Samoa and Australia signed a key agreement “to improve Gender Equality in Samoa” yesterday.

The agreement was signed by the Minister for Women Community and Social Development, Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Lei’ataua and the Australian High Commissioner, Sue Langford.

The agreement will see Australia and Samoa cooperate to increase women’s economic empowerment, participation of women in public life and decision making, and reduce gender-based violence.

Part of this will see Australia contributing A$3.8 million (T$7.6m) over five years into this programme.

The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (M.W.C.S.D) will coordinate and implement the Programme.

Australia and Samoa will work together to create a positive impact on the lives of all women here in Samoa.

To complement this programme, Australia will provide direct funding of A$500,000 (T$1m) to U.N.D.P for a separate programme aimed to increase women’s participation in politics.

An evening of fun and great company at Home Café on Tuesday night raised close to $14,000 for victims of Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu.

The fundraising gathering was attended by people of all ages, with the most experienced performer being 86-years-old and the youngest 14.

The crowd had an evening of entertainment and the chance to raise money for a worthy cause.

The event was organised by Enid Westerlund, Suisala Mele Maualaivao, Faumuina Felolini Tafuna’i and Nicola Mills.

“This initiative came about because we feel for the victims of Cyclone Pam,” said Ms. Westerlund.

“Our goal is to raise as much money as we can and we hope that money will go towards water storage materials, medical needs as well as food items for the people.”

Ms. Westerlund said many companies offered support including Farmer Joe, Sinalei Resort, Janet’s Gift Shop and more. Local artists such as Fatu Feu’u and writer Lani Wendt also contributed.

“The Samoa Writers Group came up with idea, because we think that this is something that is very important and it’s a pressing issue at the moment because our neighbors don’t have that much fresh water to drink and also they need food,” she said. “It’s Islands helping other islands.

“It’s an accomplishment to put something like this together in less than a week and it’s also great that all these big companies and all these big brands, big names are supporting it.”

Faumuina Felolini added that the theme is really about helping another Pacific island.

“In addition, the number of Vanuatu people affected by Cyclone Pam is almost equal to Samoa's total population but this time spread over 22 islands,” she said.

“We have had tremendous support from businesses, private residents and of course Samoa Red Cross Society.”

It's been described as the image that broke the internet's heart. When a photographer pointed his camera lens at a young girl in Syria, the child mistook it for a gun and raised her tiny hands above her head, as if to surrender.

The haunting image of the child, with fear in her eyes and her lips pursed, was tweeted last week by Nadia Abu Shaban, a photojournalist based in Gaza, and has been shared nearly 20,000 times since then.

Shaban did not take the photo herself, and did not know who had. Little was known of the image's origins or the circumstances of the child.

This led some to speculate that the image had been staged; that the child was in fact a boy; and that the photograph was taken in 2012.

But now, the BBC has tracked down the photographer, Osman Sagirli, who recounted how he had taken the image of the four-year-old girl, Hudea, at the Atmeh refugee camp in Syria in December last year.

Sagirli, who was working in Tanzania when the BBC spoke to him this week, said Hudea, her mother and two siblings had travelled about 150 kilometres from their home in Hama in Syria to the refugee camp, which is close to the border with Turkey.

"I was using a telephoto lens, and she thought it was a weapon," Sagirli told the BBC. "I realised she was terrified after I took it, and looked at the picture, because she bit her lips and raised her hands. Normally kids run away, hide their faces or smile when they see a camera.

"You know there are displaced people in the camps. It makes more sense to see what they have suffered not through adults, but through children. It is the children who reflect the feelings with their innocence."

The photograph of Hudea was first published in January in the Turkish newspaper Türkiye, the BBC reported.

At that time it was shared widely among Turkishspeaking social media users, but it was only when Shaban tweeted the photograph that it was exposed to an English-speaking audience.

Sitivi So’oa’emalelagi is a fish. He was fast and no one could get near him in the opening race of the Local Open water swim season at Mulinu’u on Tuesday night.

The fourteen year old from Vailele is a member of the Samoa National Swim squad and swims for the Tanifa o le Vai club. His time of 51mins 59secs for the premier 3km race at Mulinu’u was almost 20mins faster ahead of Shane Paulo of Fagali’i who finished second.

Sitivi has been a member of the National squad for a few years now.

He is in full training for a busy year ahead that includes a tournament in Fiji and the Commonwealth Youth Games here in September.

The first swim meet of the season brought together three of the local swim clubs. The biggest contingent of swimmers, twelve, came from Saoluafata village. The newly created swim club is coached by Brent McCarthy and managed by former Manu Samoa prop, Donald Kerslake.

Tanifa o le Vai was well represented with eleven swimmers. The third club is the Masters Swim and Tri Club with several of its members also competing.

In the final standings Tanifa o le Vai took out the major placings – joining Sitivi with firsts for the Club are Theresa Strickland and Matthew Schuster in the 1.5km girls and boys races respectively. Rie Marutari won the 750m, an overall placing ahead of Sosefina So’oa’emalelagi. Matthew Schuster also of Tanifa o le Vai won the U10s 100m.

Saoluafata can be very pleased with their performance in their very first competitive outing. The club scored firsts in the U10 200m, Fiti Vaiao in a time of 4mins 15secs, Sini Kepu also performed well for Saoluafata to finish second in the 1.5km and breaking up the Tanifa Podium in that race.

With the international Season now only a few weeks away – the first is the Five Islands Challenge in May – the local swimmers are now getting into Open water competitions to prepare for the Five Islands Challenge (May), Pacific Open Water Challenge (Aug) and the Samoa Swim Series (Aug).

The next local race is on Tuesday 5th of May.

In the Sunday Samoan, a press release issued by the Office of the Press Secretariat on behalf of Cabinet said $40,000 has been approved for the Samoa Touch Rugby Association.

This is not true. The correct amount is $20,000.00 for Samoa Touch Rugby’s campaign for the 2015 Federation of International Touch Rugby World Cup.

The mistake was by the Office of the Press Secretariat and it regrets the error.

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The National University of Samoa (N.U.S) yesterday honoured Samoa’s award-winning author, Emeritus Professor Maualaivao Albert Wendt, by conferring him with an honorary degree.

The honour was conferred during the University’s graduation ceremony at the N.U.S gymnasium.

In accepting the honour in front of N.U.S graduates and hundreds of their relatives and friends, Maualaivao said he would treasure the gesture for the rest of his life.

“I have received similar honours from other universities, but for me, this is the most precious because it is from our University, the National University of Samoa and the country which is still my spiritual and cultural home,” he said.

Talking to the graduates, Maualaivao said he had taught and worked at every educational level, from Primary to University.

He has taught thousands of students but has never been good with giving advice to them.

Yesterday, he reminded that they would not have earned their qualifications without the support of their parents, relatives and friends.

But, he said, the graduation was only the beginning of real learning.

“It’s only a note that you’ve completed, a set period of study in a particular field," he said.

"It’s only the start of a whole life of learning.”

The real learning is out there at your work, home, community and country.

Graduands were urged to find their passion and pursue it wholeheartedly. At an early age, Maualaivao found that he wanted to teach, write and tell stories. He has been doing that for more than 50 years.

“Pursue what you love doing and being and you will learn more about yourself and your fellow human beings and our planet and you’ll be able to help yourself and your communities more wisely and compassionately.”

Maualaivao said that when the Supreme Atua Tagaloaalagi created us, he put into us the magnificent gifts of agaga, atamai, poto, finagalo, loto and masalo.

“These were gifts that make us capable of boundless alofa (love), creativity, invention and healing, but also extreme cruelty, evil and violence.

“We know we will die, yet we can imagine ourselves able to live forever.

Such basic contradictions are at the heart of all cultures and societies.

And we have to learn how to live with and control them.”

Maualaivao said he was born and had grown up in the second half of the 20th century. It was one of the most violent periods of world history.

“...And everywhere we look today that violence and destruction continues. We have to stop that: it is our duty to our children and our planet.” Life is full of problems and pain, but it is the only life we have, so live it the best way you know how and it will become a healing, creative and wondrous life.

“And on your 75th Birthday, you’ll remember that a white haired dude spoke at your graduation, but you can’t remember what he said, only that he really tried to say something cool and perceptive.”

He acknowledged that universities were expensive and difficult institutions to maintain. Maualaivao congratulated the Council, the Vice Chancellor, the staff and government for keeping the university strong and well.

He also thanked his parents, who struggled hard to ensure that he and his 23 sisters and brothers were well educated. He thanked his aiga in Vaiala, Moata’a, Lefaga, Sapaali’i and peace loving village of Malie.

He also thanked his extended family, his oldest brothers and their wives, Taulapapa Hans and Flora and Tuaopepe Felix and Marita who were taking care of the aiga. He thanked his children, his grandchildren and partner, Reina Whatiri. He thanked his friends, whom he has known all his life. The decision to confer the honorary degree was confirmed in a letter signed by the Director of the Centre for Samoan Studies at N.U.S., Leasiolagi Malama Meleisea.

A celebration to honour Professor Maualaivao followed the ceremony at Sails Restaurant where Maualaivao was joined by the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua and close friends.

Born in 1939 in Apia, Samoa, Emeritus Prof. Maualaivao is a Professor of English at the University of Auckland, and an acclaimed Samoanborn Novelist and Poet. He has been an influential figure in the developments that have shaped New Zealand and Pacific literature since the 1970s.

Maualaivao had taught at the University before as a Professor of New Zealand and Pacific Literature from 1988 to 2006.

He became one of the First Samoan and Pacific Island professors in New Zealand and is most likely the most well-known Author/Writer of the South Pacific.

Mathew, Mark, Luke and John from the Bible were at Le Amosa on Thursday.

They were present in the form of four groups, among which the school was divided into, to celebrate Good Friday and Easter.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Le Tagaloa (Dr.) Pita, said the idea is to remind the young children about the real meaning of Easter.

It’s not just a holiday, he said.

Instead, it is a time to remember that Jesus Christ was born to die to save the world from their sins, he added.

“So today, we have Mathew, Mark, Luke and John with us,” he said, adding that the four gospels in the Bible tell the story of Jesus and his work on earth before he was crucified.

“Each group performed different scenes about the crucifixion and Jesus’s resurrection.

“I am very impressed that these youngsters came up with different messages within their performances.

“It is a great reminder for everyone to understand and get to know the reason why Jesus came to this world. He came for you, me and all of us so we can be forgiven.”

Tagaloa reminded that when children are taught valuable lessons at such a young age, they would never forget them.

“They will grow up to know that Jesus Christ is the King of all Kings and everyone must worship Him for He is so Good,” said Tagaloa.

“He is a risen Saviour.”

The celebration of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice was not confined to Le Amosa.

The commemoration was marked throughout the country through skits and performances at different schools.

Faleata College was also among the schools that staged a special assembly whereby the story of the crucifixion and resurrection were retold.

Throughout the country last night, church services and masses were organised to welcome the long Easter weekend.

The National University of Samoa (N.U.S) yesterday honoured Samoa’s award-winning author, Emeritus Professor Maualaivao Albert Wendt, by conferring him with an honorary degree.

The honour was conferred during the University’s graduation ceremony at the N.U.S gymnasium.

In accepting the honour in front of N.U.S graduates and hundreds of their relatives and friends, Maualaivao said he would treasure the gesture for the rest of his life.

“I have received similar honours from other universities, but for me, this is the most precious because it is from our University, the National University of Samoa and the country which is still my spiritual and cultural home,” he said.

Talking to the graduates, Maualaivao said he had taught and worked at every educational level, from Primary to University.

He has taught thousands of students but has never been good with giving advice to them.

Yesterday, he reminded that they would not have earned their qualifications without the support of their parents, relatives and friends.

But, he said, the graduation was only the beginning of real learning.

“It’s only a note that you’ve completed, a set period of study in a particular field," he said.

"It’s only the start of a whole life of learning.”

The real learning is out there at your work, home, community and country.

Graduands were urged to find their passion and pursue it wholeheartedly. At an early age, Maualaivao found that he wanted to teach, write and tell stories. He has been doing that for more than 50 years.

“Pursue what you love doing and being and you will learn more about yourself and your fellow human beings and our planet and you’ll be able to help yourself and your communities more wisely and compassionately.”

Maualaivao said that when the Supreme Atua Tagaloaalagi created us, he put into us the magnificent gifts of agaga, atamai, poto, finagalo, loto and masalo.

“These were gifts that make us capable of boundless alofa (love), creativity, invention and healing, but also extreme cruelty, evil and violence.

“We know we will die, yet we can imagine ourselves able to live forever.

Such basic contradictions are at the heart of all cultures and societies.

And we have to learn how to live with and control them.”

Maualaivao said he was born and had grown up in the second half of the 20th century. It was one of the most violent periods of world history.

“...And everywhere we look today that violence and destruction continues. We have to stop that: it is our duty to our children and our planet.” Life is full of problems and pain, but it is the only life we have, so live it the best way you know how and it will become a healing, creative and wondrous life.

“And on your 75th Birthday, you’ll remember that a white haired dude spoke at your graduation, but you can’t remember what he said, only that he really tried to say something cool and perceptive.”

He acknowledged that universities were expensive and difficult institutions to maintain. Maualaivao congratulated the Council, the Vice Chancellor, the staff and government for keeping the university strong and well.

He also thanked his parents, who struggled hard to ensure that he and his 23 sisters and brothers were well educated. He thanked his aiga in Vaiala, Moata’a, Lefaga, Sapaali’i and peace loving village of Malie.

He also thanked his extended family, his oldest brothers and their wives, Taulapapa Hans and Flora and Tuaopepe Felix and Marita who were taking care of the aiga. He thanked his children, his grandchildren and partner, Reina Whatiri. He thanked his friends, whom he has known all his life. The decision to confer the honorary degree was confirmed in a letter signed by the Director of the Centre for Samoan Studies at N.U.S., Leasiolagi Malama Meleisea.

A celebration to honour Professor Maualaivao followed the ceremony at Sails Restaurant where Maualaivao was joined by the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua and close friends.

Born in 1939 in Apia, Samoa, Emeritus Prof. Maualaivao is a Professor of English at the University of Auckland, and an acclaimed Samoanborn Novelist and Poet. He has been an influential figure in the developments that have shaped New Zealand and Pacific literature since the 1970s.

Maualaivao had taught at the University before as a Professor of New Zealand and Pacific Literature from 1988 to 2006.

He became one of the First Samoan and Pacific Island professors in New Zealand and is most likely the most well-known Author/Writer of the South Pacific.

The government is moving ahead with a plan to relocate the country’s main prison from Tafa’igata to Leili, Tanumalala. This week, a team of land surveyors will visit Tanumalala to locate the boundaries for the 500acres there that will be allocated for the project.

The decision follows a final meeting between Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, the Minister of Police and Prisons, Sala Fata Pinati and the Commissioner of Prisons and Correction Services, Taitosaua Edward Winterstein, where they discussed the plan.

Tuilaepa told the media that the decision follows concerns about the safety of people living near the Tafaigata Prison.

At Falelauniu for instance, the safety of people living there – including businesses and schools - are constantly threatened by escaped prisoners. For that reason, Tuilaepa said the relocation is absolutely necessary.

“It’s not a good idea to have a prison in the middle of where people live,” said Tuilaepa.

“The problem with the fence surrounding the prison is that it cannot stop prisoners from jumping over it."

“So in the upcoming weeks, five hundred acres for the development will be inspected by land surveyors.”

The question of whether the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S) can be sued as a body was the center of legal dispute in the Supreme Court on Thursday.

The issue surfaced during the hearing of a lawsuit brought by Reverend Kerita Reupena against C.C.C.S. and the Committee of Elders.

Members of the Committee who are second respondents in the lawsuit include the Chairman of the C.C.C.S., Reverend Elder Tavita Roma, Deputy Chairman, Reverend Elder Tautiaga Senara, Reverend Elder Kerisiano Soti and Reverend Elder Peleti Toailoa.

Rev. Reupena is suing the church and others over their decision to strip him of two senior positions in the church – including that of being the Director of the Queensland District in Australia.

The complainant is represented by lawyer, Leulua’iali’i Olinda Woodroffe.

She is assisted by Leali’ifano Dr. Iopu Tanielu. Lawyer Leota Tima Leavai is representing the Church. Presiding is Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu.

During the proceedings, Ms. Leavai disputed C.C.C.S being the first respondent. “The name of the first defendant given in the documents referred basically to C.C.C.S. which is registered as a Charitable Trust,” Ms. Leavai told the Court.

“C.C.C.S. is a trading name used in the Constitution. My instruction is the defendant is not named… the appropriate defendant to be sued is the Board of Trustees of the C.C.C.S.”

But Leulua’iali’i disagreed.

“I respectfully ask my learned friend to provide evidence of what she is claiming,” said Leulua’iali’i. Because in my understanding, and I did go through the Constitution, it can be sued.”

At that point, Chief Justice Patu asked Leulua’iali’i: “Does the Constitution of C.C.C.S. say that C.C.C.S. can be sued or cannot be sued?”

“It is silent on that issue,” she responded.

“But in the absence of any express direction, it is my respectful submission that my case is to be heard. They were served all documents and had time to prepare and she does not have evidence.”

But Chief Justice Patu insisted. According to His Honour, from his experience as a lawyer and a Judge, when a church is registered as a Charitable Trust, Ms. Leavai is correct in pointing out that it is the Board of Trustees that is registered.

“And customarily the Board of Trustees is the body to be sued on behalf of the church, or be sued on its behalf,” said Chief Justice Patu.

At that point, His Honour demanded to see proof.

A 30 minutes recess was called to enable Ms. Leavai to obtain documents to confirm whether the church can be sued. Ms. Leavai returned with a certificate of registration of the C.C.C.S.

But His Honour Patu was not satisfied. “It still does not answer the question that I asked,” he said. “The documentation file does not say if the church can be sued or not…it’s only the certificate of the incorporation of the church.”

Another issue that Ms. Leavai raised was how the second respondents were served.

“The General Secretary, Rev. Iutisone Salevao advised (me) yesterday he was given these set of documents of the process server whom he was given the documents and accepted them,” Ms. Leavai told the Court.

“But there was no reference to the respondents. He asked if I could inform the Court that the church office does not accept services of the second respondents…they are named on their individual capacity and one of them lives in Sydney.”

Leulua’iali’i objected to this.

“Rev. Iutisone, who is a lawyer, read the document and is quite familiar with what it is,” said Leulua’iali’i.

“The names of the respondents were on the top and he respectfully accepted and signed the documents. It’s not like the documents were served without the name of the respondents.”

She asked, “Why did he signed it if he didn’t have the authority to do so?”

Leulua’iali’i added that Rev. Iutisone had told the server that he has the authority to accept the documents on behalf of the second respondents.

But Chief Justice Patu did not accept this either.

“But in actual fact, he (Rev. Iutisone) does not have the authority, he is not one of the respondents,” His Honour said.

“The important point is natural justice. If you are to serve a person, then you have to serve your proceedings on that person not on someone else unless that someone else has the authority to accept service.”

“But you say that Rev. Iutisone accepts it, where is proof that he has the authority to accept the service on the second respondents?”

Chief Justice Patu pointed out that if the respondents came into Court “and question any decision made by the Court that Rev. Iutisone has no authority to accept service on their behalf, I would have to nullify whatever that decision is because natural justice has not been served by effective service on the party.”

Another area that His Honour Patu questioned the lawyers about is whether the proper second respondent should be the Directors Committee, instead of its individual members.

“Because the decision appears to be it was not made by second respondents as individuals but as members of the Directors Committee,” said Chief Justice Patu.

Due to uncertainty on fundamental issues, the Chief Justice adjourned the matter.

But before he did this, Leulua’iali’i made a final request.

“Your Honour I respectfully request if the matter can be dealt with before May when the General Assembly (of C.C.C.S.) gathers in May,” said Leulua’iali’i.

“The lives of hundreds of children are put on hold and…”

Chief Justice reminded Leulua’iali’i that while the case was important, other matters scheduled are equally important.

He ordered to make amendment to the first name respondent if necessary once Ms. Leavai confirms the exact name for the respondent to be sued.

The matter has been adjourned until 17 April 2015 for a hearing.

The Supreme Court has rejected claims by a woman prisoner that she was refused her rights when police officers at Tafaigata prison forbid her from using a phone.

Prisoner, Vaioleti Stowers, made the claim before Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu on Thursday.

Asked why she did not have a lawyer, Stowers blamed police officers “for refusing to allow me to use a phone to call a lawyer.”

She made the claims during the ongoing case where she is accused of the sale of car rentals belonging to National Car Rental and Samoana Car Rental. Stowers and Grant Holland face 12 charges.

The claims from Ms. Stowers were so serious that the Chief Justice told prosecutors to investigate the accusations.

Prosecuting is lawyer Rexona Titi, of the Attorney General’s Office. On Wednesday, several police officers working at the Prisons and Correction Service were called in Court to give evidence about Stowers’ claim.

First to take the stand was Superintendent Taefu Niko. He denied being asked by Stowers to make a phone call to find a lawyer. “Vaioleti had made four requests,” Taefu told the Court.

“But none of those requests was to make a phone call to a lawyer.” Taefu said Stowers had only asked to go to the hospital and for her family to visit Ta’ifaigata. Given the opportunity to question the officers, Stowers asked Taefu if he had received any of her complaint forms where she requested to call a lawyer.

“No I didn’t see them,” said Taefu.

Senior Sergeant Kerisiano Lale told the Court that Ms. Stowers only made a request to call her family, not a lawyer.

“I asked her how her case was and she said she will represent herself,” said Lale. “I cannot confirm her claims (about being stopped from making a phone call).”

He was also asked by Stowers if he had received her complaint form.

“No I am not aware of it,” replied Lale.

The last to take the witness stand was Senior Sergeant Musu Talai. According to Musu, he helped Stowers to fill in her application form for legal aid. The application was denied. “She told me that she wanted to plead guilty to the charges against her but she wanted to tell her side of the story,” said the Senior Sergeant.

“She also told me that she didn’t know what the charges were that she was facing.” From his evidence, Musu told the Court that when she met with Stowers on 17th March, she had told him that her and Holland wanted to have one lawyer.

Stowers, however, told Musu she doesn’t want Holland’s lawyer who is Leota Raymond Schuster.

“This is the first time I have heard of this kind of claim that phone calls are not allowed (for prisoners) but I can recall that her request for a phone call is always granted.” In the end, Justice Patu rejected the claim by Stowers. “I do not believe you Vaioleti Stowers,” said His Honour Patu. “Do not make false statements in the Court.”

The matter was then adjourned until 13th April for her and Holland to answer to their charges.

A delegation from Samoa is visiting Australia this week to assess livestock in Australia for shipment to Samoa.

The delegation will visit the livestock quarantine area, make the final selection of the livestock and check crates for shipment of the livestock.

The delegation will be lead by Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia and includes the Chairman of the Agriculture Sector Plan, Fanene Everett Mark Betham; Ministry of Agriculture CEO, Fonoiava Sealiitu Sesega; Head of SACEP project, Afuamua Lafaele Enoka;

Assistant CEO for Livestock Division, Leota Laumata Pelesa and ACEO for Quarantine, Lupeomanu Pelenato Fonoti.

Legal Adviser for Samoa Connectivity

Project Carwardine Legal Pty Ltd has been chosen as Legal Advisor for the Samoa Connectivity Project.

Tenders were invited from two candidates for the following contract due to the urgency to engage a legal advisor.

Only one company submitted a bid. The Tenders Board conducted an assessment of the bid before a recommendation was submitted to Cabinet for approval.

Financial assistance for Vanuatu and Tuvalu

Cabinet has approved financial assistance for Governments of Vanuatu and Tuvalu in the aftermath of Category 5 Cyclone Pam that hit the two countries on 6 March 2015.

Vanuatu will receive financial assistance of US$60,000 and Tuvalu will receive financial assistance of US$20,000.

The government of Samoa has close relations with the two countries especially in the Pacific Island Forum and the Polynesian Leaders Group organisations.

This financial assistance for Vanuatu and Tuvalu is comparable to assistance provided to Samoa after suffering from natural disasters in recent years.

When Tom Olaaiga, of Alaoa, Vailima, returned to Samoa in 2008 to set up his family business, he wanted to be sure that it would work.

So the former resident of Australia put four years into researching the market, customer preferences and target markets. It took seven years to build the facilities, phase by phase as the family were unable to get a loan.

Construction was completed in 2012.

While others may have given up due to lack of finances, Mr. Olaaiga was determined and he believed in the mission. He wanted to be his own boss.

In February last year, Mr. Olaaiga’s dream came into realisation, when the business, Samoa Meat Supplies, opened at their family home at Alaoa.

This was due to the support of his wife, Orepa, and his mother, Teu Lolohea.

His determination to revive the business, in which he and his siblings had grown up, had paid off.

Back in the eighties, his parents operated a family business, known as TNT and Sons. This was owned and operated by his father, Olaaiga and Teu.

In the early 1990s, it ceased.

“I’ve always believed the meat industry was viable and so I decided to come back.”

As business manager, Mr. Olaaiga supplies fresh beef for a lot of restaurants, most resorts at the southern coast of Upolu, and some of the major hotels in Apia.

He also provides for the local catering business and the booming fa’alavelave industry.

Then there are the walk-in customers, who are predominantly palagi and prefer to choose their cuts of meat.

“A lot of them prefer factory direct and they like to go into a chiller and pick.

I want that! I want that! It’s been really good. It has been profitable.”

With locally produced meat, the company sells cheaper than its competitors. This is due to having less liabilities and overheads and operating from the family owned property. Thus, there is no rent.

“We’ve positioned ourselves so we can be sustainable in the next five, ten plus years,” he said. “Although the competition is really hot here in Samoa, but we always try and steer in the right direction and prepare for the risk that might come ahead, because meat and pork are our only commodities at this stage.”

This may soon change. During the recent Trade Show at Liverpool, Sydney, Australia, Mr. Olaaiga met exporters who were interested in distributing frozen goods to Samoa.

Samoa Meat Supplies also gained exposure with the Samoans in Australia, so that when they came home, they would buy from them. Arrangements were also made with local businesses there, where people could pay for meat from the company, and once notified, the order would be prepared and the recipient here in Samoa, informed. This service starts this week.

Mr. Olaaiga also said that featuring the business on the Samoa App for mobiles has brought in new customers. It is the only business listed under the word ‘meat’.

Meanwhile, in order to meet the demand, the business requires 13 to 15 carcasses at 300 to 400kilos a week. Sometimes, they are offered smaller carcasses, that are barely 150 -200 kilos. The business then needs 20 to 25.

“With 400 kilos, there is a big difference, more meat. And these days, carcasses are a lot skinnier.

Less meat, more bones. Less protein, didn’t have enough grass, water, it wasn’t raised well and it’s a waste of money.”

And when Samoa Meat Supplies is unable to meet the minimum 13 carcasses, it means the meat is shifted around and customers prioritised. Bulk orders will always be catered for but there are also the walk in customers who spend an average $100 to $150 on orders.

“We try to make the price to the farmers more attractive so that we still have the consistent supply. It benefits the farmers, benefit us as well. “

Although they have an agreement with the farmers to constantly supply at a certain price, it can be difficult at times. Last Christmas, there were hardly any carcasses.

“Right after Christmas, boom! There was a big flood. I guess they had money from overseas, didn’t need to slaughter.”

That left the business overstocked and they had to turn it over quickly.

Meat was sold cheaper in order for the chain supply to continue, otherwise the farmers would get upset and go and supply others.

The advantage of the locally produced beef is that the cows are grass fed. Mr. Olaaiga said it makes for different flavours, different fat content, different textures and quality. It’s also chemical free. There is also a difference in taste, quality and colour.

But the slaughtering process is also an influencing factor on the quality of meat. Mr. Olaaiga said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry would be introducing a mobile slaughtering unit, a truck that would slaughter animals.

“We support that because it means they are slaughtered in the most appropriate way as according to international standards.”

It means that the cow would have rested for a 24 to 48 hours period before being slaughtered. In doing so, stress levels are minimised.

“If the animal is stressed then the meat is tough and it takes awhile for the cells to break down and it could take weeks.”

Today, a lot of cows are slaughtered under trees or at the back of the ute.

By the time it gets to Samoa Meat Supplies, the colour has changed and is turning dark red.

“It’s not the type of meat that I would sell to you. I’ll sell it to someone else for a different cooking method but we try and get value for our money.”

“We want to do the right thing. We want to give the people the real meat cut. If i know the meat is bad, I’ll tell them, look the meat is bad. I like to retain our customers as much as we can.” For the first eight months of business, Mr. Olaaiga got his customers through word of mouth.

There are the High Commissioners and people in private sector. Word spread fast. To date, he has been able to maintain these customers.

The business also sells size 2 and 3 pigs. Most pigs go to Tokelau. They are bought by Mr. Olaaiga’s Tokelau customers and sent off by boat to their family, especially on special family occasions.

“Our goal is to dominate the market. We prioritise food safety and for people to eat healthy. We trim fat off and we want people to live a healthy life and still eat meat.”

The Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, was among the first to congratulate award-winning author, Emeritus Professor Maualaivao Albert Wendt on Thursday.

The congratulations from the Head of State and lifetime friend of Maualaivao followed the conferral of an honorary doctorate on the Professor by the National University of Samoa (N.U.S) in recognition of his services and achievements for Samoa.

During a celebratory lunch at Sails Restaurant Mulinu’u, Professor Maualaivao was joined by His Highness Tui Atua, the Masiofo, Her Highness Filifilia Tamasese and his immediate relatives – including another award-winning author in the family, Lani Wendt-Young.

Also present were his friends - poet Ruperake Petaia, award-winning journalist and Editor-in-Chief of the Samoa Observer, Savea Sano Malifa, Director of the Centre for Samoan Studies, Leasiolagi Malama Meleisea and Maualaivao’s partner, Reina Whatiri. Born in 1939 in Apia, Samoa, Maualaivao is a Professor of English at the University of Auckland, and an acclaimed Samoan-born novelist and poet.

He has been an influential figure in the developments that have shaped New Zealand and Pacific literature since the 1970s..

In the meantime, here are some photos from the gathering at Sails to honour Maualaivao:

The United States of America’s loss is Samoa’s gain. Indeed, that was the overwhelming feeling when Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi and the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C), Magele Mauiliu Magele, welcomed the newest addition to the local athletics scene, track and field athlete, Jeremy Dodson.

Dodson, 27, from Phoenix Arizona, is a track runner who can compete in the 100, 200 and 400metres. He has switched allegiances and will pushing for a spot in Samoa’s Olympic team for Rio next year.

On Friday, the M.E.S.C hosted a welcoming lunch for the star. During an interview with the Sunday Samoan, Dodson said he is pleased to be able to return to represent Samoa. The athlete is the son of Peggy Mauala, of Malie and Cyrus Dodson, of the United States. “I represented the United States for so many years but during all that time it just didn’t feel right,” he said. “I was just another person, another sprinter.”

Dodson also has personal reasons for coming to Samoa. “My mother is Samoan and she hasn’t been back home in so long and so I felt in order to get her back here to her roots, I have to represent Samoa. This will be my chance to help my mother out. She hasn’t been home for thirty years and she hasn’t seen her family for so long so I guess this is my way to help my mother connect back to her family.”

The plan for the long term is to eventually relocate to Samoa.

Asked about some of the challenges in changing country, he said it is getting to know the people. “Being ranked top ten in the world, I knew a lot of people and have a lot of connections and I knew the committee,” he said. “However representing Samoa, it was trying to find out who the committee was, who everybody is starting from the government people and that was a tough challenge.”

“But now I’m here I can see everybody’s face to face and can actually put faces to names and I can connect and communicate better with them.”

So how does it feel to change the flag he will be carrying?

“I love how the flag looks and so it means so much more just to put that on,” he said. “I get to pull the Samoan flag and there is so much culture behind it that you be more proud to say that you are Samoan.”

“I want to learn everything, life, culture just how the life is every day.” Jeremy has a younger brother, Quinton, who is also a sprinter.

The Faleata West Sub district (Pulega) gave life and meaning to the Christian story of Easter through songs and skits as they gathered to celebrate in a combined service.

This year, the skits and songs highlighted Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem from the day he was crucified and raised from the death with the theme - Jesus is Alive.

Nine parishes celebrated the resurrection of Jesus at the Vaitele-Uta parish on Sunday in what has become an annual event.

Those who participated included:

Nu’u Fou, Vaitele-Uta, Vailoa-Uta, Vailoa-Tai, Tulaele, Toamua, Vaigaga, Petele’ema Fou and Elise Fou.

Leading the service was Rev. Muao Su’a of Vaitele-Uta of C.C.C.S.

Rev. Elder Fa’au’uga Mata’utia of Faleata West Pulega praised those who participated in skits and songs.

“Everything was well prepared and I just want to thank each parish especially the pastors and their wives for your great leadership. He also thanked all the youth members for making it all possible for the Glory o f God. “These skits that you’ve performed are not just to commemorate this holy time, but to walk in God’s way no matter where you are.

“Whether at school, work or anywhere, remember to reflect Jesus in your lives.”

Biblically, the resurrection of Jesus is important to Christians for several reasons.

First, it witnesses to the immense power of God Himself. To believe in the resurrection is to believe in God. If God exists, and if He created the universe and has power over it, He has power to raise the dead. If He does not have such power, He is not a God worthy of our faith and worship.

Only He who created life can resurrect it after death, only He can reverse the hideousness that is death itself, and only He can remove the sting that is death and the victory that is the grave’s (1 Corinthians 15:54-55). In resurrecting Jesus from the grave, God reminds us of His absolute sovereignty over life and death.

Second, the resurrection of Jesus is a testimony to the resurrection of human beings, which is a basic tenet of the Christian faith.

Unlike all other religions, Christianity alone possesses a founder who transcends death and who promises that His followers will do the same.

All other religions were founded by men and prophets whose end was the grave. As Christians, they comfort in the fact that God became man, died for sins, and was resurrected on the third day. The grave could not hold Him.

He lives, and He sits today at the right hand of God the Father in heaven.

Naours, France: A headlamp cuts through the darkness of a rough-hewn passage 100 feet underground to reveal an inscription: “James Cockburn 8th Durham L.I.”

It’s cut so clean it could have been left yesterday. Only the date next to it – April 1, 1917 – roots it in the horrors of World War I.

The piece of graffiti is just one of nearly 2000 century-old inscriptions by Allied soldiers, including Australians, that have recently come to light in Naours, a two-hour drive north of Paris.

Many marked a note for posterity in the face of the doom that trench warfare a few dozen miles away would bring to many.

“It shows how soldiers form a sense of place and an understanding of their role in a harsh and hostile environment,” said historian Ross Wilson of the UK’s Chichester University.

Etchings, even scratched bas-reliefs, were left by many soldiers during the war. But those in Naours “would be one of the highest concentrations of inscriptions on the Western Front” that stretches from Switzerland to the North Sea, said Mr Wilson.

The site’s proximity to the Somme battlefields, where more than a million men were killed or wounded, adds to the discovery’s importance.

“It provides insight into how they found a sense of meaning in the conflict,” Mr Wilson said.

Naours’ underground city is a three-kilometre-long complex of tunnels with hundreds of chambers dug out over centuries in the chalky Picardy plateau.

During the Middle Ages villagers took shelter there from marauding armies crisscrossing northern France.

By the 18th century the quarry’s entrance was blocked off and forgotten.

In 1887 a local priest rediscovered the site and it eventually became a tourist attraction.

That’s what likely drew the soldiers to it during the war, said Gilles Prilaux, an archaeologist for France’s national archaeology institute. He began a three-year study of the tunnels last July, intending to focus on the site’s medieval past – only to stumble upon this more recent slice of history.

“It was a big surprise” Mr Prilaux said of the discovery of the World War I graffiti left by soldiers from Australia, Britain, Canada and the US.

Soldiers left similar inscriptions in tunnels at Arras and Vimy, but unlike those sites, Naours is well back from the front lines and it wasn’t known to have been used as a shelter or hospital like other Western Front quarries.

Photographer Jeff Gusky has tallied 1821 individual names:

731 Australians, 339 British, 55 Americans, a handful of French and Canadians and 662 others whose nationalities have yet to be traced.

“All these guys wanted to be remembered,” Mr Gusky said.

Naours is only a few miles from Vignacourt, a town used as a staging area for troops moving up to and back from the Somme battlefields to the east.

Mr Prilaux thinks the young soldiers from distant countries would have heard about the famous Naours caves and taken advantage of a break from war to do some sight-seeing. That idea is backed by an entry in the diary of Wilfred Joseph Allan Allsop, a 23-yearold private from Sydney.

“At 1pm 10 of us went to the famous caves near Naours where refugees used to hide in times of Invasion,” Private Allsop wrote on January 2, 1917.

Mr Wilson said the importance of studying graffiti like this has only emerged in the last 10 to 20 years.

“What were previously regarded as incidental acts that occur away from the battlefield have been shown to be highly important in understanding the lives of those who experienced the conflict,” Mr Wilson said.

One of the most moving inscriptions at Naours was made by Herbert John Leach, a 25-year-old from Adelaide.

His inscription reads “HJ Leach. Merely a private.

13/7/16. SA Australia.”

On August 23, 1916 – barely a month after he had added his name to the wall – he was killed in action during the Battle of Pozieres.

On his grave, in the Australian cemetery in nearby Flers, his father inscribed “Duty Nobly Done.”

Mrs Uila Leota of Tuaefu is one creative woman.

From material scraps collected from sewing shops, she sews patchwork quilts, cushion covers, door mats, rugs and hand bags.

Dried banana leaves are arranged into a collage with a woven mat base for placemats and coasters.

Then there are the young green coconut shells that she buries in the swamp for two weeks. Mrs Leota pours out the rotten flesh, washes them with small pebbles in the river to ensure that they are empty.

Back home, she buries them again and the shells turn grey. These are painted black and varnished. A lid is made out of the coconut husk and the shells are used for coconut oil.

These are sold in clusters for T$120 to $150.

Since 1998, Mrs Leota has been selling her crafts under a tent in front of her house at Tuaefu.

The 64-year-old is a teacher by profession and has taught at the different levels, starting from early childhood. She still does community projects when needed and lectures part time at the National University of Samoa and at train the trainer workshops.

People have often told her not to share the secrets of her trade in case it backfires and she has competition.

“But we learn in the Bible that if we share our talents, we will get more out of it.”

Once a month, she visits the sewing shops to collect the bags of scrap material. Some give them to her for free. Others charge $5 to $10 a bag. On a recent trip, she was told that someone else had already come in and taken some of the offcuts.

Mrs Leota was thrilled.

Her workshops had paid off.

There are businesses who also deliver their scraps to her house.

Samoa Loko Style once delivered a van full. People including the Chief Justice’s wife, Ilaganoa Sapolu has also done the same.

One of her more popular designs are the fish patchwork quilts. On these, she sews on shaped coral, seaweed, and lots of fish.

She also uses different shades of blue and green to capture the colours of the ocean.

This trade she has taught to her daughter, Daisy, her daughter-in-law Sera and grand daughter, Rachel. Her grandchildren, the youngest who is age seven, all know how to make the rugs that are sold at $20 for their bus fare.

“And they make them in a really professional way. They know that they can get money everywhere, from around us, our environment.”

She also has a passion for baking in which she substitutes butter with coconut cream, yeast with coconut and many others.

Mrs Leota is a strong believer in the empowerment of women.

“No one taught me to do this. Most things I do are creative and putting [my ideas] into action. I share my talents. They were given to me by God to share and I really believe in that.”

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Auelua Samuelu Enari has said his Ministry has not received any reports of child labour.

This is despite daily evidence of young children seen selling in the streets of Apia.

But Auelua says that the problem lies with the parents.

“There is no employer-employee relationship for children who are seen everyday around town.” he said.

“The truth is, their parents have contacts with businesses or buy goods from companies or shops and give it to their kids to go and sell it."

“They (children) have no commercial relationship as an employee to an employer. The only time that we step in is when there is that relationship."

“No child labour complaints were registered or reported to our ministry but we’re still working in questioning these young ones as to who they are working with.” he said.

“They say they came with their parents and I believe such actions will harm the lives of these young ones and they may face violence or social problems in their lives."

“What we have found is that it is a parent-child relationship not an employment relationship."

Tautolo Falefitu, a father from Aleisa who agreed that parents are at fault, was adamant that more could be done by government.

“Children in Samoa are engaged in child labour,”

“As a parent, we are the ones who lead these children by setting good examples for their futures."

“Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Maybe in the next five to ten years, the problem will increase."

“My advice to the government is that policies should be enforced."

"Don’t just set up rules and let them stay there; it’s time to act."

“If the present child labour laws are not working; then change the laws before it’s too late."

“What’s happening in our country is that we see many young children on the streets begging – and selling items for whatever money they can get for the sake of their parents and families. We need these children for the future of our country.”

A shop owner at the Savalalo Flea Market who preferred not to be named, also laid the blame at the feet of parents.

“The main problem I notice is the parents,” he said.

“They come early in the morning with shopping and give it to their children to go and sell it."

“Then they find a corner where they can relax, or roam around town until their children are done for the day."

“I just can’t believe it how these parents can do that to their children."

“Disgusting!” he said.

Previous reports in 2013 revealed that Samoa made a moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labour.

The Government enacted the Labor and Employment Relations Act, which raised the minimum age for hazardous work to 18 and thus also replaced the Criminal Code with a new law that strengthened protections against the sexual exploitation of children, and criminalized forced labour.

Auelua said that the Government also established institutional mechanisms for the enforcement of laws and regulations on child labour with the Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, the Ministry of Police and others.

In addition, an international donorsupported Government programme to provide free public education was extended through the secondary grades.

The Education Act stipulates that a child under age 15 cannot be involved in work of any kind at any time if this work would interfere with the child's school attendance, participation in school activities, or educational development. While free public education through the secondary level is being implemented through an international donor-funded Government program, this right is not enshrined in law.

Two teachers were the focus of yesterday’s ceremony when they were rewarded for outstanding performances in the Science Teachers Accelerated Programme (S.T.A.P) at the University of the South Pacific, Alafua.

Malae Falefou a teacher from Mata’aevave College in Savaii and Fatutoto Tuisuga a teacher of Leulumoega Fou College were first year students in the programme who were recognized for being outstanding Science teachers who have excelled so far in their classes.

Dr. Bibhya Sharma Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching from the Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE), and the coordinator of S.T.A.P said this year, the Faculty has instituted a new awards scheme to recognize the efforts of students who have had outstanding grades in their first year of studies.

“High achievers for each discipline get awarded and then there is the most prized Dean’s Award and I am happy to announce that we have also instituted the same for S.T.A.P. The most outstanding 1st year S.T.A.P. student will get the award,” he said.

“This time we don’t have just have one, but two S.T.A.P students who have achieved this prestigious award."

“They have performed exceptionally well and we are here to recognize their hard work.

We applaud their marvelous performance and their ability to multi-task - as full time teachers, family members and to find time to also study which can be very demanding.”

The programme he said, is a joint Samoa Government and U.S.P initiative, which was born only as recently as 2013 when F.S.T.E. came over to Samoa for a Science Outreach.

The Chief Executive Officer of M.E.S.C, Matafeo Falanaipupu Aiafi was very clear in his mind that teachers needed upskilling and upgrading of their qualifications to bring about an adaptive change in the education system.

“There has been intense passion and strong commitment from the government to improve science in Samoa and to have more scientists in the country who will help us find solutions to our unique problems here and in the region,” he said.

“These problems include digital divide, shared prosperity, low uptake of science in schools and tertiary institutions, entrepreneurship and climate change."

“Ideally we would like to have more logical and critical thinkers who can steer our region to success, comfort and happiness in the future.”

Dr. Sharma said the task of introducing S.T.A.P. was made easy because the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Magele Mauiliu Magele and the C.E.O of MESC had already started advocating the importance of science in Samoa.

“This programme is born only through their hardship, strong commitment and advocacies,” he said.

“There has also been a strong commitment for Science in the Region from USP led by our Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Rajesh Chandra and the F.S.T.E. Dean, Dr. Angeela Jokhan.”

He also said that the S.T.A.P. project started in June 2014 and currently has 63 teachers in this programme.

“This is a two year accelerated programme specially designed for the Science teachers with existing Diplomas in Samoa,” he said.

“U.S.P has come forward to help provide that timely intervention sought by the Samoa Government and a truck load of Distance & Flexible Learning (DFL) deliveries, summer schools and effective ICTs (tablets, LMS, M-Learning, E-Learning, etc) in the form of a two year accelerated program for the teachers.”

Dr. Sharma also showed facts and figures of what the students have completed and how long they will carry on with the programme.

“So far the students have completed 6 courses and now they are in the 7th and 8th courses. This means that we touch the 50% mark in June,” he said.

There were some concerns with the lower pass rates in the two math courses although these pass rates are no different compared to the pass rates secured in other campuses including Laucala.

“The reasons can be attributed to the availability of internet, low numeracy skills of a number of teachers, proper and effective use of tablets, and the major reason is that students took the online course for the very first time in their lives."

“Most of these teething problems have been resolved and currently 23 students are taking a repeat course, a pass in this will bring them back on track."

“The average pass rate of 5 courses were offered in December was 89% while this average rose to 95% in January when another 5 courses were offered.

“The overall average pass rate of S.T.A.P so far is running at 88% which is very impressive."

“The teachers are inspired by these results and have vowed to perform even better in the coming semesters."

“A breakdown of the performance of 63 S.T.A.P students so far shows 33% are in the high achieving category, 37% are in the good category, 20% are in the average and 10% are in the at-risk category,” he said.