Church leaders have told the local press that they doubt a casino will benefit tourism, warning of negative outcomes for the poor.

A Tahiti-based businessman, Franck Falletta, has offered to take over the loss-making hotel if he can turn it into a casino.

In a further development, Walter Zweifel reports.

"The president Oscar Temaru has stunned the public with news that he is in talks with unnamed Russians to save the hotel with its more than 100 employees."

"He has dismissed a plan by a local businessman to convert the hotel into a casino, saying occult powers are at play while the businessman claims that he is guided by divine forces."

"The churches have also spoken out against the idea of casinos, which Mr Temaru says is not on the Russians' agenda."

Source

• Radio New Zealand International
• Radio New Zealand International
• Image: Carnival Conquest

President Oscar Temaru, of Tahiti, in a special address to the PCC church leaders, appealed to the churches of the Pacific to help in his country's fight for independence, by listening to and aiding the people of Maohi Nui in their plight.

"My country used to be free, and my people used to be in charge of their destiny. That changed in the 19th century after the European discoverers reached our shores," he said.

The church leaders in attendance were unanimous in their support of this call. Mr Temaru noted, however, that: "Without the UN as a referee between France and us, this is once again an unfair and uphill battle. We seek a balanced evolution of our relations with France, under the observation of the UN."

Also present at the meeting, Reverend Dr. Olav Tveit, the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), pledged to find a proper way to address the issue and offered the assistance of the WCC in raising awareness of the issues facing the people of Maohi Nui.

Source

• Samoa Observer
• Image: Tahiti Presse