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Tag: Pacific


Sharks are not rare in the waters of Western Australia but the debate about how to deal with them has grown to unusual proportions, writes Jake Elson, 20, a Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, who says government, activists and the media must all take responsibility for the acrimony and intimidation. Drum lines will not be returning …

"Explaining what’s wrong with the shark cull debate" Read More »

Ian Paisley was a lightning rod of controversy, but Jake Elson, 20, a Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, says one legacy of Paisley’s fiery political career is a compromise that took a step toward peace. “And Death shall have no Dominion”. Though the Reverend Ian Paisley has passed, the memory of his life will live on both positively …

"The legacy of Ian Paisley: 1926 – 2014" Read More »

Representatives at the UN General Assembly don’t reflect the demographics of member countries, writes Fale Lesa, 24, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Zealand, who says two reports written by youth are a first step in redressing that imbalance. We recently marked United Nations Day. It seems rather appropriate then that I discuss the privilege of attending …

"Changing the demographic at the United Nations" Read More »

Norfolk Islanders are refusing to change their national anthem in what Jake Elson, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, describes as a clash between official rules and cultural tradition. It’s another saga of Norfolk Island’s long and often tumultuous history. Recently the Australian-appointed administrator, Mr. Gary Hardgrave, wrote to the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly requesting it …

"Anthem dispute signals troubles in paradise" Read More »

A hostage-taking in Sydney shook Australia’s sense of security, writes Jake Elson, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, but the response has been respect for quiet heroism and a demonstration of the country’s tolerance. Shocked, devastated and infuriated. That is how I feel about the Sydney hostage crisis only a few days back. Shocked, because …

"The roughest day in Australian history" Read More »

Women’s football in England has a tumultuous history, writes Jake Elson, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, but is now gaining the respect of fans and officials. Several months ago, 55,000 supporters watched England lose 3-0 to Germany at Wembley. Generally, this is the usual story. However, this game was significant. It was …

"England's women’s football – a bright future" Read More »

Western Australia has earned an unwanted reputation for its drug problem, writes Jake Elson, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia. Education is part of the effort to solve the problem. It’s renowned across the continent for its unbridled summer sunshine, relaxed attitude and world famous Margaret River wineries. Yet lift up that veneer, …

"Western Australia wages war on street drugs" Read More »

Queensland voters delivered a shocking upset in the recent election, writes Jake Elson, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, as he examines politics and factors behind the balloting. Shocked, surprised, stunned. These are but a few words that can describe what has happened in Queensland over the last month. After the disastrous election …

"Queensland conservatives handed lesson at polls" Read More »

Feminism is a concept that has become divisive, writes Jake Elson, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, who argues the need to support feminism that includes gender equality. In social circles across the world, feminism has become a dirty word. Once the banner for the push for equality, many now view it erroneously as an …

"Coping with the F word and gender equality" Read More »

Voter apathy and disengagement are significant threats to democracy, writes Jake Elson, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Bunbury in Australia, as he urges youth to take an active role in politics. The free and democratic world is facing what has to be its greatest danger in recent years. It isn’t Communism, nor is it fascism. Rather, …

“Youth, for the sake of freedom, get into politics!” Read More »