joiney hello

fear of more corporate training, is that the money could be implemented! Chile ColombiaBlue Ocean International Marketing Consultants says FijiThe companies simply saying so clever and intelligent know that fees should be used for any business, must need it most, which of course the company must spend a year training costs. Although this reason is companies are aware, can really put into practice at the end of this training, what with no money and can not sometimes beyond the control of the company to achieve the desired results. Chile Colombia because Blue Ocean International Marketing Consultants found through research, there are many forms not only empty the contents of the formation of the style popular in the market tend to some coaches who will be pleased with tactical style of exaggeration, but based on lack of actual real nuts and bolts; satisfied with theories and concepts to the winds, and even a member of the kind of inspiration the terminology of speculation about their own package, master teachers, sky etc steal the title, people in the so-called brainwashing meet their so-called passion, personality, the result will only bring the whole industry, flattering and anti-fraud lateral type. If the company in training, before they experience a certain day in the market for life experiences of the so-called “master” Fudge live, I fear that your money will not only put implemented. The face of this market highlights, Chilean foreign CEO Blue British teachers in training in combat effective marketing Fiji: The training is to provide the address practical problems in business, because no matter how high the theory, and a great program, great for training when the company there is no way to deploy and use, it is not on the practical implementation of the training. Many educational institutions and which are not a complete and thorough understanding of business environments, adapted without extensive market research, they are not training for the company, much less real, the practical operation of the . Environmental education to meet current market, if effective training to be able to meet the urgent need to solve business problems by forming a team with a great fight results in the practices of the elite team company organization and management of the coordination of smooth deployment Treat game to reach the staff, coordinated and orderly division of labor. We have in business training repeatedly stressed before, can teach a good education for the real combat instructor, practical and efficient than the basic objective, and only you know the real experience, we have your use of the training is not entertainment, not always feel ready for a “speak very good, very good, the atmosphere in class is also very active, but not much use if?” always thought it ‘ was too theoretical, not the current business and management conference, which was very “festive” after searching in the hearing of class notes? hey You want a solution but the problem still no results. For Moreover, the practical value of education will also offer customized training, ie the provider of solutions marketing business, Blue Ocean Colombian intelligence and businesses in each of cooperation in training about the economic situation and problems, because the situation is for each company, the problem is not as scripted as training, can only speak to hear the stories known business success that the current situation of the company has little that may be useful to implement it for the rest? I’m afraid to hear the lively, but without any evidence. Best Practices for the reality of the business, use the year the faculty of experience and current market conditions by combining the only way the company is to be implemented immediately after exercise, immediately the results of our marketing Blue Ocean International Colombian intelligence training consultant working to each time to do. Learn more about the company earlier, 11 participants instruction on the issue of interaction between the teacher, the uniform, the most famous business is going. Received after each training also very satisfactory results, the companies recognized my education, of course, not feeling.

Updated July 19, 2011 09:24:54

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions is meeting with its Australia counterpart today and decide if it interrupts flights to Fiji.

Australia’s Transport Workers Union has warned it will disrupt flights to Fiji from Wednesday unless Qantas protects its workers from state sanctioned violence in the country.

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions is expected soon decide if it takes any action against Fiji.

Presenter: Geraldine Coutts
Speaker: Peter Conway, secretary of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.

• Listen:
• Windows Media

CONWAY: We’re very concerned about the physical intimidation and beatings of union officials in Fiji and also the decrees that remove work rights. So the issues we’re looking at are approaches to the International Labour Organisation, to our own government, to employers that have got trade links in meat and dairy and travel with Fiji. And certainly we have been discussing what sort of bans or other industrial action might be appropriate. We don’t quite have the direct linkage that Qantas does with 49 per cent shareholding in Air Pacific, but nonetheless we are looking at a broad range of things, but we need to talk to members about those approaches before anything would be put into place.

COUTTS: And those discussions will decide whether you will take action or not?

CONWAY: Well really we need to go through a process where we prepare good information, where members get the chance to debate the issues and look at them before deciding what sort of action is appropriate. We also have to take into account any of the commercial issues, legal issues and so forth. So we won’t be rushing into things. The only thing that might change that is if the action of the Fijian government upon the return of some of these visiting union officials was to harm their welfare or put them in prison or anything like that. That would be a matter of extreme concern to us. So we welcome what the Transport Workers Union of Australia are doing, we’ve been in constant touch with the ACTU about this matter, but we’re not quite at the stage of saying right, this is the industrial action we’re ready to take, because we haven’t gone through enough of a process yet to get to that stage.

COUTTS: Well the visiting officials that you’re referring to of course, one of which is Felix Anthony from the Fiji Trades Union Congress. But how long have you been aware of the alleged abuses of the airline workers and baggage handlers etc., in Fiji?

CONWAY: Well we’ve been aware of it for some time. I was up in Fiji at a meeting of unions in early February, it was later that week that Felix Anthony was beaten up, and we were briefed on the situation then. I have gone round and met with Air New Zealand, with the meat industry here, others have met the dairy industry, and we’ve talked to travel agents warning them that the whole situation in Fiji is deteriorating with these decrees and the suppression of trade union rights, and warned them it could spill over into a commercial arena. Now that was just a heads up, we’re now at the stage where we have to actually talk more concretely.

COUTTS: Alright you have just mentioned that point that you are going to have more discussions. When will they take place and if the union workers are in support of sanctions or whatever you decide against Fiji, when will they take place?

CONWAY: To be honest I can’t put a date on that. We’ve got meetings with employer organisations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and we’ve got to hook up with the ACTU today. So we just have to wait until we’ve gone through a proper process. So I can’t put a precise date on when it would be, I’m sorry.

COUTTS: But it may include other unions?

CONWAY: We’re the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, the umbrella body, so the unions we’re talking about are affiliates to our organisation.

COUTTS: Alright now what might be some of the actions and sanctions you would consider?

CONWAY: Well I don’t really want to get into that in a lot of detail, but obviously industrial action goes right the way through from calling for bans on certain types of activity, holding up activity to more extreme measures. But those are things that we would have to assess with the members concerned.

COUTTS: There are those are concerned, as you mentioned concerns that Fiji’s tourism industry is one of the major money earners for it, and by having these sanctions it might disrupt the tourism industry thereby hurting the ordinary person, the mums and dads in Fiji that are the innocent parties to all of this?

CONWAY: Yeah and that’s always a risk with this sort of action which is why we think we need broad public support in New Zealand for any action that’s taken, and we need to be sure that this has been called for by the Fijians and certainly the unions yesterday when we discussed that point with them, the Fiji union said look, we know the risks but we’ve reached the stage that we either speak out and call for support or we just have to roll over and let these dreadful things carry on, and they’re simply not prepared to do that. So it’s not risk free but that’s often the choices we face.

COUTTS: And part of this as you said to protect Felix Anthony on his return to make sure that nothing does happen to him?

CONWAY: Well he’s one of a number of officials, he’s at pains to say it’s not all about him. Our focus however has to be on that, plus the decrees that have gone through but are proposed that would remove current union officials from their jurisdiction and really severely restrict the ability of unions to function there at all.

Updated July 19, 2011 09:24:54

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions is meeting with its Australia counterpart today and decide if it interrupts flights to Fiji.

Australia’s Transport Workers Union has warned it will disrupt flights to Fiji from Wednesday unless Qantas protects its workers from state sanctioned violence in the country.

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions is expected soon decide if it takes any action against Fiji.

Presenter: Geraldine Coutts
Speaker: Peter Conway, secretary of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.

• Listen:
• Windows Media

CONWAY: We’re very concerned about the physical intimidation and beatings of union officials in Fiji and also the decrees that remove work rights. So the issues we’re looking at are approaches to the International Labour Organisation, to our own government, to employers that have got trade links in meat and dairy and travel with Fiji. And certainly we have been discussing what sort of bans or other industrial action might be appropriate. We don’t quite have the direct linkage that Qantas does with 49 per cent shareholding in Air Pacific, but nonetheless we are looking at a broad range of things, but we need to talk to members about those approaches before anything would be put into place.

COUTTS: And those discussions will decide whether you will take action or not?

CONWAY: Well really we need to go through a process where we prepare good information, where members get the chance to debate the issues and look at them before deciding what sort of action is appropriate. We also have to take into account any of the commercial issues, legal issues and so forth. So we won’t be rushing into things. The only thing that might change that is if the action of the Fijian government upon the return of some of these visiting union officials was to harm their welfare or put them in prison or anything like that. That would be a matter of extreme concern to us. So we welcome what the Transport Workers Union of Australia are doing, we’ve been in constant touch with the ACTU about this matter, but we’re not quite at the stage of saying right, this is the industrial action we’re ready to take, because we haven’t gone through enough of a process yet to get to that stage.

COUTTS: Well the visiting officials that you’re referring to of course, one of which is Felix Anthony from the Fiji Trades Union Congress. But how long have you been aware of the alleged abuses of the airline workers and baggage handlers etc., in Fiji?

CONWAY: Well we’ve been aware of it for some time. I was up in Fiji at a meeting of unions in early February, it was later that week that Felix Anthony was beaten up, and we were briefed on the situation then. I have gone round and met with Air New Zealand, with the meat industry here, others have met the dairy industry, and we’ve talked to travel agents warning them that the whole situation in Fiji is deteriorating with these decrees and the suppression of trade union rights, and warned them it could spill over into a commercial arena. Now that was just a heads up, we’re now at the stage where we have to actually talk more concretely.

COUTTS: Alright you have just mentioned that point that you are going to have more discussions. When will they take place and if the union workers are in support of sanctions or whatever you decide against Fiji, when will they take place?

CONWAY: To be honest I can’t put a date on that. We’ve got meetings with employer organisations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and we’ve got to hook up with the ACTU today. So we just have to wait until we’ve gone through a proper process. So I can’t put a precise date on when it would be, I’m sorry.

COUTTS: But it may include other unions?

CONWAY: We’re the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, the umbrella body, so the unions we’re talking about are affiliates to our organisation.

COUTTS: Alright now what might be some of the actions and sanctions you would consider?

CONWAY: Well I don’t really want to get into that in a lot of detail, but obviously industrial action goes right the way through from calling for bans on certain types of activity, holding up activity to more extreme measures. But those are things that we would have to assess with the members concerned.

COUTTS: There are those are concerned, as you mentioned concerns that Fiji’s tourism industry is one of the major money earners for it, and by having these sanctions it might disrupt the tourism industry thereby hurting the ordinary person, the mums and dads in Fiji that are the innocent parties to all of this?

CONWAY: Yeah and that’s always a risk with this sort of action which is why we think we need broad public support in New Zealand for any action that’s taken, and we need to be sure that this has been called for by the Fijians and certainly the unions yesterday when we discussed that point with them, the Fiji union said look, we know the risks but we’ve reached the stage that we either speak out and call for support or we just have to roll over and let these dreadful things carry on, and they’re simply not prepared to do that. So it’s not risk free but that’s often the choices we face.

COUTTS: And part of this as you said to protect Felix Anthony on his return to make sure that nothing does happen to him?

CONWAY: Well he’s one of a number of officials, he’s at pains to say it’s not all about him. Our focus however has to be on that, plus the decrees that have gone through but are proposed that would remove current union officials from their jurisdiction and really severely restrict the ability of unions to function there at all.

Updated July 19, 2011 09:24:54

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions is meeting with its Australia counterpart today and decide if it interrupts flights to Fiji.

Australia’s Transport Workers Union has warned it will disrupt flights to Fiji from Wednesday unless Qantas protects its workers from state sanctioned violence in the country.

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions is expected soon decide if it takes any action against Fiji.

Presenter: Geraldine Coutts
Speaker: Peter Conway, secretary of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.

• Listen:
• Windows Media

CONWAY: We’re very concerned about the physical intimidation and beatings of union officials in Fiji and also the decrees that remove work rights. So the issues we’re looking at are approaches to the International Labour Organisation, to our own government, to employers that have got trade links in meat and dairy and travel with Fiji. And certainly we have been discussing what sort of bans or other industrial action might be appropriate. We don’t quite have the direct linkage that Qantas does with 49 per cent shareholding in Air Pacific, but nonetheless we are looking at a broad range of things, but we need to talk to members about those approaches before anything would be put into place.

COUTTS: And those discussions will decide whether you will take action or not?

CONWAY: Well really we need to go through a process where we prepare good information, where members get the chance to debate the issues and look at them before deciding what sort of action is appropriate. We also have to take into account any of the commercial issues, legal issues and so forth. So we won’t be rushing into things. The only thing that might change that is if the action of the Fijian government upon the return of some of these visiting union officials was to harm their welfare or put them in prison or anything like that. That would be a matter of extreme concern to us. So we welcome what the Transport Workers Union of Australia are doing, we’ve been in constant touch with the ACTU about this matter, but we’re not quite at the stage of saying right, this is the industrial action we’re ready to take, because we haven’t gone through enough of a process yet to get to that stage.

COUTTS: Well the visiting officials that you’re referring to of course, one of which is Felix Anthony from the Fiji Trades Union Congress. But how long have you been aware of the alleged abuses of the airline workers and baggage handlers etc., in Fiji?

CONWAY: Well we’ve been aware of it for some time. I was up in Fiji at a meeting of unions in early February, it was later that week that Felix Anthony was beaten up, and we were briefed on the situation then. I have gone round and met with Air New Zealand, with the meat industry here, others have met the dairy industry, and we’ve talked to travel agents warning them that the whole situation in Fiji is deteriorating with these decrees and the suppression of trade union rights, and warned them it could spill over into a commercial arena. Now that was just a heads up, we’re now at the stage where we have to actually talk more concretely.

COUTTS: Alright you have just mentioned that point that you are going to have more discussions. When will they take place and if the union workers are in support of sanctions or whatever you decide against Fiji, when will they take place?

CONWAY: To be honest I can’t put a date on that. We’ve got meetings with employer organisations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and we’ve got to hook up with the ACTU today. So we just have to wait until we’ve gone through a proper process. So I can’t put a precise date on when it would be, I’m sorry.

COUTTS: But it may include other unions?

CONWAY: We’re the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, the umbrella body, so the unions we’re talking about are affiliates to our organisation.

COUTTS: Alright now what might be some of the actions and sanctions you would consider?

CONWAY: Well I don’t really want to get into that in a lot of detail, but obviously industrial action goes right the way through from calling for bans on certain types of activity, holding up activity to more extreme measures. But those are things that we would have to assess with the members concerned.

COUTTS: There are those are concerned, as you mentioned concerns that Fiji’s tourism industry is one of the major money earners for it, and by having these sanctions it might disrupt the tourism industry thereby hurting the ordinary person, the mums and dads in Fiji that are the innocent parties to all of this?

CONWAY: Yeah and that’s always a risk with this sort of action which is why we think we need broad public support in New Zealand for any action that’s taken, and we need to be sure that this has been called for by the Fijians and certainly the unions yesterday when we discussed that point with them, the Fiji union said look, we know the risks but we’ve reached the stage that we either speak out and call for support or we just have to roll over and let these dreadful things carry on, and they’re simply not prepared to do that. So it’s not risk free but that’s often the choices we face.

COUTTS: And part of this as you said to protect Felix Anthony on his return to make sure that nothing does happen to him?

CONWAY: Well he’s one of a number of officials, he’s at pains to say it’s not all about him. Our focus however has to be on that, plus the decrees that have gone through but are proposed that would remove current union officials from their jurisdiction and really severely restrict the ability of unions to function there at all.

Published: Tuesday, July 19, 2011

By M. English
Correspondent

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

Political upheaval, fearsome meteorological events and the ongoing threat of terrorism aside, plenty of local folks seem to be venturing well beyond home turf this summer.

Which is not to say local travelers are clamoring for package tours to Yemen or Afghanistan. On the other hand, even as Africa and the Middle East roil with revolution, Athenian protesters riot in city streets and Japan struggles with the horrific aftermath of this year’s earthquake, people are booking vacations abroad.

Yes, the fallout from Mexico’s drug wars may be spreading, Syrian refugees may be seeking asylum in parts of Turkey, and Mumbai is surely reeling from last week’s terrorist bombings. Nonetheless, plenty of folks are still packing up and heading out to see the world. And despite the lure of Internet-based self-planning, many of them are — apparently — conferring with the pros before they go.

“We haven’t seen any slow-up,” says Jackie Silverman, a consultant with Liberty Travel at 457 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting. “Our numbers are good … definitely steady. In fact, our current numbers are up. We’re busier this month than we were for July of last year.”

Those clients are traveling “just about everywhere,” Silverman notes.

“Actually, I’m seeing all kinds of people — doing everything. Instead of just doing Mexico and the usual ‘safe’ places, people are going everywhere. We’re seeing real variety in people’s travel destinations … from the standard European capitals to, say, Fiji. People are going to Morocco. Interest is actually up in Morocco. Even Dubai is popular.

“We’re literally seeing everything … across the board. People are still going to Greece … and Egypt as well. They know about the unrest in Cairo, and some of them ask us to make note of their interest and put their Nile cruise on hold ’til things quiet down. But others are going now. They realize that tour operators stay on top of these things and know whether it’s OK or not … or have enough experience to take alternate routes if trouble erupts along the way. A reputable tour operator isn’t going to put people in … danger.”

Exactly, agrees longtime Whitemarsh travel agent Georgene Robertson Borusiewicz, whose Robertson Travel at 628 Germantown Pike has been a Lafayette Hill fixture for the past four decades.

“Professionals have access to all kinds of information and rates that people who aren’t in the business never get to see,” Robertson Borusiewicz says. “People go on the Internet, lock themselves into some rate that seems good and then discover they’ve gotten themselves into some sort of bind they can’t get out of. What they don’t realize is, they’re getting one — usually biased — side of the story.”

The Robertson spokeswoman says cruises are perennially popular with her agency’s customers, although “for our clients the Med is dead.”

That is, the Mediterranean.

“The people we’re seeing — and our clientele ranges from the mature, high-end traveler to honeymooners — are avoiding it,” Robertson Borusiewicz continues. “They’re doing a lot of Jamaica, Bermuda … and New England. New England isn’t as warm as the islands, but it’s still a terrific cruise.

“I know some people think the islands are too hot during the summer, but just about any time of year is good in the Caribbean, because they always have the trade winds. We still do a lot of Mexico, too. The drug problems exist in some parts of the country, but resort areas like Cancun and the Riviera Maya are fine. There’s more of a drug problem in Philadelphia than in those areas. Continued…

• 1
• 2
• See Full Story

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

“Think of it this way. When there was an earthquake in California, people from abroad were fearful about coming to the U.S. But we know that an earthquake in California doesn’t affect Philadelphia. That’s why it makes sense to deal with a professional when you’re planning a trip to a place that’s unfamiliar to you.”

Her point is borne out in travel advisories posted by foreign governments regarding their citizens’ trips to the United States.

For instance, at www.fco.gov.uk, British authorities, indeed, report that the West Coast of the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and “the U.S. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico” is “prone to earthquakes.” They also recommend travelers be alert to the recent occurrence of “significant tornadoes … in several states” and forest and brush fires as a potential danger in many dry areas.

The site also notes “violent crime related to the drugs trade is a major issue in the Mexican states along the border with California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas,” and adds “violent crime, including gun crime, is not limited to the border areas.”

In addition, Great Britain’s citizens are informed about the danger lurking on American highways:

“In 2009, there were 33,963 road deaths in the USA. This equates to 11.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population compared to the UK average of 3.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2009.”

Of course, not everyone is looking to vacation abroad. The beach — especially the Jersey Shore — continues to be a top draw for many local residents, and some are more than content with staycations.

Dianne and Larry Wiggins, for example, enjoyed hearing about daughter Lauren’s recent trip to Ireland and still reminisce about her solo journey to the South Pacific last year. But the two are perfectly happy to pass summer 2011 poolside in their Plymouth Meeting backyard.

“No airport, no crowds, no traffic,” Dianne laughs. “We walk out the back door, and we’re there.”

• 1
• 2
• See Full Story

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

• 1
• 2
• 3
• See Full Story

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• See Full Story

By M. English
Correspondent

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

Political upheaval, fearsome meteorological events and the ongoing threat of terrorism aside, plenty of local folks seem to be venturing well beyond home turf this summer.

Which is not to say local travelers are clamoring for package tours to Yemen or Afghanistan. On the other hand, even as Africa and the Middle East roil with revolution, Athenian protesters riot in city streets and Japan struggles with the horrific aftermath of this year’s earthquake, people are booking vacations abroad.

Yes, the fallout from Mexico’s drug wars may be spreading, Syrian refugees may be seeking asylum in parts of Turkey, and Mumbai is surely reeling from last week’s terrorist bombings. Nonetheless, plenty of folks are still packing up and heading out to see the world. And despite the lure of Internet-based self-planning, many of them are — apparently — conferring with the pros before they go.

“We haven’t seen any slow-up,” says Jackie Silverman, a consultant with Liberty Travel at 457 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting. “Our numbers are good … definitely steady. In fact, our current numbers are up. We’re busier this month than we were for July of last year.”

Those clients are traveling “just about everywhere,” Silverman notes.

“Actually, I’m seeing all kinds of people — doing everything. Instead of just doing Mexico and the usual ‘safe’ places, people are going everywhere. We’re seeing real variety in people’s travel destinations … from the standard European capitals to, say, Fiji. People are going to Morocco. Interest is actually up in Morocco. Even Dubai is popular.

“We’re literally seeing everything … across the board. People are still going to Greece … and Egypt as well. They know about the unrest in Cairo, and some of them ask us to make note of their interest and put their Nile cruise on hold ’til things quiet down. But others are going now. They realize that tour operators stay on top of these things and know whether it’s OK or not … or have enough experience to take alternate routes if trouble erupts along the way. A reputable tour operator isn’t going to put people in … danger.”

Exactly, agrees longtime Whitemarsh travel agent Georgene Robertson Borusiewicz, whose Robertson Travel at 628 Germantown Pike has been a Lafayette Hill fixture for the past four decades.

“Professionals have access to all kinds of information and rates that people who aren’t in the business never get to see,” Robertson Borusiewicz says. “People go on the Internet, lock themselves into some rate that seems good and then discover they’ve gotten themselves into some sort of bind they can’t get out of. What they don’t realize is, they’re getting one — usually biased — side of the story.”

The Robertson spokeswoman says cruises are perennially popular with her agency’s customers, although “for our clients the Med is dead.”

That is, the Mediterranean.

“The people we’re seeing — and our clientele ranges from the mature, high-end traveler to honeymooners — are avoiding it,” Robertson Borusiewicz continues. “They’re doing a lot of Jamaica, Bermuda … and New England. New England isn’t as warm as the islands, but it’s still a terrific cruise.

“I know some people think the islands are too hot during the summer, but just about any time of year is good in the Caribbean, because they always have the trade winds. We still do a lot of Mexico, too. The drug problems exist in some parts of the country, but resort areas like Cancun and the Riviera Maya are fine. There’s more of a drug problem in Philadelphia than in those areas.

“Think of it this way. When there was an earthquake in California, people from abroad were fearful about coming to the U.S. But we know that an earthquake in California doesn’t affect Philadelphia. That’s why it makes sense to deal with a professional when you’re planning a trip to a place that’s unfamiliar to you.”

Her point is borne out in travel advisories posted by foreign governments regarding their citizens’ trips to the United States.

For instance, at www.fco.gov.uk, British authorities, indeed, report that the West Coast of the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and “the U.S. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico” is “prone to earthquakes.” They also recommend travelers be alert to the recent occurrence of “significant tornadoes … in several states” and forest and brush fires as a potential danger in many dry areas.

The site also notes “violent crime related to the drugs trade is a major issue in the Mexican states along the border with California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas,” and adds “violent crime, including gun crime, is not limited to the border areas.”

In addition, Great Britain’s citizens are informed about the danger lurking on American highways:

“In 2009, there were 33,963 road deaths in the USA. This equates to 11.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population compared to the UK average of 3.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2009.”

Of course, not everyone is looking to vacation abroad. The beach — especially the Jersey Shore — continues to be a top draw for many local residents, and some are more than content with staycations.

Dianne and Larry Wiggins, for example, enjoyed hearing about daughter Lauren’s recent trip to Ireland and still reminisce about her solo journey to the South Pacific last year. But the two are perfectly happy to pass summer 2011 poolside in their Plymouth Meeting backyard.

“No airport, no crowds, no traffic,” Dianne laughs. “We walk out the back door, and we’re there.”

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Published: Tuesday, July 19, 2011

By M. English
Correspondent

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

Political upheaval, fearsome meteorological events and the ongoing threat of terrorism aside, plenty of local folks seem to be venturing well beyond home turf this summer.

Which is not to say local travelers are clamoring for package tours to Yemen or Afghanistan. On the other hand, even as Africa and the Middle East roil with revolution, Athenian protesters riot in city streets and Japan struggles with the horrific aftermath of this year’s earthquake, people are booking vacations abroad.

Yes, the fallout from Mexico’s drug wars may be spreading, Syrian refugees may be seeking asylum in parts of Turkey, and Mumbai is surely reeling from last week’s terrorist bombings. Nonetheless, plenty of folks are still packing up and heading out to see the world. And despite the lure of Internet-based self-planning, many of them are — apparently — conferring with the pros before they go.

“We haven’t seen any slow-up,” says Jackie Silverman, a consultant with Liberty Travel at 457 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting. “Our numbers are good … definitely steady. In fact, our current numbers are up. We’re busier this month than we were for July of last year.”

Those clients are traveling “just about everywhere,” Silverman notes.

“Actually, I’m seeing all kinds of people — doing everything. Instead of just doing Mexico and the usual ‘safe’ places, people are going everywhere. We’re seeing real variety in people’s travel destinations … from the standard European capitals to, say, Fiji. People are going to Morocco. Interest is actually up in Morocco. Even Dubai is popular.

“We’re literally seeing everything … across the board. People are still going to Greece … and Egypt as well. They know about the unrest in Cairo, and some of them ask us to make note of their interest and put their Nile cruise on hold ’til things quiet down. But others are going now. They realize that tour operators stay on top of these things and know whether it’s OK or not … or have enough experience to take alternate routes if trouble erupts along the way. A reputable tour operator isn’t going to put people in … danger.”

Exactly, agrees longtime Whitemarsh travel agent Georgene Robertson Borusiewicz, whose Robertson Travel at 628 Germantown Pike has been a Lafayette Hill fixture for the past four decades.

“Professionals have access to all kinds of information and rates that people who aren’t in the business never get to see,” Robertson Borusiewicz says. “People go on the Internet, lock themselves into some rate that seems good and then discover they’ve gotten themselves into some sort of bind they can’t get out of. What they don’t realize is, they’re getting one — usually biased — side of the story.”

The Robertson spokeswoman says cruises are perennially popular with her agency’s customers, although “for our clients the Med is dead.”

That is, the Mediterranean.

“The people we’re seeing — and our clientele ranges from the mature, high-end traveler to honeymooners — are avoiding it,” Robertson Borusiewicz continues. “They’re doing a lot of Jamaica, Bermuda … and New England. New England isn’t as warm as the islands, but it’s still a terrific cruise.

“I know some people think the islands are too hot during the summer, but just about any time of year is good in the Caribbean, because they always have the trade winds. We still do a lot of Mexico, too. The drug problems exist in some parts of the country, but resort areas like Cancun and the Riviera Maya are fine. There’s more of a drug problem in Philadelphia than in those areas. Continued…

• 1
• 2
• See Full Story

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

“Think of it this way. When there was an earthquake in California, people from abroad were fearful about coming to the U.S. But we know that an earthquake in California doesn’t affect Philadelphia. That’s why it makes sense to deal with a professional when you’re planning a trip to a place that’s unfamiliar to you.”

Her point is borne out in travel advisories posted by foreign governments regarding their citizens’ trips to the United States.

For instance, at www.fco.gov.uk, British authorities, indeed, report that the West Coast of the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and “the U.S. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico” is “prone to earthquakes.” They also recommend travelers be alert to the recent occurrence of “significant tornadoes … in several states” and forest and brush fires as a potential danger in many dry areas.

The site also notes “violent crime related to the drugs trade is a major issue in the Mexican states along the border with California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas,” and adds “violent crime, including gun crime, is not limited to the border areas.”

In addition, Great Britain’s citizens are informed about the danger lurking on American highways:

“In 2009, there were 33,963 road deaths in the USA. This equates to 11.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population compared to the UK average of 3.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2009.”

Of course, not everyone is looking to vacation abroad. The beach — especially the Jersey Shore — continues to be a top draw for many local residents, and some are more than content with staycations.

Dianne and Larry Wiggins, for example, enjoyed hearing about daughter Lauren’s recent trip to Ireland and still reminisce about her solo journey to the South Pacific last year. But the two are perfectly happy to pass summer 2011 poolside in their Plymouth Meeting backyard.

“No airport, no crowds, no traffic,” Dianne laughs. “We walk out the back door, and we’re there.”

• 1
• 2
• See Full Story

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

• 1
• 2
• 3
• See Full Story

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• See Full Story

By M. English
Correspondent

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

Political upheaval, fearsome meteorological events and the ongoing threat of terrorism aside, plenty of local folks seem to be venturing well beyond home turf this summer.

Which is not to say local travelers are clamoring for package tours to Yemen or Afghanistan. On the other hand, even as Africa and the Middle East roil with revolution, Athenian protesters riot in city streets and Japan struggles with the horrific aftermath of this year’s earthquake, people are booking vacations abroad.

Yes, the fallout from Mexico’s drug wars may be spreading, Syrian refugees may be seeking asylum in parts of Turkey, and Mumbai is surely reeling from last week’s terrorist bombings. Nonetheless, plenty of folks are still packing up and heading out to see the world. And despite the lure of Internet-based self-planning, many of them are — apparently — conferring with the pros before they go.

“We haven’t seen any slow-up,” says Jackie Silverman, a consultant with Liberty Travel at 457 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting. “Our numbers are good … definitely steady. In fact, our current numbers are up. We’re busier this month than we were for July of last year.”

Those clients are traveling “just about everywhere,” Silverman notes.

“Actually, I’m seeing all kinds of people — doing everything. Instead of just doing Mexico and the usual ‘safe’ places, people are going everywhere. We’re seeing real variety in people’s travel destinations … from the standard European capitals to, say, Fiji. People are going to Morocco. Interest is actually up in Morocco. Even Dubai is popular.

“We’re literally seeing everything … across the board. People are still going to Greece … and Egypt as well. They know about the unrest in Cairo, and some of them ask us to make note of their interest and put their Nile cruise on hold ’til things quiet down. But others are going now. They realize that tour operators stay on top of these things and know whether it’s OK or not … or have enough experience to take alternate routes if trouble erupts along the way. A reputable tour operator isn’t going to put people in … danger.”

Exactly, agrees longtime Whitemarsh travel agent Georgene Robertson Borusiewicz, whose Robertson Travel at 628 Germantown Pike has been a Lafayette Hill fixture for the past four decades.

“Professionals have access to all kinds of information and rates that people who aren’t in the business never get to see,” Robertson Borusiewicz says. “People go on the Internet, lock themselves into some rate that seems good and then discover they’ve gotten themselves into some sort of bind they can’t get out of. What they don’t realize is, they’re getting one — usually biased — side of the story.”

The Robertson spokeswoman says cruises are perennially popular with her agency’s customers, although “for our clients the Med is dead.”

That is, the Mediterranean.

“The people we’re seeing — and our clientele ranges from the mature, high-end traveler to honeymooners — are avoiding it,” Robertson Borusiewicz continues. “They’re doing a lot of Jamaica, Bermuda … and New England. New England isn’t as warm as the islands, but it’s still a terrific cruise.

“I know some people think the islands are too hot during the summer, but just about any time of year is good in the Caribbean, because they always have the trade winds. We still do a lot of Mexico, too. The drug problems exist in some parts of the country, but resort areas like Cancun and the Riviera Maya are fine. There’s more of a drug problem in Philadelphia than in those areas.

“Think of it this way. When there was an earthquake in California, people from abroad were fearful about coming to the U.S. But we know that an earthquake in California doesn’t affect Philadelphia. That’s why it makes sense to deal with a professional when you’re planning a trip to a place that’s unfamiliar to you.”

Her point is borne out in travel advisories posted by foreign governments regarding their citizens’ trips to the United States.

For instance, at www.fco.gov.uk, British authorities, indeed, report that the West Coast of the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and “the U.S. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico” is “prone to earthquakes.” They also recommend travelers be alert to the recent occurrence of “significant tornadoes … in several states” and forest and brush fires as a potential danger in many dry areas.

The site also notes “violent crime related to the drugs trade is a major issue in the Mexican states along the border with California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas,” and adds “violent crime, including gun crime, is not limited to the border areas.”

In addition, Great Britain’s citizens are informed about the danger lurking on American highways:

“In 2009, there were 33,963 road deaths in the USA. This equates to 11.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population compared to the UK average of 3.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2009.”

Of course, not everyone is looking to vacation abroad. The beach — especially the Jersey Shore — continues to be a top draw for many local residents, and some are more than content with staycations.

Dianne and Larry Wiggins, for example, enjoyed hearing about daughter Lauren’s recent trip to Ireland and still reminisce about her solo journey to the South Pacific last year. But the two are perfectly happy to pass summer 2011 poolside in their Plymouth Meeting backyard.

“No airport, no crowds, no traffic,” Dianne laughs. “We walk out the back door, and we’re there.”

• Return to Paging Mode

Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of Montgomery News.

We encourage your feedback and dialog. All comments are moderated by the editors. We ask you to follow a few simple guidelines when commenting on stories on Montgomery News.
1) Please post responsibly.
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5) Users who don’t play by the rules will be blocked and won’t be allowed to participate.
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Published: Tuesday, July 19, 2011

By M. English
Correspondent

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

Political upheaval, fearsome meteorological events and the ongoing threat of terrorism aside, plenty of local folks seem to be venturing well beyond home turf this summer.

Which is not to say local travelers are clamoring for package tours to Yemen or Afghanistan. On the other hand, even as Africa and the Middle East roil with revolution, Athenian protesters riot in city streets and Japan struggles with the horrific aftermath of this year’s earthquake, people are booking vacations abroad.

Yes, the fallout from Mexico’s drug wars may be spreading, Syrian refugees may be seeking asylum in parts of Turkey, and Mumbai is surely reeling from last week’s terrorist bombings. Nonetheless, plenty of folks are still packing up and heading out to see the world. And despite the lure of Internet-based self-planning, many of them are — apparently — conferring with the pros before they go.

“We haven’t seen any slow-up,” says Jackie Silverman, a consultant with Liberty Travel at 457 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting. “Our numbers are good … definitely steady. In fact, our current numbers are up. We’re busier this month than we were for July of last year.”

Those clients are traveling “just about everywhere,” Silverman notes.

“Actually, I’m seeing all kinds of people — doing everything. Instead of just doing Mexico and the usual ‘safe’ places, people are going everywhere. We’re seeing real variety in people’s travel destinations … from the standard European capitals to, say, Fiji. People are going to Morocco. Interest is actually up in Morocco. Even Dubai is popular.

“We’re literally seeing everything … across the board. People are still going to Greece … and Egypt as well. They know about the unrest in Cairo, and some of them ask us to make note of their interest and put their Nile cruise on hold ’til things quiet down. But others are going now. They realize that tour operators stay on top of these things and know whether it’s OK or not … or have enough experience to take alternate routes if trouble erupts along the way. A reputable tour operator isn’t going to put people in … danger.”

Exactly, agrees longtime Whitemarsh travel agent Georgene Robertson Borusiewicz, whose Robertson Travel at 628 Germantown Pike has been a Lafayette Hill fixture for the past four decades.

“Professionals have access to all kinds of information and rates that people who aren’t in the business never get to see,” Robertson Borusiewicz says. “People go on the Internet, lock themselves into some rate that seems good and then discover they’ve gotten themselves into some sort of bind they can’t get out of. What they don’t realize is, they’re getting one — usually biased — side of the story.”

The Robertson spokeswoman says cruises are perennially popular with her agency’s customers, although “for our clients the Med is dead.”

That is, the Mediterranean.

“The people we’re seeing — and our clientele ranges from the mature, high-end traveler to honeymooners — are avoiding it,” Robertson Borusiewicz continues. “They’re doing a lot of Jamaica, Bermuda … and New England. New England isn’t as warm as the islands, but it’s still a terrific cruise.

“I know some people think the islands are too hot during the summer, but just about any time of year is good in the Caribbean, because they always have the trade winds. We still do a lot of Mexico, too. The drug problems exist in some parts of the country, but resort areas like Cancun and the Riviera Maya are fine. There’s more of a drug problem in Philadelphia than in those areas. Continued…

• 1
• 2
• See Full Story

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

“Think of it this way. When there was an earthquake in California, people from abroad were fearful about coming to the U.S. But we know that an earthquake in California doesn’t affect Philadelphia. That’s why it makes sense to deal with a professional when you’re planning a trip to a place that’s unfamiliar to you.”

Her point is borne out in travel advisories posted by foreign governments regarding their citizens’ trips to the United States.

For instance, at www.fco.gov.uk, British authorities, indeed, report that the West Coast of the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and “the U.S. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico” is “prone to earthquakes.” They also recommend travelers be alert to the recent occurrence of “significant tornadoes … in several states” and forest and brush fires as a potential danger in many dry areas.

The site also notes “violent crime related to the drugs trade is a major issue in the Mexican states along the border with California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas,” and adds “violent crime, including gun crime, is not limited to the border areas.”

In addition, Great Britain’s citizens are informed about the danger lurking on American highways:

“In 2009, there were 33,963 road deaths in the USA. This equates to 11.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population compared to the UK average of 3.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2009.”

Of course, not everyone is looking to vacation abroad. The beach — especially the Jersey Shore — continues to be a top draw for many local residents, and some are more than content with staycations.

Dianne and Larry Wiggins, for example, enjoyed hearing about daughter Lauren’s recent trip to Ireland and still reminisce about her solo journey to the South Pacific last year. But the two are perfectly happy to pass summer 2011 poolside in their Plymouth Meeting backyard.

“No airport, no crowds, no traffic,” Dianne laughs. “We walk out the back door, and we’re there.”

• 1
• 2
• See Full Story

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

• 1
• 2
• 3
• See Full Story

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• See Full Story

By M. English
Correspondent

Dianne and Larry Wiggins relax by their pool at home in Plymouth Meeting. The couple opted for a staycation this year.

View and purchase photos

Political upheaval, fearsome meteorological events and the ongoing threat of terrorism aside, plenty of local folks seem to be venturing well beyond home turf this summer.

Which is not to say local travelers are clamoring for package tours to Yemen or Afghanistan. On the other hand, even as Africa and the Middle East roil with revolution, Athenian protesters riot in city streets and Japan struggles with the horrific aftermath of this year’s earthquake, people are booking vacations abroad.

Yes, the fallout from Mexico’s drug wars may be spreading, Syrian refugees may be seeking asylum in parts of Turkey, and Mumbai is surely reeling from last week’s terrorist bombings. Nonetheless, plenty of folks are still packing up and heading out to see the world. And despite the lure of Internet-based self-planning, many of them are — apparently — conferring with the pros before they go.

“We haven’t seen any slow-up,” says Jackie Silverman, a consultant with Liberty Travel at 457 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting. “Our numbers are good … definitely steady. In fact, our current numbers are up. We’re busier this month than we were for July of last year.”

Those clients are traveling “just about everywhere,” Silverman notes.

“Actually, I’m seeing all kinds of people — doing everything. Instead of just doing Mexico and the usual ‘safe’ places, people are going everywhere. We’re seeing real variety in people’s travel destinations … from the standard European capitals to, say, Fiji. People are going to Morocco. Interest is actually up in Morocco. Even Dubai is popular.

“We’re literally seeing everything … across the board. People are still going to Greece … and Egypt as well. They know about the unrest in Cairo, and some of them ask us to make note of their interest and put their Nile cruise on hold ’til things quiet down. But others are going now. They realize that tour operators stay on top of these things and know whether it’s OK or not … or have enough experience to take alternate routes if trouble erupts along the way. A reputable tour operator isn’t going to put people in … danger.”

Exactly, agrees longtime Whitemarsh travel agent Georgene Robertson Borusiewicz, whose Robertson Travel at 628 Germantown Pike has been a Lafayette Hill fixture for the past four decades.

“Professionals have access to all kinds of information and rates that people who aren’t in the business never get to see,” Robertson Borusiewicz says. “People go on the Internet, lock themselves into some rate that seems good and then discover they’ve gotten themselves into some sort of bind they can’t get out of. What they don’t realize is, they’re getting one — usually biased — side of the story.”

The Robertson spokeswoman says cruises are perennially popular with her agency’s customers, although “for our clients the Med is dead.”

That is, the Mediterranean.

“The people we’re seeing — and our clientele ranges from the mature, high-end traveler to honeymooners — are avoiding it,” Robertson Borusiewicz continues. “They’re doing a lot of Jamaica, Bermuda … and New England. New England isn’t as warm as the islands, but it’s still a terrific cruise.

“I know some people think the islands are too hot during the summer, but just about any time of year is good in the Caribbean, because they always have the trade winds. We still do a lot of Mexico, too. The drug problems exist in some parts of the country, but resort areas like Cancun and the Riviera Maya are fine. There’s more of a drug problem in Philadelphia than in those areas.

“Think of it this way. When there was an earthquake in California, people from abroad were fearful about coming to the U.S. But we know that an earthquake in California doesn’t affect Philadelphia. That’s why it makes sense to deal with a professional when you’re planning a trip to a place that’s unfamiliar to you.”

Her point is borne out in travel advisories posted by foreign governments regarding their citizens’ trips to the United States.

For instance, at www.fco.gov.uk, British authorities, indeed, report that the West Coast of the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and “the U.S. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico” is “prone to earthquakes.” They also recommend travelers be alert to the recent occurrence of “significant tornadoes … in several states” and forest and brush fires as a potential danger in many dry areas.

The site also notes “violent crime related to the drugs trade is a major issue in the Mexican states along the border with California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas,” and adds “violent crime, including gun crime, is not limited to the border areas.”

In addition, Great Britain’s citizens are informed about the danger lurking on American highways:

“In 2009, there were 33,963 road deaths in the USA. This equates to 11.1 road deaths per 100,000 of population compared to the UK average of 3.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2009.”

Of course, not everyone is looking to vacation abroad. The beach — especially the Jersey Shore — continues to be a top draw for many local residents, and some are more than content with staycations.

Dianne and Larry Wiggins, for example, enjoyed hearing about daughter Lauren’s recent trip to Ireland and still reminisce about her solo journey to the South Pacific last year. But the two are perfectly happy to pass summer 2011 poolside in their Plymouth Meeting backyard.

“No airport, no crowds, no traffic,” Dianne laughs. “We walk out the back door, and we’re there.”

• Return to Paging Mode

Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of Montgomery News.

We encourage your feedback and dialog. All comments are moderated by the editors. We ask you to follow a few simple guidelines when commenting on stories on Montgomery News.
1) Please post responsibly.
2) Be polite.
3) Don’t hate.
4) If you object to someone’s post, use the “Report Abuse” button and we’ll review it.
5) Users who don’t play by the rules will be blocked and won’t be allowed to participate.
6) Self-promotion of businesses or advertisements of anything for sale are not permitted.

DANYA LEVY

Key will have to say more on Israeli spy claims

Come clean over Israeli suspicions – Goff

Facebook’s Zuckerberg meets PM John Key

The woes of Julia Gillard

New Zealand spy claims reach Israeli media

‘Quake victims no Mossad agents’

Dubai murder-accused had Kiwi link

Hackers blitz govt computers

Today in Politics – Wednesday

Fire causes evacuation at Parliament – report

Foreign Affairs officials will meet with Fiji’s former army chief Lieutenant Colonel Tevita Mara in Wellington on Thursday.

Mara arrived in New Zealand last night after being granted a five-day visa. He fled Fiji for Tonga in May after being charged with sedition.

As a former member of Fiji’s interim regime he is subject New Zealand’s travel ban but was given an exemption so he could update Government officials about the current political climate in Fiji.

Fiji Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama has declared Mara a fugitive and has sought to have him extradited from Tonga, Australia and New Zealand.

Mara is expected to hold a series of public meetings over the next few days to talk about the Fiji regime.

A spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said two ministry officials would meet with Mara in Wellington tomorrow.

However, because of political sensitivities, Government ministers will not meet him personally.

Just before Mara arrived yesterday, the New Zealand-based Coalition for Democracy in Fiji filed a complaint with police on the grounds he was involved in acts of torture in Fiji.

Coalition spokesman Nik Naidu said Mara had admitted being present during an incident of torture in Fiji and there were allegations he was involved in other incidents.

New Zealand was a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Torture and under New Zealand domestic law, Mara could be arrested and charged, he said.

“If he has committed crimes he needs to stand trial and face the rule of law,” Naidu told Radio New Zealand.

“It’s about principles, freedom, human rights and democracy. We are are standing up for the people of Fiji and against human rights abuse.”

Mara needed to be cleared of any allegations before he could be a spokesman for democracy, he said.

Police this morning confirmed they had received a complaint from the Coalition for Democracy in Fiji about “a Fiji citizen currently visiting New Zealand”.

Police would evaluate the information they had been provided with to determine whether they would take any action, a spokesperson said.

– Stuff

Sponsored links

DANYA LEVY

Key will have to say more on Israeli spy claims

Come clean over Israeli suspicions – Goff

Facebook’s Zuckerberg meets PM John Key

The woes of Julia Gillard

New Zealand spy claims reach Israeli media

‘Quake victims no Mossad agents’

Dubai murder-accused had Kiwi link

Hackers blitz govt computers

Today in Politics – Wednesday

Fire causes evacuation at Parliament – report

Foreign Affairs officials will meet with Fiji’s former army chief Lieutenant Colonel Tevita Mara in Wellington on Thursday.

Mara arrived in New Zealand last night after being granted a five-day visa. He fled Fiji for Tonga in May after being charged with sedition.

As a former member of Fiji’s interim regime he is subject New Zealand’s travel ban but was given an exemption so he could update Government officials about the current political climate in Fiji.

Fiji Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama has declared Mara a fugitive and has sought to have him extradited from Tonga, Australia and New Zealand.

Mara is expected to hold a series of public meetings over the next few days to talk about the Fiji regime.

A spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said two ministry officials would meet with Mara in Wellington tomorrow.

However, because of political sensitivities, Government ministers will not meet him personally.

Just before Mara arrived yesterday, the New Zealand-based Coalition for Democracy in Fiji filed a complaint with police on the grounds he was involved in acts of torture in Fiji.

Coalition spokesman Nik Naidu said Mara had admitted being present during an incident of torture in Fiji and there were allegations he was involved in other incidents.

New Zealand was a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Torture and under New Zealand domestic law, Mara could be arrested and charged, he said.

“If he has committed crimes he needs to stand trial and face the rule of law,” Naidu told Radio New Zealand.

“It’s about principles, freedom, human rights and democracy. We are are standing up for the people of Fiji and against human rights abuse.”

Mara needed to be cleared of any allegations before he could be a spokesman for democracy, he said.

Police this morning confirmed they had received a complaint from the Coalition for Democracy in Fiji about “a Fiji citizen currently visiting New Zealand”.

Police would evaluate the information they had been provided with to determine whether they would take any action, a spokesperson said.

– Stuff

Sponsored links

DANYA LEVY

Key will have to say more on Israeli spy claims

Come clean over Israeli suspicions – Goff

Facebook’s Zuckerberg meets PM John Key

The woes of Julia Gillard

New Zealand spy claims reach Israeli media

‘Quake victims no Mossad agents’

Dubai murder-accused had Kiwi link

Hackers blitz govt computers

Today in Politics – Wednesday

Fire causes evacuation at Parliament – report

Foreign Affairs officials will meet with Fiji’s former army chief Lieutenant Colonel Tevita Mara in Wellington on Thursday.

Mara arrived in New Zealand last night after being granted a five-day visa. He fled Fiji for Tonga in May after being charged with sedition.

As a former member of Fiji’s interim regime he is subject New Zealand’s travel ban but was given an exemption so he could update Government officials about the current political climate in Fiji.

Fiji Prime Minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama has declared Mara a fugitive and has sought to have him extradited from Tonga, Australia and New Zealand.

Mara is expected to hold a series of public meetings over the next few days to talk about the Fiji regime.

A spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said two ministry officials would meet with Mara in Wellington tomorrow.

However, because of political sensitivities, Government ministers will not meet him personally.

Just before Mara arrived yesterday, the New Zealand-based Coalition for Democracy in Fiji filed a complaint with police on the grounds he was involved in acts of torture in Fiji.

Coalition spokesman Nik Naidu said Mara had admitted being present during an incident of torture in Fiji and there were allegations he was involved in other incidents.

New Zealand was a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Torture and under New Zealand domestic law, Mara could be arrested and charged, he said.

“If he has committed crimes he needs to stand trial and face the rule of law,” Naidu told Radio New Zealand.

“It’s about principles, freedom, human rights and democracy. We are are standing up for the people of Fiji and against human rights abuse.”

Mara needed to be cleared of any allegations before he could be a spokesman for democracy, he said.

Police this morning confirmed they had received a complaint from the Coalition for Democracy in Fiji about “a Fiji citizen currently visiting New Zealand”.

Police would evaluate the information they had been provided with to determine whether they would take any action, a spokesperson said.

– Stuff

Sponsored links