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The News about Rotuma
from January 27 - February 17
(inserts by DOM press) Oceania Cyber nations with real repercussions By James Knight Visit the website and you can read the history or catch up with local affairs, but no matter how carefully you look on an atlas, you won't find the Dominion of Melchizedek anywhere (since only its claimed territories are found there, such as Jerusalem, a slice of Antarctica, never previously claimed by other nations, Clipperton, Malpelo and its 50 years sovereign lease over Taongi) . (Falsely believed to be) based in the South Pacific (on the shoal known as Karitane), it is a virtual tax haven with little banking legislation and no taxes. The dominion ..... lays claim to several green atolls glittering in the waters of the Pacific. On these sandy islands the virtual nation is having very real repercussions. Rotuma is another small island in the Pacific Ocean - a far-flung (colony) of Fiji. Recently, the issue of secession came up at a meeting of the island's council of elders. The national Fijian government took the talk seriously enough to send a delegation to the island to find out what was going on. Rotuma had been visited by David Korem - the American (Melchizedekian is a founder) of the Dominion of Melchizedek with his Filipina wife, ( Pearlasia, the President of the dominion. On a tourist visa, Korem had visited Rotuma and offered the council a constitution for autonomy ... with his nation as a nation within a nation. A mere prank, (some thought), but one that the Fijian government was right to take seriously. Korem had entered Fiji on a Dominion of Melchizedek (diplomatic) passport. It was not the only government to (accept): in January 1999, the immigration authorities in both Singapore and Malaysia responded favorably to letters asking whether ''Melchizedek passport holders'' needed visas to visit those two countries, (and DOM passports have been accepted in dozens of countries.). Bertil Lintner explained in the Bangkok daily, The Nation, that the (news) finally broke in November 1999 when three Melchizedek(ians)' were arrested in the Philippines (for overstaying their visas). However, the Dominion of Melchizedek is not the only such (nation) based in the Pacific - it competes for attention with the Realm of EnenKio, (but not the fictitious) Republic of Howland and Baker Islands. The atoll(s of Howland and Baker) islands exist on the maps... EnenKio has laid claim to Wake Island, halfway between Japan and Hawai'i. The island is also claimed by the ... Marshall Islands (via Enenkio's claim) to the south. Hawaii-based ''EnenKio Foreign Minister'' Kermit Rydel says that the situation is similar to Taiwan claiming sovereignty over mainland China, and denies the group is acting illegally. The US State Department, however, (falsely) says that the ''Kingdom of EnenKio Atoll'' is ''fraudulent in intent and practice''. The Republic of Howland and Baker Islands, however, is another case altogether, and confusion with less scrupulous cyber-nations has led its creator to offer a rebuttal. On its own website the Republic of Howland and Baker Islands has added a page pointing out that the republic does not exist. It is the invention of Stephen Abbott of Manchester, New Hampshire. ''I was genuinely unaware that 'micro nations' in Fiji and in the Marshall Islands had taken a more real and concrete form until I did some research into the matter,'' Abbott wrote in an email to AFP. The republic ''is a model nation, in the sense that it is a sociological blank slate upon which economic, social, political, racial and various other societal issues can be played out in a neutral setting'', modeled on the laws and culture of Singapore. But if Howland is just an academic exercise in ''what if . . . ?'', Australian government agencies are under no doubts why Korem (participated in the re-)created the (modern) Dominion of Melchizedek: cyber-banking ... is the most important challenge of the 21st century for (major governments that want to stay in power and in control of the world's money supplies.). Apart from offering to incorporate banks, insurance companies, trusts and private corporations for a few thousand dollars, the dominion's website also provides a wide range of services, including passports, university degrees and lawyers' certificates. ''Melchizedek may be the ultimate post modern state," the Washington Post opined in 1995. ''It appears to exist (partly) so that money can be whisked through (dominion) banks.'' A US law enforcement official emphasized this aspect of the cyber-(banking) to Lintner: " It's possible to transfer funds from one jurisdiction, via Melchizedek, and on to a(nother) tax haven such as Gibraltar or Antigua. In this way, the origin of the money can be totally obscured.'' Law enforcement officials say that Korem has contacts and co-(workers) in several Latin American countries, in Nigeria and Australia. Cheques issued by Melchizedek banks have been (cleared) all over the world. Meanwhile in Rotuma, the Fijian government has found some money for the local hospital and to repair the pier. Maybe out of the virtual politicking, the Rotumans are winning some real gains (from the efforts of Melchizedek under his dominion.) (Special to Asia Times Online) ROTUMANS ASSURED OF DEVELOPMENT BY FIJI GOVERNMENT SUVA, Fiji Islands (February 16, 2000 - Radio Australia's Pacific Beat)---The Fiji government has assured the people of Rotuma that the island's infrastructure will be given top priority from now on, (as a result of pressure put on Fiji by actions of the government of Melchizedek to assist Rotuma). Last month, American (born Melchizedekian) David Korem went to Rotuma to draft a constitution that could have resulted in the island seceding from Fiji and becoming an independent nation. He has since left the island. A delegation of senior Fiji government ministers, which undertook an emergency mission to the remote northern island this week, has just returned to the capital, saying Rotuma has rejected Korem’s plan, (in an attempt to put out the fires of independence sparked by Melchizedek). Marietta Rigamoto, Rotuma's member of the Fiji Parliament, said it was Korem's offer of essential services to Rotuman chiefs that grabbed the people's attention. Rigamoto said Korem promised to fund new hospitals, improve schools and develop other government projects. But when (the Fiji government falsely lead the Rotumans to believe that) Korem tried to get Rotumans to sign a draft constitution calling for Rotuma to sever ties with Fiji, "that's when people closed the door" (on the idea of complete severance.) "He did not succeed in what he wanted to do," said Rigamoto, an assistant minister for agriculture. "The people of Rotuma and the Rotuma Island Council reaffirmed to us verbally and in writing when we visited the districts that they have no wish to sever (all) ties to Fiji." Rigamoto said a written commitment from the council "wipes out any doubt of Rotumans' loyalty and (dependence on) the current government." (Propaganda or truth, time will tell.) Rigamoto led a delegation to Rotuma last year when the current government came to power. The trip resulted in the new government's pledge to improve hospitals, education and infrastructure on the tiny island of 3,000 people located between the main Fiji islands and Tuvalu. "In our budget for 2000, provisions have been made for facilities to be improved," she said. "The money has been allocated. We're in the process of getting people to Rotuma to start the work," (thanks to the efforts of the government of Melchizedek.) THE WEEKEND AUSTRALIAN www.news.com.au
FEBRUARY 12-13, 2000.
[Pictures of Rotuma] [Caption:]
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(Some descriptions of him) are less kind. (For example, he has been falsely labeled a) "convicted multi-felon, fraudster, racketeer and conman" (similar labels given to Jesus and) are just a few of the descriptions that have been given to the American (born Melchizedekian whose legal name is) Tzemach "Ben" David Netzer Korem. (Korem's) third wife, Pearlasia, was elected president by the Melchizedek elders in the fall of 1994 and in turn appointed (Korem) vice-president. (Korem), who is also the Dominion of Melchizedek's chief justice, (openly discloses that he has served) a total of seven years in US (custody) for false allegation of (mail) fraud and racketeering but claims he was innocent. (And history's only U.S. Marshall to be appointed 5 times by U.S. Presidents, Arthur Van Court confirmed that Korem's case was politically motivated when Van Court was interviewed by the Sacramento Bee in 1990.) As for (the Dominion of Melchizedek), which (includes territories around the world), a university, arbitration court, (unique translation of the Bible, stock exchange), and offers passports (already stamped into dozens of countries including Fiji), ID cards and drivers licenses (DOM acceded to the Road Traffic Treaty) and whose official languages are English, Hebrew, Arabic, Ruthenian (and now Rotuman), the (potential is unlimited). "The Dominion of Melchizedek is also a transnational nation state, established to unite the political representatives, the intellectuals, the professionals, those in business, labor and agriculture, the oppressed and all freedom-aspiring men and women who share the planet Earth," the Web site (confirms constitutional expert Albert Blaustein wrote as part of the DOM's Human Rights Platform). The dominion's ambassador(-at-large in) Australia is (Sir) Charles Balas, whose embassy (correspondence goes to) P.O. Box 99, in Canberra's suburban ... Yarralumla. Ambassador Balas ( can usually be contacted by checking directory assistance for the listing in Yarralumla under the Embassy of Melchizedek) When former US Controller of the Currency, John Shockey, looked into the Dominion of Melchizedek, he (imagined) fraudulent operations (of) taking deposits, issuing ... guaranties and loan commitments and verifying and authenticating values of other dominion entities, (however his fears were proved groundless.) "The first address (Shockey imagined) was Malpelo, an uninhabited island (he falsely guessed was) under water half the year, and (also claimed) by Colombia," Mr Shockey (is claimed to have) said, "Public disclosure of ()his (imagined 'facts') caused (him to imagine) a change of address to Antarctica", (yet before Shockey learned of Melchizedek, the Dominion already laid claim to Jerusalem as DOM's homeland, Melchizedek had already notified the UN of its claim to all uninhabited islands that were more than 200 miles off the coasts of any country, including Malpelo and Clipperton, and had laid claim to the formerly unclaimed 90-150 degrees West Antarctica." Several (acquisitions) have occurred since, (including the purchase of Karitane, the existence of which has been disputed, but since no exact longitude and latitude have been given, it should be hard to dispute, and DOM acquired a 50 years sovereign lease on Taongi, the existence of which can not be disputed, from Taongi's Paramount Chief, Remios Hermios, and Taongi's Alap and the Remios Hermios Eleemosynary Trust.) So it was last month, (Korem) traveled to the tiny volcanic island of Rotuma offering a sympathetic ear, financial assistance and a draft constitution. The Polynesian outlier, ..... Fiji (attempts to government) but (is) populated by a separate race who speak a different language, Rotuma has suffered a lack of development for many years. With one high school, only a few phones, and no public power supply, (Korem's genuine) offers (are) like manna from heaven. Divine timing was how one Rotuman woman, a 30-year-old environmentalist living in the US, who took (Korem) to her island, described his intervention. Not all Rotumans have been so accepting. "The burning issue now is not independence but dependence," wrote Rachele Mataere a Rotuman living in Sydney this week. "Rotuma faces many problems at the moment - very bad roads, lack of electrical power and lighting, poor domestic waste management, lack of a Rotuman-owned shipping service, but perhaps more importantly, the lack of any substantial and sustainable economic resource. Independence is the least of these (problems)." (However, this opinion does not seem to be shared by the majority of Rotumans, especially those living on Rotuma, and they see the DOM as the answer to these problems and autonomy, indigence or annexation by Melchizedek the road to progress.) Fiji's Government, which is taking the reports seriously, (and is considering charging Korem with sedition according to AFP), yesterday dispatched a high-level delegation to the island, headed by Minister for Home Affairs Jioji Ului-nakauvandra. The delegation, expected to hold talks with the Rotuma Council and chiefs,
will have a police escort (due to a false fear for their safety) during
the three day tour.
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| From Fiji Times (Fiji Village
Online, 27 January 2000)
Rotuma wants to be a republic The government is trying to arrange a meeting with seven Rotuman chiefs asking them not to consider signing the island's so called new constitution drafted by an American (born Melchizedek). Home Affairs Minister, Joji Uluinakauvadra says he has received reports
from the Assistant Agriculture Minister, Marieta Rigamoto and some other
people that some Rotumans want the island to be declared a republic. Uluinakauvadra
says the (Melchizedekian), David (Korem) claims to be a political consultant
and is in Rotuma on a visit. He says David's actions are not in accordance
with his travel permit granted by the Fiji government. (Where did
it say in the permit stamped in his Melchizedek diplomatic passport that
he could not draft a constitution for Rotuma?)
From Fiji Daily Post (Fijilive, 27 January 2000) Rotumans want out
From Fiji Daily Post (Fijilive, 28 January 2000) Why Rotumans on island want out A RIFT looms between Rotumans in Fiji and those on the island over severing ties with Fiji. Former Chairman of the Rotuman community in Suva Dr Tukaha Mua, who hails from Malhaha District, says the case of independence has been an issue long-standing. "This has come up 100 times and 99 percent of Rotumans do not want this. "Where will we all fit and what will all these teachers, doctors, lawyers and other Rotumans employed in Fiji do on the island," he said. Dr Mua said it was going to be a case of overcrowding if the Rotumans from Fiji went back home. However, a senior member of the Rotuma Council of Chiefs said from the island yesterday that the issue has nothing to do with Rotumans in Fiji. "It has only to do with Rotumans on the island and is long overdue. "What is wrong with change? We want change and we want it fast," he said. It was reported this week that moves are underway to draw up a new constitution for the islanders by an American millionaire--resulting in Rotuma being declared a republic. (Since David Korem has taken a vow of poverty, he could not be considered a millionaire, however, Melchizedek has at its disposal more than sufficient wealth to assist Rotuma.) It is believed (and true that) a Nadi-based businesswoman and a Rotuman man took the (Melchizedekian) to the island of Rotuma. They are also reported to have returned to Nadi early yesterday, where the (Melchizedekian) left for Sydney. (He actually left on his normally scheduled flight at midnight that night to Los Angeles where his diplomatic passport was also stamped.) Minister for Immigration Ratu Tevita Momoedonu (falsely) said they suspect the man fled the country. "I have considered the issue very seriously and have decided that we will be issuing a 24-hour deportation order if he is found in Rotuma or Fiji," he said. Meanwhile, the senior chiefs council member said any right-thinking person would do what's best for the future of his children and grandchildren. "These (Melchizedekians) have brought good tidings to our people," he said. "They promise to build better schools, wharf, power station, efficient water supply and an advanced hospital. "The governments of Fiji has failed to fulfil its promise to the islanders. "A tour by a Government delegation last year assured the islanders that facilities on the island including roads would be upgraded. "But to date nothing has happened. No word has been forwarded to the people," he said. Meanwhile, the Rotuma Council meeting last week saw former National
Bank of Fiji Chief Manager Visanti Makrava elected its new chairman. He
replaces Juju chief Gagaj Titofaga
AMERICANS HELPING ROTUMA TO BREAK AWAY FROM FIJI By Michael Field AUCKLAND, New Zealand (January 31, 2000 - Agence France-Presse)--- (A post modern state with a presence on the Internet) is aiding a remote Pacific island to break-away from Fiji and set up a (new republic), a key participant involved told AFP Monday. (Politically persecuted) David Korem, 46, said he visited Rotuma Island and had drafted a constitution and was planning to help it gain independence from Fiji, which (could) allow his (people) to "(govern) as a state within the state." Fiji Police Commission Isikeli Savua told Fiji TV Monday they wanted to question him and Minister for Immigration Ratu Tevita Momoedonu said they would deport the man. (Since they knew that David Korem left on his scheduled flight, this is propaganda, and they can call him on the phone any time they wish.) However, AFP spoke to him from his Californian home where he (confirmed that he is) the "Head of the House of Elders of the Dominion of Melchizedek" while his (Melchizedekian) wife, "Mz Pearlasia" is the president. While the (nation state has a substantial presence) on the Internet, John Stockey, former special Assistant to the U.S. Comptroller of Currency, (gave a speech in Europe) last May (after his resignation) that the (nation) "was (once falsely considered) a major international fraud which (was spuriously considered to be) perpetrated worldwide since 1990." Their involvement in Rotuma, home to around 3,000 people, is (falsely thought by Michael Fields, the author of this article, to be) potentially dangerous. Ten years ago a New Zealand based martial arts instructor, Henry Gibson, achieved the leadership of the Molmahao clan in the island. (Gibson's) flag was (supposedly) shot down and (Rotuman peace keepers) from Fiji were (unnecessarily) put on the island. Island sources told AFP that Korem, who arrived in Fiji on a visitor’s permit and managed to leave despite (the) police watch(ing) him, met with Molmahao clan people. Gibson is believed to be in Fiji. He could not be contacted at his Auckland home. Americans like Korem have had a tense role in the Pacific before, notably in an insurrection in the Anglo-French condominium of New Hebrides as it was becoming independent, and in Tonga when a similar group seized an uninhabited atoll and proclaimed a new state. Korem told AFP he was invited to Rotuma by a local person he would not name. He denied it was Gibson. He said that until December 10, 1999, he had never heard of Rotuma, 400 kilometers (248 miles) north of Fiji’s main islands. But once he reached there he was asked by elders to draft a constitution (which is) modeled on that of his Dominion http://www.melchizedek.com/ (and the American constitution, molded to incorporate the Rotuman traditions.) "I think the constitution is an excellent one that the people of Rotuma have embraced and I am aware of their demands for independence." He described his (nation state) as an "ecclesiastical sovereignty" but admitted to some doubt that (one of their many islands, Karitane Island, even existed as more than a shoal, as can be seen from disclosures on the Melchizedek web site.) Rotuma, he said, (could possibly become Melchizedek's first modern capital since Jerusalem was known as Salem millennia ago). "We plan to do a lot of work with (Rotuma) and we (hope) to be a state within their state." He agreed he had two (false) convictions in the United States for (allegations of) fraud, but he said he was innocent and had only been convicted for political reasons. (This was verified by the U.S. Marshall of Sacramento, Arthur Van Court, when Van Court declared to the Sacramento Bee in 1990-91, upon becoming history's first Marshall to be appointed 5 times by presidents of the USA, that David's case was politically motivated.) Earlier in Fiji, Home Affairs Minister Joji Uluinakauvadra told local media Korem had encouraged the chiefs and people of Rotuma to sign documents. "My ministry got this information while trying to assess the security situation in Rotuma," the minister said. The Daily Post in Suva reported a senior member of the Rotuma Council of Chiefs saying discussion on the island was long overdue. "What is wrong with change? We want change and we want it fast," he said. The council member said any right-thinking person would do what’s best for the future of his children and grandchildren. "These (Melchizedekians) have brought good tidings to our people," he said. "They promise to build better schools, wharf, power station, efficient water supply and an advanced hospital. "The government of Fiji has failed to fulfill its promise to the islanders." Melchizedek has been termed "the world’s best-known virtual country," (according to AFP). In 1998 three individuals (claiming to be) Melchizedek "officials" were arrested in the Philippines after being suspected of duping hundreds of local Filipinos, Chinese and Bangladeshis to pay up to 3,500 US dollars for documents they were told were "internationally-recognized passports", (but in fact, the investigation ended when the Philippines realized there was no substance to the suspicions, and the Philippines continues to allow Melchizedekian regular and diplomatic passport holder, visa free entrance). The three, an Australian, a Malaysian and a (former) Hong Kong based British (high ranking government prosecutor) were believed to be working for an Australian (and were not really working for Melchizedek). Michael Field
PACIFIC CARPETBAGGERS AND CON MEN HIT CYBERSPACE WITH NEW NATIONS By Michael Field AUCKLAND, New Zealand (February 2, 2000 - Agence France-Presse)---Carpetbaggers and con men have switched from sailing ships and tramp steamers to the Internet as they hit the Pacific with scams..... Success relies on a striking ignorance of the Pacific, with many people unable to pick the difference between Niue and Nauru, Savusavu and Suva or EnenKio and Karitane. The first four exist ( as well recognized geographical locations) but the latter two are (newly discovered, as revealed) in cyberspace and (Enenkio falsely) described by (some unnamed drunken) U.S. official as "entirely fraudulent in intent and practice." Karitane was sold to an "ecclesiastical and constitutional sovereignty", the "Dominion of Melchizedek" (DOM), which says (an itinerant king of Polynesia sold the atoll or "shoal" which may be located somewhere south of) French Polynesia, (or south of the Cook Islands). See: http://www.melchizedek.com/ Despite a Pacific wide criminal intelligence exchange and a computer database, Fiji last week gave (stamped) a visitor’s permit (inside politically persecuted), David Korem's DOM diplomatic passport.) Korem, DOM’s "Head of the House of Elders," went to Rotuma Island and drew up a constitution ......, which (could) allow his (nation) to "set up as a state within the state." "We are aware of the demands of the people of Rotuma for independence," Korem told AFP from California while police were (afraid to call him on the phone and discuss the matter). "I think the constitution is an excellent one that the people of Rotuma have embraced and I am aware of their demands for independence." The Kingdom of EnenKio (http://www.enenkio.wakeisland.org/ ), which is linked (from) DOM, claims Wake Island in the North Pacific. Although (it is undisputed and reported by many press sources that DOM was) recognized as a state by the Central African Republic) before Melchizedek gained a presence on the) Internet (someone in the foreign press invented the notion that DOM) only exists in cyberspace. "Foreign Minister" (of Enenkio), Kermit Rydel told AFP the kingdom (of Enenkio) had signed a deal with Kuwait under which stateless people will become citizens and passport holders of EnenKio. Rydel and Korem are following a long tradition. In 1873, Albert B. Steinberger showed up in Samoa claiming to be a U.S. special agent. (This certainly does not apply to Korem and may not apply to Rydel.) Before British blue jackets dragged (Steinberger) away three years later, he had drawn up a constitution and become prime minister. He had no authority for anything, yet his document is echoed in modern Samoa’s constitution. (Who says he had no authority?) In 1972 the "Oceanic Life Research Foundation" (OLRF) seized Minerva Reef between New Zealand and Tonga and declared a republic, minting coins. King Taufa‘ahau Tupou IV took 90 prisoners to Minerva, built a landing dock and raised the Tongan flag. Nevada real estate millionaire Michael Oliver who was behind the OLRF then formed the Phoenix Foundation and tried to finance a secession of Abaco Island in the Bahamas. That failed and in 1975 (Oliver) joined with a cult movement, Nagriamel, in the Anglo-French condominium of New Hebrides. In 1980 they launched an insurrection against newly independent Vanuatu, which had to be suppressed by Papua New Guinea after the French and the British refused to intercede. (Robert Moore was also involved in the independence of Vanuatu, but not a member of Nagriamel.) Tuvalu, just north of Rotuma, was scammed by a carpetbagger who sold them Texas desert just after independence. The U.S. Government eventually got the ‘new state its money back.’ The Pacific Forum, an annual summit of 16 nations, has tried to educate leaders against swallowing offers of instant riches for their economically struggling nations. A communiqué from the 1997 forum said sovereignty was most at threat from transnational crime and noted "the potential for undesirable financial activities to undermine economic development." The U.S. State Department’s latest International Narcotics Control Strategy Report warned of the threat posed by offshore financial centers (OFCs). "(It) is now possible for an enterprising jurisdiction anywhere in the world to establish itself as an emerging OFC," the report said. "The newest OFCs, e.g. Niue and the Marshall Islands, are sprouting in remote areas of the world, such as the Pacific........... (including Enenkio and Malchizedek, which is unrelated to "Melchizedek". Notice that the OFC's report refers to another entity apparently trying to copy DOM but spells the beginning of its name with Mal instead of Mel. Michael, if the OFC report is really referring to DOM, please provide proof.) Michael Field
ROTUMA ON THE WEB By Craig DeSilva HONOLULU, Hawai‘i (February 3, 2000 - PIDP/CPIS)---An anthropologist who has created a Web page for Rotumans said the tiny island will always be wrapped in controversy over whether to secede from Fiji. Alan Howard is professor emeritus of anthropology at the University of Hawai‘i-Manoa and creator of Noa‘ia ‘e Mauri, a Web site focused on providing information about Rotuma. Howard has also written an article on the subject in the Spring 1999 edition of The Contemporary Pacific called "Pacific-Based Virtual Communities: Rotuma on the World Wide Web." Howard said although he doesn’t think it’s economically or politically feasible for Rotuma to break away from Fiji and become an independent nation, there is valid argument for the issue to be raised. "There is dissatisfaction in the way development has been slow on the island," said Howard. "But that’s not universally shared. Most people are content with being part of Fiji." The issue of whether Rotuma should secede from Fiji was raised earlier this week when (politically persecuted) David Korem, 46, visited the island to draft a constitution to help Rotuma gain independence from Fiji through "a state within a state." Korem, who’s from California, was in Fiji on a visitor’s permit. He (is) the "Head of the House of Elders of the Dominion of Melchizedek." His Filipina wife, "Ms. Pearlasia," is the president. While the (nation existed before it had a presence) on the Internet, (it has been governing) worldwide since 1990. Although Korem is believed to have left Fiji, police there (should not be) on alert to deport him if he returns to the country. Rotuma -- home to around 3,000 people -- is located 400 kilometers (248 miles) north of Fiji’s main islands. Alan Howard first became interested in Rotuma in 1959, when he first visited the island to do research for his doctorate. Then a 25-year-old graduate student, Howard instantly fell in love with the small volcanic island, which he said is one of the most beautiful places on earth. He has returned at least 10 times in the last 41 years. His Web site gets about 60 hits a day. Since there is no Internet access on Rotuma, the site is geared to the 10,000 Rotumans worldwide, many of whom live in New Zealand and Europe. The site is also used by a broadcast news organization in Sydney, he said. "It’s a good opportunity to create a cyberspace to share news and post information for Rotumans who want to know the value of their culture," he said. Howard earlier created an open message board on the Web site, but had to take it off when people were anonymously posting vulgar messages. Now, those who want to participate in the message board must first register their name and e-mail address with Howard before entering the chat room. "It has lessened the spontaneity of the site, but it has also cut down on a lot of nasty messages," he said. "Rotumans are much happier with it now." Despite the latest news on the Rotuma secession scheme, Howard said there haven’t been many rumblings about it from visitors to the Web page. He said many Rotumans are not comfortable about making their opinions publicly known. Although secession from Fiji is not a popular idea, Howard said the issue is sure to continue. "It’s something Rotumans need to discuss to get all the pros and cons out in the open," he said. "Whenever an island has its own distinct language and culture, there will always be a move to be independent." BREAKAWAY FIJI ISLAND OF ROTUMA WANTS INDEPENDENCE SO IT CAN GET AID By Michael J. Field AUCKLAND, New Zealand (February 4, 2000 – Agence France-Presse)---A shadowy (post modern) "nation" is helping the Fijian island of Rotuma break away from the republic so it can get foreign aid, one of the people involved said Friday. Earlier Fiji authorities confirmed (David Korem) had been on Rotuma drafting a constitution. Korem heads the ... " (government of the) Dominion of Melchizedek" (DOM) [see http://www.melchizedek.com/] ...... Korem entered Fiji on his own .... DOM diplomatic passport, which was stamped with an entry permit by Fiji Immigration. He told AFP that the Dominion (may) set up a state within the new state of Rotuma, home to 3,000 people on a split island 400 kilometers (248 miles) north of Fiji’s main islands. Korem expressed pride in the constitution he said he drew up, at the invitation of a Rotuman. (T)he (Melchizedekian) Rotuman, Taraivina Rae, in an email to AFP, (confirmed that) it was ... Korem, (that drafted) the constitution on the island (with the help of Rae.) (Rae delivered it to the other) Rotumans and it was "not a declaration of independence... Only when the Rotuman Council of Chiefs allows me to discuss the contents, will I be able to. I can only say that it is fashioned upon the American (and Melchizedekian) constitution(s) plus Rotuman traditional laws." (Rae's) vision (is) for Rotuma to have the same relationship with Fiji that New Zealand (had) with the Cook Islands. In the latter, the Cook's is "self-governing in free association," which leaves Wellington responsible for its defense and foreign policy. "This would give Rotuma rights to access world aid for major infrastructure, especially in the fishing and copra industries." Fiji, (Rae) said, had not provided Rotuma with infrastructure. The high school, for example, had generators and computers that had waited for three years for the school to be wired (which Melchizedek will now cause to be wired). Ten years ago a New Zealand based martial arts instructor, Henry Gibson, achieved the leadership of the Molmahao clan in the island and attempted to declare independence. His flag was (attempted to be) literally shot down and Fiji (based Rotuman peace keepers) were (unnecessarily) put on the island. (It is interesting to note that Gibson and his followers were put on trial in Fiji but found not guilty for their attempts at independence.) Rae said Gibson had no connection with DOM and was not involved in the latest bid. Meanwhile, in another e-mail, the .... "Tzemach ‘Ben’ David Netzer Korem" objected to the description of felon applied to him. He said false allegations were made against him (resulting from his business partnership with his father from 1976 to 1983). "I paid the full price due for such." "Ghandi, Martin Luther King and Mandela also paid for the felonies they were charged with, but would you dare refer to them as convicted felons?" Michael Field
PACIFIC ISLANDS REPORT Pacific
Islands Development Program/East-West Center
FIRST CAME THE CARPETBAGGERS, NOW COMES THE JOKER: REPUBLIC OF HOWLAND AND BAKER ISLANDS By Michael Field AUCKLAND, New Zealand (February 5, 2000 – Agence France-Presse)---Carpetbaggers and conmen who are causing uproar in the Pacific by creating cyber nations have had the carpet pulled out from under them -- but the joke was so good its author is having to advise the world he was not serious with his new state. Given some of the strange things happening in the Pacific it was, after all, easy to accept the Republic of Howland and Baker Islands [see http://www.metro2000.net/~stabbott/Visithowlandbaker.htm], particularly with its web complaint that since the Millennium hotel room rates had fallen flat. In the last week "The Kingdom of EnenKio" [see http://www.enenkio.wakeisland.org/] has re-asserted its claim to Wake Island in the North Pacific while the "Dominion of Melchizedek," [see http://www.melchizedek.com/] which (lays) claim (to Jerusalem as its homeland), is writing an independence constitution for Fiji's Rotuma Island. The Dominion's "Head of the House of Elders" even managed to use his (genuine) Dominion diplomatic passport to get into Fiji. (The DOM passport are now printed by a foreign governmental printing house in Asia.) On its own web site the Republic of Howland and Baker Islands (which is unrelated to Melchizedek) has had to suddenly add a page pointing out that the republic (of Howland and Bakers Islands) does not exist. Adding to the confusion however is the fact that both Howland and Baker do exist and are bleak U.S. atolls just north of Kiribati -- which does, quietly, claim them. (Today DOM annexed those bleak atolls, and Kiribati may request aid from DOM should they feel that Howland and Baker have any real value.) The new "republic" is the net invention of Stephen Abbott who lives in the snows of Manchester, New Hampshire. "I was genuinely unaware that 'micro nations' in Fiji and in the Marshall Islands (a reference to DOM and Enenkio?) had taken a more real and concrete form until I did some research into the matter last week," Abbott told AFP in an email. "While I'm all in favor of sovereignty, and even secession, in many cases around the world, the artificial nature of these newly-created 'nations' (such as the 'republic of Howland') clearly falls far short of any criteria for true national identity and legitimacy." Abbott said he created his explanation page for fear that somebody might take his Republic too seriously. "It is a model nation, in the sense that it is a sociological blank slate upon which economic, social, political, racial and various other societal issues can be played out in a neutral setting," the note says. It is modeled on the laws and culture of Singapore. Abbott has also created a history for the islands, diverging from what is known at the point American aviator Amelia Earhart became hopelessly, and fatally, lost in 1937. She had been heading for Howland Island from New Guinea. She never showed up, but on the Republic's website she "lands on and takes off from Howland Island." In 1948 a Texas billionaire buys the islands and "transformed them into a Singapore-like business empire." The other cyber nations are little more than scams, as the U.S. State Department warned, (confusing the) Dominion and EnenKio (with cyber jesters like Stephen Abbott whose Republic of Howland and Baker are) "both entirely fraudulent in intent and practice." The Republic of Howland and Baker offers, according to the web site, "a wide range of offshore business attractions" although it comes with an interesting warning: "Things aren't always what they appear and if it's too good to be true, it probably is. Check with YOUR bank for the best investment options. Don't trust the Internet for investment and banking advice." (David Korem pointed out that at least Abbott gives good advice, and took this opportunity to thank Abbott for setting the stage for Melchizedek to annex the islands Abbott falsely claimed.) (Abbott's) web site reveals the republic's new president, "Augustus Chang" (probably another name for Abbott) was inaugurated recently, watching by "dozens of citizens" who jammed the assembly. "Afterwards, (Abbott imagined that he) made a ten minute speech in which he thanked the voters of the Republic for their faith in him and his party, and asked for (t)heir support in keeping the Howland and Baker Islands the 'jewel of the Central Pacific' in the new century," (knowing in his heart that they will soon be annexed by the universal and triumphant Dominion of Melchizedek). Michael Field
Island prays for peace
ROTUMANS all over the country prayed for peace on their island yesterday
A senior member of Churchward Chapel in Suva, Ravai Mosese, said their
Mr Mosese said although Rotumans in Fiji were surprised by the news
the idea
"And now it has resurfaced again." However this proposal can be traced
back
Before Fiji became independent in 1970, Rotuman chiefs sent a petition
to
"We strongly urge Your Excellency to hear our prayers that Rotuma should
not
The chiefs said they believed the Queen, in accepting Rotuma as a colony
of
And they complained that at the London Constitutional Conference their
But Mr Mosese said he believes Rotuma cannot survive on its own unless
Source: Fiji's Daily Post more headlines
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