One of Palauli’s paramount and leading oratory titles has been bestowed on 23 true heirs of Mata’afā Leo’o [Origin of the title Mata’afā] at Vailoa Palauli.

The title is one of the “To’oto’o o Vailoa” along with the titles Autagavaia and Toluono. The traditional ceremony was held at Maota i Sautupu the traditional place of the title Salū which according with the Samoan history was the place where Samālaulu [daughter of Faumuinā] moved in and resided, in all her attempts to attract the attention of the Highest Chief of Palauli at the time “Lilomaiava-nai-le-Vailiii” to whom she really was crazy with and wanted to marry.

Last Saturday, the Maota i Sautupu was packed with relatives Samoa and abroad to witness the once in the lifetime bestowal.

The Sa’o o le Aiga o suli o Mata’afā Leo’o in the lines of Toluono Isaako Toluono and his brother Salū Sapanİ Toluono were Mata’afā Tamasailau Salū and Mata’afā Tuu’u Taupaū Lafaele Mikaele Toluono spearheaded the ceremony.

Rev. Siaosi Leleimalefaga FT of EFKS and Rev. Deacon Sio of the Catholic Church lead the prayers and scriptural reflections of the bestowal.

This was followed by the traditional “usu fa’aaloalo” by the Faleao led by the leading talking orators of Vailoa Palauli namely Mataafā, Autagāvaia and Toluono.

Palauli ma lona Itū were also present and traditionally were part of the fa’atau. A Samoan inspired exchange of words [fa’atau] from these high talking talented orators was so fascinating and interesting but Toluono Penehuro Toluono prevailed and the one delivering the lauga [fa’apaiaga o nofo].

Traditional fa’aaloaloga in response was delivered by Mata’afa Tuu’u Taupau Lafaele Toluono. I feel Samoan now and proud to be a matai, when reminded of my lineage to the original Mata’afā title, says one of the matais from New Zealand.

Among the new nofos were, Mata’afa Tuu’u Tiufea Mulipola Mikaele Toluono the oldest of all and his cousins Mata’afā Fuimaono Kamilo Afele the current Controller and Chief Auditor who was attending a meeting in Vanuatu, Mata’afā Kalameli Mata’afā Toluono Tauileave and Mata’afa Seti Lafililo Toluono.

Mata’afā Asenati Faumuinā - Afamasaga Rico and Mata’afa Siaosi Lenu’u Molio’o were amongst the nieces and nephews from Samoa and overseas to have been bestowed with the Mata’afa title.

As Samoans battle physical and sexual abuse, the organisation that helps them has issued a plea for more help from the government.

Samoa Victim Support Group President, Muliagatele Lina Chang said the group, which has existed for a decade, has only received government funding in the past two years. Money had been provided to cover teachers’ salaries at the organisation’s School of Hope in 2014 and this year.

Besides that funding, the group has the lease for some land, to operate on. Muliagatele said more funding was crucial for ensuring the group could meet demand for its services.

“There’s more S.V.S.G. can do with funding, there’s a lot more we are able to do,” she said.

There were currently about four paid staff in the organisation, and a massive amount of volunteers, she said. A recent murder had prompted a spike in demand for help from the victim support group. Siliniu said many women had been turning up, fearing for the lives of themselves and their children due to abuse from their spouses.

“You see the suffering in those women’s eyes, and also the fear in those children’s faces.”

In the recently-released State of Human Rights Report 2015, the Ombudsman presented a case study into the Samoa Victim Support Group. The report found S.V.S.G. was extremely important to the country.

“S.V.S.G’s original mission was to assist vulnerable victims of sexual crimes, but out of necessity it now provides integrated, personalised and professional service to all vulnerable survivors of crime,” the report stated. “It has seen the pain, tears and heartache of many victims, but also the joy, confidence and belief in justice for those survivors of violence, which helps the organisation to continue to take a stand and make a difference in the lives of many.

“[Samoa Victim Support Group’s] anger management course received 115 referrals from court (all males) since its inception. The course has been so successful that it has had only one re-offender. If the Government is using SVSG’s programmes through its court system, it must also support the organisation via funds to do its work,” the report stated. Muliagatele welcomed the findings of the human rights report. Many people were using their own homes to house victims of abuse, and volunteers were keeping the crucial service going, she said.

Funding to run services besides the school would be a massive help, she said. “We will be able to bring in a whole lot of good people [with more money],” she said.

She praised volunteers, and those whose donations helped keep the doors open. S.V.S.G. had numerous branches operating in New Zealand and Australia now, and they helped with funding too, she said. Volunteer Patty Perez, of Sydney, Australia, said she had married into a Samoan family and wanted to do everything she could to help out the community.

The country had a culture of silence around abuse, and she wanted to help tackle that. “There is help and it’s never too late to ask for help.”

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has blasted Tautua Samoa’s Member of Parliament, Lefau Harry Schuster, over his comments about the country’s ballooning foreign debt.

“Those kinds of noises are made by people who don't understand,” Tuilaepa said.

“They have never worked in the government to deal with finances.”

Back in the country after three weeks in New York, Tuilaepa was asked about Lefau’s claim that the government’s time is up and their penchant to borrow is driving the country into a hole.

During an interview with the Samoa Observer, Lefau was critical of Tuilaepa’s regime, saying they had put the country into debt, which would impact the next few generations of Samoans.

He was referring to the foreign debt, which has exceeded the $1billion mark.

“We have a situation from this current government, where our generation and four generations down will still pay that loan,” Lefau said. “It’s necessary to loan, only if you loan at the capacity you are able to repay the loan.” The impact of the debt is carried by everyone.

“When you are alive, you go into debt, you start a business and during your lifetime you want to leave that to your children debt free,” Lefau said. “That’s my approach to politics: you ensure that the debt you’re into is paid in your generation and leave it at a surplus.”

Asked about the risk of the country’s current debt on future generations, the Prime Minister said Lefau’s concern is not new.

“It’s a thought that is entertained by every country,” he said. “But there is no stupid country that limits its development in accordance to its revenue. If we did that, it would set back our development to as far back as 1985.”

The Prime Minister said donor partners give Samoa aid and financial assistance because they can see the government is trying with all its might to develop the country.

“(So those thoughts such as the ones by Lefau) is music to the ears of people who are weak,” he said. “The reality is that no business would be around today if they were to rely strictly on revenue. That’s why they borrow money.

“The reason why banks exist is to help develop local businesses so they can create jobs. It’s the same thing with any government.

“The difference for us is that we don't just borrow from expensive banks.”

Tuilaepa explained that before Samoa graduated from the least developed country status last year, the government never borrowed from the open market.

“The open market is expensive,” he said.

“Instead we negotiated with banks set up with a large component of grant element.

“It’s the same as China’s assistance to Samoa. They are helping us under two components, the first is aid assistance and the second is concessionary loans. In the end, we get the help we need, a longer period to pay it off as well as a grace period and low interest rates.”

Tuilaepa added that Samoa was in a much better position compared to other governments. He did not name any government in particular.

“Those governments borrow from expensive banks but we borrow from banks with low interest rates.”

Tuilaepa said there was no country in the world that didn’t borrow.

“If we were to stop that (borrowing), then we will turn around and increase taxes, cut the pensions and other benefits to ensure we keep the water, electricity running and those other things. So there’s nothing to worry about.”

Tuilaepa also gave Lefau a lecture about history.

“Keep in mind that the H.R.P.P came to power in 1982 because it was the country’s will. The people had seen that the government then was a mess.

“I was told that the government’s debt at the time was $15m and they couldn't pay. But at this time, there is no such thing.”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa said Samoa had come a long way.

“Compared to that time, we were only being fed pakua moa. We were only given chicken bones.

“People were fighting over a shipment of rice, at one point someone died.

“I understand that very well because I was at Treasury at the time. The shops were empty. But what do you see now? There is a variety of goods to choose from at the many different shops.”

A family is deep in mourning after a beloved relative and a father of four was found dead at his home during the weekend.

It is alleged that Peresala Clay Tioa, 49, was beaten to death by two men over a dispute they had earlier.

The Police are investigating.

At Luatuanu’u yesterday, Ateliana Clay Tioa, the wife of the deceased man, said it has been difficult.

Mrs. Tioa found the body of her husband in a pool of blood when she returned home last Friday.

“I last spoke to him at 11:29 p.m.

that night before we came home,” she said. “I thought he’s at the Taxi Stand but he said he’s home and that was the last time I ever heard his voice.

“I am still in shock about [his death], and I never thought that he would leave so soon.”

Mrs. Clay Tioa described her husband as a wonderful man that was everything a wife could ask for.

“Clay never lays a hand on me and I know he loves me very much.”

She said he was a good father who loved jokes and his children.

Clay’s aunty Galuafi Taulamatagi, who lives next door, was in tears over her nephew’s death.

“Clay is a good father, he’s a kind hearted man, and he’s loves his children very much.

“We are having a hard time trying to forget what happened.” Mrs. Clay Tioa believed her husband’s death came after an incident with someone at Leusoalii. Clay is the son of the late Faaleleiga Ae and Faataualofa Tioa. He is the fifth son of eight siblings. He is survived by his wife and four children.

The son of veteran Cabinet Minister, Tuiloma Pule Lameko, is following in his father’s footsteps.

Aumua Isaia Lameko is stepping into the political arena. His decision to declare his candidacy for March’s General Elections also means the end of his father’s political career.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Aumua said his father decided it was time for him to step down, due to his health.

It’s been more than 30 years since Tuiloma became a Member of Parliament.

He first served in Parliament at the M.P. for Safata, from 1978 to 1996. From 2001 until now he has held one of two Falealili seats.

The Minister of Revenue is now 80-years-old.

Aumua said he could never match his father’s accomplishments, but felt he could contribute to the development of the country. He named tourism and exports as the top two areas that generated revenue for the country.

“Those are the top two developments that need to be well established,” said Aumua.

“If people don’t have access to good roads they can’t go and work their lands…people also need to have access to water and electricity to do all that work.”

According to Aumua, most people from Falealili have moved inland since the tsunami.

Access to water and electricity were basic needs, crucial to the constituency.

He said most people picked for the Regional Seasonal Employment scheme were from Falealili.

The scheme, which runs through November to April, would mean most of the pickers won’t be casting their votes in March.

Aumua worked for the government from 1994- 2014, in the Public Service Commission, Ministry of Finance, Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Education.

Following his decision to leave the public service, he returned to the village to work the land.

Aumua said M.Ps should have a plantation, in order to serve their village and constituency.

Lupesoli’ai La’auli Joseph Parker is taking a leaf out of Robert Louis Stevenson’s book, to learn more about giving back to the people of Samoa.

Parker said he wanted to learn more about Samoa’s history, while on a tour of the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum yesterday.

Parker said he enjoyed the tour.

“I’ve been to Samoa a lot of times and I’ve always wanted to hear the story of Robert Louis and his time here in Samoa. I’ve been up to his grave but I never knew all about his story and history,” he said.

“I didn’t know that cocoa beans were brought into Samoa by the Stevenson family and I didn’t know that our people were scared of pineapples back then until they came and told our people that we can actually eat pineapples.

“The link between my visit here today and my career is getting to know more about someone who has done so much for our country and someone that our people respected.

“That is something that I’m working on at the moment. I want to give back to my people for all the support they’ve given me and make our country proud.”

The famous Samoan boxer is in the country to make a major announcement.

“What we’re here to do is to officially announce my big fight here in Samoa in the beginning of next year. And I always love coming back home [to] visit my family and friends here in Samoa.

“I’ve got one more fight coming up on the 5th of December, but at the back of my head, I am just looking forward to the fight that’ll be held here in Samoa because I know that it’ll make History.

“We’ve had a lot of Samoan great boxers in previous years and none of them held a fight here in Samoa. So what we’re trying to do is to bring a big fight here in Samoa, and give back to the people for their support. “

Parker said the term “tapuaiga” was vital to his career and for fight preparations.

“The term ‘tapuaiga’ helps me in many ways.

“It pushes me to train harder knowing that I have the full support of the country and sometimes when the trainings are hard, I just think about the tapuaiga and how many people are there cheering for me.

“It helps me train harder and prepare because I know that there are a lot of people that’ll be watching me and wanting me to do a good job.

Lupesoli’ai La’auli Joseph Parker’s parents arrived in Samoa yesterday, to stay for four days.

Today, the official announcement of his fight will be made at the S.T.A. fale.

A family is deep in mourning after a beloved relative and a father of four was found dead at his home during the weekend.

It is alleged that Peresala Clay Tioa, 49, was beaten to death by two men over a dispute they had earlier.

The Police are investigating.

At Luatuanu’u yesterday, Ateliana Clay Tioa, the wife of the deceased man, said it has been difficult.

Mrs. Tioa found the body of her husband in a pool of blood when she returned home last Friday.

“I last spoke to him at 11:29 p.m.

that night before we came home,” she said. “I thought he’s at the Taxi Stand but he said he’s home and that was the last time I ever heard his voice.

“I am still in shock about [his death], and I never thought that he would leave so soon.”

Mrs. Clay Tioa described her husband as a wonderful man that was everything a wife could ask for.

“Clay never lays a hand on me and I know he loves me very much.”

She said he was a good father who loved jokes and his children.

Clay’s aunty Galuafi Taulamatagi, who lives next door, was in tears over her nephew’s death.

“Clay is a good father, he’s a kind hearted man, and he’s loves his children very much.

“We are having a hard time trying to forget what happened.” Mrs. Clay Tioa believed her husband’s death came after an incident with someone at Leusoalii. Clay is the son of the late Faaleleiga Ae and Faataualofa Tioa. He is the fifth son of eight siblings. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Fighting at the Taufusi Markets has injured, scared and has led to calls for Police intervention.

On Wednesday, school students from Pesega College and St. Joseph’s College fought at the market, resulting in a girl having her hand sliced.

It is understood multiple students were involved, fighting through the bus stop. A Pesega College student, who wished to remain anonymous, detailed the brawl.

“ There were kids everywhere that were punching, kicking and tackling each other. It was crazy,” he said.

Another Pesega College student, speaking anonymously, was scared of the fighting.

“I’m going to get dropped off to school now. It’s too dangerous for me to go to the market anymore because I know they are going to fight again.”

Vaitele mother, Palota Fale, witnessed the fighting. “I was just sitting and waiting for the bus and before you know it, all these school kids started fighting.

“This is definitely not the first time they have done this at the market. The police need to do something to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

“It’s not safe for my children to come here anymore,” she said.

It was not possible to get a comment from the Police yesterday.

It’s official. Manu Samoa Head Coach, Stephen Betham, officially resigned on Tuesday.

And it was a decision that did not come easy.

During an interview with the Samoa Observer at his parents’ home at Lotopa, he fights to hold back the tears. The emotions are still very raw.

Following his arrival back into Samoa after the Rugby World Cup, Betham talked with his family on how things would pan out. For Betham, he said he had failed to meet his job performance indicators and had consequently let his country down.

The resignation, prior to the review, would give the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U.) ample time to advertise the post and the new Head Coach time to prepare.

That would mean his replacement was not put in the position Betham was in when he was given the job, with just six weeks before a tournament.

He was still with the Sevens at the time.

“My thoughts are instead of the next coach suffering that, I want him to prepare well, especially for the sake of the team,” he said.

The review is set to end in January. The advertisement won’t be done until February.

Betham said everything was done in the interest of the team and his family.

Since his return, he’s tried to stay out of the media.

“Sometimes when people see you in the news so many times, you know, [they say] he’s still in there [yet] he’s failed. He’s still hanging around. It’s just one of those things you accept as part of your job.”

Stepping down for Betham has been, in his own words, very hard.

But after nine years at it, it’s a chance for him to spend time with family as never before, as he was always on the road. Eventually, he plans to return to where it all began for him; the rugby club at Vaiala and the Apia Union.

“I guess being at the international level for nine years, you sort of lose that hunger. Sometimes it’s repetitive stuff.

When you’ve done something over and over, you start to lose focus.

You start to lose that hunger.”

Vaiala and Apia Union supported him from day one and are the reason he reached the echelon of Samoa rugby. It is there he will return and rekindle that same desire to return to the top again.

Even better, he is also willing to help any clubs that seek his assistance.

Does Betham feel he should shoulder the blame?

He admits there were contributing factors, but would rather wait for the review. Although the review will look at the players, coaches and logisitics, Betham says it’s his responsibility at the end of the day.

At the end of the review, everything is documented. He hopes the next management will use this as a base for where they went wrong.

Performance, Betham says, is not just on the field. It is a broad reflection of everything, including financial factors.

“I don’t look for excuses. The performance wasn’t good and probably 50 percent is my job and every other factor that comes from the review, we’ll find out later.”

He declined to comment on politics at the S.R.U.

“When I’m doing my coaching, I stay far away from [the politics]. All we know is we’re guided by the Union.

We’re given policies and we abide by them. We do the best we can and to me whatever happens, I can’t blame the Union for it. Maybe it might have a small influence, but I’m not going to point fingers.”

Criticisms on the performance of some players on social media also had consequences as they are read by players or they hear about it from family and friends. Some players don’t take it well and Betham says that also affects their performance.

“When you start criticizing people and they read about it, it affects them.

No matter what we say, it affects them and my hope is for those who criticize, wait until it’s all finished.”

As for his assistant coach, Namulauulu Alama Ieremia, Betham describes him as very professional, very thorough and very process influenced coach, like any other professional coach.

This compared to Betham who lacked the experience at an international level, Super XV and whose profession was with clubs on a local scale.

But he has learned a lot and is happy to take it back and filter down to the club level. “You get knocked down and have to get up. And for me getting back up is starting from the bottom again, making your way back to the top.”

Looking back, one of Betham’s most memorable moments was in winning the series in 2010. They had joked about it during the year when they were placed second in the ranks. Halfway through the series the boys were sitting around joking about what it would be like to win, or even give Samoa a public holiday and make history in the process.

“That challenge was taken to heart and when they won, they said ‘coach, we earned a public holiday for the country!’”

Another highlight was in 2012, with the fifteens, where Samoa became the first Tier two nation to rank seventh in the world.

Betham was happy to have seen some of the Sevens boys play at a professional level, settle overseas and buy homes.

“That’s a personal highlight for me. Just to see some of these boys make it that far.”

It was a dream for Betham to coach the Manu Samoa. If he couldn’t represent Samoa in rugby, his next choice was to coach.

He is grateful to God and everyone for the support, with the country’s support for the team easily felt.

Betham admits to being one of the critics before he started coaching. And when he got there, he tried to execute ideas he thought would avoid the same mistakes.

“One thing about coaching is you can never please everybody, [there are] different opinions and that’s life. You’ve got to live with it.”

Betham wished all teams well and urged the country to get behind them. And with the Sevens next week, it will be a big boost for Samoa to qualify for Olympics.

All in all, for Betham, the past nine years have been filled with memories.

“It’s been a great ride, been a rollercoaster ride, up and down… it’s an experience that I would do all over again. But for now, I’ve got to start again from the bottom.”

The son of veteran Cabinet Minister, Tuiloma Pule Lameko, is following in his father’s footsteps.

Aumua Isaia Lameko is stepping into the political arena. His decision to declare his candidacy for March’s General Elections also means the end of his father’s political career.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Aumua said his father decided it was time for him to step down, due to his health.

It’s been more than 30 years since Tuiloma became a Member of Parliament.

He first served in Parliament at the M.P. for Safata, from 1978 to 1996. From 2001 until now he has held one of two Falealili seats.

The Minister of Revenue is now 80-years-old.

Aumua said he could never match his father’s accomplishments, but felt he could contribute to the development of the country. He named tourism and exports as the top two areas that generated revenue for the country.

“Those are the top two developments that need to be well established,” said Aumua.

“If people don’t have access to good roads they can’t go and work their lands…people also need to have access to water and electricity to do all that work.”

According to Aumua, most people from Falealili have moved inland since the tsunami.

Access to water and electricity were basic needs, crucial to the constituency.

He said most people picked for the Regional Seasonal Employment scheme were from Falealili.

The scheme, which runs through November to April, would mean most of the pickers won’t be casting their votes in March.

Aumua worked for the government from 1994- 2014, in the Public Service Commission, Ministry of Finance, Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Education.

Following his decision to leave the public service, he returned to the village to work the land.

Aumua said M.Ps should have a plantation, in order to serve their village and constituency.

Fighting at the Taufusi Markets has injured, scared and has led to calls for Police intervention.

On Wednesday, school students from Pesega College and St. Joseph’s College fought at the market, resulting in a girl having her hand sliced.

It is understood multiple students were involved, fighting through the bus stop. A Pesega College student, who wished to remain anonymous, detailed the brawl.

“ There were kids everywhere that were punching, kicking and tackling each other. It was crazy,” he said.

Another Pesega College student, speaking anonymously, was scared of the fighting.

“I’m going to get dropped off to school now. It’s too dangerous for me to go to the market anymore because I know they are going to fight again.”

Vaitele mother, Palota Fale, witnessed the fighting. “I was just sitting and waiting for the bus and before you know it, all these school kids started fighting.

“This is definitely not the first time they have done this at the market. The police need to do something to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

“It’s not safe for my children to come here anymore,” she said.

It was not possible to get a comment from the Police yesterday.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has downplayed fears about Polynesian Airlines dragging the country to bankruptcy.

He has also clarified that although plans are in the pipeline for Polynesian Airlines to re-start its international flights, beginning with flights from Apia to Auckland, a final decision has yet to be made.

“It is in the process of finalisation,” Tuilaepa told the Sunday Samoan.

“There are plans in place and they have some really good plans but it’s not yet time for a final decision.”

When a decision is likely to be made, the Prime Minister did not say.

But Polynesian Airlines Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.), Seiuli Alvin Tuala, confirmed the plan during an interview with the Sunday Samoan where he also revealed plans to fly to Tonga, Brisbane and Sydney, Australia.

During the interview, Seiuli was adamant the Airline will not go through the same financial demise it has been associated with in the past.

“We’ve really looked at it closely,” he assured. “We’re not going to do anything that’s going to drive the company broke and we’re really looking closely at that and the viability of going with it and how we can sustain it.”

Seiuli added that strategies are in place to minimize the risks, which put the company in the red in the past.

“There are going to be no free tickets. There are going to be no upgrades and none of the things that we had in the past. You’ve got to control that," he said.

“You’ve got to be quite strong and be able to tell people in government or whoever, I’m sorry, but you pay like everyone else. If you don’t pay, you don’t get on.”

Asked about this, Prime Minister Tuilaepa said he is not concerned about mistakes of the past being repeated.

“If they follow the guidelines that they’ve got now which is everything in cash, there should be nothing to worry about,” Tuilaepa said.

“In the past, the biggest problem was that things were on credit but the new system is that everything has to be in cash. That applies to everyone.”

“So if you don't pay your ticket, you will get none.”

Asked about Polynesian Airlines going into a partnership with Solomon Airlines, Prime Minister Tuilaepa said there was nothing to worry about.

“Solomon Airlines is a credible airline,” he said. “It is the norm to look for opportunities in partnership arrangements to make the cost of doing business cheaper.”

On Friday, the Sunday Samoan received an email from C.E.O. Seiuli asking for a correction.

“First of all, we are not starting operations next month,” he wrote.

“We still have a lot of work to do before we launch which includes certification, seeking approvals from a number of C.A.As around the region and having all our systems and procedures in place. So we do not have a date to launch as yet as we still have much work to do.”

“Secondly, the pilots will not fly the plane themselves, they will work as first officers alongside Sol Airlines pilots and continue with their training. What the two pilots achieved was to get their type rating for the A320 Jet.”

In a recorded interview upon which the story was based, Seiuli said: “So we’re looking at November for our launch date, but I know that will cause a lot of fuel...aaaaah they shouldn’t go back to that...that’s why we do it quietly and we don’t want to make a fuss about it.”

“We just put our heads down and get our work done.”

The Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau, will have some tough competition for next year’s General Elections.

One of the strongest challenges will be mounted by Letogo village candidate, Sulamanaia Faleotituau Tauiliili, who is challenging the Minister for the Vaimauga West seat.

Sula, who works for the Ministry of Revenue, will be carrying the Human Rights Protection Party banner. He said there was much his village needed to see happen. “At the moment most of the villagers are living on leased land from the government,” he told the Sunday Samoan. “But those lands belong to the constituency and we want them returned."

“Our village of Letogo has also grown and there are numerous things we need to fix like our water supplies and roads.”

He said he would soon resign from the Ministry of Revenue, so he could prepare for the election. If he is unsuccessful, Sula said he hoped to return to the Ministry of Revenue.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has downplayed fears about Polynesian Airlines dragging the country to bankruptcy.

He has also clarified that although plans are in the pipeline for Polynesian Airlines to re-start its international flights, beginning with flights from Apia to Auckland, a final decision has yet to be made.

“It is in the process of finalisation,” Tuilaepa told the Sunday Samoan.

“There are plans in place and they have some really good plans but it’s not yet time for a final decision.”

When a decision is likely to be made, the Prime Minister did not say.

But Polynesian Airlines Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.), Seiuli Alvin Tuala, confirmed the plan during an interview with the Sunday Samoan where he also revealed plans to fly to Tonga, Brisbane and Sydney, Australia.

During the interview, Seiuli was adamant the Airline will not go through the same financial demise it has been associated with in the past.

“We’ve really looked at it closely,” he assured. “We’re not going to do anything that’s going to drive the company broke and we’re really looking closely at that and the viability of going with it and how we can sustain it.”

Seiuli added that strategies are in place to minimize the risks, which put the company in the red in the past.

“There are going to be no free tickets. There are going to be no upgrades and none of the things that we had in the past. You’ve got to control that," he said.

“You’ve got to be quite strong and be able to tell people in government or whoever, I’m sorry, but you pay like everyone else. If you don’t pay, you don’t get on.”

Asked about this, Prime Minister Tuilaepa said he is not concerned about mistakes of the past being repeated.

“If they follow the guidelines that they’ve got now which is everything in cash, there should be nothing to worry about,” Tuilaepa said.

“In the past, the biggest problem was that things were on credit but the new system is that everything has to be in cash. That applies to everyone.”

“So if you don't pay your ticket, you will get none.”

Asked about Polynesian Airlines going into a partnership with Solomon Airlines, Prime Minister Tuilaepa said there was nothing to worry about.

“Solomon Airlines is a credible airline,” he said. “It is the norm to look for opportunities in partnership arrangements to make the cost of doing business cheaper.”

On Friday, the Sunday Samoan received an email from C.E.O. Seiuli asking for a correction.

“First of all, we are not starting operations next month,” he wrote.

“We still have a lot of work to do before we launch which includes certification, seeking approvals from a number of C.A.As around the region and having all our systems and procedures in place. So we do not have a date to launch as yet as we still have much work to do.”

“Secondly, the pilots will not fly the plane themselves, they will work as first officers alongside Sol Airlines pilots and continue with their training. What the two pilots achieved was to get their type rating for the A320 Jet.”

In a recorded interview upon which the story was based, Seiuli said: “So we’re looking at November for our launch date, but I know that will cause a lot of fuel...aaaaah they shouldn’t go back to that...that’s why we do it quietly and we don’t want to make a fuss about it.”

“We just put our heads down and get our work done.”

The outcome of a mediation on a lawsuit brought by a former Police Commissioner claiming unlawful termination is still pending.

Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo has made the claim of unlawful termination against the Office of the Attorney General and members of a Commission of Inquiry, which recommended to Cabinet that he sacked.

Lilomaiava’s lawyer, Diana Roma, told the Sunday Samoan they were still waiting for a response from the mediation officer, to set a mediation date. Lilomaiava, who among other roles managed Tafa’igata Prison, was suspended for more than a year to allow a Commission of Inquiry to investigate him.

The Commission of Inquiry was chaired by Ombudsman Maiava Iulai Toma, with Gatoloai Tili Afamasaga and Su’a Tanielu as members.

A second Commission of Inquiry recommended Cabinet terminate Lilomaiava’s services.

His lawsuit alleges unlawful termination of his services, as well as damage to his reputation.

The Samoa Victim Support Group is moving forward with a lawsuit against police, to settle a dispute over the use of their building.

S.V.S.G. staff member Tauiliili Sam Fruean told the Sunday Samoan the building used to be mainly used by police, with S.V.S.G. only operating in a small part.

Cyclone Evan damaged the building and S.V.S.G. moved across the street.

When police wanted to pull down what is currently S.V.S.G’s main office, the organisation got the opportunity to renovate it.

They brought in an engineer, paid for largely by the Japanese embassy, and started renovations.

“While this went on...the only problem we had was police sometimes tried to stop the work,” Tauiliili said.

The group finished renovations in March, this year.

“That’s when we were told to have the upper level [of the two-storey building] for the police.

“For us, when police moved in, it was hard for us, but we decided to go along with what the government has ordered.”

Tauililili said that left S.V.S.G. with the bottom storey of their current main office building, as well as their office across the street.

They have been informed the building across the street will be pulled down.

Tauiliili said the top storey was needed, so the organisation could meet demand for their services.

“We want the space back.

“We cannot fit our operations down here anymore.”

He said it was upsetting to have the police claiming part of the building.

“That’s what makes us really frustrated, not only us, but our supporters as well.”

Funding from the Japanese embassy, which made the building renovations possible, had conditions too, and having police in the building did not suit that criteria, he said.

Tauiliili said the organisation’s hand was being forced, and at a meeting in September the board agreed to proceed with legal action.

“They’re in the process of putting together all the required documents.”

That work was likely to be done in time for S.V.S.G’s November board meeting, after which a lawyer would contact the police to inform them of the lawsuit. “It doesn’t suit for us to be in the same building as the police.

“There are victims that come in that don’t want the police to know they’re coming here.”

S.V.S.G. staff sometimes even resorted to looking at the top storey before they brought victims into the building, to make sure some members of the police would not see them.

Further complicating the dispute, Tauilili said police and S.V.S.G. could not reach an agreement over who was responsible for the building.

An attempt to write up an agreement stating who was responsible for the building failed.

Tauiliili disputed claims S.V.S.G’s current building belonged to the police, saying it was leased off the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

He was not sure how police would respond to the legal action.

“Honestly I don’t know, but I think there are a lot of factors they have to consider.

“Us taking the police to court is not just the police, it’s the whole government.”

Attempts by the Sunday Samoan to reach police for comment were unsuccessful.

An application for all registered matai of Tanugamanono Village - there are about 250 of them - to contribute to a payment of close to a million tala owed to the family of Afu Faumuina Tutuila, has angered villagers.

Businessman and former Cabinet Minister, Tupuola Afa Lesa, made the application after nine matai who were directly involved in this matter, had been declared bankrupt leaving him to pay for the compensation alone.

In the Supreme Court yesterday, his lawyer, Taulapapa Brenda Heather Latu, said her client had encountered problems serving the registered matai.

“We have started serving ten so far,” said Taulapapa.

“We ran into difficulties finding people because their location at the time of the registration was not the same as where they are living now."

“We propose to continue serving the matai" she said.

"It has caused huge distress and anger to some of the villagers.”

There are about 200 registered matai of Tanugamanono and about fifty of them live in Samoa.

The matter is presidede over by Supreme Court Judge, Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai.

Ruby Drake is representing the family of Ms. Tutuila.

Justice Lesatele asked to have the registrar enter a return date so that the matai would know when to appear in Court.

However, Mrs. Drake told the Court the wait will delay payment to Ms. Tutuila.

She explained she has an application to make for an interim payment order.

“There has been no payment since March that covers for December and February,” she told the court.

“That is the reason we moved for a committal warrant as well as trying to serve a bankruptcy notice on the present applicant," said.

"I also know that the moment we apply for a committal warrant against the current applicant he will move again to stop it."

"We are really in a vicious circle; the orders made have not been complied with.”

Mrs. Drake pointed out that Tupuola should be made to pay arrears up to this month in the sum of $16,000.

“I feel that justice is not being served. It is not the fault of the judgment creditor.”

But Lesatele said it would be unfair for the Court to make another commitment order against the particular applicant.

The matter has been adjourned to a date yet to be confirmed.

However, speaking outside the Court Mrs. Drake said $35,000 had already been paid.

And yet the matai and faipule of Tanugamanono had been ordered to pay a total of $860,000 for damages to the family of Ms. Tutuila.

In June this year, Tutuila questioned the court's decision to declrare bankrupt those eight matai of Tanugamanono.

Her complaint was published in a story carried by the Samoa Observer on 9 June 2015.

She said then: “They have been let off the hook.”

“They destroyed our properties. They hurt us and we are still hurting as we have had to rebuild our lives from nothing.”

“Now the Court has declared them bankrupt which basically means they will not be paying the compensation.”

“It’s a bad example for everyone."

Ms Tutuila then said "I respectfully seek the Court’s indulgence to reconsider its decision.”

"We need help.”

Last month though those eight matai were declared bankrupt.

The Court's decision apparently came after the matai were jailed for failing to pay compensation to the family of Ms. Tutuila.

That left the former Member of Parliament, Tupuola Afa Lesa, to pay the remaining debt of around a million tala.

In response to the court ruling, Ms. Tutuila said she was extremely disappointed.

“They shouldn't be declared bankrupt because it’s not a loan they are paying," she said. "It's compensation for our properties that they destroyed.”

“We find the decision sad.”

Ms. Tutuila also questioned the validity of the bankruptcy claim by the matai in question.

She revealed that "the biggest church denomination in the country has just granted them a $50,000 loan." She did not say which church denomination she was talking about.

What she said was: “I don’t know how it’s possible for them to be declared bankrupt and yet they have borrowed from the main church.”

“Where is the justification of their claim that they are bankrupt when they have borrowed from the church? Why is it then that they cannot pay compensation to us?”

“We feel that it’s totally unfair for us. It’s a bad precedent to allow them to get away from what they are legally obligated to pay.”

At the time, Ms. Tutuila said they had instructed their lawyer to look into the matter again.

The family of Ms. Tutuila, who was banished from the village, had been awarded a compensation of close to a million tala after their property was destroyed during a land dispute with members of the Congregational Christian Church of Tanugamanono.

Samoa’s Ombudsman has reaffirmed his responsibilities in regards to the police.

He was invited to speak at a staff meeting by the Ministry of Police.

The Ombudsman congratulated Commissioner Egon Keil and the force for doing good work in recent months.

“The role of the Ombudsman towards Police is not intended to obstruct or pass criticism of its work but to work alongside the Police officers to enhance the good work, and to help police officers to remain accountable and immune from undue criticism.

“A good Police force must be accountable for its actions and as servants of the public you are to be able to justify your actions as right and reasonable to retain the trust [and] cooperation of the people you serve,” Ombudsman Maiava Iulai Toma said in his address.

“Generally no-one is allowed to coerce anyone in a democratic state except the State itself. The Police have been designated to exercise the coercive powers of the State. These are awesome powers; so awesome that should they be improperly used they can do great harm and great injustice to individuals.

“Should they be used corruptly they have very serious consequences for society as a whole. It is for these reasons that special oversight powers are given to the Ombudsman with regard to misconduct in Police.

“Mistake is not misconduct. We all make mistakes. That is simply life, no-one is perfect. We learn from our mistakes so that we can move on as better professionals. So while mistake is not misconduct, covering up a mistake can be and covering up a mistake by lying is very serious misconduct”

Innocent people had nothing to fear when talking to the Ombudsman, unless they lied, he said.

In approaching the Ombudsman’s responsibilities with regard to misconduct in Police he stated:

“I have made known my intention for the P.S.U, to the fullest extent possible, to continue handling complaints made against police and for matters in their entirety to be dealt with through established processes within Police.

“Hopefully most complaints could be processed totally by P.S.U without [involving] my Office at all and for matters to proceed up, where necessary, to the Police Tribunal and eventually the Commissioner.

“On selected matters my office would consult with P.S.U on progress of active investigations and may suggest directions or areas for inquiries to move into. Such complaints would remain within Police processes for determination by the Police Tribunal and ultimate action by the Commissioner.

“In hopefully rare instances, matters may be taken completely out of police hands for investigation and determination by the Office of the Ombudsman.

“I hope these cases will be few, but the potential is there for specific matters to be taken out of police hands for independent investigation and determination within the processes of the Ombudsman’s office.

“My office is currently undertaking an investigation of an incident which happened at the market. Although I directed the investigation to take place, I have deliberately not involved myself in it, preferring for all facts to be gathered before I look at the matter as a whole.

“I therefore have no significant knowledge of the investigation as it stands. I can tell you, however, that from the outset the primary aim has not been to charge or condemn anybody.

“On the face of it an event of serious concern with markedly novel features had happened and a citizen had complained about the treatment by the Police. As Ombudsman I needed to know the true facts to form a view on the reasonableness or otherwise of the treatment given to the citizen.

“Additionally, as firearms were involved, in a novel way I wanted to know what the law was on the use of firearms by the Police, the policies that may be established with regard to firearms and practice that may be employed.

“With a full understanding of these aspects I, as Ombudsman, may or may not have something to say about such law, policy or practice,” Ombudsman Maiava Iulai Toma concluded.

The Ombudsman has general jurisdiction for good governance over all public agencies including Police. The Ombudsman (Komesina o Sulufaiga) Act 2013 gives the Ombudsman extensive powers to investigate, either on his own motion or on allegations brought to him, matters pointing to defective governance for all sorts of reasons including such things as unreasonableness, misuse or abuse of power.

Under this general good governance jurisdiction, the Ombudsman investigates and may make recommendations flowing from his investigations. It is important to note that he If he is not satisfied with an agency’s response to his recommendations he may refer the matter to the Prime Minister and make a report to Parliament.

Further to his good governance jurisdiction, the Ombudsman reviews the Professional Standards Unit (P.S.U.) under the Police Services Act 2009 and the Ombudsman (Special Investigations Unit) Regulations 2015. In this role, the Ombudsman is expected to periodically review work done by the P.S.U. and report on these reviews, primarily to the Commissioner of Police and others who are interested in the work and performance of the P.S.U.

The second distinct role of the Ombudsman is the protection and promotion of human rights.

Specifically this involves monitoring places of detention in Samoa, which in the case of the police means ensuring the human rights of those being detained are met, although this is of course a major consideration. It is also to ensure the human rights of Police officers are being met too.That means looking at whether Police have the necessary training, equipment and operating guidelines to ensure safety and security in the exercise of their duties and making suggestions for improvement.

In addition to the functions of the Office of Ombudsman under its Act is a specific responsibility with regards to complaints against Police Officers or Correction Officers and of any other disciplined forces that may be established and designated as such.

The Ombudsman’s concern is not the substance of the work of such forces but with how they conduct their work.

The Office is just now beginning to assume this function through the establishment of a Special Investigations Unit. Investigations are done confidentially and are not to be discussed with newspapers.

The Ombudsman will issue reports in appropriate instances should they serve the public interest.

A former Member of Parliament believes a breakdown in family values is responsible for high levels of crime in Samoa.

“Our family values are broken down and I believe that is the cause of all these troubles,” LeotaSu’ateleManusegi said.

“Technology has really affected our people in a very negative way. I’m not saying that it is bad, but it has changed the behaviors of our people in a very bad way.

“I believe that the main cause of these crimes is because our people do not value the special things that our people used to treasure. Things like life, our culture and traditions.

“Nowadays, our people are being manipulated by all these technologies and they value these things more than they value our tradition and fa’aSamoa.

“Life is something that we should treasure and it is the most valuable thing in the world, but what is happening now? Every week there is always someone being killed. By who? Their own relatives, their own husbands and friends.

“It is intolerable and we cannot just sit around and pretend that nothing is wrong. These kinds of things rarely happened back in the day. But what’s happening now, it is rapidly increasing and that breaks my heart. “

Leota believed there was a simple way to deal with crime.

“Everything starts from our families. That is where our children are first educated and [it is] the solid foundation of any Samoan,” he said.

“I believe that everyone has a part to play. Samoa is known as the most organised community because of its matai system. Again, that is starting to fade away. It is time to rekindle our culture and bring back our values and traditions.

“Our government is wasting a lot of money in bringing in overseas people and in hosting workshops and seminars about ways to reduce the increasing number of crimes we have in Samoa. They can’t just bring in palagis and expect them to solve this issue, as if they are some kind of Jesus Christ.

“Go back to our roots, our basic value systems. I believe that if we have more workshops in the villages involving all the people in the village under the supervision of ali’i and faipule and church leaders, it will help bring our people together and talk about these things.

“I feel that if our youths are taught and are reminded about how valuable life is together, we can help [end] these bad behaviors.

“Evening services is one practice that we seldom see nowadays.

Where are our children during these times? They are either at the rugby fields, or they are hanging out with their friends.

“Our people should go back to enforcing these practices.”

Leota felt there was a lack of caring in Samoan culture.

“They say that sharing is caring and we used to care for each other because it was part of our cultural norms.

“I believe that is why there are a lot of disputes nowadays - we don’t care about each other anymore and again, our family values are broken down.

“We have a small police force here in Samoa. But with the help of ali’i and faipule and faifeaus and everyone, we can reduce these crimes.”

An application for all registered matai of Tanugamanono Village - there are about 250 of them - to contribute to a payment of close to a million tala owed to the family of Afu Faumuina Tutuila, has angered villagers.

Businessman and former Cabinet Minister, Tupuola Afa Lesa, made the application after nine matai who were directly involved in this matter, had been declared bankrupt leaving him to pay for the compensation alone.

In the Supreme Court yesterday, his lawyer, Taulapapa Brenda Heather Latu, said her client had encountered problems serving the registered matai.

“We have started serving ten so far,” said Taulapapa.

“We ran into difficulties finding people because their location at the time of the registration was not the same as where they are living now."

“We propose to continue serving the matai" she said.

"It has caused huge distress and anger to some of the villagers.”

There are about 200 registered matai of Tanugamanono and about fifty of them live in Samoa.

The matter is presidede over by Supreme Court Judge, Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai.

Ruby Drake is representing the family of Ms. Tutuila.

Justice Lesatele asked to have the registrar enter a return date so that the matai would know when to appear in Court.

However, Mrs. Drake told the Court the wait will delay payment to Ms. Tutuila.

She explained she has an application to make for an interim payment order.

“There has been no payment since March that covers for December and February,” she told the court.

“That is the reason we moved for a committal warrant as well as trying to serve a bankruptcy notice on the present applicant," said.

"I also know that the moment we apply for a committal warrant against the current applicant he will move again to stop it."

"We are really in a vicious circle; the orders made have not been complied with.”

Mrs. Drake pointed out that Tupuola should be made to pay arrears up to this month in the sum of $16,000.

“I feel that justice is not being served. It is not the fault of the judgment creditor.”

But Lesatele said it would be unfair for the Court to make another commitment order against the particular applicant.

The matter has been adjourned to a date yet to be confirmed.

However, speaking outside the Court Mrs. Drake said $35,000 had already been paid.

And yet the matai and faipule of Tanugamanono had been ordered to pay a total of $860,000 for damages to the family of Ms. Tutuila.

In June this year, Tutuila questioned the court's decision to declrare bankrupt those eight matai of Tanugamanono.

Her complaint was published in a story carried by the Samoa Observer on 9 June 2015.

She said then: “They have been let off the hook.”

“They destroyed our properties. They hurt us and we are still hurting as we have had to rebuild our lives from nothing.”

“Now the Court has declared them bankrupt which basically means they will not be paying the compensation.”

“It’s a bad example for everyone."

Ms Tutuila then said "I respectfully seek the Court’s indulgence to reconsider its decision.”

"We need help.”

Last month though those eight matai were declared bankrupt.

The Court's decision apparently came after the matai were jailed for failing to pay compensation to the family of Ms. Tutuila.

That left the former Member of Parliament, Tupuola Afa Lesa, to pay the remaining debt of around a million tala.

In response to the court ruling, Ms. Tutuila said she was extremely disappointed.

“They shouldn't be declared bankrupt because it’s not a loan they are paying," she said. "It's compensation for our properties that they destroyed.”

“We find the decision sad.”

Ms. Tutuila also questioned the validity of the bankruptcy claim by the matai in question.

She revealed that "the biggest church denomination in the country has just granted them a $50,000 loan." She did not say which church denomination she was talking about.

What she said was: “I don’t know how it’s possible for them to be declared bankrupt and yet they have borrowed from the main church.”

“Where is the justification of their claim that they are bankrupt when they have borrowed from the church? Why is it then that they cannot pay compensation to us?”

“We feel that it’s totally unfair for us. It’s a bad precedent to allow them to get away from what they are legally obligated to pay.”

At the time, Ms. Tutuila said they had instructed their lawyer to look into the matter again.

The family of Ms. Tutuila, who was banished from the village, had been awarded a compensation of close to a million tala after their property was destroyed during a land dispute with members of the Congregational Christian Church of Tanugamanono.