The Coffee Industry Corporation (CIC) Limited has renewed its partnership with the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) Plus Program to further improve productivity among smallholder farmers and to boost the profile of PNG coffee in specialty markets. Through this collaboration, supported by Australia and New Zealand, PHAMA Plus will continue to provide technical support to those involved in the coffee value chain to help increase the volume of good quality coffee exported to high-value specialty and differentiated markets. “We need premium prices for good quality coffee to make coffee farming profitable for smallholders. This means maintaining quality control at all steps of the value chain, from production to processing and export,” said CIC Chief Operations Officer, Steven Tumae, after signing the Memorandum of Understanding. “Investments in agricultural and business training, tools and equipment, and market development through this partnership will open doors to increase incomes for small growers, enhance PNG’s export capabilities, and increase its foreign exchange revenues.” The partnership will also support small scale processing methods and new technology for coffee farmers targeting improved bean quality. Through the strong cooperation between CIC, PNG Women in Coffee Association (WICA) and PHAMA Plus, women in the coffee value chain will be supported to improve their post-harvest processing skills, coffee cupping knowledge and barista skills, as well as receive support with market access both domestically and overseas. PHAMA Plus National Facilitator Tamar Amean said the partnership will focus on establishing links with buyers in specialty markets and promoting PNG coffee in alternative markets. “We’re pleased to continue our work with CIC to support the implementation of regulatory improvements and explore opportunities to position PNG coffee to be more competitive,” said Mrs Amean. “PHAMA Plus supported the development of CIC’s Marketing and Communications Plan 2022-2025 which we are now rolling out. This includes attending select overseas coffee trade shows and promoting of PNG coffees to targeted overseas buyers. We will also place more emphasis on promoting the domestic sales and using ground coffee instead of instant coffee.” Coffee is the second most important agriculture cash crop in PNG after palm oil. Up to 400,000 rural households rely on coffee as a principal source of cash income, particularly in PNG’s highlands. In the previous phase of the PHAMA Plus program, PHAMA Plus supported CIC to roll out national green bean (grading) standards which addressed the price discrimination between small holders and plantation owners in the coffee industry. Samples of PNG specialty coffee green were shipped to USA, Australia and South-East Asia. This remains a priority in the new partnership. PHAMA Plus and CIC’s collaboration contributes to strengthening the partnership between government and private sector, which is critical to growing the PNG coffee industry.

The National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) recently renewed its partnership with PNG Cancer Foundation (PNGCF) for a further 12 months. This partnership will see Nasfund continue providing PNGCF with in–kind support to cover administration and logistic costs as the official Cancer Information Education Communication (IEC) awareness material distributor through its network of 15 branches & 7 service centers in PNG. The awareness materials will be displayed at our Branches’ operations and will be accessible to our staff and our 600,000 plus members as when they get the opportunity to visit our branches. The MOU will also see Nasfund Partnering with PNCF to roll its provincial awareness programs through our branches nationwide. Speaking at the MoU partnership renewal, Nasfund General Manager Talent & Culture Mr. incent Lialu highlighted that the biggest issue in cancer awareness in PNG was the lack of awareness and having access to right information. “Not many people are aware of such services where they can get information on infections like breast cancer or cervical cancer for instance. Even if they do, cultural barriers prevents them reaching out for help. As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility Program (CRS), the Fund recognizes our duty to members across the country to continuously provide these awareness materials issues of health and well-being. As a Trustee, our members and staff are our priority - we are not only responsible for growing our members’ savings, but we are also responsible for their health and wellbeing.” PNGCF Executive Manager, Priscilla Napoleon expressed the Foundation’s gratitude to Nasfund Board and Management for the timely support. Ms. Napoleon reiterated their gratitude to the Fund in allowing this information pamphlets to be available across Fund’s vast branch network to educate and raise awareness for its members on the prevention of cancer and encourage healthy lifestyle choices among Papua New Guineans. Since the October 2021, this partnership has seen vital cancer awareness materials distributed to over 5,000 members through Nasfund’s extensive branch network.

To help control rising HIV infections, the United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has handed over Papua New Guinea’s first-ever Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) medication to the National Department of Health. PrEP is medication that reduces the chances of getting HIV by up to 99 percent. The medication is used worldwide to prevent HIV infections, and it is recommended for anyone who is at risk of contracting HIV through person-to-person transmission. “The United States is glad to support our partners, the Government of Papua New Guinea and the National Department of Health with this donation and rollout,” said Joseph Zadrozny, Chargé d’Affaires, United States Embassy. “PrEP is completely safe, and I have no doubt that with proper use, it can help turn the tide of HIV infections here in Papua New Guinea.” Dr. Peniel Boas, National HIV Program Manager, National Department of Health, said, “We welcome PrEP as another mode of HIV prevention in PNG. No one method of HIV prevention will work alone. We need more to achieve an impact on the increasing HIV new infections. The public must have access to a fair choice of HIV prevention methods.” Papua New Guinea has the highest HIV incidence and prevalence in the Pacific region. The country represents 95 percent of the reported HIV cases in the region; approximately 59,000 people in Papua New Guinea are living with HIV. Papua New Guinea is one of only two countries in the Pacific with rising HIV infections. [caption id="attachment_31417" align="alignnone" width="677"] Image caption: Joseph Zadrozny, Chargé d’Affaires, United States Embassy and Dr. Peniel Boas, National HIV Program Manager, National Department of Health shake hands at the official PrEP Handover event in Port Moresby on November 29.[/caption] USAID, through implementing partner FHI360, will support the rollout of PrEP in the NCD, in close collaboration with the National Department of Health, National AIDS Council Secretariat, NCD’s Provincial Health Authority, and community partners including the Key Population Advocacy Consortium, Hope Worldwide PNG, and Anglicare PNG. In 2023, PrEP services will launch in three selected sites in the NCD: Heduru, Lawes Road and Anglicare clinic. The U.S. government aims to achieve inclusive, resilient, and sustainable control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in PNG in collaboration with partners like the National Department of Health, and FHI360, and through the leadership of the affected community. Through its five-year, $17.2 million HIV Support in Papua New Guinea Activity funded through PEPFAR, USAID works with government counterparts, multilateral and donor organizations, and local partners to contribute towards the HIV/AIDS response in the NCD and nationally aimed at strengthening PNG’s HIV/AIDS interventions to bend the curve towards epidemic control.

Since its maiden voyage in October 2021, the marine landing craft MV Islander has been ensuring uninterrupted freight transport as part of Australian Government support to improved service delivery in the South Fly District, Western Province. The MV Islander and its workboat the MB Humbii have been delivering freight for Australia’s health, education, infrastructure, community and economic programs for over 12 months. In addition to transporting cargo for Australian-funded programs, the service has assisted PNG Government agencies and the Western Provincial Government. This includes regularly transporting medical supplies and equipment for the Western Provincial Health Authority. During this year’s general election, the MV Islander assisted the PNG Electoral Commission to ship a container with ballot boxes and other essential materials to Daru. Australian High Commissioner, Jon Philp, visited the MV Islander during a trip to Daru early this month to witness the delivery of cargo firsthand. “As PNG’s largest province, we understand transportation and logistical challenges slow the delivery of services and programs and increase costs” Mr. Philp said. “While Western is blessed with vast and beautiful coastlines, rivers and lake systems, we understand the logistical challenges that come with such large water systems and we’re pleased to partner with the PNG Government and the Provincial Government to deliver development programs more efficiently.” Mr. Philp added, “being such close neighbors – with longstanding cultural and historical ties – Australia has a deep understanding of the challenges that Western Province faces”. When Mr. Philp called aboard the MV Islander, its cargo included a 20ft container and five pallets of medical supplies for the Provincial Health Authority, and over 100 tonnes of building materials for water harvesting and rehabilitation projects to support the implementation of the South Fly District WASH Plan. During its first year of operation the MV Islander completed 28 voyages between Port Moresby and locations in South Fly District, primarily Daru and Mabudawan. This initiative is ensuring program partners can continue to support economic growth, enhance stability and improve service delivery across Western Province, as part of the broader PNG-Australia Partnership.

The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and UNDP Director for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja, arrived to a traditional welcome at the Jackson’s International Airport in Papua New Guinea today. Ms. Wignaraja will be in the country for four days. Upon her arrival to Port Moresby, Ms Wignaraja, will meet with the Prime Minister, James Marape and followed by a series of meetings with senior government ministers. Ms. Wignaraja will deliver a key note speech at a policy dialogue on climate action and green economy transition that will be held at the APEC Haus. The dialogue, titled ‘Post COP27 Climate Round table – From Policy to Action: Papua New Guinea Leading the Green Economy Transition’ will showcase how the country’s potential for a transition towards a green and blue economic development pathway, working in partnership with the natural environment, can result in a more prosperous and equitable Papua New Guinea for future generations. The dialogue will discuss and highlight the country’s potential for a green and blue economic transition as a necessary development pathway to ensure property and well-being for all people. Ms. Wignaraja will then be accompanied by UNDP Papua New Guinea Resident Representative, Mr. Dirk Wagener, to the Southern Highlands Province to interact with communities engaged in the UNDP-led UN Highlands Joint Programme. Ms. Wignaraja will observe UNDP’s support to critical efforts by local institutions in response to a surge of tribal and sorcery accusation related violence and to advocate for an increased support to address all forms of violence in the Papua New Guinea Highlands region. UNDP Papua New Guinea Resident Representative, Mr Dirk Wagener, said Ms. Wignaraja’s visit further strengthens UNDP’s commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea’s development agenda.

The US Men’s National Team (USMNT) was made to work hard for its place in the World Cup knockout stage, earning a tough 1-0 win over Iran in a nerve-racking Group B decider at Qatar 2022. Christian Pulisic’s first-half goal was all that separated the two sides as the USMNT reached the round of 16 for the first time since 2014. The pressure was certainly on for Gregg Berhalter’s side in Qatar after the national team’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, but the US got the job done with three gritty group performances. It certainly wasn’t pretty at times, in particular in the closing stages against Iran, but progressing through the group stage was the minimum expectation for this exciting young team. There will be some concerns going into the knockout stages, though, after Pulisic suffered an abdominal injury while scoring the winner. The USMNT will be hoping its star man, dubbed ‘Captain America’ by some, is fit for the round of 16 tie against the Netherlands on Saturday following the news that Pulisic had been sent to hospital for a scan. [caption id="attachment_31386" align="alignnone" width="906"] USA goalkeeper Matt Turner celebrates Christian Pulisic's winning goal.[/caption] Winner takes all This was the only the third meeting ever between the two nations and their first World Cup encounter since France 1998 – a politically charged match that saw Iran emerge as a shock 2-1 winner. That was the first time that Iran and the US, sometimes described officially in Iran as the ‘Great Satan,’ had met on the football pitch and the biggest sporting occasion between the countries since the 1979 revolution. The build-up to this game in Qatar has been similarly tense, with Iran even calling for the USMNT to be expelled from the World Cup after the US Soccer Federation posted an Iranian flag without the emblem of the Islamic Republic on its social media platforms to show support for protesters in Iran. USMNT manager Berhalter and captain Tyler Adams also faced some tough questions from Iranian journalists in a fiery press conference, fending off accusations of hypocrisy and disrespect. The furore surrounding this game only added to the drama of a matchup that – even in a vacuum away from off-field issues – was guaranteed to be fraught with tension. Both teams knew a win would secure a place in the round of 16, but for the USMNT even a draw would not be enough to see it progress from the group. There weren’t too many signs of early nerves from the USMNT as Berhalter’s side dictated the play in the opening stages – enjoying 65% of the possession – though it took until the 28th minute for it conjure the first chance of note. Josh Sargeant’s long-range effort took a deflection off an Iranian defender and fell perfectly into the path of Timothy Weah, who perhaps didn’t realize he was all alone in front of goal and rushed a headed effort that Alireza Beiranvand in the Iran goal caught with ease. On the half hour mark, Weah once again took up a brilliant position inside the box but skied his effort well over the crossbar after being set up by Sargeant. The USMNT’s pressure eventually told seven minutes before half time, taking the lead following an incisive team move. Weston McKennie’s pinpoint cross field ball was headed back across goal by the marauding Sergiño Dest and bundled home bravely by Pulisic, who suffered a hefty collision with Beiranvand as he turned the ball over the line. The USMNT’s delight swiftly turned to worry as it was evident that Pulisic was in significant pain following the clash, limping heavily as he was helped off the pitch by two medics. Pulisic soon re-entered the pitch, but the Chelsea man was clearly still struggling with the knock. As the USMNT grew in confidence, spaces began to open up in Iran’s defense and Weah thought he’d doubled his team’s lead just before the interval, finishing wonderfully with the outside of his boot only to be met by the linesman’s flag for the narrowest of offside decisions. [caption id="attachment_31411" align="alignnone" width="906"] USA players celebrate at the final whistle.[/caption] Though Iran would have been happy to weather that first-half storm, it was a surprisingly subdued performance – in particular following Pulisic’s goal – from a team that had caused both England and Wales defensive problems in its opening two matches. Iran did begin the second half with more authority, creating two brilliant chances for Saman Ghoddos but the Brentford forward was unable to trouble USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner. With the clock ticking down, Iran had a glorious chance to level the score but Morteza Pouraliganji’s stooping header flashed narrowly wide of the far post much to the relief of the American fans in the stands, many who had their heads in their hands. There were loud calls for a penalty from the Iranian players late on in the nine minutes of added time, with Mehdi Taremi insisting that Cameron Carter-Vickers had pulled down the Porto forward down as he attempted to get on the end of a cross. After a brief, tense check, VAR decided it wasn’t a penalty and soon after referee Mateu Lahoz blew his whistle to end the game. Both teams sank to the floor – for very difference reasons – but the USMNT will know an improved performance is necessary if it wants to have a chance of advancing further in Qatar. ‘I hope our fans … forgive us’ Following the defeat, an emotional Saeid Ezatolahi asked for forgiveness from Iran fans. Iran was in a strong position going into the final game following that crucial 2-0 win over Wales, needing just a draw to progress, but put in a disappointing performance with a place in the knockout stages on the line. “I’m really sorry on behalf of our players, our group, that we couldn’t get our opportunity to qualify for the next round,” the midfielder said. “Life and football is going on and that can be a good lesson for us, at least for the young players like me for the future. So I hope our fans and our people in Iran, they forgive us and I feel just sorry, that’s it.” Iran coach Carlos Quieroz said “the dream is over” but is already looking to the future. “The first half was US and the second half Iran,” said Quieroz, who is Iran’s longest-serving coach, having managed the team from 2011 to 2019, before returning for a second spell in charge in September. “The difference [was] we didn’t score in the second half as we should. But, the dream is over. Now, its thinking about the next step for Iran,” added Quieroz, who is the only coach to have led the team to consecutive World Cups. Source: CNN News

The National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) has partnered with 1-TOK Counselling Helpim lain to drive visibility and support in their services in PNG. This agreement will see Nasfund as a community partner in driving visibility and campaigns to encourage Papua New Guineans to use 1-Tok Counselling as a the medium for therapy and support in areas of Family and Sexual Violence (FSV), Child Sexual Violence, Relationship issues and general mental health Awareness and support. Speaking at the MoU partnership Nasfund General Manager Talent & Culture Mr. Vincent Lialu highlighted that Mental Health in PNG is an important agenda that needs to be addressed by organizations. “There is currently limited visibility given to support services for victims or individual in this area. Not many people are aware of such services where they can get information and support and COVID-19 period was the litmus test as the lock downs and uncertainty caused a lot of anxiety and discomfort amongst many Papua New Guineans. It is our obligation as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility Program to support community partnerships that benefit our members and staff as whole.” 1-TOK counselling’s Helpline Manager Kinime Daniel expressed her gratitude towards Nasfund’s Board and Management for the timely partnership. “This is the first time a corporate Organization in PNG has taken initiative to come on board and drive the awareness campaign as part of their community obligation. Thank you Nasfund for once again being a leader, this time through promoting positive mental health.” Ms. Daniel also reiterated that this will be the new mode of partnerships moving forward and is hopeful that other organizations in PNG will follow suit. This partnership is consistent with Nasfund’s Culture & Wellbeing initiative to drive mental health support for our staff & members, and to embrace this as a working program for 2023 and onwards.

Prime Minister James Marape says the K590 million in cost-of-living relief, provided for in the biggest-ever K24.567 billion 2023 Budget handed down yesterday (November 29, 2022) by Treasurer Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey, shows that it is a "People's Budget". He said this yesterday after Treasurer Ling-Stuckey handed down the Budget in Parliament. "What Treasurer Ling-Stuckey announced yesterday shows that the Pangu Pati Government I lead is caring, responsible and responsive," PM Marape said. "The 2023 Budget is truly a 'People's Budget. “Pangu Pati and our coalition partners went into the elections with a commitment to better Papua New Guinea, the people voted for us right throughout the country, and we are now delivering through the 2023 Budget. “All-in-all, the Budget is tailored towards lifting our country, and is more people-focused than ever before.” The K590 million relief includes: • Tax cuts of K63 per fortnight for those earning more than K20,000 per year for 2023. This will be done by temporarily lifting the tax-free threshold to K20,000 at a cost of K280 million; • K150 million will be provided for reducing fuel prices. All excise taxes on fuels will be removed through to June 30, 2023. This will keep petrol prices down by about 61t per litre, and diesel prices down by 23t per litre; and • K160 million is allocated for removing school fee project costs in 2023. This is a particularly-important measure to get assistance out to rural areas and families. PM Marape said it was the first time in PNG’s history for a government to develop a household assistance scheme, to help address some of the cost-of-living pressures such as increased prices for fuel, cooking oil, rice and fertilizer for farmers.

Pop star Dua Lipa has been granted Albanian citizenship for promoting the country through her music and fame. The star was born in London in 1995 to Kosovan-Albanian parents, and briefly returned to the region as a teenager. Albanian president Bajram Begaj said Lipa had made the country "proud with her global career and engagement in important social causes". The New Rules singer said it was "an indescribable great joy" to accept citizenship. After posing for photos with President Begaj at Tirana City Hall, Lipa took an oath of citizenship, gave her fingerprints and signed an application form for an identity card and passport. Lipa's parents left Kosovo in about 1992, as the tensions that eventually led to the 1998-9 war began to surface. The singer's grandfather, Seit Lipa, was head of the Institute for the History of Kosovo when it was targeted for closure by Serbian law in 1992, a move that a special rapporteur for the United Nations later called a sign of burgeoning human rights violations. Settling in Camden, the family raised Lipa with an awareness of her culture, with Albanian remaining her first language even as she fell in love with Western pop stars like Pink and Nelly Furtado. But her parents always intended to return home - which they did after Lipa left primary school at the age of 11. "It took me a really long time to find my feet there," she told NPR earlier this year. "It's interesting going into that at 11 years old, but I think I wouldn't change it for the world because it really helped me become who I am". Eventually, the singer decided to return to London to pursue her dreams of a singing career, living with a friend of the family until she was 16. "I guess it was scary for [my parents]", she told BBC News in 2016. "But I was constantly on the phone to them: 'Ok, I've woken up. OK, I'm at school. OK, I'm back at home.' "For them it must have been a rollercoaster of emotions. For me, it was the best time of my life." Since finding fame with hits like New Rules, Be The One, Don't Start Now and Levitating, the singer has made a point of honouring her heritage. In 2018, she founded the Sunny Hill Festival with her father, raising money for the Sunny Hill Foundation, which helps those who are vulnerable and in need. She will wrap up her world tour in the Albanian capital, Tirana, this week, with a show marking the 110th anniversary of the country's independence from the Ottoman Empire. However, her support for Albania sparked a backlash in 2020 after she posted a map appearing to show Albania, Kosovo and parts of neighbouring Balkan countries as one nation, with a caption suggesting Albanians are indigenous to the area. The controversial image is associated with ultra-nationalists who believe Albania's borders should be expanded. The pop star quickly moved to quash criticism, saying her post "was never meant to incite any hate". "It makes me sad and angry that my post has been wilfully misinterpreted by some groups and individuals who promote ethnic separatism, something I completely reject," she wrote in a statement. "We all deserve to be proud of our ethnicity and where we are from. I simply want my country to be represented on a map and to be able to speak with pride and joy about my Albanian roots and my mother country."   Source: BBC

Monkeypox will now be known as mpox, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced, after complaints over racist and stigmatising language linked to the virus's name. The old term will be used alongside the new one for a year, before being phased out. Mpox was decided on after lengthy discussions between experts, countries and the general public. It can easily be used in English as well as other languages, the WHO said. Human monkeypox was first identified in 1970 and named after the disease caused by the virus was discovered in captive monkeys more than a decade before. It stresses the need to minimise unnecessary negative impact on trade, travel, tourism or animal welfare, and to avoid causing offence to any cultural, social, national or ethnic groups. During the Covid pandemic, it recommended that variants were referred to using letters of the Greek alphabet because they were "non-stigmatising" and easy to pronounce. This year, there has been unusual spread of mpox virus - a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox - in many countries outside central and west Africa, where it is often found. In July, the WHO declared a global health emergency because of the worldwide surge in people developing symptoms, including a high fever and skin lesions or rash. Cases of the disease have been declining for several months now, but more than 100 different countries have been affected in 2022 - prompting huge demand for vaccine supplies to protect those most at risk. The US, Brazil, Spain, France and the UK have reported the highest total number of mpox cases this year. Globally, there have been 50 deaths from the virus. Since May, the UK has reported more than 3,500 cases but a rollout of vaccines to vulnerable groups helped drive down numbers following a peak in July. Most people affected were men who have sex with men.   Source: BBC

The East New Britain (ENB) government has endorsed a decision for the removal and appointment of ENB Development Corporation (ENBDC) proxy shareholder and board of directors. The endorsement was handed down last Friday during a special assembly meeting at the Gazelle International hotel conference room. The purpose of the meeting is to table the paper and immediately for the hearing of the paper to inform the provincial assembly of the status of ENBDC, for the assembly to take note of the brief history of ENBDC and its current share holder and board of director status, to appoint the current sitting member Governor Michael Marum as the shareholder, endorse the appointment of four new directors to the board and later will be lodged forthwith the registrar of company’s (IPA) for filing and registration. Chaired the meeting is Deputy Governor Boniface Gerep introduced the paper to be tabled stating that this is a special meeting only for one important paper other papers will be tabled in the next assembly next month. Reading the paper chairman of commerce, trade and industry Enos Pulumen said ENBDC has been here for more than 40 years and it is 100 percent owned by East New Britain provincial government and has grown over the years. He said ENBDC is and always be the pride of East New Britain people. This province has shown the rest of PNG that a provincial government owned business arm can prosper if provided with a conducive business environment by its government and more importantly directed and managed by competent elites of East New Britain. He said ENBDC over the years has demonstrated outstanding corporate governance competence and acknowledged that without the wisdom of expertise provincial elders whom some have passed on ENBDC would have not been where it is today. “The two current captains of the ships are not eligible anymore their contracts of employment had expired in 2021 and 2022 while we appreciate that ENBDC has engaged in dedicate and complex property development arrangement,” he said. Therefore, it is essential and legal that there must be an appointment of the proxy shareholder by this provincial assembly to represent ENB provincial government as the sole shareholder of ENBDC. Mr. Pulumen added that after the appointment of the proxy shareholder by this assembly than the proxy shareholder is legally eligible to call a board of directors meeting to change the board of directors, appoint the board of directors, appoint the executive chairman to the board of directors or appoint the chief executive officer to the company. In addition, some of the board directors term in office have also lapsed, and there must be new directors appointed to assume those respective board of director’s vacancies in ENBDC. It is advice in this submission that because of the nature of the company which is nothing more than a creature of law, all our actions must be necessarily be in strict conformity with the company’s Act 1997.

Activists and academics are joining forces to fight plans by Japan to start dumping nuclear waste from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. It is scheduled to start next year and continue for 30 years. A statement of solidarity opposing the move was being drafted following the Nuclear Connections Across Oceania conference in Dunedin at the weekend. At least 800,000 tons of radioactive wastewater was scheduled to be dumped into the Pacific Ocean over 30 years from early next year. "We understand this is within Japan's jurisdiction but the ocean is not stagnant and Pacific Islands will be at the forefront of disposal," Pacific Network on Globalizatio Deputy Coordinator Joey Tau said. Pacific anti-nuclear activists, a Hiroshima bomb survivor and academics voiced their opposition at the event and set up a working group to tackle the issue. International law expert Duncan Currie told the conference Japan had not considered the impacts or conducted baseline studies, which he said was "completely unacceptable". He said modelling suggested the waste would travel to Korea, China, and then the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau. "Japan has other options like storing the waste on land which is costly, but countries need to take a stand now. It is an open and shut case," Curry said. "Very simply, any country, any Pacific country, Korea, China could take a case against Japan in the international tribunal of Law of the Sea demanding an injunction or what are called provisional measures in international law be exercised." Toshiko Tanaka, an 84-year-old survivor of the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima in 1945, urged the world to remember the suffering nuclear weapons cause. Marshallese 'still suffering' from nuclear testing The newly-elected Vanuatu Climate Minister Ralph Regenvanu said Vanuatu was against the move as the country was a member of the Pacific Islands Forum which had expressed its opposition to the dumping. Fiji-based Bedi Racule said hearing about Japan's plans and the potential impacts had been re-traumatising as Marshall Islands residents were still facing the impacts of nuclear testing by the United States. "We know a lot of people that have passed away from cancer," Racule said. She believed it was New Zealand that had a duty to take action, instead of leaving it up to small island nations. "I really feel for my nations' leaders, they're taking on so much, they have so much on their shoulders and to be constantly fighting for survival means we don't have time to focus on our people and develop our people. "So I think a nation like New Zealand should take the lead on Fukushima waste dumping issue," she said. Time and time again it was small Pacific Islands taking on these battles, Tau said. He called on New Zealand to support this call, if it saw itself as part of "this blue continent". Source: rnz.co