outer Banks know the area is dynamic. From year to year, the barrier islands and sand spits continually change shape, expanding, contracting, and sometimes disappearing all together. This year, however, theres been a bigger change than usual,Craig Welch reports forNational Geographic.A new island about a mile long and 300 yards wide has appeared off the tip of Cape Point in Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
The strong currents and tides in the Outer Banks create and destroy new sand bars and islands all the time. But local historian Danny Couch says the new island is special. Its a hoss, he tells Welch. Every 10 to 15 years well get something thats pretty dramatic. But this one is the largest one Ive seen in my lifetime.
The dynamic nature of the beachcomes comes form its position near theconfluenceof two strong currents: theGulf Stream, a north-flowing warm water ocean current stretching from theCaribbeanto the Northern Atlantic, and theLabrador Current, a cold, south-flowing current. This meeting of currents causes rough waters in this region, which constantly shape and reshape the sandy shores.
AsJeff Hampton at the Virginian Pilot reports, as late as April the island was just a bump in the ocean. But by Memorial Day, the feature had formed. Thats when Janice Regan and her grandson decided to beachcomb the sandy island, finding a mother lode of pristine shells. They dubbed the place Shelly Island, a name that is spreading.
But such shell hunting is not recommended on the island. Though many visitors are crossing the 50-yard strait from Cape Point to the Island, Hampton reports, officials are cautioning that visitors should not swim or walkto the island. A strong rip current rushes through the area. Sand sharks and stingrays have also been reported in the waters, and hooks from decades of fishing at the popular spot could litter the seafloor,Hampton reports.
Travel to the sandbar is best accomplished by experienced kayakers or paddleboarders that are using appropriate floatation and [are] mindful of the strong currents in the area, Dave Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, tells Francesca Street at CNN.
This rapidly changing region grows even more unstable with a bit of energy from a storm. There are times when we've had hurricanes or tropical storms where certain sections of the beach just start to disappear, Hallac tells Welch. In other sections, I'll see something sticking out of the sand and realize it was the top of a sign that had been standing at eye level.
The fate of the newest island is unclear. It could continue to grow in the coming days,and may eventually connect with Cape Point. Or it could disappear overnight. As MarkDowdle, deputy superintendent of Cape Hatteras tells Welch, it's just another day at the Outer Banks.
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Jason Daley is a Madison, Wisconsin-based writer specializing in natural history, science, travel, and the environment. His work has appeared in Discover, Popular Science, Outside, Mens Journal, and other magazines.
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There's a New Island Off the Coast of North Carolina - Smithsonian
A price war has broken out between airlines covering some of Scotland's most remote islands, slashing the cost of flights between the mainland and the Hebrides.
One-way fares between Glasgow and Stornoway on Lewis typically top 300 in high season, making the 60-minute journey one of the most expensive routes per mile in the world - but are now on sale for just 50 with Flybe and Eastern Airways, which have agreed an alliance and codeshare arrangement.
Similarly lower fares have been announced for the new alliance's routes to Sumburgh on Shetland and to Kirkwall on Orkney.
Ian Fordham, chairman of Outer Hebrides Tourism, welcomed the news, saying he hoped the affordable fares would lead to an increase in the number of visitors. We hope the affordable fares will encourage more people to take a break in the islands, especially out of the main season and experience our unique landscape and culture, he said.
Around 218,000 people visit the Outer Hebrides a year, the vast majority - 80 per cent - by ferry. High airfares have meant that flights tend to be dominated by businesses on expense accounts. The popularity of the Outer Hebrides has been growing dramatically over the past few years, and ferry capacity has been unable to cope at peak times," said Fordham.
The alliance between Flybe and Eastern Airways begins in September and follows a falling out between Flybe and Loganair, whose current franchise arrangement will stop at the end of August. Eastern Airways already flies the Aberdeen-Stornoway route.
Loganair flies routes on behalf of Flybe from Scottish mainland airports, such as the Glasgow-Barra route which involves the famous beach landing on Trigh Mhr, along with services to Benbecula, Stornoway, Sumburgh and Kirkwall. The airlines' managing director Jonathan Hinkles said the company was extremely disappointed and surprised at Flybe's decision to split with it.
Loganair says it will continue its routes and is adding additional Glasgow-Barra flights in peak season - in effect it is going head to head with its former partner - and larger aircraft on some Glasgow-Benbecula flights. The airline is also seeking a codeshare with Flybe, whose CEO Christine Ourmieres-Widener said the new agreement is a chance to offer more choices and competitive pricing in the region.
Under current arrangements passengers flying into Scotland on Flybe and onto the islands do not need to collect their bags and check in again for the connecting flights. Loganair says that baggage charges imposed by Flybe/Eastern Airways will erode any savings from cheaper tickets.
The Barra route has been the subject of local criticism for regular delays due to routine maintenance while Flybe has also faced criticism over customer care.
A spokesman for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the Outer Hebrides' council, said it was seeking talks with all the airlines to develop a clearer picture of what the announcement may mean for the longer-term sustainability of air services to the Western Isles.
Cameron Taylor, executive director of the Orkney Tourism Group, also welcomed more flights and lower fares but cautioned: It is important for the air service to be sustainable and stable, and we would not wish commercial rivalries to create instability or uncertainty.
In Shetland, local tour operators hope the news might spark a tourism revival. Visitor numbers have declined in recent years, almost entirely because demand from the oil industry for staff accommodation has made it difficult for visitors to find a bed for the night.
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The bizarre price war cutting the cost of flights to Britain's most remote islands - Telegraph.co.uk
Frs. Father Adrianus Sunarko OFM (Indonesia), Pius Moon Chang-woo (S. Korea) and Job Koo Yobi (S. Korea) - RV
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Wednesday made appointments in the Asia and Pacific regions, with a bishop in Indonesia, a coadjutor bishop and an auxiliary bishop in South Korea and a prefect apostolic in the Marshal Islands.
INDONESIA -PANGKALPINANG
In Indonesia he appointed Franciscan Father Adrianus Sunarko the Bishop of Pangkalpinang. The 50-year old priest is the Franciscan provincial superior of Indonesia as well as the president of the Conference of Men Major Superiors of Indonesia (KOPTARI). He takes over from Bishop Hilarius Moa Nurak SVD, who passed away on 29 April, 2016. Bishop Yohanes Harun Yuwono of Tanjungkarang was serving as its Apostolic Administrator.
Born on 7 December, 1966 in Merauke, Papua, Fr. Sunarko attended the minor seminary of Mertoyudan. He did his philosophical studies at the Driyarkara High School of Philosophy in Jakarta and his theology at the Wedhabhakti Pontifical Faculty in Yogyakarta. He took his perpetual vows as a member of the Order of Friars Minor (OFM) on 15 August, 1994, and was ordained a priest on 8 July, the following year.
As a priest, Fr. Sunarko was assigned various responsibilities:
1995-1996: Assistant parish priest of Kramat (Jakarta Archdiocese)
1996-2002: Bachelors degree in theology at the Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg, Germany
Since From 2002: Professor at Driyarkara High School of Philosophy in Jakarta
2004-2007: OFM provincial definitor
2007-2009: OFM vice provincial of Indonesia
Since 2010: OFM provincial superior of India ( 2 terms)
Since 2014: President of the Conference of Men Major Superiors of Indonesia (KOPTARI)
The Diocese of Pangkalpinang, created in 1961, is a suffragan of Palembang Archdiocese. Out of a total population of 3.345.000 over an area of 30,442 sqkm, Pangkalpinang has 58.000 Catholics. They are being ministered to by 76 priests (61 diocesan and 15 religious), 78 nuns and 15 seminarians.
SOUTH KOREA - SEOUL
In South Korea, Pope Francis appointed Fr. Job Koo Yobi as Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul Archdiocese in the capital. With this appointment, the 66-year old parish priest of Po-I Dong has been assigned the titular see of Sfasferia. Fr. Koo will assist the Archbishop, Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung who is already being aided by three other auxiliary bishops.
Born on 25 January, 1951, Fr. Koo studied at the major seminary of the Suwon (1985-1989 and 1990-1993). Enrolled for mandatory military service, he served as sergeant in aviation (1989-1990). He was ordained a priest for Seoul Archdiocese on 24 February, 1981.
As a priest he held the following positions:
1981-1982: Assistant parish priest of I-Mun Dong
1982-1983: Assistant parish priest of Shin-Dang Dong;
1983-1986: Studied at the Association of Priests of Prado at Lyons, France
1986-1991: Parish priest of Guro Dong
1991-1993: Parish priest of Sang-ge Dong
1993-1998: National director of the Association for Young Catholic Workers; member of the Labour Pastoral Commission, in-charge of the Association of Priests of Prado in South Korea.
1998-2000: Studied for licentiate in spirituality a the Catholic Institute of Paris
2000-2002: Parish priest of Jong-ro
2002-2007: Spiritual director of the major seminary
2007-2013: In charge of the Association of Priests of Prado in South Korea; member of the International Council of Association of Priests of Prado, headquartered in South Korea.
Since 2013: Parish priest of Po-I Dong.
SOUTH KOREA - CHEJU
Elsewhere in South Korea the Pope appointed Father Pius Moon Chang-woo as Coadjutor Bishop of Cheju Diocese that is headed by 71-year old Bishop Peter Kang U-il. Unlike an auxiliary bishop, a coadjutor bishop has the right to succession in the case of the retirement, resignation or death of the current bishop.
Fr. Moon, the principal of the Shinsong Girls Middle School in Cheju, was born on 15 March, 1963 in Cheju. He studied philosophy and theology at the major seminary of Gwangju, and followed it up with a masters degree in theology (1994-1996).
After his priestly ordination for Cheju Diocese on 10 February, 1996, he held the following positions:
1996-1997: Assistant parish priest of Seomoon
1997-1998: Assistant parish priest of Chungang
1998-1999: Parish priest of Choongmoon
1999-2006: Director of the diocesan Office for Youth and Education and of the Diocesan Students Association, director of the Office for Catechesis and Migrants.
2006-2016: Professor and spiritual father at the Catholic University of Gwangju
2010-2015: Doctoral studies
Since 2016: Principal of the Shinsong Girls Middle School
Erected in 1977, Cheju Diocese is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Gwangju. Out of a population of 641,355 spread across an area of 1,849 sqkm, Catholics number 75,579. They are served by 47 diocesan priests, 7 religious priests, 108 nuns and 13 major seminarians.
MARSHALL ISLANDS
Meanwhile, in the Marshall Island in the Pacific Ocean, the Pope appointed Fr. Ariel Galido as Prefect Apostolic. The priest of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) takes over from 71-year old Fr.. Raymundo Sabio MSC, who has stepped down.
Fr. Galido was born on 3 June, 1975, at Bacuag, Surigao del Norte, in the Philippines. He was ordained a priest on 9 June, 2004, and the following year was sent to the Marshall Islands, where he served in various islands of the islands.
Created in 1993, the Prefecture Apostolic of the Marshall Islands was entrusted to the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. Made up of 5 islands and 29 atolls, Marshall Islands has an area of 181.3 sqkm with a population of 58,800. Of these, 4.925 are Catholics, who are ministered to by 6 priests (1 diocesan, 5 religious), a deacon, a religious brother and 8 sisters.
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Pope makes appointments in Indonesia, South Korea and Marshal Islands - Vatican Radio
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands is best known for its powdery beaches and turquoise bays, a constant draw for the tourists who frequent this tiny American territory.
Yet away from the beaches the mood is ominous, as government officials scramble to stave off the same kind of fiscal collapse that has engulfed its neighbor Puerto Rico.
The public debts of the Virgin Islands are much smaller than those of Puerto Rico, which effectively declared bankruptcy in May. But so is its population, and therefore its ability to pay. This tropical territory of roughly 100,000 people owes some $6.5 billion to pensioners and creditors.
Now, a combination of factors insufficient tax revenue, a weak pension system, the loss of a major employer and a new reluctance in the markets to lend the Virgin Islands any more money has made it almost impossible for the government to meet its obligations. In January, the Virgin Islands found itself unable to borrow and nearly out of funds for basic government operations.
The sudden cash crunch was a warning sign that the financial troubles that brought Puerto Rico to its knees could soon spread. All of Americas far-flung territories, among them American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, appear vulnerable.
I dont think you can say its a crisis, but they have challenges high debt, weak economies and unfunded pensions, said Jim Millstein, whose firm, Millstein & Co., advised Puerto Rico on its economic affairs and debt restructuring until this year and has reviewed the situation in Guam and the Virgin Islands. He called the combination of challenges in the territories a recipe for trouble in the future.
For decades, these distant clusters of islands in the Caribbean and the Pacific have played critical roles as U.S. listening posts, wartime staging grounds, practice bombing ranges and even re-entry points for astronauts splashing down in the Pacific.
The military presence buoyed their small economies, and a federal tax subsidy made it relatively easy for them to issue bonds. Over the years, they have collectively borrowed billions of dollars to build roads, run schools, treat drinking water and fund hospitals.
Congress has generally relied on the Government Accountability Office to monitor the financial health of the territories, but it did not intervene over the years when the auditors brought back reports of formidable fiscal challenges or serious internal control weaknesses on the islands. Not, at least, until Puerto Rico went over the edge.
Now the GAO auditors are back, re-examining the debt and repayment ability of each territory, amid concerns that other crushing debt burdens may have escaped notice. An agency spokesman, Fuller O. Griffith, said it would report by the end of the year on federal options to avert the future indebtedness of territories. It is not clear what those options will be.
Washington cant appropriately manage its relationship with the states, much less the territories, said Matt Fabian, a partner at Municipal Market Analytics.
Even the states are not immune, despite their legal status as sovereigns. Illinois, stuck in political gridlock, is just days from entering its new fiscal year without a balanced budget, in violation of its own constitution. The ratings agencies warn that Illinois bond rating is in peril of being downgraded to junk. Once that happens, as the territories show, hedge funds move in and economic management becomes a series of unpleasant choices.
American Samoa, one of the smallest territories, lost one of the biggest engines of its economy in December when a big tuna cannery closed after being required to pay the federal minimum wage. Moodys Investors Service then put the territorys debt under negative outlook, citing its fragile economy.
In the Northern Mariana Islands, the depleted public pension fund was wreaking such fiscal havoc in 2012 that the territory declared it bankrupt, but the case was thrown out. The government then tried cutting all retirees pensions 25 percent, but the retirees have been fighting the cuts, and the fund is nearly exhausted anyway.
Even Guam, which enjoys the economic benefit of several large U.S. military installations, has been having qualms about its debt after Puerto Ricos default.
Puerto Ricos troubles provide a teachable moment for Guam, said Benjamin Cruz, speaker of the Legislature, who recently helped defeat a proposal to borrow $75 million to pay tax refunds. Spending borrowed money is too easy.
But the debt dilemma is now most acute in the Virgin Islands the three main islands are St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John where the government has been struggling ever since a giant refinery closed in 2012, wiping out the territorys biggest nongovernment employer and a mainstay of its tax base.
Its troubles began to snowball in July, when Puerto Rico defaulted on most of its debts. In August, Fitch downgraded the Virgin Islands debt to junk, citing the territorys chronic budget deficits and habit of borrowing to plug the holes, like Puerto Rico.
More downgrades followed, and in December, Standard & Poors dealt the territory a rare superdowngrade seven notches in one fell swoop leaving it squarely in the junk-bond realm. That scared away investors and forced it to cancel a planned bond offering in January.
The failed bond deal meant there was not enough cash to pay for basic government operations in February or March. As a stopgap, the territory diverted its workers pension contributions.
The Virgin Islands governor, Kenneth E. Mapp, said he had no intention of defaulting on any bonds.
I didnt ask anybody for debt relief, so dont put me in the debt-relief boat, Mapp said in an interview at Government House, the ornate seat of the territorial government, perched on a hillside overlooking the lush palms and bougainvillea of the capital, Charlotte Amalie, on St. Thomas.
Still, Mapp is contending with many of the same problems that proved too much for Puerto Rico, driving it in May to seek bankruptcy-like protection under a new law for insolvent territories, known as Promesa. Puerto Rico is now embroiled in heated negotiations over how to reduce its roughly $123 billion in debts and unfunded pensions.
When Congress drafted the Promesa law last year, it made it possible for the other U.S. territories to seek the same kind of help.
Now, even though the Virgin Islands maintains it has no intention of defaulting on its debts and has even given creditors new protections the mere prospect of bankruptcy has spooked the markets, putting borrowed money beyond the territorys reach and greatly limiting its options.
In something of a self-fulfilling prophecy, by giving territories the option to declare bankruptcy, Congress seems to have made such an outcome more likely.
That innocuous provision, when sent to the bond market, said, Heres an escape valve for your debt obligations,' Mapp said. That changed the whole paradigm.
The problem is that in Puerto Rico, Promesa is turning out to shred the many legal mechanisms that governmental borrowers use to make their debts secure. These include liens and allowing creditors access to the courts.
Under Promesa, all the security structures are dissolving, Fabian said.
Investors who thought they were secured creditors before now find themselves holding moral obligation pledges, which are not enforceable.
After the Virgin Islands bond offer fell through in January, the fuel supplier to its electric authority stopped shipments, saying it had not been paid; the authority was in court with its previous fuel supplier, which had not been paid either.
Then came the House of Representatives plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Mapp saw the federal money that the Virgin Islands relies on for its public hospitals going up in smoke.
Mapp scrambled. He reactivated a five-year economic plan that had been languishing and pushed higher taxes on alcohol, cigarettes and soft drinks through the Legislature. He fought for a permanent electric rate increase. He got $18 million in new federal funds for health care. He struck a deal to tax Airbnb rentals.
He hired collection agents to go after delinquent property and income taxes. He scheduled auctions for delinquent properties. He hired a team to work on the pension system, which is in severe distress, with only about six years worth of assets left.
Until recently, the pension system was chasing high returns by investing in high-risk assets, like a $50 million placement in life viaticals an insurance play that is, in effect, a bet that a selected group of elderly people will die soon. It also made loans to an insolvent inter-island airline, a resort that went bankrupt, and a major franchisee of KFC restaurants. The territorys inspector general has declared the loans illegal.
Mapp said he hoped to start restructuring the pension system in the fall. Already, he said, the government had stopped diverting the workers pension contributions, as residents began filing their tax returns and payments in April. The tax payments eased the immediate liquidity crisis.
Recently, he met with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to discuss possible incentives to attract tech business to the Virgin Islands. And he hopes to return to the capital markets.
The fact that we didnt complete the sale in January gives the impression that our market access is constrained, said Valdamier O. Collens, the territorial finance commissioner.
Investors have nothing to worry about, said the governor. For decades, the Virgin Islands has used a lockbox arrangement that makes default all but impossible.
Merchants collect sales taxes and send the money to a trustee for the bondholders. Not a cent goes to the territorial government, including the pension fund, until the bond trustee gets enough to make all scheduled bond payments for the coming year.
We have no access to the moneys before the bondholders are paid, Mapp said. These moneys are taken out of the pie before the pie is even in the oven. Our debt has never been in jeopardy.
But in Puerto Rico, such lockbox arrangements have turned out to be one of the thorniest disputes of the bankruptcy proceedings. And Collens, the finance commissioner, is all too aware that the same dynamic could upend the Virgin Islands, too.
We know that there has been a contagion effect with Puerto Rico, Collens said. The market saw that by the stroke of a pen, Congress could create a Promesa for the rest of the territories.
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After Puerto Rico's debt crisis, worries shift to Virgin Islands - MyAJC
Email a copy of "Egypts Sisi Approves Deal to Hand Over Strategic Red Sea Islands to Saudi Arabia" to a friend
The Straits of Tiran and Tiran Island in the Red Sea. Photo: Marc Ryckaert via Wikimedia Commons.
JNS.org Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi ratified a treaty that hands over two strategic islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia, despite protests about the move in Egypt.
The deal to hand over the two islands of Tiran and Sanafir was reached in 2016 after a visit to Egypt by Saudi Arabias King Salman. Yet the deal has faced widespread opposition and legal challenges by opponents who accuse Sisi of selling out the country for Saudi money. Nevertheless, the deal was approved by Egypts parliament and was signed Saturday by Sisi.
The uninhabited islands that sit on the southern entry to the Gulf of Aqaba were originally given to Egypt in 1950 by Saudi Arabia, in order to protect them from Israel. Later, the islands played an important role in setting off the 1967 Six-Day War when Egypt closed the Straits of Tiran to Israeli ships, preventing Israeli access to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
United Nations peacekeepers maintain a presence on Tiran Island as part of the 1979 Israel-Egypt peace treaty. Under the treatys terms, Israel gave its approval for the Egyptian-Saudi agreement as long as the Saudis maintained the treatys clauses pertaining to Israeli shipping through the Straits of Tiran.
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Egypt's Sisi Approves Deal to Hand Over Strategic Red Sea Islands to Saudi Arabia - Algemeiner
Theres a feeling of Jurassic Park, in the fact that its closed off. You can go in the winter and its this tropical world, says Maciek Pozoga, the Paris-based photographer who traveled to Brandenburg, Germany to capture the Tropical Islands Resort, an all-season theme park about 35 miles from Berlin that carries the nearly ominous boast of the worlds largest indoor beach.
Contained within an old zeppelin hangar in the former Brand-Briesen Airfieldin Brandenburgs Dahme-Spreewald district, the resort, which opened in 2004, has a 6,000-visitor capacity, a tropical sea, a lagoon, the highest waterslide in the country, and a rainforest featuring 50,000 plants and various wildlife, all of which are enclosed within a 70,000-square-meter dome. Windows let the light pour in. Its quite photogenic, says Pozoga, who shot the photographs in this portfolio on assignment for Vogue. The light was good, but I tried to keep something mysterious about it. He endeavored to keep his work surreptitious. As in other regions that were formerly under the control of the Soviet Union (once, in Belarus, a man took his camera from him, asking, What are you doing? Are you a spy?), Pogozawhose own background is Polishfound plenty of suspicion among his would-be subjects in Brandenburg. But for the photographer, it was less about showing intimate details of the overpriced bottled water or the tourists carving out space on imported sand than something fantastical.
I didnt want it to be social, or too journalistic, said Pozoga. Its kind of the point of view of a child who would go there. I didnt want to be harsh on the people . . . The feeling I had was of a beach resort on another planet, an Elysium. Thats what I was trying to bring in.
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In Brandenburg, You Take Your Beach Where You Can Get It - Vogue.com