Vaifou Koria is the new Miss Samoa College V2015. Sponsored by Le Tiara’s Boutique, the youngest of 12 children by Rev Paulo Koria and the late Dora, Koria who vied for the honour, was crowned by the outgoing Miss Samoa College of 1993 Miss Fatalevave Ianesi.

Rene Fa’asisila and 1994 Miss Tui Faasili, at School Hall, Friday night.

“I feel so privileged and I feel so honoured to have been chosen as the ambassador of Samoa College tonight,” she said.

“I would like to acknowledge my sponsor, supporters and my family especially my parent. This is a huge honour for me and I thank God for giving me the strength.”

The 18-year-old student hails from Faatoia and Saleimoa. She won Miss Popularity, Miss Charity, Miss Talent and Best Interview.

Samoa College Principal, Afioga Papali’i Reupena acknowledged the Samoa College Alumni of 1991-1994 for this fundraising for the school. The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, So’oalo Roger Stanley, said the pageant is part of a number of activities organised by their class to give back to the school. Although they have been away from the College for twenty years, their hearts long to give back to a school that gave them a solid foundation for the future.

Last year, the Class of 1991- 1994 donated state-of-the-art I.T. equipment to the school’s library. That was done after they helped to renovate the library. They also saw the need for new and more books so they organised a book drive which was hugely successful.

The books were formally handed to the school in February this year.

Looking at the future, the class of 1991 is looking at installing air condition units in the library. The pageant is part of fundraising to make this happen.

The Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U.) is looking for a coach and deputy coach for its Manu Samoa Sevens.

It follows last Friday’s decision by the union not to renew Coach Fuimaono Dickie Tafua’s contract, as well as that of his Deputy, Galumalemana Rudolf Moors. Early this week, Interim Chief Executive for the S.R.U., Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai, announced that the decision was made by Union Board.

He said applicants for the vacant positions were being invited “starting today.” Explained Faleomavaega:

“Obviously we were disappointed with the team’s inability to qualify for the Olympic Games, during the 2014-2015 World Rugby Sevens Series.

“After failing to win a top four spot and with it, automatic Olympic qualification, our pathway to the Olympics [is] just a little harder,” he added. He said this time, Samoa now needed to play and be successful in regional tournaments later this year to earn a place in next year’s Games in Rio.

“We believe we have the talent to produce a champion team but the World Series results do not reflect where we see ourselves on the world stage.” Contacted yesterday, Galumalemana declined comment and said to contact Fuimaono.

Several attempts to contact Fuimaono by phone were unsuccessful.

Samoa’s struggle to be free from colonial rule was long, hard and bloody. It started with the Tripartite Convention of 1899 when the three world powers – the United States of America, Germany and Great Britain – carved up this side of the Pacific as if they owned it.

America took Eastern Samoa and called it American Samoa, Germany took Eastern Samoa and called it German Samoa, and as for Great Britain, unsurprisingly they wanted out.

Admitting they already owned enough colonies scattered around the Pacific, as well as in Asia and Africa to keep them busily occupied for hundreds of lifetimes, they said thank you very much.

Germany though was the exact opposite. Immediately when the matter was settled they declared that Samoa was now “a protectorate of the German Empire”, and right away they renamed the place German Samoa.

In less that a year, on 1 March 1900, German Samoa had a governor, his name was Wilhelm Solf, and the first thing old Solf did was raised the German flag on Beach Road, so that this time, Samoa was also known as Nazi Samoa.

Still, over there in Germany the news that there was now a German Samoa in the Pacific was described as “a happy acquisition", and was also proudly “viewed as a splendid achievement in colonial policy, a genuinely popular one at that."

Back in German Samoa Wilhelm Solf was a busy man; he was building up Germany’s image in the Pacific and this time, he believed that making the German Emperor, Kaiser-Wilhelmsland, the uncontested King of German Samoa, was the next step to take.

But then such a move would mean dismantling Samoa’s Fa’alupega - the formal oratory salutation that acknowledges paramount leaders during traditional ceremonies with the respect and dignity befitting their status, an honorific ritual that had been revered throughout history and yet it may now be scuttled to please the German Emperor, Kaiser-Wilhelmsland – which is a pretty disturbing idea.

Still, the question that would not leave Wilhelm Solf alone, was: Would Samoa’s traditional leaders object to having Samoa’s original Fa’alupega altered, so that Kaiser-Wilhelmsland was conferred the honour of being named, “Head of State” of German Samoa?

They did not. They were therefore “sworn on oath to become advisors to the governing council of German Samoa’s administration.”

And so with their consent, Wilhelm Solf went ahead and dismantle Samoa’s ancient foundation on which its unity as a nation was founded, its Fa’alupega.

Samoa’s original Fa’alupega reads:

“Greetings Tumua and Pule, Greetings Itua’au and Alataua, Greetings Aiga-i-le-Tai, Ma le Va’a-o-Fonoti, Greetings Sons and your Families, Greetings Families and your Sons.”

On the other hand, Wilhelm Solf’s revised Fa’alupega for German Samoa reads:

“Greetings to your Majesty Kaiser, Emperor of Germany, our Fatherland;

Greetings to you Governor of German Samoa;

Welcome Malietoa. Welcome Tupua, Advisors to our government, you are an honour to your two families;

Greetings to you all representatives who are supportive of our government.

Welcome to you all appointed members of our community who are pledging your support and service to our government.”

And so, when the job was done and Kaiser- Wilhelmsland had become the “Emperor of German Samoa”, Malietoa and Mata’afa had been reduced in rank and status; this time they were just simple advisors to Governor Wilhelm Solf, and that became the blistering fire that burned inside everyone.

There was hurt, disbelief and even anger, plenty of it. Wilhelm Solf had done his job well.

He had cleverly manipulated “Samoa’s two men of authority whom everyone respected” and used them in his plan to ensure that “all matters affecting (Samoa’s) lands and titles were brought under the sole control of the Governor of German Samoa.”

And so with Western Samoa replaced by German Samoa, just another colony in the Pacific controlled from Germany far away, Samoa’s traditional leaders, Tumua and Pule, having been effectively silenced, we not happy.

Wilhelm Solf had done a fine job. He had single-handedly made Kaiser-Wilhelmsland the “Supreme Ruler” of Samoa, and all of Germany would have been proud of him. His reward, as it turned out, was exemplary. Elevated to the newly created post of Secretary for the Colonies of Imperial Germany, he would be beating his chest with silly ecstasy.

And then in 1908, an orator from Safolulafai, Savaii, named Lauaki Namulau'ulu Mamoe, showed how mad and disappointed he was, and everyone stopped.

He started a resistance movement known as Mau a Pule, which sole purpose was to “assert claim to independence from colonialism on behalf of all of Samoa,” and so began the first direct resistance to German Governor Wilhelm Solf’s seemingly assertive administration.

However, unimpressed, Governor Solf retaliated by ordering the German military stationed in German Samoa to get rid of Lauaki and his followers, and to prove he wasn’t bluffing, sometime later four warships and troops from Germany’s East Asia Squadron showed up.

It was early 1909.

The warships cordoned off Savai'i from Upolu, they threatened to bomb Savai’i, and yet undaunted Lauaki and his supporters stood their ground. They refused to be intimidated so that for three months, the standoff between the Mau a Pule supporters and the German military continued.

And then on 1 April 1909, Lauaki, other village matai and their supporters surrendered; they were arrested and charged with insubordination and treason. Found guilty as charged, they were sentenced to be taken into exile.

Eighteen days later, on 19 April 1909, Lauaki, his wife Sivaotele, and their only child, Tivoli, 71 members of the Mau a Pule including I'iga Pisa, Asiata Tautoloa, Leiataua Mana, Namulauulu Pulali and Tuilagi Letasi, with other women and children, were put on board the ship, SMS Jaguar, and sent to Saipan, a German colony in the Pacific’s Mariana Islands.

And now with Lauaki gone, the Mau a Pule movement collapsed, just as Governor Wilhelm Solf had hoped it would, and then a year later, Solf too was gone.

He was off to become Secretary for the Colonies of Imperial Germany, and replacing him as German Samoa’s new governor, was a former Chief Justice named Erich Schultz.

And the something interesting showed up.

As the war was raging on, the Tripartite Convention of 1899 that gave birth to German Samoa was no longer effective, German troops based in German Samoa were therefore powerless, they were shunned, so that no one was afraid of them any more.

Out there in nearby New Zealand though Prime Minister W.F. Massey was worried. He was concerned that the war started in Germany could quickly spread to the Pacific, and should that happen those countries with political ties to Germany such German Samoa, the Marianas and Papua New Guinea, were most likely to be the first places German military forces would occupy.

And that would make German Samoa - which was so close to New Zealand - a huge threat he just could not ignore.

On 5 August 1914, Prime Minister Massey issued a public declaration in which he made it clear that “before New Zealand could commit its troops to Europe, any direct threat in the Pacific region had to be removed.”

He then he made it clear that “the first objective is to capture German Samoa.” That order, as it turned out, was soon followed by a message from the British government to the New Zealand government.

It asked Mr Massey to “perform your great and urgent imperial service to the free world, and seize control of German Samoa.”

Twenty four days later, on 29 August 1914, an “expedition of some 1,400 New Zealand troops” landed on Upolu in German Samoa, and even though the Germans refused to surrender, they offered no resistance so that the New Zealander troops just seized control, and took over German Samoa without a single shot fired.

As it turned out, the New Zealand soldiers were all volunteers. After their eight-month stint in German Samoa, most of them would go on to join the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Middle East and France.

By the war's end, 210 of them had been killed in action or died of wounds, 163 died in France, and a further five were killed while serving with the Australian Imperial Force.

Today in Samoa though, Lauaki Namulaulu’s exile in Saipan – along with his wife and child as well as his supporters - on orders from Wilhelm Solf, the former governor of German Samoa, attests to the horror of colonialism, and so it remains the lingering reminder that freedom, in any form or gesture, should be treated with the utmost respect that it deserves since it is, indeed, priceless.

Lauaki was never to see Samoa again. He was on his way home, when he fell ill on Tarawa Island in the Gilbert Group, and he was forced to stop there with his family. On 14 December 1915 he died.

Four days later, on 18 December 1915, some of those who had been living in exile in Saipan – including Leiataua Mana, Taupau Pauesi, Tagaloa and Malaeulu – returned home.

On 15 January 1916, Lauaki's wife Sivaotele, and their son, Tivoli, arrived back in Samoa, aboard the steamer Atua. They brought the news that Lauaki had died.

They also brought with them the bones of the others who had died in exile, including Asiata, Taetoloa, Tevaga, Letasi, Tuilagi, and members of their families.

Over the years others were able to return home. And like those before them, they brought with them the bones of the others who had died in exile.

After Lauaki's death however, the Mau Movement he had founded had gained widespread support in his country.

One of its supporters was Taisi Olaf Frederick Nelson. Born on 24 February 1883 in Safune, Savaii, he was the son of a Swedish trader named August Nilspeter Gustav Nelson, and his Samoan wife, Sina Masoe, whose family had links to the prominent chiefly family, the Sa Tupua. His chiefly title, Taisi, was from his mother's family.

Taisi went on to become a successful businessman, a statesman, and also a founding leader of the Mau Movement that sought independence from colonial rule.

He too was exiled from Samoa.

As a businessman, Taisi Nelson was one of the wealthiest members of the Apia community, and was influential in both the Samoan and European communities.

When the country was called German Samoa, the colonial administrators treated Nelson as an equal. However, after New Zealand had seized control, Nelson was excluded and alienated by the new government.

Despite being elected to the Legislative Council in 1924, he could do little since he was constantly being overruled by the majority-led New Zealand administration.

As a result, Nelson became one of the major forces in the Mau a Pule.

In May 1927 he founded a newspaper, the Samoa Guardian, to support its claims.

In response, the New Zealand administration, in a bid to stem his dissenting views and his growing popularity, tried to brand him as a troublemaker.

And then in desperation, in January 1928, they silenced Nelson by sending him into exile in New Zealand, along with two part-European members of the Mau Movement.

Meantime in Samoa, the Mau Movement had gained momentum with Samoa's royal leaders becoming more supportive of it, and then on 28 December 1929 – a Saturday - during a peaceful demonstration in Apia, Tupua Tamasese was shot by the New Zealand police, along with eleven others.

Before he died, Tupua advised his people that no more blood should be shed. The day he was was shot is known as “Black Saturday.”

The New Zealand Police were left alone.

New Zealand governed Western Samoa first under a mandate from the League of Nations, and after 1945 as a United Nations trusteeship, until independence in 1962.

On the morning of 1 January 1962, the Flag of Freedom was raised at Tiafau signifying the end of colonial rule in Samoa.

The flag was raised by Maleitoa Tanumafili II and Tupua Tamasese, as Joint Heads of State, with Paramount Chief, Fiame Mata'afa Faumuina Mulinu'u II, as the country’s first Prime Minister, just behind.

As the flag was going up the pole, brooding, black clouds were seen heading from the ocean towards Tiafau, but then instead of them spilling down torrents of rain on the crowds sitting on the grass as everyone thought they would, they circled around the Tiafau Grounds, and then slowly they went away.

Call it what you will, but that was how freedom arrived, and why we should always protect it with all our might.

Have peaceful anniversary celebrations Samoa, God bless.

*The historical data in this article has been verified by Wikipedia.

Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva urged Tongan students to take their learning skills beyond the classroom to the people, government and Samoa, before returning home.

Mr Pohiva, who is in Samoa for the Independence celebrations, attended a Tongan service at the University of the South Pacific campus at Alafua, yesterday. He was accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Semisi Fakahau, Chief Secretary to Cabinet, Dr Palenitina Langaoi and Deputy CEO of Agriculture and Fisheries, Nunia Mone.

After the service, Mr Pohiva spoke in Tongan to the congregation.

His last visit to Samoa was in 1963, as a second year student at the Tonga Teacher’s College.

“That was many years ago. I can’t remember what Apia was like then.”

But this trip to Samoa has blown him away.

From their arrival at Faleolo International Airport to the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel in Apia, Mr Pohiva talked about how impressed he is with the cleanliness of Samoa, the beauty of the gardens, the friendliness of the people and the quality of the service offered at the hotel.

On Saturday, the Tongan delegation also watched the fautasi race.

And his experience here so far has got him thinking. Historically, this country was ruled by Tongans until they were chased out by the Malietoa.

“Back then, from what I understand, the Tongans were stronger, powerful and determined. They travelled and lived and ruled here for many years. They also occupied the Eastern part of Fiji for many years and other areas of the region were visited by our forefathers.”

Samoa and where it is today, Mr Pohiva said, has a reflection on the leaders and the way the government is run as that is the foundation of the development of this country.

The Tongan students were urged to bring back the qualities on which the foundation of Tonga was built as it was woven with the willpower of the Tongan people and its leaders, just like that of their ancestors.

Mr Pohiva recalled that in the late 1970’s or early 1980s, the Samoan Tala was of little value. Today, Samoa tells a different story and has left Tonga way behind.

“I’m sorry to have to say this but based on what I have seen so far in Samoa, I am being very frank with you. I am old and for the many years I have served in Parliament, throughout the different governments in power, up until now and I come here and am heavy hearted in seeing how fast Samoa has grown and left us behind. And it's not by any small measure. There’s a huge difference! Tonga has the potential in its people, the knowledge, the education and skills. Tonga also has resources such as land.

“I am asking you, why? What has our country lost? There is something missing! And I believe it is our love for our country, our patriotism, our sacrifice for the sake of our country.

“I leave you with that for when you return to Tonga, don’t just learn in the classroom.

Look around you and observe how things are done in Government, the people ... that’s what we must learn from! I tell you, I have learnt so much and it’s really gotten to me how behind we are.”

Mr Pohiva is here on a personal invitation by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi. The Tongan delegation return to Tonga tomorrow.

Accident Compensation Corporation in Manukau, south Auckland, ended its Samoan Language week celebration last Friday. 

The week-long celebration had become an annual concept designed to embrace the diversifying population of Auckland, as well as making the staff aware of the cultural values required when dealing with clients of different ethnicities.

This year's celebration was a touch different with the four main characters that helped shaped Samoa to what it is today, Nafanua, Samalaulu, Salamasina, Levalasi being the main focus of the celebration.

“Those four characters are prominent ladies of the ancient history of Samoa,” says the Samoan Pacific Cultural Advisor, Leuga Ata Tauaana Sofara.

“The idea is to research the history of these four prominent ladies and what legacy they leave behind – it is a significant move to learn the history behind the legacy and to understand and celebrate the Samoan culture. It's an important part of the work here at ACC so our staff can understand the protocols of dealing with different people that walks into our office looking for help.”

Celebrating language week is into its eighth year now and according to Orepa Efaraimo, who has been at ACC for 25 years, there had been remarkable changes to the office and celebrating language week had added and improved the way office staff handles the clients.

“It's been all good changes in my 25 years here,” she says.

The Accident Compensation Corporation office has 22 Samoan staff on its payroll of about 140 employees while there are others who are connected through marriages – it is something Toleafoa Neil Faamatala So'onalole, a Community Injury Prevention Consultant is quite proud to point out in regards to how each Pacific languages should be celebrated at every workplace, “To acknowledge the presence of our Pacific people at workplaces.

It helps us communicate better with people of other ethnicities and improves our workplace performances.”

Celebrating Samoa language week is a tradition ACC has embraced.

It's one area it see that will strengthened its obligations to serve the public over the counter or through the telephone.

'Serve now for a better tomorrow' seemed an appropriate theme for the celebration of the Samoa language week at Massey Universtity's Albany campus last Tuesday.

The occasion was part of an initiative the Albany campus had embraced to acknowledge the growing Pacific population of students currently studying there.

It was a theme that the Vice- Chancellor, Paul MacDonald, reiterated on in his speech; “Massey University recognised the essential role language plays in students success.

Language is a critical part of culture – the ability to create and use language is one of the most distinctive characteristics of what it means to be human. All great civilizations throughout our history recognised and celebrate the importance of culture.

Humans learn and protect their culture through language, therefore, protecting language is neccesary for us to create, protect and benefi t from.

We must ensure the Samoan language do not become endangered because each time the language disappear, the entire way of thinking about our world and history is at risk of being lost. Essentially, language helps us defi ne our individuality and personality.”

Ben Taufua; “We are delighted of the university's response to celebrate the Samoa language week. This initiative is on its third year, not only for the language week but Pacific success at the campus and it's an absolute honour to be part of the stragety that implemented the celebration of the Pacifi c's contribution to Massey University.

Pacific people is tired of the rheotoric, we want some actions on behalf of our contributions – and acknowledging the Pacific's influence in that demographic is a signifi cant stragety for the university. Pacifi c people is somewhat tired of the rhetoric – we just want to see some actions and I am excited to be part of the university that is actually recognising the impact of the Pacifi c communities have on that demographic.

It is quite exciting to stragetize, acknowledge and celebrate the Pacifi c people making a serious and invaluable contribution to New Zealand from Massey University moving forward.”

“Tautua is the essence of what the Samoan culture is all about,” says the Samoa High Commissioner to NZ, Hon.

Leasi Papali'i Tommy Scanlan.

“The food that you have today will be gone today. But what you serve for the reverend and your neighbour will stay with you forever. They will tell you; 'May God bless you'. And that will stay with you forver. That is what Samoan language means to us all.”

Mangere College students Aiga Faumuina and Beverly Kelemete, who were at the celebration along with other students, both agreed of the signifi cance of maintaining the Samoa language. “It is a pretty cool to celebrate the language week. Keeping the culture alive for the future generation is important especially for us who are born outside Samoa. It is awesome how NZ is always fi nding ways to involve Samoan people in maintaining the culture. Know your roots, speak Samoan and be part of who you are.”

Mangere College won the co-ed schools section of 2015 Polyfest – the fi rst time they do in a very long time and both Beverly and Aiga hope to continue that success with the celebration of the Samaoa language week. And Massey University's initiative of embracing and maintaining that success of the Pacifi c culture is a good start.

Samoa celebrated the addition of another year to the maturity of her political independence, having turned the grand old age of 53 yesterday.

As thousands decked out in their colourful attires at Mulinu’u, the rain did not dampen their spirits as they marched, danced and sung praises of beautiful Samoa for the world to see.

The Member of the Council of Deputies, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, raised the national flag of Samoa at the Malae o Tiafau at the crack of dawn.

This was followed by a 21-gun salute, symbolic of the day of independence.

In addressing the nation, the Head of State, His Highness, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi spoke about celebrating history.

“Today we celebrate history,” he said. “We celebrate all those events and all those people whose thoughts and actions brought us to this moment; to this time of celebration and remembrance". “Today we celebrate our history, our Samoan history, the history of our forebears, in particular their stories of conquering the odds and protecting our lands and heritage".

“Today we make our stories visible, audible, memorable and sensible in the context of the history of the world and of our region".

His Highness Tui Atua based his address on the Samoan saying “E sili le toa e pulea lona loto i le toa e a’ea le ‘olo."

In English it translates to “He who conquers his impulses is greater than he who conquers the fortress".

According to the Head of State, this is a reminder for conviction and courage.

“It is also a reminder to ourselves as Samoans of the need to remember our own references,” he said. “To celebrate Independence is thus to celebrate our ability to know ourselves and our history, in all its fullness and colour".

The Head of State addressed an audience that included elderly men and women and children who had arrived at Mulinuu before daylight for the celebration. There, they joined Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps and many special guests.

Among them were the Prime Minister of Tonga, ‘Akilisi Pohiva and the Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa, Lemanu Peleti Mauga.

Also present was the Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu and the Speaker of Parliament, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Fosi.

As the rain started to pour about half an hour following the raising of the flag, marchers were forced to pass through the honorary guests quickly.

More than twenty schools ranging from primary to Colleges, Institutions, organisations and Ministries participated in the official march.

Many march essay yesterday’s crown was small compared to the previous years.

The fact that most marchers missed the parade because of the rain did not help. Because of the weather, preferred to watch the celebration on television.

The downpour meant the officials had to push through with the programme quickly as concerned parents quickly took their children, leaving for home immediately.

A mother, Aniga Tumua, was among the many parents who stood by as her children were soaked in the rain.

With three children attending different schools from Samoa College to Marist brothers the mother didn’t miss the past celebrations.

“My children never miss a year of marching in the independence,” said Mrs. Tumua. “We always like to support our Independence because our ancestors had fought for our freedom and this is our tribute to them by being here. As for the rain I’m quite worried about my children being wet and as soon as their march is over I am taking them home".

An elderly man from Samusu, Se’ei Tuliga Talanoa was happy to be at the celebration.

“I cannot remember the last time I attended our Independence,” said Se’ei. “I’m old and had always preferred watching from the T.V because you get to see every event clearly. This year I decided to come down for myself with my grandson to see it all.

“I’m happy I came because for the first time I got to see our Head of State in real life and the other guests.” Se’ei added that being able to attend the celebration made him feel connected and proud of Samoa’s fight for its Independence.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has defended his government’s insistence on taking out loans from all over the world, saying such a trend is the “reality of our time.”

In fact without loans, Tuilaepa said Samoa would not be where it is today in terms of development.

The Prime Minister made the point during an interview released by the Office of the Press Secretariat during the weekend. It follows the tabling of the budget last week, which showed a deficit of $93million to be financed by soft loans.

“We must remember that without loans we wouldn't be enjoying massively improved infrastructure and social services such as our new hospital at Motootua and new and refurbished rural hospitals,” Tuilaepa is quoted as saying.

“Our children wouldn't have new and better school buildings, our communities wouldn't have better roads, safer bridges and more.

“These are taken for granted because they are there, but just imagine what Samoa's situation would be like without these facilities. We'd be stuck as an underdeveloped nation with our future generations migrating overseas for better schooling and health services.”

The Prime Minister used the state-of-the-art hospital at Moto’otua as an example.

“At the new hospital, we have state-of-theart facilities to treat all those patients who stubbornly continue buying soft drinks, beer and tobacco,” he said.

“So instead of sending them overseas for treatment, we are focusing on taking care of them in Samoa.

“The reduced overseas medical treatment budget means we can bring the experts to us to treat our people here, using our equipment in our high-tech facilities. This saves us millions of tala which can be redirected to other projects that need attention.”

According to the Prime Minister, a responsible government identifies the needs of the public and puts those needs first.

“Samoa spends $10,000,000 yearly for treatment of our patients in New Zealand,” he said.

“I am told that both Tonga and Fiji spend only $100,000 to send their patients for treatment in New Zealand. In the new financial year we have cut down the budget for overseas treatment and allow our own doctors to start getting busy.”

Tuilaepa also dismissed criticisms of his government over the unemployment figures.

“There was a 0.2% reduction in employment figures in 2014 compared to 2013. That's less than a quarter of a percent. Are you good at maths?” he laughed.

“It's actually not as alarming as some might think. It's simply because of Yazaki being scaled-down and in fact we haven't included the employment opportunities through the Seasonal Workers scheme. If we included those it will be a super increase.”

The Prime Minister then reminded that his government is working hard to create employment through attracting foreign investment opportunities. He pointed to the recent opening of the Apia Deep Fishing Company at Matautu. And there is more.

“We're also working with Bumble Bee to establish a presence here, which will hopefully provide more than 300 jobs for our people and the numerous ongoing public works - which engaged our major roads and buildings contractors - generate employment opportunities for our people,” he said.

“Further growth in government building projects means more jobs for the private sector.

So the government isn't resting on our laurels.

We're always pursuing opportunities for private sector development because that means one thing - more jobs for our people.”

A young man from Toamua has spoken out about an alleged beating at the hands of police officers, saying he thought he was going to die.

Ene Pa’apa’a, 21, recalled being punched several times, getting knocked out and being dragged on the ground when he was unconscious.

He also told of how the officers used a rock during the beating on Sunday afternoon. When he spoke to the Samoa Observer yesterday, the young man was badly bruised from his face to his feet. He had scratch marks on his back.

The crewmember of the Little Rina Fautasi said the incident happened when the Police were called to calm a dispute that arose among some men of the village who had been drinking alcohol.

He admitted that he threw a knife at a Police officer, which might have angered them.

“So I ran from the policemen,” recalled Mr. Pa’apa’a. “They caught me when I slipped in front of the pastor’s house and they started to throw punches, kicked me and another threw a stone at me.

“I got dragged and that is how I got scratches and open wounds on my feet.

“The last thing I remember was one policeman grabbing my head and punching it on the floor. I was knocked out and I only woke up to find myself at the hospital".

Mr. Pa’apa’a said he is lucky to be alive. Yesterday, he could barely move.

In admitting he was a bit too drunk, Mr. Pa’apa’a said he had no intention to cause trouble as they were only celebrating the Independence race.

Asked for a comment, Police Public Relations Officer, Su’a Muliaga Tiumalu, said he has yet to get a full report from the long weekend.

“I’ll look for the report,” he said.

“It was probably dealt with by Faleata (station) or Afega…But I will let you know after".

In the meantime, the Secretary of the E.F.K.S. from Toamua, A’atoe Tuatau, expressed his disappointment about the treatment of Mr. Pa’apa’a.

“The boy had sought help from the pastor’s house and yet they beat him up in front of the pastor and his children,” said A’atoe.

“In Samoa, when someone runs to the pastor’s house, they should be able to seek refuge there. The Police could have just grabbed the boy from the Pastor and taken him in to custody".

“Instead they proceeded to beat him up so badly in front of the our Pastor which we believe is not only wrong, it is extremely disrespectful".

“When people tried to intervene to make sure the boy was still alive, the Police warned them not to interfere. They said they were merely doing their work".

A’atoe questioned the sort of “work” they were doing.

“Does the Police work involve beating up unconscious people and dragging them like animals?

Does the Police work not take into account the traditional boundaries and respect? Are they licensed to hurt people that bad in front of other people?"

According to the Church Secretary, they will meet to discuss the incident and are taking the matter very seriously.

A 32-year-old male from Falealupo who is accused of using a machete to attack a matai from their village appeared before Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu yesterday.

Aloiava Seumanutafa, who faces charges of attempted murder, causing injury and being armed with a dangerous weapon, pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Lawyer, Diana Roma, who appeared on behalf of the defendant’s lawyer, Fepulea’i Patrick Fepulea’i, entered the plea.

The matter was then adjourned until the week commencing on 24 August 2015.

Seumanutafa is accused of a machete attack on a 68-year-old father, Gaga Sanele from Falealupo.

The dispute between the defendant and the victim reportedly happened after the victim slapped the defendant’s older brother on the mouth.

Seumanutafa’s older brother and his family were ordered to leave the village by the village council.

Gaga and another matai of the village informed the family about the village’s decision.

Samoa is entering two teams for the Race Across America (RAAM) cycling event next year, June 2016.

This was announced in Apia yesterday by the Samoa International Events in association with Samoa Triathlon Federation.

Race Across America is a cycling race that begins at Oceanside, California on the West Coast of the United States to Annapolis, MD (50km east Washington DC) for a total of 3,000 miles (4800 kilometers) coast-to-coast across the U.S.A.

R.A.A.M is widely recognized as the world’s toughest endurance bicycle race. It is open to solo racers as well as 2, 4 and 8-person teams.

The team will be entered under the name Team Samoa. The entry is for four cyclists per team, each, with its own support crew of 10, including; 4x drivers, masseuse, doctor, nutritionist/cook, bike mechanic, photographer/media spokesperson and a additional backup staff.

Leading the charge are three local cyclists, Daniel Afoa (50) Falefa, Darren Young (44) Apia, Elia Lasa (25) Falefa, plus, our international riders Paul Glenn (54) Auckland, Mariusz Mazur (36) Poland, Katheren Leitner (32) Auckland with the other two spots yet to be confirmed. The Team Samoa concept is the brainchild of Daniel Afoa, the team captain who has been working in putting the team together for the last twelve months.

Selecting the team has not been easy – whilst priority was given to Samoan riders both here and overseas – it really came down to affordability for each rider. The cost of entering the race including travel, support and other race costs is the responsibility of the riders plus the support crew.

It will cost the riders US$6,000 each and support crew US$3,000 each plus airfares to be a part of the team. The team being announced today are the individuals who have paid their initial deposit to the team fund.

Daniel Afoa says; "Entering this race will hopefully have a major positive influence in the awareness, development and creating future opportunities for locals in both cycling and triathlons. Three years ago cycling and triathlons were non events in Samoa, there was nothing".

Samoa International Events have changed all that starting with small local swim meets, progressing to an international swim series which this year will host another strong field of international participants in its fourth year in early August.

Triathlons was introduced in 2013, at the time, none of the riders in Team Samoa announced today rode a bike. Today two of these riders Daniel Afoa and Darren have participated and successfully completed full Ironman events overseas another major milestone for Samoa based athletes.

Daniel and his training partner Darren are key figures in this development. Their dedication and commitment to riding, swimming and running is making the difference on our younger athletes like Elia and other up and coming cyclists and triathletes.

Elia needs little introduction his story has been well documented in the last couple of years, born in the U.S.A and abandoned as child found himself in Samoa at a tender age of three, he is an integral member of the team and a true reflection of Samoan story of persevering in the face of adversity.

The three overseas riders Glenn, Leitner and Mazur, are all friends of Samoa International Events and regular participants in the Samoa Swim Series, Warrior Race and other events over the last three years.

Now that the team is announced each rider will focus on a gruelling training schedule for the next twelve months which will also include no less than 4-6 Ironman events each.

Team members will meet regularly by video link and share training data websites to measure and monitor progress.

The team will gather in Samoa in September for the Ford Samoa Cycle Challenge. That will be the first opportunity for the team to train and ride together

Manu Samoa has added more firepower to its engine with the addition of some star names in its extended squad for the All Blacks test.

This time, Paul Perez and Motu Matu’u are among a host of key players named by coach Stephen Betham in his 45-man wider squad for the All Blacks and the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup.

The latest list follows a 54-man squad announced last month.

Betham says the team is the best squad available.

“It was not an easy task to come up with the 45 names, but we have picked the best team based on all the relevant information available to us of their club games performance, game times, their current condition based on our fitness programs as well as various expectations that we have laid down from the outset,” Betham said.

“The players performance of the past campaigns are also taken into account and I am very happy with the players we got and looking forward to putting them together".

There are a few players that are not considered due to injuries and team management will continue to monitor their recovery process going forward, as some may make a come back and can be available for the teams final selection for the RWC, subject to injuries and the performance.

There are also players that have advised us that they will not be available for Manu selection due to personal reasons.

Team Manager Namulauulu Sami Leota stated that “we fully respect these players decisions and have wished them well for the future, and at the same time we acknowledged their tremendous contribution to the team and Samoa Rugby in the past".

The team will get together in Apia on the 22nd June to commence its general preparations for these upcoming games before they get into its official camp.

Of the 45 man squad now selected, 25 are forwards and 20 for the backs with roughly 8 players that are playing their rugby locally.

FORWARDS:

Aniseko Sio, Anthony Perenise, Jake Grey, James Johnston, Sakaria Taulafo, Viliamu Afatia, Andrew Williams, Ma’atulimanu Leiatau, Wayne Ole Avei, Motu Matu’u, Teofilo Paulo, Maselino Paulino, Kane Thompson, Iosefa Tekori, Fa’atiga Lemalu, Alafoti Faosiliva, Faifili Levave, Francis Ieremia, Jack Lam, Maurie Faasavalu, Ofisa Treviranus, Oneone Faafou, Taiasina Tuifua, Tala James Ioane and Vavae Tuilagi

BACKS:

Kahn Fotuali’i, Peleifofoga Cowley, Vavao Afemai, Michael Stanley, Patrick Fa’apale, Tusiata Pisi, Faialaga Afamasaga, Faleniu Iosi, George Pisi, Johnny Leota, Reynold Lee Lo, Ah See Tuala, Alesana Tuilagi, Alofa Alofa, David Lemi, Ken Pisi, Paul Perez, Sinoti Sinoti, Faatoina Autagavaia, Tim Nanai Williams

Jerry Collins has been remembered as the epitome of an All Black as tributes poured in following the death of the former New Zealand forward.

Collins and his wife Alana Madill died in a car accident near the town of Beziers in southern France in the early hours of Friday morning. The couple's baby daughter Ayla was also left in a critical condition after the collision with a bus.

The popular 34-year-old - revered as one the sport's true hard men - played 48 times for the All Blacks in a seven-year international career that spanned the 2003 and 2007 World Cups.

Former All Blacks skipper Sean Fitzpatrick first encountered Collins when the Samoa-born back row was a teenager.

Having managed him at under-21 level, he came to know a man whose relentless ferocity on the pitch was offset by the warmth and compassion he displayed away from it.

"Jerry was a man in a boy's body at that age and epitomised everything a rugby player and All Blacks should be. He will be remembered fondly," Fitzpatrick told BBC Radio Five.

"He became an All Black at a very young age (20) and went on to wear the jersey with pride. He was as tough as old boots on the field, but a loving man and very caring off the field.

"He was the nicest guy you would meet, but not someone you'd want to play against. We say good men make great All Blacks and he was a very, very good man.''

A player described by former England scrum-half Mat Dawson as the ''Jonah Lomu of the forwards'' retired from international rugby after New Zealand's quarter-final exit from the 2007 World Cup.

In one of the great rugby tales, he took the field alongside star-struck amateur team-mates in a match for Barnstaple RFC's development XV after spending the aftermath of France 2007 with friends in north Devon.

The following month he wore a pair of Barnstaple's red socks when playing for the Barbarians against South Africa at Twickenham.

"I think he retired from international rugby too early. There was a lot of fallout from that World Cup in 2007 when the All Blacks were knocked out in Cardiff,'' Fitzpatrick said.

"He had decided it was time to move on. He was very much his own man, as he showed when he played for Barnstaple, turning up and pulling their jersey on. He could have played many, many more games for the All Blacks.''

Collins' death was mourned at Barnstaple with a post on the club's Facebook page recalling his visit with fondness and describing him as a "pure rugby man''.

"The news has had a big impact around the rugby world as it was well known what a wonderful guy Jerry was," the statement read.

"Here at Barnstaple we know better than most just what a genuine bloke he was after he visited the club in 2007.

"He was a pure rugby man with a heart of gold. Hei maumaharatanga ki te tino hoa (in loving memory of a dear friend).''

It was an emotional day for the Hurricanes, the Super Rugby team Collins represented from 2001 to 2008 who booked their place in play-offs with a 56-20 victory over the Highlanders soon after hearing of Collins' death.

An emotional Hurricanes captain Conrad Smith voiced his admiration for his former New Zealand and provincial team-mate.

"Jerry was a legend. He was a hero. I watched him play and then was fortunate enough to join him in the Hurricanes team," Smith said.

"To see the pride he had in the jersey every time he wore it, and the same with the All Blacks. He was a proud man, people loved him, the players loved him. I'm glad I never had to play against him.

"For guys like me who had played a lot with him and looked up to him he was a bit of a hero, so it was a tough game to prepare for."

Collins was among the first wave of rugby superstars to join Toulon and once his season on the south coast of France had been completed in 2009, he departed for the Ospreys and was subsequently named their player of the year for 2009-10.

A two-year spell in Japan for Yamaha Jubilo followed before he signed for his final club in January, heading to French second division side Narbonne.

Collins made his debut for the Hurricanes in 2001 - the same year he made his All Blacks bow - and the Wellington-based team held a minute's silence before their game against the Highlanders in Napier on Friday night.

The Ospreys paid tribute to a player who served them with distinction from 2009 to 2011.

''He was his own man, a true individual, and a giant of the world game,'' a statement released by the Welsh region said.

''Jerry made a huge impact during his short time in an Ospreys jersey and will be sadly missed by everybody in rugby, his family and friends. RIP JC.''

Jerry Collins 1980-2015

Born: Apia, Samoa

Rugby position: Flanker

NPC debut: for Wellington in 1999, and for the Hurricanes two years later.

All Black debut: 2001. He went on to play 48 tests and captain three. He scored five test tries, and 25 test points.

Overseas: retired from international rugby in 2008, and went on to play in Europe and Japan, including French glamour club, Toulon, in the 2008-09 season.

Samoa hosted the global launch of the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2015 at the National University of Samoa yesterday.

The report is the flagship publication of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (E.S.C.A.P).

The survey analyses the economic growth performance of the region and considers the challenges countries face in sharing the benefits of growth.

United Nations Resident Coordinator, Lizbeth Cullity, said the survey helps to navigate the region through global economic uncertainties by providing policy options.

“Asia-Pacific countries have made remarkable progress in poverty reduction, health, education, gender parity and environment sustainability,” she said.

“The proportion of people living on less than US$1.25 per day fell from 53 per cent in 1990 to 14 per cent in 2012 and is expected to further reduce to 12 per cent by the end of this year.”

Ms. Cullity said the Survey argues that although economic growth has been accompanied by significant declines in poverty, it is important to remember that development is more than just growth and poverty.

“To successfully implement the post-2015 agenda, we will need to focus even more on data, technology and innovation that can help us attain transformational impact on the lives of the poor and excluded groups,” she said. “The report recommends strategies at the global, regional and national levels for developing, disseminating and financing technologies supporting simultaneously economic growth and human development.”

Speaking at the launch, Associate Professor Development Studies at N.U.S, Dr Penelope Schoeffel, said the survey is a great achievement for the region.

She congratulated the E.S.C.A.P and said the survey will provide the N.U.S students with insightful snapshots of the challenges faced by the region.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Samoa, Maiava Atalina Enari, provided some perspectives as an Expert Panellist.

“The wide recognition of E.S.C.A.P members’ diversity and specificities are key to effective policy design, advice and decisions going forward,” she said.

“Therefore, the adverse effect of international financial regulation and its sensible implementation matters as it will have immense repercussions on Samoa’s economic development.

“The significance of remittances to the Samoan economy (19 percent of GDP) and its important role in development need not be forgotten.

“Ongoing international efforts to reduce the cost of sending remittances should continue to be pursued.

“Samoa has further strengthened its AML-CFT monitoring and supervision to minimize and deter illegal activities. Samoa also urges commercial banks abroad to assess AML-CFT on a case by case basis, and not on a wholesale closure of money transfer operators’ agents bank accounts abroad.”

Fiji-based, Maiava Iosefa Maiava, of E.S.C.A.P, provided an overview of the report’s findings.

Former All Blacks and Hurricanes team-mate Chris Masoe has paid tribute to his close friend Jerry Collins in unique fashion.

The former All Black loose forward, 34, died instantly when his car and a bus collided on a motorway near Béziers in the Languedoc region of southern France.

Partner Alana Madill was also killed, and late last night the couple's 4-month-old daughter, Ayla, was in a critical condition in a hospital in Montpellier.

Playing for Toulon, another of Collins' former teams, in their French Top 14 semifinal clash with Stade Francais overnight, Masoe had the top of his hair bleached blonde in the exactly the same style Collins became well-known for.

Masoe also inscribed the message "R.I.P. JC. Love you brother" onto the tape on his lower right arm for the match and joined with a number of his Toulon team mates, including another former All Black forward Ali Williams, in posing for photos with a message saying "RIP brother. Jerry Collins. Gone but never forgotten. Love you bro".

The crash occurred as the family were driving on the A9 "autoroute" from Canet-en-Roussillon, where Collins had attended a testimonial banquet for Samoan rugby player Henry Tuilagi, who plays for Perpignan.

Béziers police commander Thierry Duffau told the Weekend Herald the accident happened at 3.10am (local time).

In Napier, as the news sank in before the match between the Hurricanes, for whom Collins played 74 times, and the Highlanders, members of both teams paid tribute to the 34-year-old.

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph, who coached Collins at Wellington said: "It's really horrible, really sad. I guess for me he epitomises the word tough and the game of rugby, and I just really feel for his family."

In a Sky television interview, Hurricanes assistant coach Richard Watt said: "Can I just shout out to Frank Collins and the family, just from the boys. Jerry was one of the toughest guys who ever put this jersey on and we know that. We're going to play in his honour tonight. This is a shout out to his family - we're thinking about you and [you have our] love and prayers."

Veteran Manu Samoa lock, Daniel Leo, has broken his silence over his abrupt retirement from international rugby.

The former captain shocked the rugby world at the beginning of the week when he announced his retirement from the Manu Samoa ahead of the historical All Blacks test match in July as well as the Rugby World Cup in September.

In a statement to the Weekend Observer yesterday, Leo revealed that he was dropped from the extended squad.

“After making myself available for this year’s historic All Blacks test and Rugby World Cup, I recently received a phone call from the team management with the news that I was dropped,” he wrote.

“I can honestly say that this was the most disappointing news that I have had to deal with during my career. On the back of that news, I decided I would take the opportunity to announce my retirement.”

Asked who from the Manu Samoa management contacted him, Leo revealed that it was Coach Stephen Betham.

It was not possible to get a comment from the Samoa Rugby Union yesterday although questions were sent to them. In an emailed response from the Union, the Weekend Observer was assured that “someone will come back to you.”

No response was forthcoming at press time.

According to Leo, “I wasn't given much of a reason (for being dropped from the team).”

Asked if he suspects that his outspoken nature against the Samoa Rugby Union has cost him his place in the team, Leo said; “Unfortunately I do believe that the politics had something to do with this but that was a risk that I was prepared to take when we made that stand as a team in November. I guess someone has to take the bullet.” In his statement, Leo said playing for Samoa has been a “dream come true.”

He assured that he will always support the Manu Samoa and he also called upon members of the public to continue to support Samoan rugby.

The following is Leo’s statement in verbatim:

"After making myself available for this year’s historic All Blacks test and Rugby World Cup, I recently received a phone call from the team management with the news that I was dropped.

I can honestly say that this was the most disappointing news that I have had to deal with during my career.

On the back of that news, I decided I would take the opportunity to announce my retirement.

Playing with Samoa has been a dream come true.

Even though I don't speak Samoan and weren't born here, I have always been a Manu supporter and always will be.

Since the days when my father would wake me up to watch the 1991 team playing in the World Cup, I knew that the only team I wanted to play for was the Manu. Over the last ten years I have been lucky enough to do that, even playing with some of my boyhood heroes Brian Lima and Peter Fatialofa.

Samoan rugby has its problems and I don't want to bring those up again here. What I do want to say is this: Please don't give up on Samoan rugby.

There are still good people involved who are doing amazing things and they need your support.

Semo Sititi with the under 20s, Tanner Vili with the Manu Sina, George Stowers and Mahonri Schwalger with the RAS, Alama Ieremia with the HPU to name but a few.

These people involved and giving back to the game gives us hope for a brighter future. I hope that by moving into the players association, I too can give something back to the team and people that have given me so much support and joy over the years.

Soifua and God bless.”

Jerry Collins’ passing away is not just a loss for New Zealand; it is a massive loss for Samoa.

As such the country is in mourning.

That’s the gist of condolence messages from around the country yesterday as the community began to deal with the shock news of Collins’ death in France.

The former All Black loose forward died instantly when the car and a bus collided on a motorway near Beziers in the Languedoc region of southern France.

His partner Alana Madill was also killed while their three-month old baby is fighting for her life.

Tributes for the “beloved son of Samoa” came thick and fast.

Among them was one from Fuimaono Eliota-Sapolu who hailed him as an “All Black legend and a son of Samoa".

“Jerry was very proud of playing for the All Blacks but he also had huge alofa for Samoa too,” Fuimaono- Sapolu posted on social media.

“Last time I spoke with Jerry he asked me to fight to change Rugby's eligibility rules because he wanted to play for Manu Samoa and give back. Rest in alofa uso. Manuia lau malaga".

In Samoa, the news of his passing spread quickly. At Leufisa where Collins spent a lot of his time when he is in Samoa, his family could not believe it.

“We had just finished our evening prayer when we turned on the television and that was the first thing on the bulletin,” said Jerry’s aunty, Julia Collins.

Julia and Mary Collins said the family is in shock.

“The sad thing about his death - he was too young,” said Julia. “Not only that, he has died so far away from his family. I still cannot believe that he’s gone".

Born in Moto’otua and raised in Leufisa, Jerry is the second eldest of four children.

He is the only son to Galuia and Tautaiolefue To’omata David Collins of Leufisa and Falelatai.

According to Julia, his mother was in the country with two of his sisters to attend a wedding this weekend. His father is in New Zealand with his other sister.

In remembering Jerry, Julia said he left Samoa with his parents before he turned two years old.

“Since then, his heart has always been close to home where he grew up,” she said in tears. “All our children are close and Jerry had always come back home before he returns to his contract".

Jerry was due to visit Samoa this month with his family to head to Pago Pago for a family wedding.

“He had planned to bring his daughter to where he grew up,” said Julia. “All our children were looking forward to those gatherings but it’s unfortunately that we won’t be celebrating. Instead we will be attending two funerals".

The aunty also spoke of how Collins tried his best to speak in his mother language.

“He wasn’t fluent (in Samoan) but that didn’t mean he won’t speak Samoan, he still did,” recalled Julia. “You hardly hear Jerry speak English when he is here. He will only speak English if he doesn’t know a Samoan word for something".

The last time Jerry was in Samoa was November last year. He was attending a family funeral with his wife Alana Madill, who was pregnant with their daughter at the time.

“He stayed up all night digging the grave,” said Mary. “It was raining heavily but Jerry insisted that he helps with the grave".

“And we didn’t know he was coming.

He just turned up unannounced. But that is the kind of person that he was, he didn’t want people to make a big fuss and make preparations for his arrival". Jerry’s family in Leufisa said he is dearly missed and will always be remembered for his love for his country.

In New Zealand, Collins' longstanding Manager, Tim Castle, spoke to the media on behalf of his family.

"They would not mind me saying that, just as Jerry's family is so devastated, they are likewise, deeply traumatised by these events,” he said.

"They too, like Jerry's family and all of us, are focussing on the continuing care for little Ayla, and our prayers and hopes are for her recovery at this time".

Some of Collins' family, including his mother and two sisters, were in Samoa yesterday for a close family friend's wedding when the news of his death emerged, Castle said.

However, they are all flying back to Wellington in the next 24 hours to be together, he said.

"The arrangements going forward for Jerry's return to New Zealand and for such funeral arrangements as the family wish to make are very tentative and very unspecific at this time," Castle said. "We will give you updates just as soon as those arrangements are finalised".

Paying tribute to Collins, he said:

"Jerry was a legend, not just here, in the great game, the great oval ball game. He was much loved all over the world, and the tributes are flowing ... throughout the world by so many people who played with or against Jerry".

He added: "I've looked after Jerry for a long time, and he is a friend, and like everybody this is a very difficult time [for me]".

Born in Apia, Samoa in November 1980, 34-year-old loose forward Jerry Collins played for the Norths club in Wellington before making his provincial debut for Wellington in 1999, his Super Rugby debut with the Hurricanes in 2001 and his All Blacks debut later that year.

In a lengthy professional career, he played 74 games for the Hurricanes and 50 matches for the All Blacks, including 48 Tests. His All Blacks career was highlighted when given the captaincy for a Test against Argentina in 2006. After leaving New Zealand in 2008, his rugby career took him to Japan and France, and had signed with the Narbonne club this year.

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Leauva’a and the Catholic Church rolled out the welcome mat yesterday evening to greet His Eminence Cardinal Soane Patita Mafi.

The visiting Cardinal was welcomed during an ava ceremony at Leauva’a. It was followed by a dinner at the same place.

The ceremony was attended by the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, the Masiofo, Her Highness Filifilia Tamasese, Minister of Public Enterprises, Lautafi Selafi Purcell, Minister of Police, Sala Fata Pinati and leaders of the Roman Catholic Church.

The rituals of the ava ceremony were explained in detail to His Eminence by the Vicar General, Monsignor Etuale Etuale.

He told His Eminence that there are specific roles performed in the rituals and designated by tradition to particular families of the tama aiga.

“Since it is very seldom held, there may be variations in the procedure today,” he said.

“Nevertheless ...the purpose of the ava ceremony remains the same. It is to appease the gods, to acknowledge God’s presence with thanks, to welcome guests and for a special day like today, to honour His Eminence.”

The ava fa’atupu was performed by people from the East Coast of Savai’i where the Catholic priest who brought the faith to Samoa, landed in 1845.

His Eminence is scheduled to leave for Tokelau today for the church’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

An internal investigation has been launched following allegations about a young male from Toamua who was brutally beaten by police officers during the Independence Day weekend.

The story of Ene Pa’apa’a, 21, was featured in the Samoa Observer last week where he said he is grateful to be alive after the beating.

During an interview with Ministry of Police, Public Relations Officer, Su’a Muliaga Tiumalu yesterday, he confirmed that the incident was the subject of an investigation.

“The Police Professional Standards Unit has been instructed to investigate the incident,” said Su’a.

“I cannot say who is involved because that will be established throughout the investigation.”

Su’a added that the story about Mr. Pa’apa’a prompted the investigation.

“We will know at the end of the investigation if the allegations are true and if there are possible charges against the officers.”

Mr. Pa’apa’a was a crewmember of the Little Rina Fautasi.

He said the incident happened when the Police were called to calm a dispute that arose among some men of the village who had been drinking alcohol.

He admitted that he threw a knife at a Police officer, which might have angered them.

“So I ran from the policemen,” recalled Mr. Pa’apa’a.

“They caught me when I slipped in front of the pastor’s house and they started to throw punches, kicked me and another threw a stone at me.

“I got dragged and that is how I got scratches and open wounds on my feet.

“The last thing I remember was one policeman grabbing my head and punching it on the floor. I was knocked out and I only woke up to find myself at the hospital.”

The Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O) of the Commonwealth Games Federation, David Grevemberg, was all smiles when he visited Apia Park yesterday.

And just after he left following an inspection of the facilities, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi paid a surprise visit to the Park that will soon host the All Blacks before welcoming thousands of visitors in September for the 5th Commonwealth Youth Games.

Tuilaepa also left smiling. He was accompanied by several Cabinet Ministers.

Prior to their arrival, Mr. Grevemberg, who is in the country for two days, was accompanied during the inspection by the Chief Coordinator for the Samoa Commonwealth Youth Games, Vitolio Lui.

Mr. Li and Mr. Yuan of Shanghai Construction Company took them around Apia Park.

Yesterday was also the first time the media has been allowed into Apia Park since renovations took place. And from what was displayed, the Park is looking great.

The TV monitor and the scoreboard was working and the seating in the main stadium and three shelters across the field have been completed.

Mr. Li told the Samoa Observer through a translator that the renovations of Apia Park would be completed by 22 June He said everything is done apart from painting the track and a few finishing touches on the seven tennis courts, located to the right of the stadium.

He added that a team from China will be in the country for a final inspection before the Park is handed over. Asked about the visit, Mr. Li said that Mr. Grevemberg was “very happy” with the renovations and had told him it “was an amazing job.”

Mr. Grevemberg is not available for an interview until later today.

But he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Tuilaepa today as well as S.A.S.N.O.C.

The Commonwealth C.E.O will also unveil the Games’ medals and will meet the designer of the medals, Nadya Va’a.

Yesterday, the media followed Tuilaepa through the changing rooms under the stadium and back, where he had discussions with the Samoa Sports Facility Authority C.E.O, Moefa’auo Salale Moananu.