A long, hard struggle for rugby equality may have won its biggest victory with the All Blacks facing Samoa in Apia for the first time this week, though locals are still asking ‘what took you so long’?

Samoa, so long the darlings of World Cup tournaments with their physical and fast-paced game, finally entertain New Zealand when they hosted Steve Hansen’s side in Apia.

Apia Park has received a $30 million makeover, while the All Blacks have been swamped by rugby-mad locals upon their arrival on Monday and again at subsequent public events, underlining the enthusiasm for the team and the significance of their visit.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, who is also the chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, however, took the opportunity to remind New Zealand that the match was long overdue.

“For many, many years we sought for the All Blacks to come to Apia Park,” he said at a welcome ceremony.

“We asked... and the Maori All Blacks came.

Then the Junior All Blacks were sent.”

“The All Blacks, however, remained an elusive ‘Scarlet Pimpernel’ and we wondered if we were asking the wrong questions.”

The All Blacks, who have played more than 500 tests since their first in 1903, have played just five matches against Samoa, all in New Zealand.

The influence of Polynesian players—and those of Pacific Island origin—on all levels of New Zealand rugby had prompted a groundswell of public opinion that the All Blacks should play in Apia. Tuilaepa had been lobbying for the match for some time, even putting his Kiwi counterpart John Key on the spot at Samoa’s independence celebrations last year, while a New Zealand television journalist had also campaigned for the match.

“It has been a dream for our people for many years that the All Blacks will come to Samoa to play our team, at our home ground, in-front of our people,” Tuilaepa added.

“It is a fixture that Pacific rugby nations have coveted for a long time.”

“The dream has always been that maybe with home advantage and thousands of Samoans in the stadium and around the world, the Manu Samoans could greatly improve on its performance against the best team in the world.”

Like the All Blacks, Samoa used the match to begin their World Cup preparations, though they again face the issue of struggling to field a fullstrength side in England later this year.

At previous World Cups, the team has been short of several players due to pressure placed upon them by their Europe-based clubs to skip the tournament and Tuilaepa said 2015 was shaping up as a similar situation.

“We face these challenges every year and every World Cup,” he told New Zealand’s Fairfax Media.

“We always try to alert World Rugby to try and solve it. The issue of the release of players is not solely a Samoan issue.”

“It affects every team with good players playing overseas.”

“It is getting more difficult all the time but it is an issue we do not give up on.”

“We will keep fighting and fighting. There’s only one way to solve it and that’s through the World Rugby board.”

A 38 year old father of Lotopa, Sio Seu and his wife Penelope Taufao 32 of Luatuanuu are desperately in need of help for their six month old son, Macristmas Sio Macristmas was diagnosed at birth with Cyanotic Heart Disease.

He has subsequently been referred overseas for cardiac surgery but due to financial constraints on the family’s part and other social issues, Macristmas has not been able to travel to New Zealand for this surgery yet.

According to a letter from Dr Fiona Hunt, a visiting cardiologist Dr Nigel Wilson who saw him here, has again pushed the family to bring the child for surgery before it’s too late.

The couple had nowhere to turn and they sought assistance from the Samoa Victim Support Group for financial help for their visas and their airfares to New Zealand for their son’s operation.

Sio is a taxi driver at Fili’s taxi stand but doesn’t make enough money to cover the costs needed, and his wife Penelope is unemployed.

The family used to live at Luatuanu'u with Penelope’s mother’s family but they recently moved to stay with Sio’s family at Lotopa because it is closer to the hospital for their baby’s regular checkups.

Baby Macristmas should be in New Zealand before the end of this month for special heart surgery, the parents were told by Dr Fiona Hunt.

Both mother and child have been granted approval from the Cabinet to travel to New Zealand for treatment but Lio and his wife Penelope are asking for any assistance to help with the extra costs of visas and airfares so their son can have this vital operation.

Donations for this family can be made directly to the office of Samoa Victim Support Group on 25392 or 27904. Cyanotic Heart Disease

According to Medline Plus, Cyanotic Heart Disease refers to a group of many different heart defects that are present at birth (congenital) that result in a low blood oxygen level.

Normally, blood returns from the body and flows through the heart and lungs.

• Blood that is low in oxygen (blue blood) returns from the body to the right side of the heart.

• The right side of the heart then pumps the blood to the lungs, where it picks up more oxygen and becomes red.

• The oxygen-rich blood returns from the lungs to the left side of the heart. From there, it is pumped to the rest of the body. Heart defects that children are born with can change the way blood flows through the heart and lungs and cause non-oxygenated blood to be pumped out to the body without going through the lungs to pick up oxygen.

As a result:

• The blood that is pumped out to the body is lower in oxygen.

• Less oxygen delivered to the body can make the skin look blue (cyanosis) Many of these heart defects involve the heart valves. Heart valves are found between the heart and the large blood vessels that bring blood to and from the heart. These valves open up enough for blood to flow through. Then they close, keeping blood from flowing backward.

Ua matua mo’omia e le ulugali’i mai Lotopa o Sio Seu – 38 tausaga o le soifua ma si ona to’alua o Penelope Taufao e 32 tausaga o Luatuanu’u, se fesoasoani mo le la pepe-onomasina, o Macristmas Sio.

O Macristmas, na ola mai e afaina lona fatu (Cyanortic Heart Disease).

Ua fa’amaonia ma talia le ‘auina atu o le pepe mo ta’otoga-mo’omia ae talu ai o fa’afitauli tauseleni o feagai ma sia aiga, ua le mafai ai ona malaga atu o ia i le taimi nei mo ta’otoga i Niu Sila.

I se tusi na tu’uina mai i le Foma’i o Fiona Hunt, na fa’ailoa ai e fa’apea, sa va’aia le pepe o Macristmas e le Foma’i Fa’apitoa o Dr. Nigel Wilson o lo’o asiasi mai i Samoa, ma o lo’o una’ia le ‘aiga ina ia vave ‘avatu le pepe mo ni ta’otoga a’o le’i tuai tele.

Ua le-iloa e le ulugali’i po’o fea a sulu iai mo se fesoasoani. Sa sa’ili’ili i le Vaega o le To’omaga i se fesoasoani mo pemita ma pasese i Niu Sila mo ta’otoga o le pepe.

O Sio o se aveta’avale mo ta’avale la’upasese laiti i le Fale-Ta’avale e Fili ae le taitai ‘a’u’a’u le fa’asoa mo lea fa’amoemoe ona e le faigaluega fo’i lona to’alua o Penelope.

E masani ona nonofo le aiga lea i Luatuanu’u i le aiga o le tina o Penelope peita’i e le’i leva ona fa’ase’e mai i le aiga o Sio i Lotopa, e latalata i le falema’i mo siaki faiso’o a le pepe. Na fa’ailoa e Dr. Fiona Hunt i matua o le pepe, e tatau ona taunu’u Macristmas i Niu Sila i le fa’ai’uga o le masina nei mo ta’otoga fa’apitoa o lona fatu. Ua pasia ma fa’amaonia e le Kapeneta le ‘auina atu o le pepe o Macritmas mo ta’otoga fa’apitoa i Niu Sila ae o lo’o talosagaina e Lio ma Penelope se fesoasoani mo totogi o pemita ma pasese ina ia mafai ai ona ‘auina atu o Macristmas mo ta’otoga mo’omia.

Mo le mamalu o le atunu’u e fia fesoasoani i sia aiga mo le fa’asaoina o le ola o fanau, fa’amolemole vili sa’o le ‘Ofisa o le To’omaga mo e Puapuagatia i le telefoni numera 25392 po’o le 27904. Fa’afetai Agalelei!

The Crusaders from Nofoali’i and Leulumoega has won the battle at the A’ana Super 4 tournament with a comeback from Faleasi’u and Fasito’o-Uta the Hurricanes at 20-21.

The tournament was held for two weeks and the four teams competing are, the Hurricanes from Faleasi’u and Fasito’o-Uta, Crusaders from Nofoali’i and Leulumoega, Chiefs from Fasito’o-tai and Vailu’utai and Highlanders from Satapuala and Faleatiu.

Captain Afa Aiono of the Crusaders said that it was an opportunity for the players of ‘A’ana Rugby Union to develop themselves more in rugby.

“As you can see today, there are lots of good players within ‘A’ana and I am sure if we continue on tournaments like this there’s no question mark of players from ‘A’ana representing Samoa in the future.

“There is a huge potential from ‘A’ana players for national selections.

“Today is not about who wins or loose, it’s about experiencing more on the game and see other options to develop rugby furthermore on our own soil.

The President of the ‘A’ana Rugby Union, Afamasaga Rico Tupa’i thanks the supports from all the teams during the tournament.

Afamasaga said the whole purpose of the tournament is to build and develop confidence to each players so that they could improved on their skills and experiences in rugby for their future career.

He also thanks their sponsor, Samoa Artesian Water.

Think a minute…

What’s the difference between the best and second best? Between average and excellent? The difference between a good sports team and a great one?

It’s the hard work, training and discipline. You can only get out of something what you put into it. “The enemy of the best is second best.”

Successful people sweat the small stuff and work hard at the details.

That’s what makes them successful.

But many of us just can’t be bothered to do our very best work. We look for shortcuts and the easier way to do things. Our problem is we just want to “get by” with work that is acceptable, but not work that is our very best.

There’s a story about a builder who went on a trip overseas, so he put his manager in charge of building a new house.

He told his manager to use only the best materials and not to take any shortcuts to save money or time. The boss wanted this new house to be excellent and the very best. After the boss left, however, his manager did not follow those instructions. Instead he cheated and kept his boss’ money for himself.

He used the cheapest, junk building materials. He did everything the cheap, easy way, thinking his boss would never know. After his boss returned and saw the new house, he told his manager: “Only you and your family deserve to live in this beautiful house. I’m giving this house to you! It’s your new home!”

So how about you? Are you doing your very best in life? At your job? At home? At school? Are you working hard to be the best father and husband you can be?

Are you trying to be the best mother and wife you can be? Remember, God gave us His very best: His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. So He hopes that we will give back to Him our very best—not just our second best. Does he deserve anything less? After all, He created you to enjoy His very best. So why not ask Jesus Christ to forgive you for not living the way you know you should.

Then ask Him to take charge of your character and give you His help. Then you can start disciplining yourself to always be your best, and never again have to settle for second best.

Just Think a Minute…

The possibility of fl ights between Samoa, Cook Islands, Tahiti, Fiji and Tonga is back on the agenda.

This time, the President of French Polynesia, Edouard Fritch, said he would raise the issue in Tahiti this week where Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, is due for the Polynesian Leaders Group (P.L.G) Summit.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa is scheduled to arrive in Papeete tomorrow where the meeting is being held.

And according to information from the Tahitian media, President Fritch said he would raise the issue on the sidelines of the meeting, which ends on Friday.

The key agenda of the P.L.G meeting is the preparation of a joint statement to be presented at C.O.P 21 in Paris later this year. But there are other key issues pertaining to the development of regional partnerships.

For Mr. Fritch, he has indicated that he wants to use the opportunity to raise the possibility of restoring an inter-Polynesian air service to establish direct links between the various regional destinations.

The President referred to a project that had already been suggested in 2011 by Oscar Temaru.

The idea, he said, is to revive and develop a road served up during the 50s by the company Teal (Tasman Empire Airways Limited), which became Air New Zealand Limited in 1965.

The company had previously served by seaplane, the Auckland-Tahiti road via Fiji, Samoa and Cook.

Islands.

The route was referred to as "Coral Road".

“The TEAL company for strategic reasons served Tahiti and some Pacifi c islands, Aitutaki and Samoa and Tonga,” said Mr. Fritch.

Today, given the importance of developing the tourism industry in Polynesia, the President said the idea of reviving the "Coral Road" is worth looking into.

Mr. Fritch said the idea was raised by former President, Oscar Temaru.

“My request - and that's what I explained to Tonga, during my last trip - would be that the large operators serving the Pacifi c today can meet around a table with our company: the project is interesting, but we do not want to do it alone,” he said.

Asked if the Coral Road holds any potential to develop tourism, he said: “What interests us most is economic development, tourism in each of our countries. We are not alone in expertise in this field.

There are others doing better than us. I think of Fiji. And in this context, do not try to reinvent the wheel; we must share our experiences".

Lastly, Mr. Fritch said raising the issue with Polynesian leaders is the fi rst step.

“I fi rst want to see how far our heads of states or regional governments are willing to invest,” he said, adding that the next step will be to talk to the major airlines in the region.

“Today, nobody is able to say that it will bring money. But it is a necessity for the development of our islands".

President Fritch also wants to utilise the marketing pull that Air Tahiti brings to the table.

Air Tahiti has fi ve Airbuses A340/300 fl ying twice daily from Tahiti to Los Angeles and on to Paris. It also has a domestic arm, which services 41 airports on 118 islands within Tahiti as well as the Cook Islands.

The American Samoa-based Bluesky Communications says it is opening in New Zealand in two weeks time.

The President and Chief Operating Officer of BlueSky, Aoe’e Adolfo Montenegro, says they will provide a full mobile service provider in New Zealand.

The company is also the main services provider of landline, mobile and internet services in Samoa and the Cook Islands, with more than 500 employees in the four countries.

Aoe’e says they have been working on a product for the large Samoan population in New Zealand.

"After a lot of work, we were able to reach an agreement with Spark New Zealand and we now will be able to launch our service over their network,” he said. “So we have full coverage on all of New Zealand, and we have set up agreements where people can top up anywhere in New Zealand".

Budding New Zealand opera stars have been making their mark in the annual Sydney Eisteddfod McDonald’s Operatic Aria for decades.

Previously known as the Sun Aria, this 82-year-old competition has served as a launching pad for Dame Joan Sutherland and many other great singers.

There has rarely been a year when New Zealand has not been represented in the final, and this year Auckland soprano Isabella Moore is hoping to follow in the footsteps of her contemporaries Pene Pati who triumphed in 2011 and his fiancée Amina Edris who won in 2013. Isabella is a graduate of St. Mary’s College, Ponsonby, where the legendary New Zealand singing teacher Dame Sister Mary Leo taught, among others, Dame Malvina Major and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

"The thought these great singers were once students at the school like me, made the idea of becoming a successful singer seem possible," Isabella says.

"They gave me something to strive for".

Since then Isabella has been striving with great success. She gained a Bachelor of Music and a Postgraduate Diploma in Voice Performance from the New Zealand School of Music at Victoria University. Then last year, after studying with Dennis O’Neill and Nuccia Focile at the Wales Academy of Voice in Cardiff, she graduated with a Master of Arts in Advanced Vocal Studies with Distinction and won the prestigious 2014 Lexus Song Quest.

She's been adding to her clutch of numerous prizes and awards in New Zealand and one day hopes to live the dream singing in opera houses around the world.

“My father is my biggest supporter," she says. "He likes to help me in anyway he can.

Having him around takes some of the stress out of things and helps me stay calm and focused". Her greatest inspiration, however, is her grandfather, well-known writer, playwright and artist Albert Wendt.

"He made me believe that I could be whatever I wanted to be," she says.

"He is so passionate about his chosen field, he has made a career out of it and shown me it is possible to live what you love".

THANK YOU: Samoa Airport Authority (S.A.A) Management with General Manager, Magele Hoe Viali (second from left) and Fonoti Molio’o Pio Molio’o, FEXCO Samoa’s General Manager and Mulipola Anarosa Molio’o, FEXCO’s Deputy General Manager (middle) during the presentation of umbrellas, a much needed item at our airports, from FEXCO Samoa to S.A.A last week.

This was presented to the S.A.A Management at their offi ces at the Faleolo International Airport. This was part of FEXCO Samoa’s community activities since the offi cial launch of its No. 1 Currency brand last week to coincide with events leading up to the Manu Samoa versus All Blacks match. Photo / OneLook Communications

The Pualele Outrigger Canoeing club is continuing to promote the sport in Samoa. On Saturday, 16 teams, 128 paddlers took part in the Pualele Taumeasina Business House challenge.

The day was full of fun and excitement both on and off the water.

Samoa Water Authority won the Division 1 competition while the Division 2 winner was the Bank South Pacific. Here are images from the day. Photos / Pualele Outrigger Canoeing Club

Russell Lupetaala is a patient at the Shriners’ Hospitals for Children in Honolulu, where he’s known by the nickname “Hollywood”.

That’s because the 21-year-old has a dream to go there. He’s also a big fan of Seiuli Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Johnson was filming a scene on the mainland along with his cousin and stunt-double, former University of Hawaii football player Tanoai Reed.

Shriners arranged for Lupetaala to watch them live via FaceTime. He had no idea that when the Director yelled “Cut!”, Johnson would turn to the camera.

“It’s good to see you man! I’ve heard a lot about you,” said the Hollywood star.

“Thank you!” a stunned Lupetaala replied.

“What surprised me is that -- that guy just gave away everything and look at me and faced me like a person and talked to me,” he said later. “That’s very nice”.

Johnson took time out for the personal hello because Lupetaala has been so generous himself. In his homeland of Western Samoa, where there’s still a stigma attached to being disabled, he has been certified to repair wheelchairs for others.

He’s been known to sometimes gives up more than half his pay to give a wheelchair, free, to someone who needs it.

Lupetaala also wants to be famous, like “The Rock,” but with a twist.

“It’s not famous to go, ‘Hi,’ shake your hand. No. It’s not famous like that,” he said. “Famous means that if you are famous, you gotta help people. It’s a good thing to do”.

And if he finds fame, he wants to inspire others to help Shriners Hospitals, where he has been a patient since 2009. He has been to Shriners in Honolulu several times for surgery for his cerebral palsy.

“I’m very inspired by you, so keep up the great work,” Johnson told Lupetaala. “And I heard that you’re an awesome guy, and I heard that you give all your gifts away to people and so incredibly talented, and I look forward to meeting you one day”.

Lupetaala is scheduled to return to Western Samoa July 17.

Johnson and Reed have offered to extend his stay so that Reed has a chance to meet him next month.

However, Lupetaala, who has been staying with relatives in a Makakilo apartment, will need another place to stay. Even with that challenge, he still has hopes to meet his idol in person.

“Don’t give up if you’ve got something inside your heart”.

Talofa Lava and Thank you for joining us this evening as we celebrate the 239th Anniversary of America’s Independence Day.

Nancy and I are grateful for the presence of all our new friends and special guests here tonight.

And....we want to offer thanks to our hardworking U.S. embassy staff - who have been pulling long hours for weeks to prepare this special event. We appreciate your service to our nation and your dedication to the mission in Samoa.

I want to single out one person for special mention – our Master of Ceremonies tonight and outstanding Deputy Chief of Mission, Peter Ganser.

Next week, Peter concludes his highly successful posting to Samoa - moving on to become our Senior Advisor for Antarctica Affairs in Washington, D.C. - where he will continue his remarkable service to our nation.

Nancy and I wish Peter and his wonderful wife Michelle - all the best in the future. Our Independence Day celebrates one of the most famous days in our history - July 4th 1776 - The day our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.

This document - is the backbone of who we are as a nation - and declared to the world that all men and women are created equal - and have the right - the inalienable right - to life - liberty - and the pursuit of happiness. From early in our history - America has reached out to those who share our common values of democracy - freedom - and human rights.

America first reached out to Samoa in 1839 when a U.S. scientific expedition reached these islands.

Soon thereafter - the United States formalized relations and posted our first Consul here. Our ties continue to grow stronger in our second century of friendship!

I know that the deeply rooted commitment the United States shares with Samoa - is based on ties of family - faith - and a wonderfully vibrant government-to-government partnership.

That’s why - on our Independence Day - Americans recognize the sacrifice and determination of the millions who have fought - and are still fighting to protect “life - liberty - and the pursuit of happiness” - both for ourselves and for others around the world.

This love of democracy is something we both share - Samoa and the United States remain united by our shared democratic values and our commitment to work as partners to promote peace and prosperity throughout the South Pacific.

So - as we celebrate our Independence Day - I would like to thank the Government and People of Samoa for your continued support - friendship - and willingness to work with us in so many important ways - to ensure that people throughout the world can enjoy those inalienable rights.

And now - please raise your glasses and join me in a toast:

To the courageous Americans who centuries ago claimed the right to freedom and democracy and to those Americans who defend it now; and to the enduring friendship between Samoa and the United States of America.

May God bless you all. May God bless Samoa. And may God bless America. Manuia!

A Good Samaritan has come to the aid of a Lotopa couple, who publically pleaded for help to take their sixmonth- old son, Macristmas Sio, for treatment overseas.

Yesterday, Lotopa father, Sio Seu and his wife Penelope Taufao, were full of thanks to the management of Island Rock Company Limited Manager, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, presented the family $2,500 to allow the mother and her son to pay their airfares and visas to New Zealand.

“This is surely the hand of God at work,” said Sio. “From the bottom of my heart, I speak on behalf of my family to thank Tuaopepe and Island Rock company for your kind assistance.

“My son is your son too and may the good Lord bless you and your company for the kindness you have shown.”

Macristmas was diagnosed at birth with Cyanotic Heart Disease. He has subsequently been referred overseas for cardiac surgery but due to financial constraints on the family’s part and other social issues, Macristmas has not been able to travel to New Zealand for this surgery yet.

According to a letter from Dr Fiona Hunt, a visiting cardiologist Dr. Nigel Wilson who saw him here, has again pushed the family to bring the child for surgery before it’s too late.

The couple had nowhere to turn and they sought assistance from the Samoa Victim Support Group for financial help for their visas and their airfares to New Zealand for their son’s operation.

Their story appeared on the front page of the Samoa Observer on Monday.

Since then, a number of helpers have donated to the cause.

Yesterday, Tuaopepe said his family was touched by Macristmas’s story and they wanted to help.

“We pray that they will come back to Samoa in great health,” Tuaopepe said.

Yesterday was not the first time Island Rock has helped people like Sio and Penelope.

“It’s about helping members of the community in need,” said Tuaopepe. “As long as we are making money and we don’t go broke, we will always help any time when there’s a need.”

Baby Macristmas and his mother are scheduled to leave Samoa before the end of the week.

Think a minute…

Recent studies show that only 1 out of 3 people have healthy self-confidence.

That means 2 out of every 3 people simply don’t know the ability they already have to be successful, even though it’s right there in their hands! If you want others to believe in you, you have to believe in yourself first.

Remember: “No one can make you feel inferior unless you let them.”

A successful businessman says: “You can’t push anyone up a ladder unless he knows he can climb himself.”

Think a minute.Recent studies show that only 1 out of 3 people have healthy self-confidence.

That means 2 out of every 3 people simply don’t know the ability they already have to be successful, even though it’s right there in their hands! If you want others to believe in you, you have to believe in yourself first. Remember: “No one can make you feel inferior unless you let them.”

A successful businessman says: “You can’t push anyone up a ladder unless he knows he can climb himself.”

One of the most lethal weapons that will kill your success in life are these 2 little words: “I can’t.” Did you know people used to believe that if human beings traveled faster than 30 miles an hour it would stop our circulation of blood and kill us?

Thank goodness a few people didn’t believe that silly, wrong thinking or we wouldn’t be riding in cars, busses, and flying on airplanes today. You’ll never know until you try.

Roger Bannister was the first human being to run a mile in less than 4 minutes. But before he did it, most people in the world didn’t think it was even possible.

Yet only a few months after Bannister did it, suddenly runners all over the world began running a mile in less than 4 minutes! If we believe something can be done, we’ll usually do it.

Too many of us spend our lives looking around instead of looking up to the One Who made us and knows our potential. So why don’t you look up to Jesus Christ today?

Ask Him to take full charge of your life, personally and professionally.

You’ll be surprised how much more you can do.

Just Think a Minute.

The church has thrown its weight behind the push to eliminate violence against women and girls.

Yesterday marked the first day of a two day meeting between community members, church leaders and nongovernmental organisations to discuss how to address violence against women in Samoa.

The project is aiming to come up with a conclusive visual aid on the 16 ways to preach an end to violence against women and girls.

The 16 visual aids will be taken from Biblical passages, which will be selected by the participants of the event.

The project has been put together by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (U.N.E.S.C.O) and the Samoa National Council of Churches, with the assistance of UN Women.

Yusuke Nii from UNESCO says it is time for Samoa to stand up to the issue, and was thankful for the National Council of Churches involvement.

“Gender equality is our number one priority all over the world. We have now partnered up with UN Women to fight against violence towards women and girls in Samoa because it is not really openly talked about, but it is quite a serious issue.”

This is my first time to see this kind of workshop in Samoa because U.N.E.S.C.O hasn’t really worked sustainably with a faith based agency in the past.”

Suisala Mele Manualaivao of UN Women was happy with the attendance, as it allowed individuals to speak their mind.

“We are grateful for the participation we have had,” she said. “These types of discussions are actually best when it’s a smaller group because then people can be more honest with their opinions and their thoughts.”

Suisala noted that attempts had been made in the past to confront the issue of violence against women but nothing had been specialised with Samoa in mind.

“Earlier this year, U.N.E.S.C.O wanted to create a document with the National Council of Churches to address gender-based violence.”

“The document they had really didn’t meet the needs of Samoa, so instead we decided to create our own based on the 16 ways to end violence against women.”

The complete visual aid will be translated into Samoan and printed as a reference for members of the community and religious leaders, allowing them to have a guide in promoting healthy family relationships and gender equality.

Domestic violence activist, Tuiloma Sina Retzlaff, was appreciative that the National Council of Churches has recognised the issue as a serious one, and believe they can make a real difference. “The national Council of Churches stepping out is something that should be commended, but it is also a first,” she said.

“The role of the church in the fabric of Samoa is really important, their reach and their influence is huge.”

“They are digging into the core of Samoans by going into the Bible to pull out what Jesus himself said about being non-violent. So instead of talking about violence they are talking about love, instead of talking about victims they are talking about survivors.”

Tuiloma said that events like these needed to happen, as the only way a matter such as this one can be resolved is through discussion.

“I believe that it is not an issue that can be solved overnight in our cultural context in Samoa.”

“But it is a social issue that does require people getting together to talk about it. The more discussions we have, the more we air the issues... the closer we can come to solutions.”

Mr. Nii agrees, and would love for more Samoans to be transparent when it comes to the topic.

“It’s still a long way off (end to violence), but with this work it can be a breakthrough to open up everyone’s mouth (on the issue).”

The statistics are quite high when it comes to women who have experienced violence, but Suisala pointed out that measures have been put in place to try and reverse this trend.

“The Family Safety Health Study has told us that 62% of women experience some sort of violence in their lifetime and 48% of that is domestic or intimate partner violence.”

“We have legislation that changed in 2013, The Family Safety Act, which addresses domestic violence in a much more serious way in terms of the stringency of the laws. We also have the family violence court, which is the first dedicated court to address domestic violence in Samoa.”

Tuiloma was adamant that the new policies were working, as more victims were brave enough to step forward and report violence to the police.

But she hopes that one day this number drops significantly as future generations are educated further on the issue.

“When you look at the statistics at the police domestic violence unit, we use to be lingering around three to four hundred cases. But since some of these key initiatives that number has elevated up to 2,800.”

“I would like that in 20 years time, with the entire generation coming through schools now to be taught how to build healthy relationships, where young girls and boys are brought up as equals.”

The 16 ways to preach an end to violence against women will be finalised and published before November 25th, the International Day of Elimination of Violence against Women. It coincides with the 16 days of activism against gender violence, which ends on Human Rights Day, December 10.

Another meeting will be held today at 1pm in the conference room at the Samoa National Council of Churches at Mulinu’u, for those interested in attending.

As of yesterday afternoon, more than NZ$12,500 (T$22,500) has been raised for the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital where Manu Samoa’s technical Advisor, Andrew Strawbridge, was first treated.

Strawbridge, 50, is currently in Waikato Hospital's Intensive Care Unit in a critical but stable condition after becoming ill on a trip to Apia on July 7.

He was heading to the Pacific island in his role as technical advisor for the Manu Samoa rugby team that was playing the All Blacks.

An infection in his right eye deteriorated rapidly and he was admitted to hospital soon after arriving in Samoa.

His wife Laura and family set up the givea- little page to raise funds for the Moto'otua National Hospital Intensive Care Unit where the coach was treated.

On the appeal’s first half day, it has had 105 donations.

This is what Laura Strawbridge* wrote in the appeal on the Givealittle page:

“Andrew, my lovely husband, flew to Samoa from New Zealand on July 6 2015.

During the flight, he became unwell and in the early hours of Wednesday 8 July, he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Moto'otua National Hospital Intensive Care Unit.

Shortly after his admission, he was seen by Dr David Galler, a simply outstanding physician who usually works at Middlemore Hospital. He and his team cared for Andrew until he was well enough to move. Without these amazing women and men, I can only imagine what would have happened.

The purpose of this page is to raise funds for the ICU. We have received so much assistance, and we've said "yes please" to only a fraction of what has been offered.

We know that many of our friends and the rugby community, both here and far away, really want to do something to help. The ICU could really use some of that love.

We have asked Dr Galler to give us his wishlist of resources, because it was obvious during Andrew's stay that some additional resources and support would allow them to deal with the complexities of dealing with critically ill people on the basis of what they need, not on what's available.

Having wonderful, caring, committed staff just isn't enough - the best possible outcomes in ICU are achieved by having sufficient working equipment, access to world class training, and the right resources in place when they're needed (which is usually immediately).

Please help Dr Galler and his "wonder" ICU team make it much easier to continue their amazing, compassionate work.

The money we raise will go towards medical equipment (the equipment, installation, training and consumables) and training for the team. The following items demonstrate the depth of the need at ICU:

1. a desk top computer for the ongoing development of ICU procedures, treatment guidelines and protocols.

2. syringe pumps for the safe administration of drugs and fluids 3. an echo machine for imaging the heart and putting in lines 4. airway equipment (a glide scope) 5. a dialysis machine for the ICU 6. a transport monitor for vital signs 7. a portable oximeter (for measuring oxygen levels in your body).

We would also like to support further investment in training, such as establishing an ongoing educational scholarship open to both doctors and nurses to help establish a sustainable model of appropriate intensive care services for Samoa.

While our fundraising efforts may not buy all of these things because some of them are very expensive, I would love to think we can make a difference and a dent in the list.”

*I am married to Andrew Strawbridge and have recently returned from Samoa where my husband was in the Moto’otua National Hospital Intensive Care Unit. This has been the most frightening time of my life. Being away from home made it all the more intense and stressful – despite the incredible support.

This experience has made me realise that in New Zealand, we're so lucky because we get what we need, when we need it. In Samoa, this is not the case and I feel passionately about properly resourcing the wonderful, hardworking nurses and doctors at Moto'otua National Hospital ICU, having seen first hand the great work they do with what limited resources they have.

The Manager of Manu Samoa, Namulauulu Sami Leota, is not a happy traveller.

And he has reason to.

Three days away from the team’s opening game of the Pacific Nations Cup against the United States, Manu Samoa has not been able to train because the players’ bags have not yet arrived at their destination.

“To say that we are disappointed is an understatement,” Namulauulu wrote in an email he copied to the Samoa Observer.

Namualuulu is so unhappy he has even raised the matter with rugby’s governing body, World Rugby.

“They must be aware of this and hopefully do not book any team bookings with the same airline going forward.”

Upon receiving the email from Namualuulu yesterday, the Samoa Observer contacted Fiji Airways for a comment through its Public Relations Manager, Shane Hussein.

Mr. Hussein was on leave but the questions were referred to two other airline officials, Jessan Doton and Angeline Lal.

“Bula Keni,” responded Doton.

“Thanks for sending this through.

Please allow us to get back to you on this soon.”

Last night, a statement from Acting Chief Executive Officer, David Bowden, said Fiji Airways places safety first.

Having said that, the Airline was deeply sorry about what happened.

“We are aware of this constraint and our executive team is drawing up best solutions to address this,” Mr. Bowden said.

“With this said, Fiji Airways sincerely apologises to the Manu Samoa team for the inconvenience this has caused, and hope our safety culture is understood in the spirit it is intended.”

According to Namualuulu, the team had arrived into their hotel at San Francisco on Tuesday night after nearly two days of travelling.

The team left Samoa via Fiji on Monday.

“May I note my frustrations with the service of Fijian Airways,” Namualuulu said. “The booking for our flight was done sometime ago and they were fully aware of the 46 pax of our team to travel via Nadi to US, yet they send a small plane that was unable to carry all our luggages.

“We contacted their Apia office the day before we left if we can check in our luggage direct to LA but said we will have to check it out of Nadi and check in again as we will be transiting for more than 6 hours.

“In which case players did not prepare take spare change for the long haul flight.”

Namualuulu said there was absolutely no prior warning that the team’s luggage will be offloaded.

“If that was the case, we would have gotten the boys to carry some training gears so that we are able to carry on with our training schedule in preparation for the weekend game but not to miss two days of training because of the airline poor and inconsiderable service,” said Namualuulu.

“We were just told after boarding in Apia that about 37 pieces of our luggage will be offloaded but they said not to worry as it will get to us in LA on the same day we arrive as it will be put on Air NZ next flight out, which is not true as the luggage had just left Apia today.”

In Los Angeles, Namulauulu said they had made several phone calls to Suva to try and find out what was going on.

“We have made several phone calls from LA to Suva since arrival tracing our luggage and left our phone numbers with Airlines and promised they will return the call but now its past midnight in USA now and have heard nothing from them,” he said. “Ridiculous service I should say.”

According to Mr. Bowden, weight restrictions meant the team’s bags could not be taken.

“The Manu Samoa team flew with Fiji Airways from Apia to Los Angeles via Nadi on the 13th of July,” Mr. Bowden explained.

“Due to weight restrictions on the ATR72 aircraft allowing for a reduced safe take-off weight, unfortunately 33 of their 47 pieces of luggage had to be offloaded in Apia.

“The bags were uplifted to Nadi from Apia on the next flight and subsequently on to Los Angeles on last night’s flight.

“Fiji Airways has the safety of all its passengers at the heart of everything we do and thus, while there are limitations on the amount of luggage that this aircraft can carry, we will only allow the weight approved for safe service.”

In hindsight, Namulauulu said the problems could have been avoided if the team’s booking was for the Apia/Auckland/San Francisco direct route.

This is “in view of the players welfare and to avoid long hours of waiting although costing could have been a major consideration of using Fiji Airways.”

A Good Samaritan has come to the aid of a Lotopa couple, who publically pleaded for help to take their sixmonth- old son, Macristmas Sio, for treatment overseas.

Yesterday, Lotopa father, Sio Seu and his wife Penelope Taufao, were full of thanks to the management of Island Rock Company Limited Manager, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, presented the family $2,500 to allow the mother and her son to pay their airfares and visas to New Zealand.

“This is surely the hand of God at work,” said Sio. “From the bottom of my heart, I speak on behalf of my family to thank Tuaopepe and Island Rock company for your kind assistance.

“My son is your son too and may the good Lord bless you and your company for the kindness you have shown.”

Macristmas was diagnosed at birth with Cyanotic Heart Disease. He has subsequently been referred overseas for cardiac surgery but due to financial constraints on the family’s part and other social issues, Macristmas has not been able to travel to New Zealand for this surgery yet.

According to a letter from Dr Fiona Hunt, a visiting cardiologist Dr. Nigel Wilson who saw him here, has again pushed the family to bring the child for surgery before it’s too late.

The couple had nowhere to turn and they sought assistance from the Samoa Victim Support Group for financial help for their visas and their airfares to New Zealand for their son’s operation.

Their story appeared on the front page of the Samoa Observer on Monday.

Since then, a number of helpers have donated to the cause.

Yesterday, Tuaopepe said his family was touched by Macristmas’s story and they wanted to help.

“We pray that they will come back to Samoa in great health,” Tuaopepe said.

Yesterday was not the first time Island Rock has helped people like Sio and Penelope.

“It’s about helping members of the community in need,” said Tuaopepe. “As long as we are making money and we don’t go broke, we will always help any time when there’s a need.”

Baby Macristmas and his mother are scheduled to leave Samoa before the end of the week.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, led Samoa’s delegation to the Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting hosted by Australia through its’ Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop in Sydney, last week.

Coordinated by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, the meeting focused on opportunities that would strengthen national leadership to manage and respond to natural hazards through supportive regional responses.

Discussion also reaffirmed the need for continued high level political dialogue on international engagement with Post Forum Dialogue partners leading up to the upcoming 46th Pacific Islands Leaders Forum in Port Moresby, PNG from 7 – 11 September, 2015.

The Deputy Prime Minister shared Samoa’s experience during the 2009 Tsunami and Cyclone Evan 2012 with the coordination of emergency response and international assistance.

Recommendations and agreed outcomes from this meeting will be presented to the Leaders during the main Forum to assist and inform on regional and international issues facing the region. Palau as the incumbent Chair of PIF led the proceedings with a Senior Officials Meeting on the 9th July.

Samoa’s delegation included Hinauri Petana, High Commissioner of Samoa to Australia, Ambassador at Large for Pacific, Lei’ataua Dr. Kilifoti Eteuati, Consul General, Fonoti Etuale Ioane and an official from Samoa High Commission.

The Australian High Commission has granted a local school over $19,000 to improve sanitation facilities at the school.

And for that, Principal of Samatau Primary School, Motimoti Samuelu, says he, his staff and pupils are eternally grateful for the funding provided.

“They’ve already thanked the lord for the generosity shown by the Australian High Commissioner for their project to be done.”

As an extra bonus for the children of Samatau Primary School, the toilets were completed one week ahead of schedule.

“The project was supposed to be done for four weeks but it was finished within three weeks. It started on the 22nd of June and just finished on the 11th of July.”

The money was granted through the Direct Aid Programme of the Australian Government and distributed through the Australian High Commissioner’s office in Samoa.

The program caters for organisations that need financial support throughout Samoa and around the world.

The total cost of the project was $17,085, plus $2,000 for the carpenter who built the toilet block.

Principal Motimoti said he would also like to acknowledge the ongoing support from the parents of the children at the school and reiterated his thankfulness towards the Australian High Commissioner, Sue Langford, for her assistance.