MPs win move on Christmas Island tests

Campaigners fighting for a fair deal for servicemen exposed to the notorious Christmas Island nuclear weapons testing have won govern-ment support for a study to see if their children have been affected too.

Junior defence minister Kevin Jones has agreed to fund research after being lobbied by Norwich North MP Ian Gibson and a Conservative MP, John Baron.

The politicians have been pressing the Ministry of Defence to look at the findings of similar studies made in New Zealand, whose military personnel were also involved in the tests in the Pacific. These found a link between exposure to radiation and damage to DNA.

They also want the government to look at a questionnaire study of British Nuclear Test Veteran Assoc-iation members and their offspring which suggested much higher levels of miscarriage, stillbirth, infant mortality and congenital illness.

More than 20,000 serviceman were involved in atmospheric tests of nuclear weapons between 1952 and 1967 in the Pacific Ocean. These involving weapons much more powerful than those used on Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of the second world war.

Previous surveys have found that 30pc of the men had died mostly in their 50s, while in their grand-children spina bifida rates were more than five times the UK norm.

The MPs last year held a two-day inquiry to discuss the findings and pressed for funding for a UK study.

They also want a new tribunal system to consider cases and compensation to veterans and think that, in the meantime, the MoD should offer a goodwill payment to each of them.

They have raised the issue at a Commons adjournment debate with Mr Jones, and they are also due to meet him again, along with veterans.

"The minister saw us beforehand and he agrees there should be work done," Dr Gibson said.

"He wants to do work that focuses on the children of some of the vets as well. He was very positive about it, and I think we have made a breakthrough."

During the debate, Billericay MP Mr Baron said: "Our inquiry heard clear personal testimony that makes us question whether adequate radio-logical standards were followed for the tests. For one thing, there is a concern that some veterans were simply too close to the epicentre of the blast.

"Witnesses described their experiences as a heatwave of extraordinary intensity, leading in some cases to temporary blindness or a sensation of blood boiling within their bodies. Others developed skin rashes and flu-like symptoms immediately after the detonations."

In his reply, the minister praised the campaigning work of the two backbenchers.

"It is important that we meet next week to see what input the nuclear test veterans can have into the process," he said. "That could help, and I am quite prepared to listen to what they have to say. Once officials have met and experts have come together to design and develop a research programme, I will make an announcement, before Christmas… on the way forward," he added.

"It will not answer all the issues raised, but I am determined to see whether we can at least get some movement and give some comfort."

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More boat people intercepted off Ashmore Islands, WA

ANOTHER boat carrying 35 suspected asylum seekers has made it to Australian waters, but the occupants were detained and taken to Christmas Island.

The boat, carrying 35 passengers and five crew, was intercepted shortly after it was spotted by a surveillance plane near Ashmore Island, north-west of Western Australia, late on Tuesday.

Immigration Minister Chris Evans said the group would be taken to Christmas Island for processing.

The nationalities and intentions of the group were not known, he said.

Senator Evans said people smugglers were trying to avoid interception by changing their tactics and varying the size of their boats.

The boat is the fifth to make it to Australian waters in recent months.

Senator Evans said people smuggling was a global problem with conflicts forcing people to flee and seek safety in western countries like Australia.

``Ongoing conflicts in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka have seen thousands of displaced people seeking refuge around the world, and the people smugglers are exploiting these people at their most vulnerable times,'' Senator Evans said.

``There is also increasing evidence that people smugglers are recruiting customers in source countries.''

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Phosphate Resources cancels Christmas

Phosphate Resources will shutdown its Christmas Island operations for more than six weeks over the the New Year due to a lack of demand from its Malaysian and Indonesia markets.

The company cited the current global financial crisis as the reason for the downturn.

The shutdown will occur from December 22 to February 3 next year.

Earlier this year, phosphate was touted as the next big thing, with prices soaring from $US42 per tonne to around $US400/t on the back of a projected increase in demand estimated at 2.1 per cent each year until 2020.

In October, the company announced it had a "sharp and marked" slowdown in demand from its Asian markets, a trend which has obviously continued.

Also in October, Phosphate announced an unaudited first quarter pre-tax profit of $36.1 million on the back of a record shipment of 262,310 tonnes of phosphate from its Christmas Island operations, up by 35,000 over last year's corresponding period.

Perth company CI Resources has a 38.77 per cent interest in Phosphate Resources, making it the stock's largest shareholder.

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The Reefs in Bermuda Celebrates Christmas Island Style; Guests of Five or More Nights Stay Free December 25

Christmas at The Reefs is a family affair, with two generations of Dodwells managing and longtime staff welcoming repeat guests back for another holiday to remember. This year is extra special as The Reefs will give Christmas free to its guests who stay five nights or more and are at the resort December 25.
See Offer Details at http://thereefs.com/worxcms_published/special_offers_page39.shtml

The festivities commence Christmas Eve with the resort's tree trimming. Guests are asked to bring an ornament from home to adorn the tree and sign the ornament book while enjoying mulled wine and hors d'oeuvres. A lively sing along of favorite Christmas carols caps the event.

Each night divine dining will enhance the holiday at The Reefs' two new restaurants, Ocean Echo and Royston's. The chef will delight guests with holiday culinary creations, and nightly entertainment will feature live music.

Christmas Day hails with homemade egg nog and presents at Coconuts with Managing Director Ben Tutt, followed by brunch at Ocean Echo and Royston's.

Scheduled activities throughout the holiday include:

* Guided kayaking trips along The Reefs shoreline
* Guided nature walks
* Golf on the beach
* Cooking demonstrations
* Bonfire on the beach with cocoa and smores
* Sailing and guided sightseeing boat trip

On New Year's Eve an early morning refreshing dip in the sparkling Atlantic with the "Cool Dip Club," including Mr. Tutt, followed by a brandy and coffee will start the New Year celebration off right. Revelers at The Reefs can usher in the New Year together in the lounge with live entertainment. A little New Year cheer the morning of January 1 on the Ocean Echo terrace provides the perfect complement to the evening's festivities with Bull Pups and Bloody Marys and a visit from the ever-gregarious Warwick Gombeys.

For reservations (800) 742-2008. http://www.thereefs.com

About The Reefs
Widely recognized as Bermuda's best hotel, The Reefs has been welcoming guests since 1947 with the traditional hospitality for which the island has long been famous. Crowning a cliff and overlooking its own pink sand beach and the turquoise waters that surround Bermuda, The Reefs is in the Southampton parish on the South Shore of the island. Lush tropical flowers hibiscus, oleander and bougainvillea cascade down the salmon pink-and-white property.

An intimate resort with only 65 guest rooms and suites (including eight cottages with outdoor Jacuzzis), the resort boasts an infinity pool and an award-winning spa. The relaxing atmosphere is one of the resort's most notable features, and a reason guests return year after year is its dedicated staff. Famous for its cuisine, The Reefs' attracts visitors and Bermudians alike to dine in at the island's only small resort with three dining venues during the season. Couples can also opt for a romantic dinner served on the beach.

The Reefs consistently receives accolades, including:
# 3 in the 2008 "World's Best in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas" category of the Travel + Leisure Readers Survey
Past awards include:

* 1 "World's Best Hotel Value" "World's Best Service" Readers Survey

Travel + Leisure
* Gold List of the "World's Best Places to Stay" since 1997

Condé Nast Traveler
* Coconuts as "Best Place to Fall in Love," Ocean Echo as "Best Al Fresco Dining," "Best Sunday Brunch," and La Serena as "Best Day Spa"

The Bermudian
The Reefs Club www.ReefsClub.com is a new private residence club being built right next door to The Reefs. The Club, which will be completed in May 2009, consists of nineteen fractionally priced two- and three-bedroom residences with spectacular ocean vistas. The Reefs Club offers owners the best of all possible worlds the amenities, service and hospitality of Bermuda's best hotel plus the rare opportunity to own Bermuda real estate at a fraction of the cost of a traditional beachfront home.

For reservations call (800) 742-2008 or your favorite travel agent, or visit www.thereefs.com.

Priscilla Caldwell
The Reefs
757-645-3113
Priscilla Caldwell
Madigan Pratt & Associates
757-645-3113

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Australia Post releases Christmas stamps

With less than two months left until Christmas, Australia Post has released its Christmas stamps ahead of its busiest time of the year.

“Australia Post’s Christmas stamps are extremely popular, with Australians purchasing approximately 70 million of them every year,” said Australia Post media manager Alex Twomey.

“The next two months will be incredibly hectic as people of all ages send not only cards but presents through the mail.

“In December an extra 70,000 parcels go through the mail each day and with online shopping becoming increasingly popular, more and more gifts are now being delivered by Australia Post.”

This year’s stamps capture the spirit of Christmas through the devotional figures of the Madonna and Child, an Angel and a Wise man set against a colourful, decorative backdrop.

Rounding out the series is a baubles stamp which recognises the centuries old ritual of decorating the home for Christmas.

“Australia Post has issued Christmas stamps every year since 1957 and Christmas cards are still the preferred way people of all ages like to receive their Christmas greetings. Sending a card has a personal touch other forms of communication lack,” Mr Twomey said.

The Christmas stamp release includes two 50 cent stamps, the discount rate for Christmas cards, one 55 cent stamp for general use and one $1.20 stamp for international postage.

“This year we have card packs available from PostShops which include stamps, envelopes and cards to make it even easier to stay in touch with friends and family this Christmas,” Mr Twomey said.

Australia Post is also releasing Christmas Island stamps featuring humorous depictions of the different creatures synonymous with Christmas Island such as robber crabs and will carry the special discount card rate of 50c as well as a $1.20 stamp for international postage.

“Australia Post regularly commemorates the day for which Christmas Island was named, they are a fun, light hearted Christmas stamp which complements our traditional stamps,” Mr Twomey said.

When choosing Christmas cards, senders should remember to select standard card sizes (no larger than 130mm x240mm) to qualify for the discounted 50c stamp rate for Australia and $1.20 stamp rate for overseas.

The 50 cent Christmas stamps will be available from participating PostShops from 31 October 2008 and can be used throughout November and January.

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More boat people found

A FIFTH boatload of people believed to be seeking asylum in Australia has been intercepted off the north-west of Australia.

The boat, carrying 35 passengers and five crew members, was spotted near Ashmore Island late on Tuesday, the Minister for Immigration, Chris Evans, said.

The nationality and intention of the people is unknown but they are being transferred to Christmas Island where they will be detained until more about their situation is known.

The Government defended its border-protection policy as it made the announcement about the latest arrivals after claims by the Opposition it was going soft on people smugglers.

The Minister for Home Affairs, Bob Debus, said surveillance was continuing and would not be affected by the Australian navy's recent announcement it would bring home some service personnel for Christmas as part of a bid to become more family friendly.

Four boats carrying 48 people have already reached Australian waters this year.

The Federal Government is concerned people smugglers are changing tactics and recruiting people in their native countries instead of waiting for them to first arrive in a temporary location such as Indonesia.

The United Nations Refugee Agency said the 85 recent arrivals here needed to be kept in perspective. UNHCR regional representative Richard Towle said: "More than 500 times that number crossed the Gulf of Aden into Yemen so far this year with 43,500 people making the perilous journey in over 850 smuggling boats in 2008." A further 740 are either missing or dead.

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Asylum seekers well on Christmas Island

A refugee lawyer says there has been a dramatic change in the attitude of the federal government towards asylum seekers.

A volunteer for the Refugee Advice and Casework Service told the Sydney Morning Herald the government appeared committed to quickly resolving protection claims of 26 Afghan and Iranian asylum seekers on Christmas Island.

"My sense is they are trying to avoid a repeat of the lengthy detentions of the past (when) people went crazy," Steven Glass said.

The asylum seekers were said to have access to sporting facilities and television, and were being well fed.

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