International football is for many the ugly duckling of the league schedule, particularly if you're talking about matches not involving the game's big three.

There will have been more than a few converted to the concept, however, after a gripping affair between Samoa and Tonga in the main event of the Pacific Tests double header on the Gold Coast last night.

A seesawing and highly entertaining match went right down to the wire and was still in the balance when Samoa's Canterbury connection, Sam Kasiano and Frank Pritchard, spectacularly denied what would have been a Jorge Taufua treble and a Tonga upset inside the last three minutes.

The desperation of the Bulldogs pair, who threw their not insignificant physical selves at Taufua to prevent a try in the corner, was clinched 18-16 by the Samoans via the fend and footwork of the New Zealand Warrior Dominique Peyroux with 10 minutes remaining, dispatching Tonga's Manu Ma'u with his palm and then the rest of the defence with a brilliant 40-metre run to the try-line.

It was at thrilling way to wrap up a match that featured some of the brightest rising stars in the NRL, and was another advertisement for this occasion being locked in as any annual event.

Samoa, ranked fourth and having given a good account account of themselves against Australia and New Zealand in last year's Four Nations and scared the life out of England at the same tournament, unfortunately had a shortage of playmaking expertise against their close geographical rivals.

Tim Simona, the Wests Tigers centre, had a No.7 on his back and Josh McGuire began at hooker. The Brisbane prop had no trouble with the adjustment, selling a dummy expertly to open the scoring in the 25th minute.

The Tongans, however, made a mockery of their far lower RLIF ranking, responding from a 10-4 half-time deficit to bolt to the lead thanks to a double from Manly winger Jorge Taufua and then a try for captain Sika Manu.

Samoa's captain Frank Pritchard then grabbed a try of his own, squaring the game at 14-14 and setting the scene for a tight climax.

As thrilling as the action was the goalkicking didn't set the world on fire and when Warriors young gun Solomone Kata stepped up to attempt a penalty goal from right in front with 15 minutes left there wasn't 100 per cent confidence he would land it.

He made no mistake, however, but Tonga's two-point advantage would only last another five minutes before Vete burst through to clinch victory.

It's incredible to think that Saturday's clash was only the third official meeting between Samoa and Tonga, and the first Test between Fiji and the Kumuls, but at the same time instructive of the fringe-dwelling nature of international football.

The crowd number at CBus Super Stadium was only 12,336 but if you closed your eyes each time Samoa or Tonga made even a halfbreak it sounded like three times that many.

All good things come to an end. For anglers from New Zealand, American Samoa and Samoa who had been braving some pretty tough conditions on the oceans last week, that’s precisely what happened yesterday.

The Samoa International Game Fishing Association wrapped up the 2015 Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament with a party to remember. Before the beers and the fun took over, the Brave Hart Team from New Zealand was congratulated as this year’s winners, pocketing $15,000 and the trophy.

President of S.I.G.F.A, Tuatagaloa Alfred Schwalger, said yesterday was all about giving thanks.

“We give thanks to God almighty for keeping everyone safe during the week” he said.

“While things may have not worked out for most of us, we nonetheless survived the week safely.”

“I know some people think fishermen are crazy for getting up at 3 o’clock in the morning to go ply their trade but then that’s how you get to find the big one.”

“For some, your efforts were amply rewarded but for others better luck next time.”

President of Apia Concrete Products Ltd, Tupua Fred Wetzel, congratulated all the anglers. As the tournament’s main sponsor, Tupua said the future is bright, promising bigger and better prizes next year. “Let’s make 2016 a bonanza and make it a dream come true,” he said.

“The prices for next tournament will be, 1st price $40,000, 2nd price $30,000, 3rd price $20,000 and 4th price $10,000.”

“In time most will depart our shore heading back to your destination. May God’s blessing be upon you and a safe return as we look forward to all returning to S.I.G.F.A’s 20th anniversary 2016.”

RESULTS:
OVERALL PRIZES (Boat Standings)
1st place: Brave Hart – 316pts - $15,000
2nd place: Adrenalin – 300pts - $10,000
3rd place: Yellow Fin – 289pts - $5,000
4th place: Pure Indulgence – 258.70pts - $2,500
5th place: Fish Pirates on Tsunami – 200pts - $1,000

OVERALL PRIZES
(Angler Standings)
1st place: Champion Female Angler – Christine Elmiger
2nd place: Champion Male Angler – Craig Townsend
3rd place: Top Scoring Skipper – Clyde Frase

OVERALL PRIZES
(Country Standings)
1st place: Samoa – 1,585.60pts
2nd place: New Zealand – 770.70pts
3rd place: American Samoa – 230.30pts

The growing number of suicide cases in Samoa is alarming.

While official figures are not available, not a week has gone by for the past three months where a case of suicide has not been reported. In some weeks, there are two or three.

And that’s only the reported cases.

There are also many unreported cases. The ages of the deceased are between 19-35 years old.

Today, the Sunday Samoan talks to Fa’ataua O le Ola Senior Counselor, Tua Maalo Tulua, about the issue. Why has suicide suddenly spiked again after it looked as if it was going away.

Tua puts the issue down to the lack of communication between young people and their parents.

“We notice that the age group that is committing suicide is from 19 years upwards,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter what we do here and how much we try to reduce it, it is still and will continue to happen.”

“The problem is, it is the lack of communication within families and also between parents and their children.”

“That’s the major problem and that is what is causing these suicide cases to rise,” she said.

Tua stressed the important of communication between parents and their children.

“I know that Samoan parents are very strict and some of them are still living in the old ways and don’t believe in children sharing their problems,” she said.

“However, this is the new millennium and everyone understands that life is going forward, and so parents really need to give their children the chance to voice what is on their minds.”

“Suicide is something that everyone needs to work together to try and reduce this problem, it’s not one person’s job, it is everyone’s job.”

“The parents, community and also organizations should all work together in trying to reduce this problem.”

“This issue is not only happening in Samoa but everywhere around the world and people need to take the issue seriously to avoid the young ones from thinking that suicide is the answer to their problems.”

“I also advise the young people, if you are scared of talking to your parents then find someone that you are comfortable around, our office is always open 24/7,” she said.

“We are not trying to take the parents’ place but we are trying to help reduce the issue and if you need to talk to someone, we are here to help.”

“But, the parents are the key to this problem, and so I urge you (parents) to give your children the chance to talk to you about their problems.”

“The best time for family is during an evening family prayer, talk to them and then give them the chance, and listen to them.”

“I know for some parents it is very hard, but if you love your children then you ought to give them a chance”

She also advised the young people that committing suicide is not the answer to any of the problems but it will only make the problem bigger.

“There are people who are out there who are willing to help you. We will listen and we will help you get through whatever situation you are going through,” she said.

“[But] suicide is not the answer, your life is precious and there is a lot out there for you - opportunities that you will miss if you take your life, so don’t do it, but talk to someone.”

If anyone needs help please contact Faataua O le Ola on their free call line 800- 5433 and their service is 24/7.

The Tanoa Tusitala’s annual Corporate Cocktail party on Thursday night was an evening of class and style.

The food and the entertainment were the feature while the live food stations, particularly the dessert components were highlights with some of the guests.

General Manager, Jason Strickland acknowledged that “our success has only been possible through working closely with our industry partners.”

He also thanked everyone for their continuous support of the Tanoa Tusitala since it opened.

“Don’t forget us when the hotel around the corner opens.” he reminded guests.

Mathew Gillespie, Tanoa Tusitala Area General Manager who flew in specially for the event, was equally appreciative of government and community support but made particular mention of the staff at the Tanoa Tusitala “who have been instrumental in the company’s success”.

The night finished with an impromptu salsa competition, unearthing some hidden talents among the attendees.

The staff performed a spirited Fia Fia and the night finished with some contemporary dance from the U.S.P.

outreach dance theatre which was very well received.

The Tanoa Tusitala Hotel was opened on the 1st of July 2010.

This iconic Apia hotel has been beautifully restored to a 4.5 star standard and features all services and facilities.

Last Wednesday night, Samoa joined for the first time in celebrating the UNESCO International Jazz Day at Sails, Mulinu’u.

Producer and Director of the Samoana Jazz and Arts Festival, Miss Peta Siulepa, believed that this would be a great start between American Samoa and Samoa to stay and continue to live in unity.

“American Samoa is the southernmost border of the United States making it the birthplace of Jazz in the Pacific region.” she said She added that the Samoana Jazz & Arts Festival was designed as a united Samoa platform of music and the arts.

“This also played a very important role of culture and identity of Samoan’s people, culture, environment and offerings.

“The students of National University are taking part in the celebration of the UNESCO International Jazz Day.

International Jazz Day is a yearly event on 30 April, organized by UNESCO to celebrate “the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for peace, unity, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people.

The Day was proclaimed during the UNESCO General Conference in November 2011. The first annual International Jazz Day was kicked off in Paris by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock.

Margaret Polly Godinet-Tuilagi has taught her sons to work for what they want in life.

Be humble. Respect. And don’t ride on the fame of their father and uncles.

Like their father, prominent rugby player, Lauaki Fereti Tuilagi and their uncles, Alesana, Vavae, Anitele’a, Enele and Manu, Brian and Frederic are fast following in their footsteps.

The boys, who are more than six foot tall, are studying in England and contracted with rugby clubs there.

“But we keep telling them, you’re not Manu Tuilagi, you’re not Henry Tuilagi, you are yourself,” she says.“Don’t expect to be successful in the rugby world because you’re a Tuilagi and you can play easy. You’ve got to motivate yourself and show your talents.”

Rugby has always been a part of her sons’ lives. In 2000, their uncle Alesana lived with them in England.

He trained at the academy and two years later, was selected for Manu Samoa.

When he first moved to England, Fereti was playing rugby league and switched to rugby union in 2000. It was after the Rugby Union World Cup in 1995, that he was contracted by a club in England. Over the years, he brought over his brothers, Anitelea, Enele, Vavae and then Manu.

They lived under one roof at their home at Leicester. Enele and Vavae now play for France.

In England, thanks to rugby, the Tuilagi surname is huge. And there is always that challenge for the boys to prove themselves as individuals.

For Mrs.Tuilagi, it’s important for her children to believe in themselves and be positive. It’s also important that they have faith in God and that before every game, they spend time in prayer.

And when her sons are on the field, for Mrs.Tuilagi, it’s always a relief when the game has ended. “Watching my husband, when he was playing, I was never worried, he was strong and he was big. But watching my kids play, oh, I tell you, ... I try not to worry, I pray.”

Before every game, Brian texts or calls her. Both sons know that she will pray for them.

“As a mother it’s very hard. It’s a weird feeling that comes in you. You can’t sit still. It’s a relief when the game is finished!”

Mrs Tuilagi was in Samoa for two weeks and before returning on Wednesday, spoke with the Sunday Samoan on her life as a mother, her separation from her husband and the fulfilment in completing her Master’s Degree.

It’s been twenty years since her family migrated to England, where they are now citizens.

In 2013, she completed aMSc. Accounting and Financing from De Montford University at Leicester, England. Mrs.Tuilagi now works as an Investment Management Finance Administrator, at Brewin Dolphin, which is one of the biggest stock broking companies that deals with financial planning and investment management in the United Kingdom.

Prior to that, Mrs.Tuilagi and her sons lived in Samoa from 2008 to 2011. She worked as a Senior Accounts Office at SIFA while her sons went to Robert Louis Stevenson School where Brian was Head Boy.

On their return to England, her and Fereti were already separated. It was hard to get a job and she realised that she needed to continue her studies.

It was also her way of moving on to financial independence and not having to rely on anyone for support.

“I was thinking if I get this, it opens doors to any job. This is what I’ve always wanted to get.”

And it would also help her when she finally moves back to live in Samoa, once her boys are settled.

It is her wish that they do well in both studies and rugby. They are also very good at soccer. But as long as they are able to balance these talents with their studies towards completing a degree, she’s happy.

One can make six figure sums in playing rugby but Mrs Tuilagi says, it’s a short career. Once you reach age 35 or 36, or get injured, at least that university degree is there to fall back on.

During her studying days, Mrs Tuilagi was also looking after her sons. There was a lot of pressure and she also had her marriage problems to deal with. But she says her faith in God and that determination for financial independence kept her going.

“I knew my husband and their brothers were financially secure but I didn’t want to be dependent on anyone. I just wanted to be on my own, be able to provide for my kids, give them what they ask for.”

Mrs Tuilagi said that people realize how hard it is being married to a rugby player. The husbands are rarely home. As a mother, you’re left to raise the children and fill in roles as both Mum and Dad. The husbands train, come home and rest. There are chores to attend to and dropping off and picking up the children.

Although the contract brings financial security and a home, you still have roles as a normal Samoan wife. While the palagi would hire house help, for a Samoan, it was different.

And there was always the money to send to Samoa for special occasions or for the parents.

For them, that was important.

And when the marriage started to fall apart, for Mrs Tuilagi, it was one of the most painful experiences in life.

She is thankful for the support received from friends at church, her family and the priests who offered spiritual advice.

“I trusted in the Lord and I fought for my kids. I wanted to prove that I wasn’t a stupid person. I just wanted to get going, move on, be happy, be myself. Step up and go on.”

And stepping up also motivated her to go back to studies and get that degree.

“It was the biggest successful thing I did to be independent. I challenged myself to support my kids.”

Her and Fereti are on good terms now and Mrs.Tuilagi will always be grateful to him for the opportunity to move to England.

“Whatever’s happening with my marriage now, he’s the person who supported me financially, with his love and bringing his brothers over. Whatever he’s doing, he’s the father of my children. I respect him and this is what I tell my children to do.”

But it was not easy. For Mrs.Tuilagi, they had married in a Catholic Church. She did not want her children to grow up without a father. She tried to hold onto their marriage, hold onto keeping the family together for the sake of their sons.

There were times where she would question herself and God. But there was that moment of realization where Mrs.Tuilagi accepted that perhaps God had other plans.

“Without God, I would probably be gone.

There were suicidal thoughts when I couldn’t handle the pain. I did manage to get out of it.

Why would I hold onto something that’s not there anymore? Go on. Step up. Move on! It was hard.”

And based on the Bible, she has chosen to stay married because the commitment was made in church. No man can separate a husband and wife. Only God can."

“If I’m in God’s plans, whatever God has for me, I thank the Lord. I’m blessed!”

Mrs.Tuilagi encourages any woman going through such problems in their marriage to move on.

“Why hang onto something that isn’t there anymore? You’ve got to be with the Lord who gives you all the strength. And the freedom you get! The peace you feel inside you when you reach out to the Lord! It’s amazing!

Go back and study. Look after your family.

And keep your faith in the Lord.

“YOLO. You Only Live Once,” she said laughing.

A young mother, Perise Masoe, is gearing up for the Mother’s Day weekend with the best news of all.

She has been given the assurance by New Zealand doctors that her young son, Maselino Masoe’s condition is not as bad as she thought and that it would get better as he grows.

Baby Maselino was born with a growth on his head that made it look abnormal. The doctors in Samoa told her that her son would only live for a while because of the growth. She was also told that it would be best for her to take her son to New Zealand for a CT scan because the one in Samoa was broken.

Perise did just that. She sought help and soon they were on their way to New Zealand where they spent a couple of months. They left Samoa in November 2014.

“My son was taken to Mercy Hospital in Auckland on the 3rd of December, 2014,” she said.

“Dr. Benjamin and Dr. Christopher were the ones that were doing everything and I thank God for them because they were really kind and very helpful.

“We didn’t have to wait that long for the result because they called us to come in on the very next day.”

Ms. Masoe said she was expecting some bad news.

But the doctors had better news.

“They told me that there is a little amount of water in his head but it’s nothing major and it will eventually go away as he grows up,” she said.

“I was in tears because this is my first child and he is my everything and so losing him was the worst thing that I could ever think off.

“We spent the holidays at my family knowing that my son is alright and that God has healed him.”

Ms. Masoe acknowledges the help from the Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G), namely President Siliniu Lina Chang.

“I will never forget the generosity that you have shown to me and my son, without you and your help my son wouldn’t be able to get better,” she said.

“Also I want to thank the community and everyone that send their regards and help during those times.

“Without your support I wouldn’t be able to get the help for my son so from the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you so much.”

Who said players from Savai’i can’t make it to the big time?

Tell that to Fetufou Setu and the boy from Savai’i will probably laugh at you.

Setu is among three fresh faces named in the Manu Samoa Sevens for the last legs of the World Rugby’s Sevens Series in Glasgow and London.

During the weekend, he joined the team when they left Samoa for their European mission.

Setu, 20, hails from Sa’asa’ai. Born and bred there, he went through primary school at his village before going on to Amoa College.

On the field, it was Sa’asa’a’i’s strong showing at the Vailima Marist Sevens this year that caught the eyes of the selection panel.

The rest is history.

“I’m really humbled and pleased about the opportunity to play for Samoa,” Setu told the Samoa Observer.

“I know it’s hard for us from Savai’i to go straight into the national team so for me this is a golden opportunity. It is a dream that I have had for a long time and it has now come true.

“This is not only for me, my parents, family, my village, it also for beautiful island of Savai’i.

This is the beginning of another journey.”

Setu said the training with the Manu Sevens have been a real eye opener. From the smallness of Sa’asa’ai though to the bright lights of Europe, Setu said he cannot wait to run on to the field for Samoa.

“My motto in life is that nothing is impossible when we know how to humble ourselves, obey and hope for the best,” he said.

“I want to grab the opportunity to play hard and represent Samoa well.”

Last Friday was another golden moment for the young player when got to meet the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi.

“It’s all a bit unreal at the moment,” he said. “My prayer to God is to give me and my brothers the strength to represent Samoa and win,” he said.

“I want to do the best I can and that’s what I can guarantee.”

The team departed for Scotland and England on Sunday.

They may live miles away from home, but come Sunday and they might as well be back in Tonga, with their ta’ovala (waist mats) and kiekie, ready for church.

Last Sunday, the Tongans celebrated the annual Children’s Sunday, known as the Fakame, similar to Lotu Tamaiti celebrated in Samoa.

The children wore white, performed skits and memory verses.

The service which is held every Sunday at the University of the South Pacific Campus at Alafua, is made up of the Tongan students and a few of the Tongans who work here in regional jobs.

It is also attended by students training at the Australia-Pacific Technical College at the National University of Samoa. Most of the Tongans here are married to Samoans.

There are currently 14 Tongan students attending Alafua and four at A.P.T.C.

Church steward Siosateki Fangupo told the Samoa Observer that the children’s programme aims at providing a foundation in their spiritual lives which is nurtured by their parents and families as they grow older.

“It’s to build up their faith as children and prepare them spiritually as Christians.

At least when they grow older, they have that foundation on which they can base their decisions in life.”

All Blacks captain, Richie McCaw, is donating his World cup commemorative captain’s jersey as a special auction prize for the Return to Paradise Gala Charity Ball next Friday, 16 May.

McCaw, a strong supporter of the Return to Paradise Resort, is also teaming up with Masterchef, Simon Gault, to create a very special auction prize – a dinner for six hosted by McCaw and cooked by Simon Gault in his private kitchen at Euro.

The Charity Gala Ball is part of a weekend of glamour and follows the Friday night red carpet movie premiere with special guest, Roberta Haynes.

Ms. Haynes is being flown business class out from Hollywood by event sponsor Fiji Airways. She will also be guest speaker at the Charity Ball, sharing stories of the making of the movie and the golden era of Hollywood.

“Interest is very high in both the Movie premiere and the Gala Ball,” says Resort Chairperson, Hinauri Petana.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us here in Samoa to dress up and celebrate a very special part of our history – the Return to Paradise movie. Tickets for both the Movie premiere and the Gala Ball are selling fast.”

The Gala Ball, cosponsored by Sama Beer, will raise funds for the Marist Trust to continue their support of people living with spinal injuries in Samoa.

“Return to Paradise is offering special glamour packages to enjoy this fantastic weekend. What a great present for Mother’s Day,“ says Business Development & Marketing Manager, Vaimasenu’u Zita Martel.

“A limited number of corporate tables and accommodation packages are also still available but be in quick.”

McCaw said the ball is a great event to be part of.

“If you can support the Gala Ball at Return to Paradise Resort, I know the funds will be used to help for as many people as possible who really need our help to live with dignity and purpose,” said the All Blacks captain.

Other celebrities including All Blacks, Fiji Captain, Akapusi Qera and Sione’s Wedding star, Robbie Magasiva are also donating prizes along with many local businesses including Sinalei, Seabreeze and Orator Hotel.

Qera is donating a limited edition shirt from his new Q7 label. Only 100 have been released worldwide and they have sold out but he kept one back to support the auction.

McCaw became involved in Samoa in 2010 to help promising young rugby player Ben Lei’a, after his spine was permanently injured in a rugby tackle.

McCaw heard of Ben’s plight and spearheaded the fundraising campaign.

“I felt privileged to help raise the funds to assist Ben,” said McCaw. “Ben is a courageous young man, through him we have become aware that there are many other spinal injuries in Samoa and Fiji whose lives are very bleak.

So we want to do what we can to make their loads a little lighter.” Movie reunion tickets can be obtained by contacting the resort. Tickets are $50 Tala for the movie premiere and $150 Tala for the Charity Gala ball.

HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR WEEKEND PACKAGE: $1,475 TALA
2 x tickets to the movie premiere
2 x tickets to Charity gala dinner and ball
2 x nights’ accommodation treetops room Return to Paradise Resort
4 x full buffet breakfasts

GALA ACCOMODATION PACKAGE: $800 TALA
2 x tickets to Charity gala dinner and ball
1 x nights’ accommodation ocean breeze room at Return to Paradise Resort
2 x full buffet breakfasts

The woman who has been at the helm of the Public Service Commission (P.S.C) for the past six years, Fuimapoao Beth Onesemo- Tuilaepa, is bowing out of her P.S.C role.

This follows the government’s decision to disestablish the position of Secretary and C.E.O at P.S.C as part of reforms being implemented there.

In confirming the decision yesterday, Fuimapoao said she has loved her time at the P.S.C but as the end of her contract nears, she has faith in God for the next chapter of her life.

“It means that I look for something else to do,” said Fuimapoao in an email to the Samoa Observer. “I have some other interests I want to pursue.” What those interests are, she did not say.

“But as always, whatever our plans are, the final word on where the next calling is, depends on the path directed by our Heavenly Father.”

Next Friday, 15 May 2015 is her last day at work. It is also when the change will become effective.

According to Fuimapoao, the change will basically transfer the duties formerly vested by the Secretary and C.E.O. to the Chairman of P.S.C. That person at this stage is Tu'u’u Dr. Ieti Taulealo. “…So that he becomes the single Head of Agency for P.S.C. to whom all the staff as well as Commission members report and is singularly responsible for leading and managing the Office of the P.S.C,” she explained.

“I initially put this proposal through to government in 2012 but was not accepted at the time."

“I put it through again last year when I was nearing the end of my contract and it was approved by the Prime Minister and Cabinet.”

Fuimapoao has served as C.E.O. of P.S.C. for six years. Prior to that, she served as an A.C.E.O. in the government agency for five years, from 2002 to 2007.

The C.E.O. trusts that the change is a way forward for the government and its plans.

“The change made is what is in the best interest of P.S.C. and government,” she said.

“P.S.C. is in good hands. It has a strong leadership group with Minister of Public Sector (inclusive of all Ministries, Offices and Corporations) Lautafi Selafi Purcell – who is quite clear on the strategic direction that he wants for the public sector going forward built on the premise of One Public Sector- One Goal-One Rule policy, getting good people into leadership roles and ensuring that while occupying those jobs, they deliver the desired outcomes through sharpening the focus on our National Performance Framework – being clear about the results which need to be delivered and the accountability when it is not.”

She also commended the work from P.S.C. Chairman, Tu'u’u Dr. Ieti Tauleao.

“The Chairman is a very experienced former C.E.O. who is not unfamiliar with driving change and reforms and he is ably supported by the two Commission Members as well as the rest of P.S.C. staff working in collaboration with other central agencies like the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to push through the work that needs to be done.”

Lastly, Fuimapoao also acknowledged the Samoa Observer for its "professionalism over the years, always giving us the chance to comment on stories concerning P.S.C.”

WELCOME TO SAMOA: Representatives from around the region and the world are gathering at Hotel Tanoa Tusitala this week.

They are taking part in a workshop organised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (I.C.A.O), which is being held throughout the week.

The theme of the training is "Implementation and Capacity Building," with a key focus being on travel documentation fraud and identity theft.

I.C.A.O is a specialised agency of the United Nations, which codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth. The meeting ends Friday.

Photo: Ilia L. Likou.

Two suspended police officers appeared in Court yesterday on separate matters.

Senior Sergeant Sione Melefata was in-charge of the new outpost at Lotofaga, Safata before the decision made by Police Commissioner Egon Keil to suspend him.

Sergeant Liliolelagi Lafi Matautia was working on the Nafanua vessel.

The pair appeared in the District Court yesterday before Judge Vaepule Vaemoa Vaai. Prosecutor, Lafuaina Tavita, from the Office of the Attorney General asked the Court for an adjournment to allow the Police to finalise the charges.

Melefata’s lawyer, Rosella Papali’i, did not object. Matautia, who did not have a lawyer, also agreed. The officers will return to Court on 19 May 2015.

The two young men accused of killing another man who had apparently sought refuge by jumping in the sea have pleaded not guilty to murder.

Malakai Peteru Tuivasa and Soti Maaga, both from Lauli’i, entered their pleas before Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu. Tuivasa is represented by lawyer, Semi Leung Wai while Maaga is represented by lawyer, Rosella Viane Papali’i.

The men are accused over the death of Holani Toso, from Leone.

The defendants had been in police custody since they were arrested.

Before the Court, the prosecuting lawyer, Precious Chang, of the Attorney General’s Office, did not oppose bail.

So His Honour Patu granted both defendants bail with conditions.

For Maaga, he is required to report to the Faleata Police on Mondays and Thursdays. He was also told to surrender his travel documents and stay with his aunty in Nu’u.

Tuivasa on the other hand was told to surrender his travel documents and stay with his father at Lauli’i.

He is also required to report to the Apia Police station very Mondays and Thursdays. The matter has been adjourned until 6 July 2015.

The deceased man was allegedly stoned despite jumping into the sea trying to flee from his alleged attackers. He later died from severe head injuries.

The Sevens rugby and tennis tournaments will be played at night time at Apia Park Stadium during the Commonwealth Youth Games in September.

This is thanks to renovations that have been underway since December, by the Shanghai Construction Company.

The Aquatic Centre at Tuana’imato is also undergoing renovations to the building, where doors and windows have been changed and all the tiles replaced.

There will also be a new pump house for water treatment. Leaks in the swimming pools have also been fixed. The centre was originally donated by the Government of China.

At the Apia Park Stadium, the Samoa Sports Facility Authority C.E.O, Moefa’auo Salale Moananu said on Monday that to date, the old steel frame of the grandstand has been replaced with a new ceiling.

The grandstand has been reroofed and reframed. There are new seats throughout and lights have also been installed at the stadium. There is a synthetic rubber athletic track.

The old stadium seats are also the property of Government and the S.S.A.F. Board was yet to decide on its fate. In all, the renovations are valued at $73 million Yuan. This also includes new tennis courts.

The night events are due to the Commonwealth Youth Games extending over four days. The athletic events will be held during the day. The opening and closing ceremonies will be held on the Monday and Friday of that same week.

After the All Blacks vs Manu Samoa game, there will be minor touch ups to the Stadium such as landscaping and others.

“The place won’t be as flash [for the historic game], but it will come right for the Commonwealth Youth Games.”

Moefa’auo said that maintenance of the stadium and other renovated properties will be in the hands of Government. The S.S.A.F. is only responsible for the budget and estimates for costs.

The Poutasi Development Trust, villagers and their supporters celebrated the opening of two new projects yesterday.

Held at Poutasi Falealili, the projects were the opening of an Art Centre and the Public Library.

It cost close to $80,000. Paramount Chief, Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale, said the projects is the realisation of a dream to empower the people of Falealili. He said the developments will not only benefit the people of Poutasi, it will also help Falealili and the nearby constituencies.

“Today is a blessing for the Poutasi Art Centre and Poutasi Public Library,” Tuatagaloa said.

“The government with the help of the schools committee of Falealili decided to relocate the primary school up on higher ground after the tsunami and left this whole area to be rebuilt.”

He said among the many people who offered to help was the Rotary Club. Yesterday, Tuatagaloa acknowledged the assistance from Rotary.

“This morning we are so grateful to all of you across the board,” said Tuatagaloa, acknowledging Rotary, the New Zealand High Commission’s Office as well as Volunteers Abroad.

He also acknowledged the hard work of the Civil Society Support Programme (C.S.S.P).

“The Poutasi Development Trust is about doing these sort of things and more to empower our people with new skills, to give them the chance to earn and then come back and be proud of their achievements,” Tuatagaloa concluded.

The Poutasi Development Trust, villagers and their supporters celebrated the opening of two new projects yesterday.

Held at Poutasi Falealili, the projects were the opening of an Art Centre and the Public Library.

It cost close to $80,000. Paramount Chief, Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale, said the projects is the realisation of a dream to empower the people of Falealili. He said the developments will not only benefit the people of Poutasi, it will also help Falealili and the nearby constituencies.

“Today is a blessing for the Poutasi Art Centre and Poutasi Public Library,” Tuatagaloa said.

“The government with the help of the schools committee of Falealili decided to relocate the primary school up on higher ground after the tsunami and left this whole area to be rebuilt.”

He said among the many people who offered to help was the Rotary Club. Yesterday, Tuatagaloa acknowledged the assistance from Rotary.

“This morning we are so grateful to all of you across the board,” said Tuatagaloa, acknowledging Rotary, the New Zealand High Commission’s Office as well as Volunteers Abroad.

He also acknowledged the hard work of the Civil Society Support Programme (C.S.S.P).

“The Poutasi Development Trust is about doing these sort of things and more to empower our people with new skills, to give them the chance to earn and then come back and be proud of their achievements,” Tuatagaloa concluded.

There is excitement in the air as the Samoa College Old Pupils Association (S.C.O.P.A)continues negotiations with the government to turn Samoa College into a charter school.

Leading the campaign is S.C.O.P.A Chairman, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, who is optimistic that the decision is the next best step for the school.

“We discussed the options and we all unanimously agreed for Samoa College to become a charter school in partnership with the government,” said Lealailepule.

“It’s the most appropriate model and way forward for the College. “We have that sense of responsibility, pride and commitment and S.C.O.P.A welcomes this opportunity and will make sure it will work.”

At the moment, S.C.O.P.A is working on negotiations and putting together a proposal for Cabinet’s endorsement.

If that happens, it would mean that Samoa College will be the first charter school in Samoa.

A charter school is a school that receives public funding but operates independently of the established public school system it is located in.

Charter schools purport to give parents more freedom to choose the type of education that best suits their child’s learning needs. It says the schools will help solve our “tail of under achieving students who have historically been under-served by the system”.

“It’s a good thing for M.E.S.C. (Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture) to provide this avenue for government for people to take ownership,” Leala stressed.

“Before, M.E.S.C. had control of everything but now operations are in the hands of a few and it will provide efficiency and quality.”

There were initially three options given to S.C.O.P.A, Parents and Teachers Association (P..TA) to pick from.

First was to turn the college into a University Preparatory Year or charter school.

The last option was to have the college turned into a district school to be in line with the government’s plan to have all district schools managed by school committees.

Leala was also asked why a charter school was the better option for them.

“It’s an option introduced in New Zealand and works very well for their communities,” explained the S.C.O.P.A Chairman.

“The charter option goes together with the vision of M.E.S.C to provide quality education.

“Our main concern is the future of the College, country and our future leaders…it all comes down to the management of the schools and that will be handled by a trust or board and the Ministry concentrates on the regulatory role.”

Leala also explained that there is already a Vaimauga College and Samoa College does not have a committee.

“The goal of the Ministry is to outsource the schools to those capable people that can run it so we put up our hands because we believe that we have the resources and people that can take the school to the next level.”

In order for S.C.O.P.A to maintain the school, it will require a lot of money and funding.

But that is not a concern, claimed Leala.

“The government will still pay for teachers and stationery but we will be responsible for maintenance.

“We will be given the freedom to seek funding from aid donors and from activities.”

As for the name of the college, Leala made it clear that that is one of the main goals and objectives.

“It is to retain the name and intake of merit only as the essence of why the college was established in the first place.

“To maintain and take it to the next level,” he added.

THE FACTS

In New Zealand five charter schools opened in 2014, with very mixed results soon apparent. Another four got the green light to open in 2015.

These schools can be governed and run by private companies to make a profit (not that any have yet), can employ unqualified teachers and compete with local schools for students.

The schools already established have been funded at a much higher rate than comparable public schools, with millions of dollars in establishment funding on top.

Charter school proponents deny it, but the figures show that charter schools are being funded at up to four times the per-student rate of nearby public schools, even when the separate funding of teacher salaries is added to the public schools’ operational funding.

Most of the schools are operating at below their minimum guaranteed roll, but their funding has not been affected, as would be the case in a public school.

New Zealand students and schools do better than those in any of the countries where charter schools have been established.

Charter schools in the UK and US have increased inequity overall and undermined public schools where most children go.

US research shows most charter schools do worse or no better than mainstream public schools.

A 30-year-old father from Nofoali’i, Omar Mauala, has pleaded guilty to 12 counts of theft as a servant while working for the ANZ Bank.

But instead of being sent to jail, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, of the Supreme Court, accepted a submission by the defendant’s lawyer, Idelma Niumata, pleading for a noncustodial sentence for her client.

As such, Mauala was handed a monetary fine and a warning, after Justice Vui considered the mitigating factors.

For the first count of theft as a servant involving an ANZ customer, Mauala was fined $500. For 11 counts of theft as a servant involving members of his own family, he was warned not reoffend within the next 12 months.

Mauala was also told to pay $500 costs for the prosecution, $200 for police and $50 for probation.

The monetary penalty is to be paid in full by 4pm tomorrow or he will be jailed for six months.

In handing down the sentence, Justice Vui said he accepts that Mauala has already paid the money he took from the Bank and that his apology has been accepted by his former employer.

What’s more, the Judge noted that Mauala saved the Court’s time by entering an early guilty plea during which he admitted that his stupidity had cost him his job.

During sentencing, Justice Vui told Mauala that he should have thought about the consequences of his actions. He told him that he was a smart man and judging by the references in support of him, he was a man of good character.

“The real victims here is your wife and your own family,” Justice Vui said.

The incident occurred between the 7th of March and 20th June 2014. The defendant’s user ID allowed him to have access to all ANZ accounts.

And he used that access to steal from them. The defendant took money from his own family’s account and one of the another ANZ customer’s account and put it in one account under his son’s name.

He then used his son’s ATM card to withdraw the money, which he used. In the end, Mauala was told to learn from his mistake and not to reoffend.

The guys were “chicked” out! The girls took three of the top four placings in one of the NPI Five Islands Swim to Manono.

The epic 7.5km Manono return swim yesterday was raced in unusually good conditions. Finishing first was Christina Harris from Nelson, Tehani Tamasese was third and Gail Cummins finished fourth.

The only consolation for the men was second placing for Mike Cochrane of Auckland.

The female dominance of the race started right at the blow of the starting horn. Harris, who is a regular Samoa Swim Series competitor, took off in a hiss as if her life dependent on it. She was strong of stroke and streamlined in movement, and she led the entire way.

Harris swam the 3.7km distance from Manono Uta to Manono Tai in just under an hour.

When she reached shore at Faleu, she turned around without stopping and headed back toward Upolu. That subone hour time is impressive.

On the return run, or rather swim, Harris’ time was eight minutes longer than the first leg to Manono.

That is always the case on the way back from Manono, as the prevailing current flows towards Manono.

At the end of the double the Nelson swimmer was all smiles.

“I was just glad to finish,” she said “That was a really good race and I enjoyed it all.

The conditions were much better than I had expected.

“We’ll take it, because many a times it is the other way around.”

Mike Cochrane and Tehani were in touch for the first part of the race, but drifted in distance to Christina as the race went along.

These two stayed entirely together for ninety-five percent of the race mainly due to the fact they shared the same kayaker.

That was a race requirement that swimmers have to have a kayaker accompany them in the Five Islands Challenge.

The conditions were perfect really. I have swum this body of water many times and this was the first time it was picture-flat all the way to the island and back.

Further back in the race, Sam Nimarota finished fifth, Taivai Paulo sixth and Scotty Rowlands from Adelaide finished in seventh place.

There were a few swimmers that swam one way and that included Pastor Arthur Mulitalo who took 2hrs 34mins for one leg of the swim. That was a great effort.

The I’a Lele swimmers also took advantage of the conditions to swim one way.

The first was Manaia To’alepai who swam one leg in 1hr 55mins.

But the day belongs to the girls, who incidentally all swam the double leg to Manono and back.

The race now moves to the Aleipata Islands and Nu’usafe’e tomorrow.