Manu Samoa coach, Stephen Betham, has conceded that their World Cup campaign is “virtually over.” And in doing so, he has also apologised to Manu Samoa fans in Samoa and all over the world.

“The Manu Samoa team and management want the people of Samoa and the supporters of Manu Samoa to know that our results at this World Cup come down to us,” Betham told the Samoa Observer from the team’s new base at Newcastle.

“We have had all the support we needed from the Samoa Rugby Union, we have been looked after very well by the tournament, and we feel we have excellent skills in our management team to support what the players need to do on the field."

“We apologise to the people of Samoa that we let you down, and we didn’t achieve what we wanted.

We ask our supporters to forgive us…”

The apology from Betham followed the team’s woeful performance against Japan on Sunday morning where they lost, 26-5. Manu Samoa needed to win the match to keep their hopes of making the quarterfinals alive with one more pool game remaining against Scotland.

Prior to Japan, the team defeated the United States of America, 25- 16, before succumbing to South Africa, 46-6.

But it’s the result against Japan that has not just rocked the team but also its support base all over the world, especially in Samoa.

Betham made no excuses about the team’s performance.

“We simply didn’t play well enough,” he said. “We were not disciplined, we lacked urgency, and Japan were just better than us. We let all our supporters, our families and ourselves down.”

One of the most contentious points has been the selection of the team, namely the decision to exclude loose forwards Maurie Faasavalu and Alafoti Faosiliva. Yesterday, Betham denied reports that there was friction in the team.

“(I’m) not sure (about reports),” he said.

“Maurie was injured last week and couldn’t be considered for the Boks game. TJ had an outstanding game against the Boks and coaches felt he had earned the right start again against Japan. “Alafoti had shown in pre-tournament form, that he simply was not accurate enough for us in his core role. We have some excellent locks and loose forwards and the positions are very tightly contended among those in the squad.”

Betham also denied reports that lock Joe Tekori had left the team camp.

“Joe travelled with us to Newcastle and is fast asleep in his bed,” he said.

Looking ahead to their last game against Scotland, Betham said the team has settled into their base and although there are no serious injuries, they are assessing a few aching bodies.

“While our World Cup campaign is virtually over, we have much to play for in this last match against Scotland and want reward the people who have supported us unfailingly,” he said.

“Coaches will choose the team that they feel best fits the game plan. Different team, different venue, different feel. We have 31 players to choose form obviously and you can’t select everyone.”

Senese Secondary Programme Students had a peek yesterday at what The Hawaiian Magician, Clarke Tuitele, had come to do.

To perform magic is something he’s done professionally for 17 years and this show is extra special as it is to raise funds to benefit and improve education for children with disabilities.

Students couldn’t stop laughing and clapping, as for the majority of them, it was the first time to see such show.

One of the student’s asked “How did you get those powers?” to which Mr Tuitele responded, “I don’t have special powers, I just read.”

He encouraged the students that reading and education was an important aspect of what he does. He enjoyed reading that’s how he learned how to do magic.

“So if you like reading you’ll find something that you want to do and you will be able to do it,” he said. He went on to acknowledge the hard work of the teachers, as a teacher himself for elementary school in Hawaii, he understands it’s not easy.

Principle of the Senese Secondary Programme, Sagato Vaoliko, thanked Mr. Tuitele and his wife for agreeing to come over to help.

“It contributes to the voice of Children with Disabilities for equal opportunities,” he said.

A 25-year-old mother of two, who was beaten to death by her estranged husband last week, died a very violent death beside her children.

So said her cousin, Fa’alagilagi, who told the Samoa Observer that Fatima Tupa’i was bashed with a rock used to mash Samoan cocoa by an intoxicated and a stoned man he had been separated from.

The attack occurred during the early hours of last Sunday morning while Fatima and her children were sleeping. Their eldest is twoyears- old with the baby being one month old. The woman’s elderly grandmother was also nearby.

According to her relative, the family are finding it extremely tough to accept what has happened.

“To be honest, it has been a nightmare,” she said.

“It’s hard for us to take because Fatima and her husband were separated. It’s because of his history of violence that’s got her fed up.” Recalling what happened, Fa’alagilagi said they were asleep when he turned up.

“It was Sunday morning, maybe two to three o’clock in the morning when he came to the house where she slept with their two children,” she said.

“That was the first time he showed up since they were separated…our old grandmother slept on the other side of the house.

“It was Fatima’s eldest sister that came running from the other house when she heard someone was trying to shout.

She then called the police but it was too late.

“She was found with serious injuries on the head inside the house, by that time…he already left somewhere. She was covered in blood.”

Fa’alagilagi said the man was drunk and was high.

“One of his friends that he used to live with said that on that night, he saw him walking naked on the road,” she said.

“He was very drunk and that was nearly one o’clock in the morning. His friend said he gave him a towel to cover himself up.

“It must’ve been after that that he attacked Fatima.”

Faalagilagi said she is now looking after the one-month old baby.

“Fatima was a very good mother to their children,” she said.

“She was a kind and loving person and will be greatly missed.

“When things were bad, she promised that she will never return to her husband but said she will look after her children and our grandmother.

“We are devastated that she has gone.”

Since last Sunday, the Police have been looking for the man.

A source told the Samoa Observer yesterday that the man was caught at Satapuala during the weekend. This could not be confirmed by the Police yesterday.

Businessman and aspiring politician, Alaiasa Filipo Schwartz Hunt, has won his fight to have his name removed from the Corrupt Practices List.

The victory, declared by the Supreme Court yesterday, followed four years of being disqualified from voting or running as an election candidate.

The ruling delivered by Justice Elizabeth Aitken also opens the door for Alaiasa to contest the next General Election if he chooses.

Alaiasa as the Applicant in the matter had filed a declaratory motion against the Commissioner of the Electoral Office to challenge his decision that Alaiasa's name was to remain on the corrupt practices list for five years ending on 26/04/16.

This meant he could not vote or run at the next General election.

In 2011, Alaiasa won the General Elections for the Anoamaa i Sasae Constituency.

However, an election petition was brought successfully against him resulting in his seat being voided. His name was also included in the corrupt practices list.

A few years back in 2009, Parliament had amended the Electoral Act so that the four year period in which a person's name remains on the corrupt practices list pursuant to s.32A Electoral Act 1963 was replaced by the figure 5.

The change was not meant to come to force until 1 June 2011, in accordance with s.1(3) Electoral Amendment Act 2009.

For some time, Alaiasa had been writing to the former Electoral Commissioner seeking if he could either vote or run at the next General election in 2016.

They maintained the view, however, that he was disqualified from doing so for five years ending on 26/04/16.

So Alaiasa challenged the decision in Court, arguing that at the time his name was entered on the corrupt practices list on 26/04/11, the old law still applied. He insisted that he should only be on the corrupt list for four years, not five.

When the matter was filed, the Attorney General's Office, acting for the Electoral Commissioner, lodged a strike out motion.

They argued that the commencement time of 1 June 2011, applied retrospectively so that Alaiasa was still caught by the five-year period.

Alaiasa disagreed. He argued that Parliament’s intention was precise and unambiguous as to the application of the change of time.

The strike out motion was withdrawn and replaced by the notice of opposition by the Electoral Commissioner. The matter was set at a hearing yesterday morning.

Yesterday, Justice Aitken issued the following orders:

• That as of the 26/04/11, the four year period under section 32A Eelctoral Act still applied and the amendment to 5 years only commenced on 1 June 2011 so that the Applicant is disqualified from voting or running as a candidate for four years only and not 5;

• That given the above order, the Applicant's name is to be removed from the corrupt practices list forthwith;

• That with the removal of the name of the Applicant from the corrupt practices list it follows he can vote or run at the 2016 General elections;

• That the parties are to negotiate on costs to be paid to the Applicant and should there be no settlement then the costs issue will be referred back to her Honour to determine.

Outside Court, the businessman was relieved that his name is finally cleared.

Alaiasa said the matter had not only affected him but those that were close to him.

“It’s more than just clearing your name,” he said.

“You’re talking here about your family and the constituency that you had let down as well. It’s over now but it has been a burden on my family and those involved.”

Asked if he will be running in next year’s election, Alaiasa said that would depend on the constituency. He said that there is no point running if a candidate does not get the support of the constituency.

Lastly, the businessman acknowledged the support of his constituency and his lawyer, Alalatoa, that had made the victory possible.

Tomorrow morning is all about pride. Pride in themselves, their families and the blue jersey.

That’s the call from Manu Samoa’s new captain, Kahn Fotuali’i, as he rallies his men for what is likely to be the last World Cup appearance for a number of veterans in the team.

Fotuali’i takes over the role of captain after an injury ruled Ofisa Treviranus out for tomorrow’s Rugby World Cup clash against Scotland. Vice Captain, Alesana Tuilagi, is suspended.

And although Japan snuffed out Samoa’s last opportunity to qualify for the quarterfinals last week, the game tomorrow represents one last opportunity for the Manu Samoa to restore some pride after what has been a rather disappointing World Cup campaign so far.

Fotuali’i knows how important the game is.

"It’s all about getting a bit of pride back in our performance,” the scrumhalf said. “We haven't played to the best of our ability this group were capable of, but we haven't really fired a shot.

"We've got a chance this weekend to say we are a good enough side."

Fotuali’i said Samoa has nothing to lose and they will be throwing everything at Scotland, who must win the game to secure their quarterfinal berth.

Coach Stephen Betham has made seven changes to the team and he believes there is enough talent in there to upset Scotland.

“We can be dangerous on any day, but we have to show up, not just off the field but on the field,” Betham said.

“We are motivated – we are mindful that we have to play for ourselves.

“We haven’t played well all World Cup, but maybe we have one left in us. The Scots have a lot on the line too, but we’ll give our best.”

Earlier, Betham admitted that it has been a tough week for Samoa.

“It’s taken a while to get back into it, but we have talked about wanting to finish the tournament on a high,” Betham said.

“We really want to restore some pride in our game, and in ourselves, so it would be nice to think we could finish with a good performance.

“We’d like to think we can pull out the performance that’s eluded us all tournament – if we can make good decisions, and if we can execute our game plan well, then we can give ourselves half a chance.”

Scottish coach, Vern Cotter, said they would have to be at their best to beat Samoa.

"We are playing this game as a qualifying game," Cotter told reporters in the UK. "We are enjoying being in the situation to qualify.

“We know it's going to be a very tough game. This probably rounds the whole thing up. We've got 80 minutes and we need to put in a very, very good performance.” Scottish captain, Greig Laidlaw, is not underestimating Samoa.

"We need to be careful not to fall into any traps," he said. "We've got to give credibility and respect to Samoa. If we get our part right, we can cause Samoa problems."

Scotland number eight David Denton said it is now or never.

"For a lot of us this is going to be the biggest match of our careers," he said. "For most of the people on our team this is our first World Cup, but now we’ve essentially got a playoff game."

The game kicks off at 3.30am tomorrow.

Let me start by saying this has been a brilliant World Cup.

It is incredible for me, as someone who played at the first three, in 1987, 1991 and 1995, to see how this tournament has grown to where it is now. Sell-out crowds of 90,000 at Wembley, packed stadiums up and down the country, incredible high-octane rugby.

The organisers and teams should be extremely proud of the entertainment they have laid on. It is a great shame then that there have been some issues that have distracted from the great feast of rugby, things which have confused and upset fans.

The five-week ban handed down to Samoa’s Alesana Tuilagi on Wednesday for a ‘knee’ to the face of Japan’s Harumichi Tatekawa was, I am sad to say, just the latest example of huge inconsistency in terms of punishments meted out to players. There have been accusations of bias where tier-two nations are concerned and I can understand why.

How else can you explain a five-week ban for Tuilagi and just a warning for Sam Burgess for a dangerously high tackle on Michael Hooper last Saturday? I am not saying Burgess deserved to be banned. I am just asking how is it possible that their punishments differ so hugely? It is a joke.

Actually, it is not a joke at all. It has ruled one of Samoa’s best players out of their final group game against Scotland and out of the start of the Aviva Premiership season as well.

And for what? For running into an opponent who has got his head on the wrong side of the body and made a poor tackle? Come on. This is a contact sport. If we start banning people for running into their opponents then we will not have many players left on the pitch.

That is the way the Islanders play rugby. They take the ball into contact and try to knock their opponents backwards and break the tackle. If you want them to play – and they light up the World Cup every four years, so we should very much want them to play – then you need to treat them fairly.

The Islanders provide players to pretty much every top club in the world, and they are nearly always the best, most exciting players at those clubs. But why would the likes of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa want to keep coming back to the World Cup to be treated like this every four years?

I have already addressed, in a previous column, the issue of scheduling at World Cups, which is clearly stacked against tier-two nations and makes their job twice as hard. But this issue of discipline and officiating is the thing that worries me most as it is a disturbing trend in general.

In my day, there was not nearly so much focus on the officials. Now it is all about them; how they will referee the breakdown, how they will referee the scrum, what the television match official will or will not spot, how you can influence them.

The scary thing is that despite all the technology and the edicts, it is all so inconsistent. And apparently so stacked against the smaller nations. I wonder whether that would have been a five-week ban had it been a New Zealand player rather than Tuilagi.

Jonah Lomu did that kind of thing every time he played and we all applauded him. Not just applauded him. We copied him. He changed the game of rugby. I was 82kg in 1991. By 1995 I was 95kg. Even my mum thought I was on steroids!

The use of the TMO is a major bugbear of mine and it risks ruining the game. It just seems incredibly inconsistent.

If you are spotted leading with the shoulder in a match, as Jannie du Plessis was in the South Africa v Scotland match last weekend, you might get a yellow card and miss 10 minutes of the game. But if it is not dealt with at the time, like Nemani Nadolo in the Fiji v Australia game or Michael Hooper in the England v Australia game, then you are cited and risk copping a ban.

There is such a huge disparity in terms of the punishment – and so little accountability. Nadolo, Fiji’s star player, missed arguably their biggest game of the tournament against Wales. It is worrying. And confusing for fans.

Romania’s Catalin Fercu was shown a yellow card against Canada for taking out Nick Blevins in the air. But he did not jump for the ball and kept his eyes on it the entire time.

What was he supposed to do? It seems you are damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

I would like to see the referees just go out and referee the game and let it flow. Maybe they would enjoy the game more and the crowds would enjoy it more. That is what rugby is meant to be about; entertainment and winning, not officiating and endless replays. As I say, I do not want to dwell on the negatives. I do not want to be talking about the TMO all the time, or the scheduling, which is so patently unfair on the smaller nations. I just want to enjoy the celebration of rugby.

I am just thankful Australia made it through Pool A. I actually felt sorry for the Poms and for Stuart Lancaster at the start of the week, especially when all that nonsense came out about Billy Vunipola at that function we were at. If anyone was slagging England off at that function it was undoubtedly me!

It is a huge shame for the tournament that the hosts are out and I question how it was allowed to happen that four of the world’s top 10 teams were in the same pool.

But as I said before the game, England had four years to find out their best XV and still did not know it, or how they wanted to play, on the day of their biggest game since the 2007 final. I would repeat the (tongue in cheek) offer I made to Bill Beaumont and Fran Cotton in 1999 to help out with a bit of coaching in the back division, but I suspect the offer would be treated much as it was then.

Anyway, I am excited to see what Australia can produce against Wales on Sunday morning (NZ time). We just have to forget about last weekend now.

This is a new game. Do or die. If we can make it through as pool winners I reckon we have a good chance of going all the way. I just hope that it is decided on brilliant, flowing rugby rather than someone watching a computer screen in a small room.

It was close. Excruciatingly close for the Manu Samoa.

A much-improved performance from the men in blue ended their Rugby World Cup campaign with Scotland escaping with a, 36-33 victory at St. James Park, in Newcastle.

The win secured Scotland’s place in the quarterfinals, finishing as runners-up in Pool B.

In doing so, they broke Japanese hearts. Japan, who needed Samoa to win in order to stand any chance of progressing to the playoffs, now face a 'dead' rubber against the USA at Kingsholm.

For Samoa though, the team can hold their heads high. They came out of the blocks all guns blazing. The senior players stood up and led the way.

Captain Kahn Fotuali’i, Tusi Pisi, Maurie Fa’asavalu, Alafoti Faosiliva and Rey Lee Lo had outstanding games.

Scottish hearts were in dry mouths and Samoa were on the charge. For 80 breathless minutes, Scotland’s future participation in the World Cup was blowing in the chill northern air.

It was riveting to behold. Samoa had nothing to lose and nothing to gain in official terms – they were destined for Pool B oblivion kick-off – and used their freedom to express themselves.

How emphatically they played, making Scotland sweat on their fate.

Samoa dominated early possession. They scored their first try through fly-half Tusi Pisi out wide. Nine minutes gone.

Then, in a bonkers aberration, the Samoans chucked the ball merrily around behind their own try line. It was suicidal stuff.

Wing Paul Perez fumbled it and Tommy Seymour collected the gift to score for Scotland.

But if this should have betokened a new wave Scottish dominance, it did not. We looked from one end of the pitch to the other like a Wimbledon tennis umpire. And with Scotland rattled from the restart, Samoa again retook the lead through Manu Leiataua, who ran charged over with no defender within touching distance.

Scotland were being out-thought and outplayed now. Reynold Lee-Lo extended Samoa’s lead, barging past Stuart Hogg and into the corner. Every one of Samoa’s crazy deeds was working for them.

Misery piled on for Scotland when forward Ryan Wilson was sent to the sin-bin for stamping. He did not know where his foot was landing, but luckily for him it connected with a Samoan arm rather than a face. He was spared a red card.

Scotland got back into the game with a driving maul that was rounded off by John Hardie burrowing through. The conversion made it all square. Samoa had a try disallowed but their penalty kick left them 26-23 up at the end of the first half.

The Agriculture and Fisheries Week kicked off in pouring rain at the Nu’u Crop Station yesterday morning.

But the downpour was just what was needed to soften the soil after weeks of no rain so that officials and guests could plant as part of the programme.

The plant of choice yesterday was the humble coconut tree, commonly referred to as the Tree of Life in Samoa.

The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Le Mamea Ropati, said this is the fourth year since the Ministry started the programme, as part of efforts to promote the importance of the sector in Samoa.

“The main objective of this programme is to create awareness of the importance of the coconut tree and to teach our children the importance of sustaining its growth,” he said.

“Labelled as 'the tree of life', the coconut trees provide so much for daily living such as roofing material, building materials and firewood, handicrafts, coconut oil and many others.”

Students from different schools were invited to take part in the planting programme.

Year Nine student from Avele College, Chris Leafi, said he was thrilled to take part.

“I know the coconut has so many uses,” he said.

“I also know that the higher the number of healthy coconut trees in Samoa, the better the future will be for us. So this is great. It’s a great initiative.” The national Coconut tree planting for children kicked off a week of agricultural activities which is guided by the theme “Healthy Environment, Healthy people.” Yesterday’s ceremony began with a prayer by Reverend Letaulau Pesaleli. PROGRAMME FOR TODAY. Tuesday, 03 November 2015

NATIONAL ‘GO GREEN’... PLANT A TREE DAY!

Front of TATTE Building, Sogi
8.30am - 12pm National Call for All to Wear Green and Plant a Tree! Seedlings will be distributed for free to the Public! So wear
GREEN to show your SUPPORT! Other Activities Include:
• Launching of the Environment Camp 2015
• Launching of the National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan (NBSAP) 2015-2020
• Launching of the UNCCD Aligned National Action Plan (NAP)
• Prize Giving - Waste Composting and Segregation Competition
• Recycled Craft Stalls and entertainment including Live Band and Faleaitus

Samoa has gotten an inside look at how the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries works, as the country celebrates Agriculture Week.

The organization hosted an open day yesterday, at its crops research station in Nuu.

M.A.F. C.E.O. Fonoiava Sealiitu Sesega welcomed the public to the event.

“Today’s event gives us the chance to showcase the work that we do here and also provide our people with the opportunity to know and learn something on how to improve in terms of agriculture and fisheries.

“Speaking of new things, we have just announced new varieties of taro for export,” he said.

“This is a result of all the research that we have carried out and you will get the chance to see our newest varieties of taro and taste them.”

The keynote address was delivered by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Le Mamea Ropati.

“This is an annual event by the ministry as a part of the Agricultural Week, to expose the work that our ministry does.”

He hoped the open day would support further Samoan agricultural and fisheries developments.

“Over the years, I think the only problem we’ve had with this event is that not many people know about it and it is not well advertised.

“I know there are a lot of people, especially farmers out there, who would love to come down to this open day, learn something new and probably take home something very useful.

“This gives our youth the great opportunity to learn from the experienced people here…on what to do and what not to do for the betterment of our agricultural and fisheries development in our country.”

The public was invited to view all the varieties of crops and plants on site, as well as farm animals.

They were also invited to taste the newest varieties of taro (Talo Fusi, Talo Tanu and Talo Lani) for export.

The ceremony was conducted by Rev. Utufua Naseri.

The display’s theme this year was “agriculture and fisheries is the future of you, your family and our country”.

Agriculture Week started on Monday, 12 October.

The excitement of White Sunday has come to an end but not for some of Digicel’s customers.

Yesterday, the company’s Share a Smile campaign continued to add delight and smiles to its customers with the awarding of this week’s cash prizes.

Digicel’s Share a Smile campaign continued with its weekly draw live on TV1, giving away $3,000 to three lucky customers.

Each won $1,000. The winners are Fituafe Jr. Wong Soon, of Salelologa, Saipele Komiti of Fusi, and Simona Avaia.

“This is really a nice way to end our White Sunday holiday on a very high note this year,” says Fituafe.

The $2,000 available cash prize will be added to next week’s $5,000 Share a Smile draw, bringing the total value to $7,000 to be given away to seven lucky winners next week!

Digicel customers have the opportunity to win 1 of 7, $1,000 cash prize.

To enter next week’s draw, simply top up $5 or more to your Digicel mobile number. For Post-paid customers, pay your bill on time.

Customers can also be in the draw to win $300 in cash and prizes such as smartphones and tablets, by topping up $3-$4.99.

Tune in to TV1 every Monday night at 8pm and answer with “Share a Smile”, “Smile”, or “Fiafia” for your chance to win!

A grassroots development programme has kicked off in Samoa – a key part of FIFA’s plan for local football over the next few years.

The training programme is being spearheaded by the Oceania Football Confederation’s Paul Toohey.

He said FIFA was responsible for him coming over from New Zealand, to train Samoan footballers aged 6-12.

“It’s to give the kids as best an introduction to the sport as possible,” he said.

Numerous skills would be developed over the week, including dribbling, ball control, passing and shooting.

“Small side games with small fields” would help the kids quickly develop those skills, he said.

The training was “a fundamental part” of FIFA and Football Federation Samoa’s development programme, he said.

Coaching was also important, and would be the other focus of the weeklong training session.

Mr Toohey wanted to help Samoan coaches improve their ability to work with young players.

Coach Nadia Malifa, 29, said she wanted to become much more knowledgeable about football to help out the Under 15 excellence girls’ team she coached.

She’d been coaching for three years, through Football Federation Samoa, and was excited to develop throughout the week.

“I want to gain better understanding of the key principles of coaching,” she said.

Mr Toohey said FIFA wanted to help plan out the next few years of Samoan football.

Training youth was part of FIFA’s long-term plan for developing the sport.

Mr Toohey hoped the course would help create “regular opportunities” for Samoans to play football.

About 30 people were expected to attend the training programme throughout the week.

It would culminate in a “festival” on Friday afternoon, where up to a hundred people were expected.

“I’ve never been involved in a grassroots festival where the kids haven’t loved it.”

Those participating in the weeklong training session would organise the festival, he said.

That would see the kids playing lots of games to cap off the week.

Twenty four theological students are celebrating, after passing their entrance exams for Malua Theological College.

Earlier this year, the Samoa Observer spoke to a student from Falefa and Sataoa about his preparations for the exam.

He was 31-year-old, Afele Fereti, who said his grandmother had told him he would be a faifeau (priest) when he was a young boy.

Last Monday, that dream came true when he was named as one of 24 students accepted into Malua Theological College.

He was humbled and honoured at his acceptance into the college next year.

“When I heard my name for Malua Theological College, tears of joy filled my eyes,” he said.

“Glory be unto God for the opportunity given and also for those who support me and my wife in so many ways.

“For now, it’s time to get ready for the declaration ta’utinoga in January next year and that’s the important part.

“This calling is not easy but I believe that all things are possible when God is with us.”

Despite his grandmother’s dream for him to become a pastor, Mr. Fereti became a teacher.

“I tried my best pursuing my dream to be a teacher and I achieved it,” he said.

“I started off from teaching at primary level, then secondary and now I am now teaching at tertiary level.

“After achieving my dream of becoming a teacher, I felt like there was still something missing in life.

I always have that feeling that I am not on the right track.

“Then I thought about it deeply and it took me all the way back to what my grandmother said to me, as if she was whispering to me saying that I should pursue my dream.”

It took a while for Mr. Fereti to figure it out.

“I think that is why I have encountered a lot of troubles in life because I was not on the right path,” he said.

“And maybe God was trying to drag me away from what I do now so I could pursue my dream, and that is to become a faifeau…that is why I decided to give it a try.”

Another student, Challis Pupi, said he was ready to follow God’s calling.

“All glory to God for His Love,” he quoted.

“I want to thank my mentor, Rev. Muao Su’a and wife Tauvela…to my parents, Tuaoitau and Tuiavi’i Alapati, my family and friends… fa’afetai tapua’i.

“I am grateful beyond measure for your continuous prayers.

Malua Theological College 2016 Entrants:

Afele Fereti, Challis Suiki Pupi, Fa’asao Taefu Mua, Fa’asaoina Tuua Komiti, Falealili Afamasaga, Falesefulu Falesefulu, Faulalo Kennar, Geoffrey A Fuimaono, Letaulau M Esau, Manase Manase Mariotta Jonathan Seiuli, Martin K Taumate, Matavai Laufiso, Mathew Simati , Navy Luatua Penitala Kolose, Roseti Imo, Sega Asafo, Suafa’i Soliola, Tautofi Tuivasa, Tau Fa’apoi, Tavita Jr Pulu Tufi Fa’apusa, Ulatifa Leulua’iali’i

At a Commonwealth of Nations meeting last week, with senior finance officials and central bank governors, Digital currencies were a topic of discussion, and this time they were brought up as a possible solution to many existing problems.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 53 independent and equal sovereign states, home to 2.2 billion citizens.

Governor of the Central Bank of Bangladesh, Atiur Rahman, chaired the meeting, and London School of Economics (L.S.E) Professor Dr. Garrick Hileman gave a presentation on the state of digital currencies.

This year’s meeting was a two-day event in Lima, Peru, ahead of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings.

The discussion quickly focused on the use of digital currencies for remittances, a classic scenario that highlights bitcoin as a costeffective alternative to current international money transfer channels.

There is an increasingly dire global remittance problem. A recent spate of ‘de-risking’ actions, taken by large international banks, has included closing down Money Transfer Operators’ (M.T.Os) bank accounts, also known as “de-banking.”

This trend has central bank governors deeply concerned about the adverse effects of Anti-Money Laundering (A.M.L) and Counter Terrorist Financing (C.T.F) regulations.

The problem is advancing as more banks try to avoid large fines and sanctions, by de-banking high-risk customers such as M.T.Os.

De-banking is increasing in frequency, “spreading to more countries,” where it did not exist before, and is “driving people to use informal money transfer channels,” warned Attridge.

Last year two major banks in Australia, the Commonwealth Bank and the National Bank, both closed the accounts of several M.T.Os.

Joining them, the Australian banking giant Westpac closed the bank accounts of M.T.Os specifically offering services for Somalia.

At the start of this year, Merchants Bank of California, which handles 60 to 80 percent of the remittances sent to Somalia from the United States, also announced account closures to companies that transfer money on behalf of Somali immigrants, this time from the United States.

A similar situation in the United Kingdom, during 2013, prompted a London High Court to order Barclays PLC to re-bank a small service provider called Dahabshiil, which helps transfer money to Somalia from emigres living all around the world.

Barclays wanted to stop the service after seeing competitor HSBC fined billions, for allowing moneylaundering to occur within its bank. Dahabshiil’s service was used by more than 100,000 Somalis living in the United Kingdom alone.

Whether to reduce competition, cut costs, or to comply with regulations, closing M.T.O bank accounts will force these smaller companies out of business.

As discussed by the central bank governors at the Commonwealth meeting, reduced competition leads to increased remittance prices, hitting those in need hardest.

According to the World Bank, the average global cost of sending remittances is 7.68%, as of June 2015.

Users who rely on remittance providers are left with two option, transfer money through banks at a much higher cost, or turn to underground operators, which are usually more difficult to track and monitor for suspicious activity.

Alongside countries like Somalia, Commonwealth small-island developing states, such as Samoa, suffer the most from de-banking actions.

Maiava Atalina Ainu’u- Enari, the Central Bank Governor of Samoa, informed delegates that all money transfer businesses in her country had been shut down, states the Commonwealth Meeting Report.

The chair of the Commonwealth meeting, Bangladesh’s Rahman, called for immediate action to protect legitimate money transfer channels, with international and national policy actions to protect remittance flows to developing countries.

Remittances are a significant source of external finance for many Commonwealth developing countries, and a lifeline for millions of families.

According to the World Bank, among developing Commonwealth countries, India is the top receiving country with remittance inflows of over $70 billion.

This far exceed overseas development assistance and direct foreign investment.

Remittances are even more important for Commonwealth small states, and can make up a significant proportion of Gross Domestic Product (G.D.P). In Lesotho, a country in southern Africa, remittance accounts for 41 percent of G.D.P.

While it may be inevitable that remittance services will always be exploited by criminals, the negative impact of regulations designed to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing was destroying the traditional remittance market long before digital currencies came along.

Commonwealth central bank governors were keen to investigate using new monetary technologies, such as bitcoin and other digital currencies, as a possible cost-effective, alternative to traditional money transfer channels.

L.S.E Professor, Dr. Hileman updated the governors on the latest developments in cryptocurrencies, concluding that “the technology is still regarded as unconventional.”

However, he did put forward an idea which will allow for greater transparency, suggesting that “governments could create their own virtual currency.”

Exploring the benefits of digital currencies is not a new topic of discussion among Commonwealth Nations. In a 2014 report, the Financial Action Task Force (F.A.T.F) stated that digital currencies could facilitate international remittances and serve the under-banked.

Only two months prior, the new Commonwealth Virtual Currencies Working Group concluded that digital currencies have many benefits, one of which is driving Member States’ development.

A clear call to action was “the Commonwealth Secretariat should create a digital repository of best practice and model regulations as part of an online community to assist Member States in developing policy.”

While Commonwealth central bank governors are keen to find a solution to the remittance problem, the concept of using digital currency technology was considered a “futuristic” proposal, but not to be dismissed. Meanwhile, delegates were concerned that there is not enough information about the impact of digital currencies on monetary policy and financial stability.

For now, using digital currency for remittances is considered a long-term possibility for Commonwealth central bank governors, who were focused on a more speedy solution to solve the escalating problem at hand. “Perhaps we should concentrate on low-hanging fruits,” Rambarran conceded.

In a creative new initiative to improve health and save lives in villages across Samoa, women’s groups are mobilizing their communities to prevent and control non communicable diseases (N.C.Ds).

Led by the Ministry of Health and the National Health Service, the W.H.O’s Package of Essential N.C.D interventions (P.E.N) has been adapted to reflect local culture and customs and rolled out over the last year in demonstration projects across the country.

The aptly named P.E.N Fa’a Samoa, literally meaning ‘P.E.N the Samoan way’, applies a village-based model for N.C.D prevention and control that emphasizes community participation and ownership.

Early feedback has been positive.

A significantly higher numbers of people are being screened for N.C.D risk factors and those who show symptoms are being given timely referrals for management of their condition. In Samoa, half of all adults are at high risk of developing N.C.Ds such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Despite improvements in overall health over the past few decades, the prevalence of N.C.Ds in Samoa is high and growing.

An estimated 94% of the adult population is overweight and 75% is obese.

In addition, almost half of the population surveyed had diabetes.

Despite these findings, a significant proportion of the population has not undergone routine screening for blood pressure or blood glucose. In response to this public health threat, P.E.N Fa’a Samoa, with support from W.H.O, was rolledout in November 2014 in several demonstration sites.

P.E.N is a set of protocols developed by W.H.O for implementation at the primary care level in low resource settings.

P.E.N Fa’a Samoa has three main pillars:

early detection of N.C.Ds, N.C.D management and increased community awareness. The model takes advantage of existing community structures, where extended families continue to play a significant role in daily life and culture.

Women’s groups drive programme The role of women’s groups proved pivotal to its early success and acceptance by the community. Each village in Samoa has a women’s committee representative, whose role is to liaise with government agencies on women’s and children’s issues.

Capitalizing on this existing structure, P.E.N Fa’a Samoa works with the representatives to facilitate early detection of N.C.Ds.

Members of the community with abnormal findings are subsequently referred to a management team at the district health facility and seen by a physician who discusses a management and treatment plan with the patient and prescribes medication and changes in lifestyle.

“The whole idea is to engage with our community to ensure ownership and sustainability by enabling them to look after themselves,” shares Dr. Loudeen Lam, Medical Director at the Tuasivi Hospital.

“P.E.N Fa’a Samoa establishes an early warning system for people to be more alert of red flags. It encourages them to seek help early rather than coming in later on with complications.” In communities where the pilot project has been implemented, over 92per cent of the target population has been reached. This is thanks in large part to efforts by the women’s committee representatives to inform and encourage villagers to participate.

Of those who underwent screening, 45per cent were found to have risk factors for N.C.Ds and nearly one fifth reported experiencing possible symptoms of cardiovascular disease and diabetes (e.g. chest pain, weakness of one side of the face or body and fatigue).

Community participation Community leader Li’uliu Simona from the village of Vaisaulu notes that the initiative has been effective in promoting the health of the community. “The village council fully supports P.E.N Fa’a Samoa and encourages the entire community to participate. It makes our community stronger and healthier,” he adds. Failautusi Piula, President of the Vaisaulu Women’s Committee, echoes his support, “We have been with this project from the very beginning and we are excited to continue supporting it.” Through community participation and ownership, P.E.N Fa’a Samoa has mobilized entire villages to address the burden of N.C.Ds.

Significant progress has been made with over 90% of target populations undergoing early detection measures and 100% of identified high risk individuals referred for management. The next challenge is to scale-up the initiative to more locations and eventually roll it out across the entire country.

“I am so thankful for this program - thankful because it helps improve the health of men and women in my community. Personally, I think it should be rolled out to the whole country so that everyone would benefit from it,” said Mauga Poufa Piula, who benefitted from the initiative.

Manu Samoa left the World Cup with their heads held high after they finally hit form against Scotland but according to Census Johnston, their Toulouse based prop, there is also a burning sense of injustice at the way they have been treated.

For him the Alesana Tuilagi incident when the wing was banned, initially for five weeks reduced to two on appeal, summed up the way Tier Two nations, specifically the Pacific Island ones, are treated. Tuilagi was found guilty of bringing his knee up into the head of a Japan player who was trying to tackle him but according to the Samoans was only running with his natural high-knee action.

"It is just a preconception, Island rugby – Tier Two rugby – is dirty," said Johnston.

"As in Alesana's [Tuilagi] case, we have been hard done by.

Everyone has been talking about it all week, and to get five weeks for something he naturally does is bullcrap.”

“We spoke about it, he did not get a decision [on the appeal] till the night before and that disrupts the team. It is that kind of thing we have to keep fighting against, I hope one day it will change.”

"There were a couple of decisions [in the Scotland game] that went against us; you know with any other team, it would have been different. We are used to it now, we are used to getting the hard end of the stick, we just have to learn from his process.”

"Tier Two nations as a whole, we always feel we are getting the back end of a stick. There was one incident where the guy [Ryan Wilson, the Scotland flanker] stood on Maurie [Fa'asavalu] and I think if it was the other way it would have been a red card. We always feel we get hard done by. I am hoping World Rugby tries to help us out a bit."

Johnston feels that apart from the well publicised financial woes of the Tier Two sides, and issues around scheduling at the World Cup, the reputation of Pacific Island rugby means they have been targeted by officials.

"We come to these tournaments with no budget and all we want is a fair go. We put in as much work as the Tier One nations and all we want is the same treatment," he said.

"We are passionate about playing rugby and rugby is supposed to be a physical game but it seems we are always getting picked on."

E talitonu le Minisita Fa’aolioli a le Vaega o le Tautua, mo le Matagaluega o Fa’amasinoga, o Lefau Harry Schuster, ua o’o i le taimi ua tatau ai ona fafo ma le ma’afala le malo lea.

Na saunoa Lefau, ua o’o i le taimi ua tatau ai ona o-‘ese le Palemia, Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi ma le pulega a le HRPP.

“Ua silia i le 30 tausaga o tula’i mai le HRPP i le foe, ma ua tatau i le atunu’u ona fesili ane, pe o le a se suiga lelei ua faia e le HRPP mo ia ma lona aiga”, o le fa’aaliga lea a Lefau ananafi.

Na ta’ua, o faiga a le malo o iai nei, ua nofo-‘aitalafu ai le atunu’u, ma e matua afaina ai tupulaga faimai o Samoa.

“E iai le tulaga le-manuia lea ua aliali mai i le malo lea e iai nei, o le a totogi e o tatou auga-tupulaga le ‘aitalafu lea ma e o’o lava i isi auga-tupulaga e fa e soso’o mai, o tau totogi lava le nonoga-tupe lea,” o lana fa’aaliga lea.

“’O se tulaga talafeagai le ‘aitalafu, ae ‘aitalafu e fua i le malosi e gafatia ona toe totogi.

“A’o iai i le soifuaga nei, e te taumafai e sa‘ili solo se tupe e amata ai se pisinisi ma i lou soifuaga-atoa, e te mana’o e tu’u mea uma na mo lau fanau e aunoa ma se ‘aitalafu.

“O la’u ‘auala lena i mea nei o polokiki: ia mautinoa o le ‘aitalafu ua e faia, ia mafai ona totogi i lau auga-tupulaga ma tu’ua ai loa ua mae’a.”

Na fa’aalia le finagalo lea o Lefau i se fa’atalanoaga ma le Samoa Observer ananafi. I lea taimi, na fa’amaonia ai fo’i e Lefau, o le a toe tauva i le faigapalota tele i le tausaga fou, mo le Vaega a le Tautua Samoa.

Mo le silasila i luma, na ta’ua e Lefau lona te’ena ai o lafoga ua fa’aopoopo e tau totogi ai ‘aitalafu.

“’Ou te le-fiafia i le si’iga o lafoga, a ‘ou te manatu i avanoa mo teugatupe-fa’aPisinisi,” o lana saunoaga lea.

“O le tele lava o pisinisi e iai, o le tele fo’i lena o lafoga e mafai ona aoina. A fa’atu sau pisinisi, o le mea mulimuli lava e te mo’omia, o le fa’aalu uma o au tupe e totogi ai lafoga, ae matua mo’omia le lelei ma mautu tupe e fa’agaioi ai le pisinisi.

“Ou te talia le faia o se si’osi’omaga manaia fa’apena e to’atele ai tagata e teu a latou tupe ma fa’aopoopo ai fo’i lafoga e aoina, nai lo le na o le fa’aopoopo o lafoga pei o le mea lea ua fai nei.”

E iai se va’aiga fou, va’aiga taula’i a Lefau ma lana Vaega, o le a manuia ai tagata Samoa uma.

“O lo’o matou fa’atu-atua se faiga ma se manatu fou. Matou te fou ma talavou; e iai fo’i tagata talenia ma atamamai.

“O le fa’apea mai o tagata e leai so matou iloa ma agava’a, atonu e leai se poto-masani e ta’ita’ia ai le malo ... ae... sa avea a’u o se fa’amasino ma o se loia fo’i. O Afualo e fa’apitoa lava i mea tau tupe ma le fuafuaina tatau. Ua matou naunau ia atina’e le atunu’u i lona tulaga aoao-tetele.”

Na ta’ua fo’i, o le atina’eina o pisinisi laiti, e taua tele mo le atina’eina o le atunu’u aoao.

“E le tatau ona tatou fa’alagolago i le ‘AufaiPisinisi tuma’oti ma tagata faigaluega. E tatau lava ona toe suia ma fa’afou le atina’e o le atunu’u. O le uiga o lea mea, o le saunia lea o se si’osi’omaga e mautinoa e talitonuina e o tatou tagata, e teuoloa ai ma atina’e ai a latou lava pisinisi.

“O le tulaga aupito faigata lea mo tagata Samoa, o fa’amaoniga mo nonoga-tupe. E leai ni o latou fanua-totino ma e tatau ona fai iai se fuafuaga i le fa’aletonu lena, o le leai o ni fanua e fa’amaonia ai nonoga-tupe.”

“A galulue fa’atasi ma le faletupu o atina’e, e lelei lena aua e mafai ona fesuisuia’i a latou mana’oga masani,” o lana fa’aaliga lea.

A toe filifilia, o lo’o fuafua ia fa’amautuina ni tulafono e fa’amalosia ai le atina’eina o pisinisi laiti.

“O le a taumafai e fa’amautuina ni tulafono e faigofie. E le o se tulaga e mo’omia ai se loia ma le tausi-tusi po’o se su’etusi fo’i e amata lau pisinisi.

“I tulaga o teuga-oloa, ‘ou te fia va’ai i ni fautuaga ma fa’atinoga a le malo mo ni mafaufauga lelei, pei o le tu’uina mai o le seleni amata pe 20 pasene ma fai se faiga e fa’atuai ai le toe-totogiina o ia vaega i se taimi ua sologa lelei ai se taumafaiga ma ua talafeagai ai ona totogi.”

E le’i mafai ona maua o se avanoa mo se finagalo mai le Ali’i Palemia ananafi, e uiga i lea mata’upu.

E talitonu le Minisita Fa’aolioli a le Vaega o le Tautua, mo le Matagaluega o Fa’amasinoga, o Lefau Harry Schuster, ua o’o i le taimi ua tatau ai ona fafo ma le ma’afala le malo lea.

Na saunoa Lefau, ua o’o i le taimi ua tatau ai ona o-‘ese le Palemia, Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi ma le pulega a le HRPP.

“Ua silia i le 30 tausaga o tula’i mai le HRPP i le foe, ma ua tatau i le atunu’u ona fesili ane, pe o le a se suiga lelei ua faia e le HRPP mo ia ma lona aiga”, o le fa’aaliga lea a Lefau ananafi.

Na ta’ua, o faiga a le malo o iai nei, ua nofo-‘aitalafu ai le atunu’u, ma e matua afaina ai tupulaga faimai o Samoa.

“E iai le tulaga le-manuia lea ua aliali mai i le malo lea e iai nei, o le a totogi e o tatou auga-tupulaga le ‘aitalafu lea ma e o’o lava i isi auga-tupulaga e fa e soso’o mai, o tau totogi lava le nonoga-tupe lea,” o lana fa’aaliga lea.

“’O se tulaga talafeagai le ‘aitalafu, ae ‘aitalafu e fua i le malosi e gafatia ona toe totogi.

“A’o iai i le soifuaga nei, e te taumafai e sa‘ili solo se tupe e amata ai se pisinisi ma i lou soifuaga-atoa, e te mana’o e tu’u mea uma na mo lau fanau e aunoa ma se ‘aitalafu.

“O la’u ‘auala lena i mea nei o polokiki: ia mautinoa o le ‘aitalafu ua e faia, ia mafai ona totogi i lau auga-tupulaga ma tu’ua ai loa ua mae’a.”

Na fa’aalia le finagalo lea o Lefau i se fa’atalanoaga ma le Samoa Observer ananafi. I lea taimi, na fa’amaonia ai fo’i e Lefau, o le a toe tauva i le faigapalota tele i le tausaga fou, mo le Vaega a le Tautua Samoa.

Mo le silasila i luma, na ta’ua e Lefau lona te’ena ai o lafoga ua fa’aopoopo e tau totogi ai ‘aitalafu.

“’Ou te le-fiafia i le si’iga o lafoga, a ‘ou te manatu i avanoa mo teugatupe-fa’aPisinisi,” o lana saunoaga lea.

“O le tele lava o pisinisi e iai, o le tele fo’i lena o lafoga e mafai ona aoina. A fa’atu sau pisinisi, o le mea mulimuli lava e te mo’omia, o le fa’aalu uma o au tupe e totogi ai lafoga, ae matua mo’omia le lelei ma mautu tupe e fa’agaioi ai le pisinisi.

“Ou te talia le faia o se si’osi’omaga manaia fa’apena e to’atele ai tagata e teu a latou tupe ma fa’aopoopo ai fo’i lafoga e aoina, nai lo le na o le fa’aopoopo o lafoga pei o le mea lea ua fai nei.”

E iai se va’aiga fou, va’aiga taula’i a Lefau ma lana Vaega, o le a manuia ai tagata Samoa uma.

“O lo’o matou fa’atu-atua se faiga ma se manatu fou. Matou te fou ma talavou; e iai fo’i tagata talenia ma atamamai.

“O le fa’apea mai o tagata e leai so matou iloa ma agava’a, atonu e leai se poto-masani e ta’ita’ia ai le malo ... ae... sa avea a’u o se fa’amasino ma o se loia fo’i. O Afualo e fa’apitoa lava i mea tau tupe ma le fuafuaina tatau. Ua matou naunau ia atina’e le atunu’u i lona tulaga aoao-tetele.”

Na ta’ua fo’i, o le atina’eina o pisinisi laiti, e taua tele mo le atina’eina o le atunu’u aoao.

“E le tatau ona tatou fa’alagolago i le ‘AufaiPisinisi tuma’oti ma tagata faigaluega. E tatau lava ona toe suia ma fa’afou le atina’e o le atunu’u. O le uiga o lea mea, o le saunia lea o se si’osi’omaga e mautinoa e talitonuina e o tatou tagata, e teuoloa ai ma atina’e ai a latou lava pisinisi.

“O le tulaga aupito faigata lea mo tagata Samoa, o fa’amaoniga mo nonoga-tupe. E leai ni o latou fanua-totino ma e tatau ona fai iai se fuafuaga i le fa’aletonu lena, o le leai o ni fanua e fa’amaonia ai nonoga-tupe.”

“A galulue fa’atasi ma le faletupu o atina’e, e lelei lena aua e mafai ona fesuisuia’i a latou mana’oga masani,” o lana fa’aaliga lea.

A toe filifilia, o lo’o fuafua ia fa’amautuina ni tulafono e fa’amalosia ai le atina’eina o pisinisi laiti.

“O le a taumafai e fa’amautuina ni tulafono e faigofie. E le o se tulaga e mo’omia ai se loia ma le tausi-tusi po’o se su’etusi fo’i e amata lau pisinisi.

“I tulaga o teuga-oloa, ‘ou te fia va’ai i ni fautuaga ma fa’atinoga a le malo mo ni mafaufauga lelei, pei o le tu’uina mai o le seleni amata pe 20 pasene ma fai se faiga e fa’atuai ai le toe-totogiina o ia vaega i se taimi ua sologa lelei ai se taumafaiga ma ua talafeagai ai ona totogi.”

E le’i mafai ona maua o se avanoa mo se finagalo mai le Ali’i Palemia ananafi, e uiga i lea mata’upu.

A 29-year-old man from New Zealand and Falefa is dead, after he was run over on Monday’s White Sunday public holiday.

In his death though, he might have prevented a worse tragedy.

Christopher Limu had come from New Zealand two days before the accident occurred.

He was in Samoa to spend White Sunday with his relatives at Falefa.

An eye-witness, who wished to remain anonymous, said the deceased was talking to someone on the side of the road when a speeding vehicle ran him down.

He was seriously injured, and died before he reached the hospital.

The person he was talking to managed to escape the incident.

The witness said the driver was also from Falefa, and was driving drunk.

The Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Police, Su’a Muliaga Tiumalu, was not available for comment yesterday.

Last night, a childhood friend Elisha Lane told ONE News that Mr. Limu was with some children and he "threw the children aside" when he saw the car hurtling towards them.

"He was walking along the curb with the kids and another lady ... he turned to see a four-wheel drive heading straight towards the children.

"He quickly grabbed them and threw them out of the way, taking the hit alone.

"He always had a big heart, and in my eyes [he] died a hero. He's one of those people that make you feel better, and he loves kids.”

Mr Limu leaves behind two young children and his partner.

"It's not OK that you left us so soon," his partner wrote in a tribute online. "You were an amazing dad and it breaks my heart knowing you won't get to see them grow up.

"It was not your time cause you had too much to live for. But just know that your memory will live on through our two beautiful kids forever.

"I'm at least grateful we got to spend the last six years together but it wasn't long enough. Love and miss you so much!"

Police reports allege that Vavao Monike, of Falefa, was driving drunk, at high speed, and may have fallen asleep before crashing.

When Manu Samoa Head Coach Stephen Betham talks about the team’s return to Samoa on Wednesday night, he is overwhelmed with emotion.

During a press conference yesterday, he described the return as “a feeling that’s hollow inside”.

“[Just in] knowing that you went with the expectations of the country and that you let them down. We’re here to front. We’re here to blame.

Me, personally, I’m to blame.

That’s my role. When it goes good or goes bad, it’s all me.

And I take full responsibility for that. We’re not here to offer any excuses. We failed. It’s as simple as that!”

His Assistant, Namulauulu Alama Ieremia had a similar response.

“We were chasing a game before we actually had time to apply our game plan. I'll discipline, 17-4 penalty count.

And I think that was a defining moment for us as a campaign.”

Namulauulu said the players hurt because they knew they were better. As for the Scotland game, he said the main message was that it didn’t matter what the game plan was, just give yourself a chance.

“So you give yourself a chance by staying disciplined, holding on to the ball and then showing what you can actually do. The first 40 minutes against Japan, it’s coming to haunt us.

We’re the coaches. We’ll take it on the chin. We should’ve actually been better than that.

The preparation going into it was everything, yet we failed.”

They are both awaiting a review process which will highlight strengths and vulnerabilities of the Manu Samoa’s performance - and could also determine their future.

“We’re in charge of the players and were responsible for the performance at the end of the day. Yes, the players didn’t perform but it’s our job to make them perform,” said Namuulauulu.

There were plans in place and they stuck to them through the processes put forward by the coach. But unfortunately, said Betham, it didn’t come off.

“There are no excuses for the results. We believed in the processes that we put forward but at the end of the day it didn’t reflect that.”

On reflection, Betham is adamant that they made the right decisions and if he were to do it all again, nothing would change.

Asked why Joe Tekori left the World Cup early, Betham said he had broken team protocol and for his benefit, he voluntarily pulled out.

There were personal reasons and Tekori was now back playing at his club, he said.

“No one is bigger than the team.”

Alesana Tuilagi’s five-week suspension, which was quickly reduced to two weeks, triggered much discussion in the media and social networks about the bias given toward top tier teams. Betham agreed.

During the Pacific National Cup, management of Tonga, Samoa and Fiji rugby teams were warned that they would always be treated differently at the Rugby World Cup.

“You guys, if a Tier One [commits an offence], they’ll look at it, what’s the offence? If a Pacific Islander does it, it’s not the offence. It’s what colour of the card comes out. So straight away…when someone else does it, is it a card or is it not a card? If we do it, what colour is the card? Yellow or Red? And that was the description given to us.”

Despite this, Manu Samoa management urged the players to not use it as an excuse, but as a chance to prove that they could play well and not err.

The match against Japan killed the Manu Samoa team in the first 40 minutes, with two yellow cards. The team was left with 13 players for 17 minutes, who were left to play hard defence and were exhausted.

“So by the time the other two players come back in, although you’ve got your numbers back… the other two players, they had to work twice as hard, so now they’re pretty much exhausted.

By the time you reach the 60th [and] 70th minute, we’d had it.

“In the last 15 minutes, the boys didn’t have any legs to give because they had defended 40 on 13 for a long period of time. So instead of playing 100 percent, now you’ve got to play 120, 130 percent, just to wait for the others to come back in.

So I mean, you exhaust yourself and for us it gave in the 68th minute, that’s when we knew we couldn’t come back. We just saw it in the boys.”

As for the match against Scotland, there were a lot of niggling injuries. The captain was injured and ruled out.

Suspended players like Alesana Tuilaga and Faifili Levave were awaiting their pending trials.

Betham denied a fight had taken place amongst some of the players and proof of that was that Alafoti and Mauries played together in the last game.

“Those were rumours. There was nothing. All the players enjoyed one another’s company and they respected each other.”

Asked if he feels his position as Head Coach is in jeopardy, he admitted it was, and that he held himself responsible.

“We know we let the country down. We knew it straight after the Japan game. So when [media] asked why did I apologize? I apologized because I know the country was hurting and even the team were hurting. A day and a half…it’s like someone died. You try to talk to someone, you just got one word. So I was trying to pick them up, we’ve still got one game. If the boys were hurting like that, imagine what the country is feeling. When you hurt somebody, it’s only natural that you apologize. You have to.”

At the end of the review, Betham may quit as Head Coach, to make way for someone “who can make the calls better than me”.

“What has happened in this World Cup makes you reflect on you, yourself as a person.

Although I hold Manu Samoa dear to my heart…there is no excuse. The management and everyone did their best and at the end of the day, the outcome is a fail. That’s my responsibility. It comes with my job description.”

Rainy weather over the past two days has not been enough to stop the meteorological drought gripping the country.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer yesterday, Samoa Meteorological Division Assistant C.E.O., Mulipola Ausetalia Titimaea, said the rain had not had much impact.

“Unfortunately the rainfall that fell in the weekend and [yesterday] did not bring us above average rainfall for the month,” he said.

Mulipola said the end was close, however, with the drought expected to be over in November.

“We are coming into the start of the wet season...that’s causing the rainfall that we had.”

An extended trough was coming across Fiji and Samoa, which would bring more rain on Saturday, he said.

The meteorological drought was declared at the end of September.

Of the Samoa Meteorological Service’s 40 weather stations, 60 percent recorded rainfall that was below average. “This has been consistent through May, June, July, August,” Mulipola said.

The northern side of Upolu and Savai’i had been most affected, with the islands’ southern areas receiving better rainfall.

However, the weather forecast for October through December looked promising, he said.

“It’s going to be a fairly good rainfall...most of our [40 weather stations] should be up to average rainfall.”

Meteorological droughts can stunt the growth of some plants, reduce how much water is available and increase the risk of forest and bush fires.