Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia, reacts to New York Times “poisoned paradise” story. Photo: Screenshot / Polynésie la 1ère
French Polynesia united against New York Times 'Poisoned Paradise' story
French Polynesia's top leaders have voiced united protests against a New York Times story published this week and headlined "Olympic Surfing Comes to a 'Poisoned' Paradise".
The story, published in Tuesday, was referring to the main island of Tahiti being contaminated in 1974 by the fallout of one of the French nuclear tests (carried out between 1966 and 1996 on the atolls of Moruroa and Fangataufa) that would have contaminated the main island of Tahiti, where the Surfing events of the Olympics are currently being held in Teahupo'o.
Reacting to the article, Tony Géros, President of Polynesia's Territorial Assembly, told public broadcaster Polynésie La Première that "Just because the New York Times brings up age-old subjects doesn't mean that today we're going to question the entire future of the country regarding this matter. It just doesn't hold water."
"You know, they have the right to think what they want. They can come and lecture us.
"I think the United States also conducted their own nuclear tests. So there you go, it doesn't bother me that much. What would bother me was if this story became a big deal", French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson said.
500kg seized onboard foreign vessel in Tahiti. Photo: TNTV
Severe jails terms for international cocaine trafficking
Three Netherlands and one Polish citizens were sentenced on Friday by a Court in Papeete to jail terms ranging from four to seven years after being found guilty of international cocaine trafficking.
On top of the jail sentences, a fine of about US$3 million was imposed as part of the sentence.
The ruling follows their arrest in October 2017 onboard their sail ship on Nuku Hiva (in the Marquesas Islands).
After a search, French Police and customs had discovered about five hundred kilograms concealed onboard.
It was later established the cocaine was not for French Polynesia's market, but were transiting to another final market.
However, since the trial was conducted in absentia (the three had been released in 2019 after serving two years at the local Nu'utania prison and allowed to leave French Polynesia back to their respective countries), a European arrest warrant was issued this week so that they are arrested again and serve their term in a French prison.
Olympics surfing event judge Australian Benjamin Lowe disqualified after taking selfie with competitor compatriot Ethan Ewing and his manager Bede Durbidge. Photo: TNTV
Tahiti surfing event Australian judge disqualified for taking selfie
Tahiti surfing event Australian judge Benjamin Lowe has been disqualified for publishing a selfie he took with compatriot competitor Ethan Ewing and his manager Bede Durbidge, reports French sports daily l'Équipe on Thursday.
Lowe was part of a panel of eleven judges assessing the performances of surfers currently competing at Teahupo'o as part of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The ruling came from the International Surfing Federation (ISA), which is in charge of the management of the judges panel.
ISA, in a release, said the decision was made to "protect the integrity and the equity of the competition underway" and that all other judges and teams were "reminded of their responsibilities regarding appropriate behaviour".
The ruling is based on the fact that during a surfing competition, no judge is allowed to entertain any relationship with any competitor.
Tahitian surfer Vahine Fierro. Photo: Supplied/Pool
Vahine Fierro ousted by compatriot Johanne Defay
Home-grown Tahiti Vahine Fierro, who was one of the favourites at this week's surfing Olympic events in Teahupo'o (Tahiti island), was on Thursday ousted by compatriot Johanne Defay during the eights finals.
Fierro, who was in tears after hearing the judges 'ruling, displayed humility and resilience, saying the iconic wave she had been riding since she was 15, had once again "one more lesson".
French team-mate Johanne Defay, who qualified for the quarter finals, paid homage to 24-year-old Fierro, saying despite her Olympic defeat, she "remains the boss" and the "Queen of Teahupo'o".
In the men's category, Kauli Vaast, also from French Polynesia's Tahiti island, is now qualified for the semi-finals, leaving behind another French team-mate and friend, Joan Duru.
Kauli Vaast performs barrel in quarterfinals during the Olympics surfing events in Teahupoo, Tahiti, French Polynesia. Photo: Supplied/Pool
New Caledonia's sugar tax postponed
The enforcement of New Caledonia's sugar tax, which was supposed to come on 1 August, has now been postponed to the 1 September.
This was in light of the current situation and also a way of giving retailers more time, New Caledonia's government said, adding there could be more delays, depending on talks between the Congress (Parliament) and the government.
Another factor is the fact that since the insurrectional unrest began on 13 may, New Caledonia's government has seen a drastic collapse in the payment of its taxes, generating a large deficit in government revenues.