Islandliving pacific
SUMMER 2015 | ISSUE 14
e m o c l e W
o m o r i w a m Eka
Island Hop POHNPEI NAURU KORSAE
Diving
IN THE SOLOMONS
Pacific Pulse
NEWS+VIEWS RESORTS+REAL ESTATE
Nauru Airlines YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY
Plus
FOOD+HEALTH+MORE
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Welcome... o m o r i maw
Eka
t is my pleasure to welcome you aboard this Nauru Airlines flight and indeed, to welcome you to the Central Pacific. As the end of the year approaches and a new one begins, we reflect on our continued expansion throughout the Pacific and our on-going plans to continually improve our service. Our announcement earlier this year to commence flights to the Federated States of Micronesia reflects our commitment to the region. We are delighted to offer the only service from Austrlia to Pohnpei and Kosrae in the same day and have been thrilled with the response from the FSM community. I’m also pleased to receive positive feedback regarding our catering and on board service – it is an area we are very proud of and I welcome your comments always. For now, please sit back and enjoy your Nauru Airlines flight. Geoff Bowmaker, CEO.
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Welcome aboard
T
hank you for flying Nauru Airlines. Today you are flying on one of Nauru Airline’s Boeing 737-300 aircraft. Our Captain and crew will ensure your flight is as memorable and enjoyable as possible. We ask you to take time to read over the safety information then sit back, relax and enjoy our renowned inflight service. Safety First – taxi, take-off and landing. Seat belts must be fastened during take-off, taxi, landing and whenever the seat belt sign is illuminated. We advise you to have it comfortably fastened at all other times in case of unexpected turbulence. Hand luggage must be stored in the overhead lockers or under the seat in front of you. If you are seated in an emergency exit row, all hand luggage must be stored in the overhead compartments. Your seat back must be upright and the tray table fastened during take-off and landing. Safety First – during flight. Sleeping on the aircraft floor is not permitted. Please read the Safety Instruction card in your seat pocket noting the emergency exits and the location of life jackets. Please watch the safety demonstration prior to take-off. Electronic equipment. Laptop computers, iPods, DVD players and other electronic equipment may only be used
once the aircraft has reached cruising altitude – the cabin crew will advise. They must be switched off prior to descent. Mobile telephones can only be operated if “Flight Mode” was selected prior to boarding the aircraft. FM radio digital receivers cannot be used on board at any time during the flight. Travelling with children and infants. Nauru Airlines crew is only too happy to assist during the flight. We can re-heat bottles or assist if your baby or toddler develops ear pain. Children’s meals need to be requested at the time of booking. Your flight to or from the Central Pacific today is not long haul, however we do recommend you drink plenty of water (it will be offered throughout your flight) and limit your alcohol, tea and coffee intake. Take time to walk around the cabin when possible or exercise while seated by flexing and rotating your ankles every hour to aid circulation. This is a non-smoking flight. Smoking is strictly prohibited on board. The aircraft toilets are fitted with smoke detecting devices.
Aircraft type and manufacturer Length Wing span Cruising speed Seating capacity Cargo capacity Range
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Boeing 737-300 33.40 metres 28.88 metres 0.74 mach 130 23.3 cubic metres 4,204 kilometres
PICTURE: Nautlus Resort Kosrae.
BOEING 737-300
Advice on your comfort s s e n t fi t h g infli
N
auru Airlines cares about your comfort and safety while travelling. While flying, passengers can be seated and inactive for long periods of time and the environment cam be low in humidity and pressurised up to an altitude of 2440 metres above sea level. Moving rapidly across many time zones can disrupt a person’s ‘body clock”. To most passengers, these factors do not pose a health of safety threat, however the following guidelines will improve your level of comfort, both during and after a flight. • Wear loose, comfortable clothing. • Drink plenty of water. • Don’t drink excessive amounts of tea, coffee or alcohol. (These drinks act as diuretics, increasing dehydration).
inflight workout
Using these exercises can provide a safe way to move and stretch various muscle groups that may stiffen as a result of sitting for long periods. The body’s blood circulation may be increased and the muscles massaged by these techniques. For best results these exercises should be done for around three of four minutes every hour. An occasional walk around the aisle will also help. If you feel pain or discomfort and cannot exercise with ease, you should not continue these exercises.
foot pumps (Foot motion in 3 stages)
• Begin with both heels flat on the floor then point toes upward as high as possible. • Place both feet flat to the floor. • Raise your heels high, keeping balls of the feet on the floor. • Repeat the three foot pump stages continuously and at 30 second intervals.
ankle circles
• Raise your feet. Draw a circle with your toes, move one foot clockwise and the other counter clockwise. • Reverse feet direction. • Circle feet in each direction for approx 15 seconds. • Repeat as often as required.
knee lifts
• Lift your leg with the knee bent while tensing your thigh muscle. • Change legs and repeat 20-30 times for each leg.
neck roll
• Relax your shoulders and drop your ear to the shoulder and roll your neck gently forward and backwards. • Hold both positions for approx five seconds. • Do this five times.
knee to chest
• Lean slightly forward. • Place hands around the left knee and bring into your chest. • Hold this position for 15 seconds. • Lower knee slowly while still holding • Repeat 10 times, alternating legs.
forward flex
• Place feet on the floor and gently bend forward while holding stomach in. • Walk your hands down your legs to the ankles. • Stay in this position for 15 seconds then sit back up slowly.
shoulder roll
• Roll your shoulders upward, backward, downward then forwards in a gentle circular motion.
how to minimise the effects of jet lag Travelling to a different time zone without giving the body a chance to adjust to new night-day cycles causes jet lag. The more time zones you cross during your flight, the more your body clock is disturbed. As a general rule, it takes approximately one day per time zone crossed for the body to adjust. The common symptoms of jet lag are sleeplessness, tiredness and loss of appetite or appetite at odd hours. To minimise the effects of jet lag: • Have a good night’s rest before your flight • Give yourself a day or two to adjust to the new time zone after arrival if possible. • Minimise the flight time by flying direct when possible – this allows you to relax more upon arrival. • Try light exercise, a brisk walk, or reading if you find sleeping difficult after arrival at your destination.
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Nauru t n a s a ple
d n a l s i
There are not too many people who can claim to drive around an entire country in less than 30 minutes. Here we offer some useful information about getting around this pleasant Pacific island.
General information
Nauru is situated in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, 60 kilometres to the south of the equator, at latitude 0°55’S and longitude 166°55’E. Six kilometres in length and four kilometres in width, its total area is 21.1 square kilometres, or 5,263 acres. Its nearest neighbour is Banaba (also known as Ocean Island) in the Republic of Kiribati, 330 kilometres to the east. The coast of Papua New Guinea lies 2,150 kilometres to the south-west, Melbourne 4,705 kilometres to the south-west, Honolulu 4,457 kilometres to the north-west, Tokyo 4,797 kilometres to the north-west, Guam 2,827 kilometres to the north-west and Hong Kong 6,189 kilometres to the northwest, while Suva lies 2,324 kilometres to the south-east and Auckland 4,132 kilometres to the south. The island is girdled with a 200 metres wide coral reef exposed at low tide. The coastal belt along the 19 kilometres circumference of the island and the small area surrounding the inland lagoon of Buada are most picturesque and fertile. Cultivation is limited to these areas where coconut palms and pandanus grow in abundance. Bananas and some vegetables are also produced in these areas. The top soil throughout
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Nauru is thin and porous, varying between 5cm and 30cm. Beyond the coastal belt, the coral cliffs rise to heights up to 70 metres above sea level to form a vast plateau, generally referred to as “The Topside”. The area contains the only major land based economic resource of Nauru, the phosphate deposits, which cover nearly four-fifths of the country’s total land area. The phosphate is mined by open-cut method from amongst the tall coral limestone boulders, known as the pinnacles. The deposits vary in depth from eight to twenty-five metres, but they do not run deeper than sea level.
Phosphate rock
In 1900 Sir Albert Ellis, an Australian prospector, was intrigued when he came across a large block of rock used as a door stop. It was originally believed to be petrified wood, known to have come from “Pleasant Island” (Nauru). Intrigued, Sir Albert examined the piece scientifically and believed it was high quality phosphate. It was then taken to London where it was confirmed to be phosphate rock which led to the establishment of the phosphate mining industry in Nauru in 1907. There are three principal theories about the origin of
PICTURES: Tiffany Carroll, John Short and Nauru Airlines.
From blue waters to wild and stunning sunsets, surfing and proud culture, Nauru welcomes you.
of the Republic), the white and black noddies, and the nightingale reed warbler known as the Nauruan canary whose delightful songs form the daily wake up call for Radio Nauru. Nauru has no indigenous animals.
People
Nauruans appear to be racially closer to the Micronesians. The Nauruan language has adopted the Roman script but has little in common with other Pacific languages. Nauruans belong to twelve distinct tribes: 1 Deiboe – black fish 7 Emea – crab 2 Eamwidara – dragon fly 8 Eaoru – crab 3 Eamwidumwit – dragon fly 9 Irutsi – torch-stump 4 Eamwit – eel 10 Iruwa – stranger 5 Eano – fish 11 Iwi – louse 6 Emangum – flotsom & jetsam 12 Ranibok – water drinker The 12 points of the star on the Republic’s national flag represent these 12 matrilineal tribes but sadly the Iwi and Irutsi tribes are now extinct.
Angam
(means “coming home”) On the 26th October 1932 the population touched 1,500 for the first time after the heavy toll influenza took soon after the First World War. Since then this day is celebrated as Angam Day. During the Second World War in June and July 1943, 1201 Nauruans were deported to the island of Truk in Micronesia. When the war ended in 1945 there were only 591 Nauruans on the island. Of the 1,201 Nauruans sent to Truk, 464 died of starvation, disease and bombing; the 737 survivors returned to Nauru on 31st January, 1946. The population again touched the 1,500 mark on 31st March 1949. Nauru now has a population density of 381 per square kilometre. Nauruan phosphate. According to one theory, during the periods of submergence when the corals were building upwards over the volcanic platform, organic matter got entrapped amongst the limestone pinnacles and formed phosphate pellets. Subsequently, due to changes in the sea levels and tectonic uplifts, the island was raised above the sea level. According to a second theory, the phosphate is of igneous origin. The third theory suggests bird droppings formed guano over a long period of time. In the light of evidence from marine organic materials available at Topside, it would appear the theory of marine origin has greater credibility than others. Whatever the origin, the Nauru rock is the purest in the world at 78% to 84% purity.
Flora & fauna
There are now about 200 species of flora, some 30 of which are indigenous including the coconut, banyan and almond trees, but unfortunately about 50 indigenous species appear to have become extinct due to phosphate mining. The fauna include about a dozen species of birds, the most important of which are the frigate bird (which features in the official emblem
Religion
The first Christian Missionaries arrived in Nauru from Kiribati in 1887. After the subsequent visits of missionaries, schools were established and parts of the Holy Bible were translated into Nauruan. It was left to the American-educated late head chief Timothy Detudamo and P.H. Delaporte to help produce a complete Nauruan Bible. The spread of Christianity made Nauruans more enlightened spiritually, but sadly, their traditions and cultural moorings were quickly lost.
Constitution & parliament
The Constitution of Nauru declaring the country as a sovereign Republic was adopted by the people of Nauru in the Constitutional conventional on 29th January, 1968. The country became a sovereign Republic of 31st January, 1968. The Constitution provides for the Parliament to make laws for peace, order and good government of Nauru. The first Parliament came into existence on 31st January, 1968, under the name of Legislative Assembly of Nauru. It started functioning under the name of Parliament from 17th
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It’s not known as ‘pleasant island’ for nothing, the fishing’s fabulous and the seafood tastes great.
May,1968, now called Constitution Day. The Parliament of Nauru consists of 18 Members elected from eight constituencies for three-year terms from the date of the first sitting of Parliament. Members of Parliament are directly elected by the people of Nauru.
The government
The Republic of Nauru has a democratic form of government based on the principles of the elected representation of people in Parliament. Cabinet has accountability to Parliament. The Supreme Court is the ultimate arbiter of justice and enforcer of the fundamental rights of citizens enshrined in the Constitution. There is no formal political party system and members of Parliament vote on the basis of issues. The Executive branch of Government comprises the President, who is also the Chairman of the Cabinet, and five other Members of the Cabinet. The President is elected by Parliament, and he appoints the Members of his Cabinet from among the Members of Parliament.
Public holidays
1st January – New Year’s Day 31st January – Independence Day March/April – Good Friday, Easter Monday & Easter Tuesday 17th May – Constitution Day 1st July – Nauru Phosphate Corporation (NPC) Handover Day (½ day) 26th October – Angam Day 25th December – Christmas Day 26th December – Boxing Day
Districts
Nauru has 14 districts, with no capital nor main town. If turning left from the airport (facing the runway), the districts are: Yaren - home to the government offices and Parliament House Menen - Menen Hotel, The Reef Tavern, government
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departments and churches. Capital Cafe – only place to get a cappuccino on the island. Anibare Bay - Swimming beach, main wharf Ijuw - Local housing and small stores Anabar - WW2 Japanese bunkers, Frigate bird cages (taboo for women - you must seek permission before visiting) Anetan - Petrol station, local housing & swimming beach Ewa - Capelle & Partner general store, cafe, rental apartments. Public toilets. Baitsi, Uaboe, Nibok - local housing, Jules on the Deck restaurant, bar and nightclub. Surf beach. Denig - Moon River Chinese Restaurant Aiwo - Power station, wharf, phosphate factory, Odn Hotel, Civic Centre, Supermarket, Post Office, Cenpac internet cafe, Digicel & local restaurants. Buada - inland lagoon and local housing Boe - airport, Reynaldo’s Chinese restaurant
Annual festivities
31st January – Independence Day Sports Carnival; Island beautification; wrestling 25th March – Nauru Congregational Church Youth Choral Competition 17th May – Women’s Fellowship Arts & Craft Exhibition. Constitution Day Sports Carnival August – Nauru Arts Festival (2nd Saturday) 26th October – District Competitions i.e choral competition; sports; island beautification.
Local customs & traditions
• Walking around in swimming attire is discouraged • When entering someone’s home it is polite to take off your shoes • Tipping is not expected nor is it encouraged. • The head is sacred to the Nauruans, only close family are allowed to touch a person’s head. • Stoop when crossing in front of others especially elders.
Kiribati s d n a l s i nture adve
Surfing, SCUBA diving, sailing, game fishing or simply relaxing on a quiet beach, Kiribati has something for everyone.
May to December is the best time of year to island hop around Kiribati.
general information
Kiribati (pronounced Kiribas) is an independent republic within the Commonwealth of Nations, located in the central Pacific Ocean, about 4,000 km (about 2,500 miles) southwest of Hawaii. It is part of the division of the Pacific islands that is known as Micronesia. Kiribati consists of 33 coral islands divided among three island groups: the Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands, and the Line Islands. All of the islands are atolls (ring-shaped islands with central lagoons) except for the island of Banaba in the Gilbert Islands which is a raised limestone Island. Of the 33 islands of Kiribati, 21 are inhabited. Most of the population is concentrated in the Gilbert Islands and only one of the islands in the Phoenix Group (Kanton Island) is inhabited along with three of the Line Islands which are permanently inhabited. The capital of Kiribati is Tarawa, an atoll in the Gilbert Islands. Bairiki, an islet of Tarawa, serves as an administrative center. Kiribati has a total land area of 811 sq km (313 sq miles). The islands extend about 3,900 km (about 2,400 miles) from east to west. From north to south they extend about 2,100 km (about 1,300 miles), straddling the equator. The majority of the atolls are barely more than six metres above sea level and surrounded by barrier reefs creating picturesque lagoons for fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming and other water sports. Professional scuba diving guides are available on Christmas Island, Fanning Island and Tarawa. Record-breaking game fishing is available around Kiritimati and the Gilbert Islands.
climate & temperature
Temperature varies between 25째 and 33째C, with annual sunshine of 4135 hours. The wet season extends from December to May and rainfall variation is high in most of the islands. A gentle breeze from the easterly quarter is predominant, and a sea breeze cools everyone down all year round. The tropical climate and hot temperature encourage cool, cotton, loose fitting outfits for men and women.
language
The main language is I-Kiribati - however English has been taught over many years and is widely understood; you will have no problem accessing services, getting by or just having a chat.
money
Kiribati uses the Australian dollar (AUD). The ANZ Bank is the only International banking company in Kiribati with operating branches on South Tarawa and Kiritimati Island. On South Tarawa, ATMs are accessible at Betio, Bairiki, Bikenibeu ANZ Bank branches and at the gate of Tungaru Central Hospital in Nawerewere. On Kiritimati Island you can access the ATM at Ronton An amount of $5000 cash is permitted to be carried by a visitor when traveling to Kiribati. Credit Cards: VISA & Mastercards are currently the only major credit cards accepted in Kiribati but there is limited acceptance as sometimes there are no credit card facilities. Credit cards are not accepted in the outer islands so ensure you take enough cash with you.
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Island Discovery
Where IntatThe World? a i s e n o r c i M f es o Federated S
Keri Algar’s first visit to the sprawling islands and seas of the Federated States of Micronesia leaves an indelible impression of clear waters, perfect diving conditions, stunning geography and quick witted peaceful locals.
K
een divers, surfers or those in the tuna fisheries industry will know about Micronesia, the rest will likely wonder, where in the world? Referring to the region as a whole, Micronesia is an expanse of western Pacific Ocean consisting of thousands of small islands divided into the nations of Guam, the Marshall and Marianas, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The FSM lie roughly 2,900km north east of Australia and just east of the Philippines. North of the equator 607 islands stretch mostly east to west with a longitudinal distance of around 2,700km. The land to ocean ratio is impressive: a total landmass of 702km2 scatters itself across 2.6 million km2 of western Pacific Ocean. In other words, visitors are likely to spend as much time in (or on) the water as they are on land. What the land area lacks in size though is made up for in variety. There are islands of mountain peaks, rolling grassland, mangrove forests, low lying atolls, sheltered lagoons and sandy beaches. The nation is made up of four principal island states: Yap, Chuuk, Kosrae and Pohnpei. Pohnpei is the largest, most developed and home to Palikir, the capital. Security is not an issue. People are peaceful by nature and Micronesians tend to be quick witted with a wicked sense of humour.
Nan Madole
Think ancient Aztec ruins or Egyptian pyramids and you are on track to appreciate the archeological fascination of these megalithic ruins. Situated on a lagoon and constructed from enormous basalt columns, Nan Madol is a series of man-made islands linked by a canal system. Some theorise it was a prehistoric port city, others a place for spiritual or burial ceremony … the jury is out. Exactly how the columns and basalt boulders – some weighing in at 90 tonnes – were transported from a quarry on the other side of the island is also debatable. The best way to explore the expansive ruins is by water at high tide on a small boat or kayak. Alternatively, allow a leisurely two-hour drive southeast from Kolonia and walk in; bring about seven dollars for landowner fees. This is a must see.
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Pohnpei & Kosrae
• Money: Bring US currency, though there are a handful of ATMs to get cash out from (only two on Kosrae). Most hotels accept credit cards though restaurants and bars prefer cash. • Getting around: There is no public transport on either island, but taxis are very affordable. Rental cars are easily arranged with a driver, who can double as a useful guide. • Both islands have visitor information centres open Monday to Friday. • Pre-paid phone cards and SIMs can be bought from the national telco, FSMTC on Pohnpei, or hotels on both islands. Most hotels offer free WiFi and FSMTC offers a number of 3G hotspots across the islands. • Modest clothing will make everyone (including you) feel comfortable, especially on Kosrae, the quieter and more conservative of the two islands.
Pohnpei
Pohnpei’s jungle-clad mountains plunge into turquoise lagoons – it is strikingly beautiful. The island is roughly round in shape, about 21km in diameter and its highest peak, Mount Nanlaud, nudges the clouds at 800m. A well-maintained ring road around the island begs for exploration. Pohnpei is not blessed with beaches, but with a fringing reef adored by surfers, divers and fishermen alike. Kolonia is the principal town.
Kepirohi Falls
This is one of the more accessible waterfalls on Pohnpei. Located southeast and near Nan Madol, the Kepirohi falls are a short 10-minute walk from the main ring road. A three-dollar landowner fee allows access along a beautifully kept garden path fringed by the large red leaves of the Cordyline plant and sweet scented orchids. The waterfall is tapered at the top and expands downward in great powerful torrents of cool water. At about 10m tall it is the sheer volume of water that impresses; the wind it creates blows your hair back. A large, but not deep, pool is perfect for a refreshing swim.
Left: With almost 2 million square kilometres of water to its name the FSM has plenty on offer both above and below the pristine Pacific, cruising with a dolphin convoy among them. Below: Tropical perfection!
Sokehs Ridgee Considered Pohnpei’s
great natural landmark, the Sokehs Island ridge and huge rock outcrop dominate Kolonia’s western skyline. It is a steep but easy walk up to spectacular views of Pohnpei, its natural harbour and Kolonia. It is also an informal outdoor WW2 museum. Used as a strategic defence point for the Japanese in WW2, today the top of the flat ridge is littered with relics including coastal defence guns, anti-aircraft guns, a power station, a machine gun pillbox, as well as rifle pits and trenches. It is a two-minute drive from Kolonia. But wait, there’s more! Surfing world famous Palikir Pass, Ant Atoll, Nett Point picnic and swimming area, big game fishing, diving and snorkeling, hiking, climbing, innumerable waterfalls, and the Pohnpaip petroglyphs (rock carvings).
Kosrae In Kosrae prepare to trade in nightlife for wild
life. The ‘land of the sleeping lady’ is charming. It is smaller than Pohnpei, quiet and gentle, and with a road wrapping only three quarters of the way around the island. Here there are long stretches of untouched beaches to relax alongside. Whether you take the time out to enjoy them is a different matter. The pristine forests are matched underwater: diving is Kosrae’s draw card – diving and snorkeling as well as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding Hook yourself up to a tank, throw yourself into the water and enjoy the spectacle. People come from all over the world to enjoy the richness and diversity of the underwater world, in particular its corals. With a stiff current head to Hiroshi Point for shark spotting, or for a more gentle drift drive and pretty corals try the Tree Lodge wall, renowned for having scores of Christmas tree worms. Opposite Nautilus Resort, snorkeling
the Blue Holes is also lovely. Another option is to navigate by kayak or stand up paddleboard through extensive mangrove forests, regarded as some of the most untouched wetland forests in the world!
Yakula Falls This tall cascading waterfall is a
short five-minute walk from the main road. Those with a sense of adventure (and travel insurance) may like to climb the tree to the waterfall’s right. The reward at the top is a man made swimming pool to wash the sweat of the climb away. Coming down the rocky slope of other side of the waterfall (which you could also climb up) is a little easier with the help of two thick ropes. It is best to take a guide and landowner permission is required – beware the snarling dogs.
Lelu Island
Lelu (Lela) is best known as the old King’s island and for its 14th Century ruins. But a gentle guided walk to the top of the hill also bears great rewards. There are lovely views of Kosrae’s mountain range that resemble a woman lying down, her face, neck, twin peaks and hands clasped over her belly; this of course, gives Kosrae its unofficial name, ‘sleeping lady’. At the top are WW2 Japanese bunkers and – for those that dare – an underground tunnel system that traverses through the hill (bring a torch). But wait, there’s more! Mangrove outrigger cruises, the famous bird cave, Lelu ruins, Mt Oma and its waterfalls, Tafunsak gorge hike, climbing, fishing or, relax with a book!
Getting there
Nauru Airlines flies to Pohnpei and Korsae once a week. Stay tuned for possible additional flights to FSM.
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Crossword
Puzzling questions to while away your flight. Solution on page NA12.
ACROSS 1 Reef material (5) 5 Space for keeping things (7) 9 Breadwinner (6) 10 Finnish steam†bath (5) 11 Antennae (7) 12 Type of TV screen (6) 15 Coastal (7) 17 Catch a plane, say (6) 19 Male pig (4) 21 People from Hobart etc (10) 25 Piece of turf (3) 27 Prefix meaning three (3) 28 Deep-fried crumbed veal or chicken pieces (10) 31 Killer whale (4) 32 Plane journey (6) 35 Single payout (4,3) 39 One from Down Under perhaps (6) 42 City sections (7) 43 Plane detection device (5) 44 Ranks or grades (6) 45 Topic of a meteorological report (7) 46 Ahead of time (5) DOWN 1 Snug (4) 2 Itinerary (5) 3 Bounds (5) 4 Staple foodstuff (5) 5 Sewn join (4) 6 Something really special (5) 7 An Indian dish of chopped vegetables, especially cucumber, in yoghurt (5)
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Piece of furniture (5) Guide (5) Essentially (3,2) Beneath (5) Consumer (4) Lobster of sorts (4)
Digicel Groupthday r i b h t x i s y p hap
Digicel celebrates six years in Nauru.
O
ver the last 12 months, Digicel Nauru has come on in leaps and bounds. They’ve moved on from a simple OTT and WiMax service to now launching 3G thanks to improvements to the network. Digicel maintains its mission to win the hearts of their customers in Nauru by improving services and building strong relationships with partners and the government. Major areas of growth include the Digicel WiMax service, data offers, the Digicel Play TV service and the Loop service and Digicel Mobile Advertising services. “With Digicel Play we now have the potential to reach 2,400 homes with a number of customers already connected to our services,” Digicel CEO, Ben Kealy said. Digicel has attractive promotions all year round and aims to build and maintain strong customer care by ensuring technical teams are dynamic and responsive. “We also ensure we increase smartphone penetration and data usage throughout Nauru. We provide high quality content for customers with the launch of Digicel Play and our local news app, Loop, offers customers the best in local straight to their mobile phones’’, Mr. Kealy added. With the majority of Digicel customers being prepaid, there are 50 resellers strategically placed around the island so customers can top up wherever they are. The retail store is open six days a week while resellers operate seven days a week. The honourable minister for telecoms, Shadlog Bernicke in Nauru said, “We the Government are delighted that Digicel is celebrating six years now in Nauru. We have come a long way from when the initial 2G service launched to now with WiMAX internet services and of course 3G which was launched last year.” The minister went onto say he was looking forward to continuing the strong relationship with the local Digicel team in Nauru and wished the team every success in the future. ‘’Digicel Nauru customers are at the centre of everything we do by bringing them good value, very competitive roaming rates and call home services in the detention centres and 99.9% availability. In addition, we are constantly monitoring the network via our Fiji-based NOC.’’, Ben Kealy said. ‘’We work with large corporates like Transfield fulfilling all their ICT needs. The team has also installed 20 F6 tracking devices and walkie-talkies for Nauru’s businesses”, he added.
When it comes to sport, Digicel is front and centre supporting the Pacific’s best talent and sporting teams, from grassroots to elite levels. Recently signing the World’s Strongest Man as their newest brand ambassador, Jezza Uepa, who won gold at the South Pacific Games, Digicel Nauru are also heavily involved with the AFL and the Nauru rugby 7’s team which is now a member of the International Rugby Board (IRB) – a huge achievement. Some of their major community initiatives this year included supporting the Olympics Committee and once a month, 300 residents are treated to a movie night to enjoy movies they would never be able to watch as Nauru does not have a movie theatre. There is continued emphasis on supporting and improving healthcare by providing free TV and internet service at the dialysis unit at the Nauru General Hospital. Digicel aims to not only provide affordable and accessible communications to the people of Nauru, but also through their corporate social innovation they will continue to build community spirit and make sustainable progress possible through meaningful projects and programs focusing on health, education, youth, social and cultural needs.
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Marshall Islands n o i t a m r o f in
T
he Marshall Islands are located just north of the equator half way between northern Australia and Hawaii. The population is just over 60,000. The capital and main port of entry is Majuro. Time zone: GMT +12 hrs Language: Marshallese and English. Currency: USD Health: Hospitals are located on Majuro and Ebeye. Health clinics are located on most other islands Electricity: 110 volts 60 cycles. US style plugs are used. Fishing: Deep sea game
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fishing around Majuro and Arno islands Diving: Live-aboard and land based, there are many pristine reef and wreck sites. Surfing: Live-aboard surfing safaris to some of the most remote breathtaking breaks on earth. Cruising: There are some great waters for ocean sailing and yachts are welcome. Accommodation: Majuro offers a range from hotels to small family guest houses and island retreats. • Bikendrik Island Hideaway is an upmarket resort with a choice of either a romantic detached
bungalow at the water’s edge, or a beautiful room with ensuite in the original plantation-style house. • Hotel Robert Reimers is family owned and operated with a traditional Marshallese flavour. All rooms are equipped with modern amenities • The Marshall Islands Resort Hotel, offers the best in convenience and comfort. Centrally located on a beautiful tropical lagoon, the resort features complete hotel accommodations and guest services. Nauru Airlines flies weekly
from Brisbane to Majuro via Nauru. Australian and New Zealand passport holders require a valid passport (six months) and confirmed return or onward travel bookings to enter the Marshall Islands for stays up to 30 days. • C O R A L O O E S A U N A Y T P S E A S P B O A R U S O D S C H N I U S F L I G H T R S U B U R R N W E A T H
B A R E L A I D F T A T Z T A B L E
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S N E A S M E A S M H E L L L U S S H V E R
T O R A G E R A A E R I A L S A T L T R A V E L E O A N I A N S T R I P S O R C A E N M P S U M I E N C R A D A R L S E A E A R L Y
1 | Islandliving paciďŹ c
1 | Islandliving paciďŹ c