Australia Diving
Department of State Washington File: Transcript: Progress Cited in Global Counter-Narcotics Trafficking
Okay, diving into numbers. As we announced from this podium last year, strong counternarcotics cooperation by the governments of Colombia, Bolivia and Peru reduced the global coca crop by over eight percent in 2002. The numbers are not out yet in 2003, but we have fairly significant indicators that we're going to have a second good year when it comes to the indicators of progress. ... [Read More]
Solomon Islands
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Hospitals and pharmacies in the Solomon Islands are limited to population centers and missions. Since 2001, the quality of medical services has deteriorated seriously, although it is expected to improve as the country’s overall condition continues to improve. The nearest reliable medical facilities are in Australia or New Zealand. Medical conditions resulting from diving accidents may require medical evacuation to Australia or New Zealand. The incidence of malaria is high. Serious medical conditions requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Transcript: Advancing Knowledge of Oceans on G8 Agenda
MCLEAN: Thank you, Bob, very much. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I want to particularly extend my greetings to our fellow panelists, Mr. Connaughton and Dr. Spinrad. I believe Mr. Connaughton might have been telling some anecdotes about our scuba diving experiences together, and as long as Mr. Connaughton comes back from each one safely, I'll ascribe my participation in a positive way. ... [Read More]
Papua New Guinea
Medical conditions arising as a result of diving accidents will almost always require medical evacuation to Australia, where more sophisticated facilities are available. The most commonly used facilities are in Brisbane and Cairns, both in the Australian state of Queensland. Travelers who anticipate the possible need for medical treatment in Australia should obtain entry permission for Australia in advance. Entry permission for Australia can be granted by the Australian Embassy in Port Moresby, but it is easier to obtain it prior to leaving the United States. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Australians are enthusiastic about the outdoors and Australia is noted for fielding “world class” sports teams. In Melbourne, golf and tennis are the most popular participant sports and are played year round. Sailing, swimming, fishing, surfing, and skin diving are also popular. Good ski slopes abound in the mountains about 160 miles east of Melbourne. Australian-rules football is a spectacle that attracts huge crowds in the winter season, as does cricket in the summer. Soccer is increasing in popularity with the influx of “new Australians” from European countries. There is a growing national professional basketball association (similar to the American NBA) and amateur basketball and baseball are played at schools or various club organizations. Melbourne has both private and public golf courses and the best of these, such as the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, are among the world’s finest. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Byliner: Child Labor Efforts Must Involve Families, U.S. Official Urges
In the Philippines, which has more than 7,000 islands, fishing is a very important part of the country's economic activity. With poverty and population rates high, hazardous child labor in the fishing industry is common. Some children work up to eight hours at night, diving to chase fish into nets, while others work on six to 10-month deep-sea fishing expeditions where they dive as deep as 15 meters without protective gear. These child laborers are at risk of ear damage, injuries from falls, shark attacks, snake bites, and drowning, among other hazards. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Text: Patterns of Global Terrorism 2000 -- Asia Overview
Malaysia experienced two incidents of international terrorism in 2000, both perpetrated by the Philippine-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). The ASG abducted 21 persons, including 10 foreign tourists, from the Sipadan diving resort in eastern Malaysia on 23 April. A suspected ASG faction also kidnapped three Malaysians from a resort on Pandanan Island in eastern Malaysia on 10 September. The group released most of the hostages from both incidents but continued to hold one Filipino abducted from Sipadan as of the end of the year. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Text: Hong Kong's Autonomy, Values "Fundamental" to Its Prosperity
All of the economic turmoil prompted both government and business to think seriously about how to re-position Hong Kong's economy for the future. And with its legendary entrepreneurial spirit, Hong Kong has sought to do just that -- diving headfirst into the networked economy. With the adoption of a greatly liberalized and highly competitive telecommunications regime, Hong Kong is going digital and wireless. Almost three out of every four persons now own a mobile phone, and Hong Kong has one of the highest levels of Internet use in Asia. When new fiber optic cables arrive in Hong Kong over the next 18 months, they will multiply the available data bandwidth ten-fold and open the door for Hong Kong to have one of the most advanced networks of telecommunications, Internet applications and data services in the world. Greater global connectivity and opportunities for e-commerce are still to come. These expanded links should help American and Hong Kong companies take part in Mainland China' ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Sports available to everyone include golf, tennis, scuba diving, bushwalking, jogging, softball, netball, rugby, swimming, aerobics, karate, tae kwon do, yoga, waterskiing, windsurfing, squash, snorkeling and sailing. Soccer and rugby are popular spectator sports. Diving lessons are offered on a regular basis. The Royal Papuan Yacht Club operates a marina in the city center. Another boat mooring facility is available for a fee a short distance out of town. ... Independent since 1975, Papua New Guinea retains an Australian flavor and a large foreign population in its modern sector. The tropical climate is ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing. ... [Read More]
Australia
Visitors are cautioned that Australian fauna can be as dangerous as they are inspiring. From jellyfish off the Great Barrier Reef to crocodiles and sharks, poisonous insects and snakes, the continent and its waters host wildlife that merit awe and respect in equal doses. Further information on Australian wildlife may be obtained from the Australian Institute of Marine Science at http://www.aims.gov.au/dma and the Wet Tropics Management Authority Information on Marine Life at http://www.wettropics.gov.au/vi/vi_marine.html and the Wet Tropics Management Authority information on animals at http://www.wettropics.gov.au/vi/vi_animals.html. Swimmers should use safety precautions, swim between the flags only where a lifeguard is present, and never swim alone. Scuba diving can be a treacherous sport. Over the past few years there have been numerous deaths rel ... [Read More]
|