http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/ en Copyright 2011 Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:17:43 +1300 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 9th of November 2011, new AM radio station completed its construction under the support from Japanese government and they started their broadcasting experimentally. In Tuvalu, the radio is the only media and it broadcasts many kinds of information that are closely related to people’s everyday life. Until now, FM broadcasting had been used in Tuvalu. However, there were some islands where people there could not listen the radio properly because of the remoteness of those islands. Thanks to the new AM radio station, people in all the 9 islands can get the information from the radio without hindrance. Ms. Afasene Pese, Program Producer of Tuvalu Radio, said; “Now, all the stuffs in Tuvalu Radio are very happy to work here because all the rooms and radio equipments are very new. At the studio in our radio station before, we did not have a good soundproofing. That is why, sometimes people can hear the noise from outside such as dog’s barking, the sound of rain and people’s shouting. While our new radio studio has a high quality soundproofing. We cannot hear any sound from outside. Though the radio is the only media in Tuvalu, there were some islands they cannot get our broadcasting because of their remoteness. We got a lot of their complains in those days. Now, all the people in Tuvalu can get valuable information for their life with 100% satisfaction. We get a lot of happy voice from them. We never experienced such a wonderful thing before. We deeply appreciate to the people in Japan. FAKAFETAI LASI LASI (Thank you very much)” http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/12/new_am_radio_station_in_funafu.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/12/new_am_radio_station_in_funafu.html Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:17:43 +1300 First of all, I would like developed countries to make sure that Kyoto Protocol is the final fort for the small countries such as my country, Tuvalu. Small countries and NGOs have appealed the importance of continuation of 2nd term of Kyoto Protocol against some of the developed countries that try to make new framework. It looks like they are trying to gain time. This time, at COP17, continuation of Kyoto Protocol from 2013 was determined and it should be recognized. However, some big countries, such as Japan, seems like they do not give up to make a new framework yet and also COP have to see what mood big countries are in. Therefore, we could not work out the details of the most of the agreement such as “Green Climate Fund” which we are looking forward to. A rise 1.5℃ in the temperature has a possibilities to make terrible problems to my country and its people. We do not have big industries or resources in my country such as developed countries, but all the countries have to negotiate with removing the economic superiority or inferiority to fight against this global difficulty. We continue to appeal that Kyoto Protocol is the best and last way to protect us and we do not have to waste our time because Climate Change is happening now. We expect that we will have more effective progress at COP18 at Doha, Qatar. In conclusion, I should like to show our deeply grateful to the host country for their expediting the proceedings with standing by the weak and also the volunteers for their hard work. http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/12/director_of_department_of_envi.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/12/director_of_department_of_envi.html Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:22:56 +1300 On 13th of Oct 2011, the Government of Japan decided to provide, as an urgent measure, approximately 8 million JP\ (100,000US$) to purchase spare parts to repair the current desalination plants in Tuvalu and ensure the sustainable water supply. One of the desalination plants in Tuvalu was provided by the Government of Japan in 1999. In addition to this short-term remedy, the Pacific Environment Community (PEC) Fund, which was established by the Government of Japan based on PALM 5 in 2009, approved the project that provides three desalination plants for Tuvalu. One of them is solar-powered and will produce desalinated water of 100m3/day. It is expected to contribute to resolve Tuvalu’s water shortage without depending upon fossil fuel. http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/10/japan_provides_emergency_relie.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/10/japan_provides_emergency_relie.html Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:32:02 +1300 On 10th of October 2011, warplane of Royal New Zealand Air Force which puts desalination equipment came down at the Funafuti international airport. This desalination equipment which has about 40t-50t water manufacturing capacity a day was supported by the New Zealand Aid for the acute water shortage of Tuvalu. If this equipment moves smoothly, that means it can provide about 10l water per person a day in theory in addition to the water provided by the existing desalination equipment. However, it is a temporary support because it has a time limit about one month same as the desalination equipment which was already brought to Nukulaelae island. Therefore, they might need another desalination or some other support if this water shortage were prolonged. Protraction of this water shortage and a possibility that such a water shortage will happen again are also fully considered, and support of the installed type desalination equipment and the water-supply truck etc. which carry the water made from the desalinization equipment will be desired in the future. http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/10/nz_aid_supported_the_desalinat.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/10/nz_aid_supported_the_desalinat.html Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:49:52 +1300 Tuvalu unusually face to an acute water shortage this year. The situation is getting more worth especially in three out of nine islands, the capital Funafuti, Vaitupu and Nukulaelae. In September 2011, the Disaster Management Department declared the state of emergency because of this water shortage. Capital Funafuti has a desalination plant donated by Japan and people in Funafuti usually buy water from there when their water stock has diminished. However, because of acute water shortage in this time, it is getting impossible to cover about five thousand people in Funafuti. Therefore they decided to set up some water stations and now people can get one bucket for each person every morning for free. But it is still not enough for the big families in Tuvalu, some of the small babies got skin problem because of insufficient taking bath. Vaitupu island where places middle part of Tuvalu also does not get enough rain and they do not have desalination plant in their island. However, Vaitupu island is the biggest island in Tuvalu and they have some water wells whose water is not drinkable but usable for taking shower, washing cloths and so on. Nukulaelae island where places southern part of Tuvalu faces the most serious situation in Tuvalu. They do not have not only desalination plants but also water wells because of their island’s smallness. Government had sent emergency ship to Nukulaelae island to bring water made by desalination plant in Funafuti a number of times. Now, New Zealand supported 2 small desalination plants through Red Cross and one of them were sent to Nukulaelae island. There are increasing people’s demands of support for the water shortage such as installing some more desalination plants. However, no matter how bad the situation is, people in Tuvalu never forget to keep smile on their face. http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/10/an_acute_water_shortage_in_tuv.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/10/an_acute_water_shortage_in_tuv.html Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:32:23 +1300 From 5th to 8th of October 2011, the meeting for the midterm review of “KAKEEGAII” has been held in capital Funafuti. KAKEEGAII (TKII) is the Tuvalu National Sustainable Development Strategy of 2005-2015 that includes good governance, macroeconomic growth and sustainability, natural resources development, and so on. This strategy guides country’s development efforts including those by the government, civil society, development partners and other stakeholders. This midterm review aims at "to assess progress and achievements over the last five years and identify challenges in implementations and to provide the best way forward to achieve TKII ultimate goals". At the time of the review there were 148 strategies and priorities those had been added new ones, modified and repealed by the ministries over the years. Government and stakeholders were tracking 141 out of the 148 strategies in the TKII, and of this 32% is considered as having been achieved, 62% is partially achieved and not achieved. During this period, people from government, town council, island leaders, private sector, NGOs etc. gather and discuss to find the way to achieve those strategies by 2015. http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/10/kakeegaii_midterm_review.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/10/kakeegaii_midterm_review.html Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:49:08 +1300 On 1st of October 2011, Tuvalu reached the 33rd year from independence. The independence ceremony was held at the central gathering hall in capital Funafuti. After ceremony programs, there were a lot of entertainment such as dance and songs by the team from Vaitupu island, sports game, canoe racing and so on. In that day, whole Tuvalu was filled with people’s excitement. The period from 1st to 4th of October is a Tuvalu’s national holiday for Independence Day. http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/10/the_33rd_tuvalu_independence_c.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/10/the_33rd_tuvalu_independence_c.html Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:24:14 +1300 In July 2011, the late Hon. Isaia Taeia who had been Minister of Natural Resources passed away when he was in Samoa for the official trip. On 24th of August, 2011, a general election was held to fill this vacancy and two person stood for it from Nui island that is Hon. Isaia Taeia’s island. Two candidates were Mrs. Pelenike Tekinene Isaia and Mr. Leneuoti Maatusi. All the people in Tuvalu was watching this election because the Major and the Minor might fall flat if Mr. Leneuoti won, and she will become the second female parliament officer in Tuvalu’s history if Mrs. Pelenike won. In the evening in that day, the radio announced to convey the victory of Mrs. Pelenike Tekinene Isaia with the support among women and conjugal love with the late Hon. Isaia. http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/08/election_for_the_replacement_o.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/08/election_for_the_replacement_o.html Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:15:26 +1300 On the 18th of August, 2011, the election for the member of FUNAFUTI KAUPULE (Town Hall) was held. Ten people stood for it, and six members were elected. On 22nd in the following week, the posts of president and other members were also decided. The term of them is four years. All the name of members elected and their posts are as follows. Pasifika Penitusi (New : President / Minister of Natural Resources) Apinelu Tili (Minister of Labor and Transportation) Andrew Ionatana (Minister of Education and Sports) Heiloa Loua (Minister of Land and Fore-coast) Soloseni Penitusi (New : Minister of Business and Finance) Anpelosa Siaosi (New ; Minister of Health) http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/08/election_for_the_member_of_fun.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/08/election_for_the_member_of_fun.html Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:57:25 +1300 11th of July 2011, the Rev. Filoimea Telito, president of EKT(Ekalesia Klisiano Tuvalu), passed away on account of a heart attack. On 14th, his funeral was hold in capital Funafuti. The Rev. Filoimea Telito (66) is a pastor, and also he devoted himself as a principal of Motufoua secondary school in Vaitupu island, Governor General of Tuvalu and so on. He had been held in high esteem from the people in Tuvalu not only because of his splendid career but also his warm personality. He had worked hard for his country as president of EKT until the end of his life. That is why, a lot of people attended at his funeral not only his family but also his friends, people who has high regard for him and so on. Tuvalu government also stopped their activities on that day and officers attended at the funeral. All the police member also attended and supported its progress. Whole of Tuvalu mourned over the loss of him. http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/07/the_rev_filoimea_telito_passed.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/07/the_rev_filoimea_telito_passed.html Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:56:39 +1300 Local Newspaper company “Tala o Matagi (Story of the Wind)” was established anew in Tuvalu by Mr. Enele Sopoaga and other 2 members. Now they are providing all necessary equipments to start. Mr. Enele Sopoaga, the representative of the company, said; “All of the people in Tuvalu, they fairly have the rights to know the reliable information about the social topics such as politics, the international situation, education and so on. We established newspaper company “Tala o Matagi” to give and protect this rights for the people and to help their life’s betterment by having high quality knowledge. We do not have to share the important information among a few power holders. We have to share information with the general public for the nation’s better development, because they have the rights to know the truth. We are still discussing about specific number of copies and frequency, but we plan to start from 100~200 copies of a few pages weekly newsletter written in both languages, English and Tuvaluan. In the future, we would like to expand them. We are making all possible haste to go into action and welcoming all the cooperators to support the equipment investment.” He emphasized the word “People’s right to know the truth” many times during the interview. http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/06/the_organization_of_the_local.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/06/the_organization_of_the_local.html Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:58:59 +1300 11th of June 2011, celebration for the Queen’s Official Birthday (13th of June) was held at the main gathering hall in capital island Funafuti. Tuvalu government officers, Taiwan embassy officers, foreign NGO workers in Tuvalu and so on were invited to the celebration. There was also one press from Korea. In Tuvalu, they celebrate Queen’s Official Birthday every year with much enthusiasm as a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. At this year’s celebration, after singing the national anthem in unison and hoisting the national flag and the royal standard, customary march by police, maritime school students and primary school students and sports game were carried out. They also had the ceremony to award British Empire Medal for the people who have been contributed for the development of the country for many years. There were 6 people who got this medal this year including teachers, business person and so on. http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/06/celebration_for_the_queens_off.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/06/celebration_for_the_queens_off.html Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:47:19 +1300 10th of May 1861, the first missionary arrived in Nukulaelae island which places to the south of Tuvalu. 10th of May 2011, 150 years have passed since then and they celebrated the 150th anniversary of the introduction of Christianity. Not only Nukulaelae, but also all other islands of Tuvalu celebrated this day in each island because the missionary went to there as well after the propagation in Nukulaelae. But Nukulaelae where the first missionary came held the biggest celebration. The celebration had been held for 3 days from 9th of May to 11th of May. Participants enjoyed local food and dance every day. The program for last day was visiting islets where the missionary arrived and the religious ritual was performed in those days. All the participants traced the history of 150 years and also enjoyed beautiful Nukulaelae lagoon. http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/05/the_150th_anniversary_of_the_i.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/05/the_150th_anniversary_of_the_i.html Wed, 18 May 2011 12:26:06 +1300 3rd of May 2011, 6 members of Taiwan ICDF (International Cooperation and Development Fund) Medical team arrived in Tuvalu. They had stayed for 1 week until 12th of May and treated the patients for free at the Princes Margaret Hospital in the capital Funafuti. Medical team also gave the technical assistance for the doctors and the advices about the hospital management systems to improve the medical treatment of Tuvalu. In Tuvalu, some patients who get serious sickness have to go to Fiji to get advanced treatment. However, it occasionally happens that is too late for treatment. To improve the medical treatment skills means to rescue the life as much as possible. We expect that Taiwan medical team’s assistance improve the medical treatment skills of Tuvalu, and also we hope that this kind of assistance will continue for Tuvalu from now on. http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/05/medical_support_from_taiwan_ic.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/05/medical_support_from_taiwan_ic.html Wed, 18 May 2011 10:59:23 +1300 Tuvalu Game 2011 had been held in Funafuti from 26th to 30th of April. Tuvalu Game is an annual national sports game in Tuvalu. During Tuvalu Game, plenty people who live in outer islands visit capital Funafuti to watch the game and whole Tuvalu is filled with the big excitement. In this game, they compete between each island in many events such as track and field events, soccer, badminton and so on. They decide the championship island team through the amount of gold medals. This time Nukufetau team won the championship. http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/05/tuvalu_game_2011.html http://www.tuvalu-news.tv/archives/2011/05/tuvalu_game_2011.html Wed, 18 May 2011 10:56:26 +1300