Businesswoman Moe Lei Sam has again lashed out at the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, and his administration over the state of the country.

“Samoa is in a mess,” she said. “I see poverty everyday when I look outside the window.

More and more young children are resorting to a life of begging on the streets.

“Our women and young girls are not safe out there, because rapists and murderers are walking around freely when they should be in jail.

“Where is the government?

What are they doing about this?”

The 64-year-old Ms. Lei Sam contacted the Samoa Observer yesterday to express her concerns, after reading a story titled “Dangerous fugitives on the run” on the newspaper’s front page.

The story highlighted concerns about two dangerous prisoners who are at large. One of them, Lauititi Tualima, was recently returned to jail with a longer sentence after he managed to tie up a man and raped his partner at a local tourism accommodation.

The other is Faigame Vaitoelau.

“Where is the Prime Minister?” Ms. Lei Sam asked.

“This is his time. It is his responsibility to lead his administration to clean up Samoa.

Our people are afraid, our women are scared and at times like this, we look to our leaders and yet we don't know where they are.”

It was not possible to obtain a comment from Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi yesterday. He is leading the Samoan delegation to the Paris C.O.P 21 meeting in France.

“The problem, I think, is that our leaders are too busy with elections.”

Having lived in Samoa all her life, Ms. Lei Sam said the crime rate in Samoa has never been “this bad”.

“This has never happened before,” she said. “People are no longer scared to kill each other. There is so much theft; there are robberies, rape and all sorts of vile crimes. It’s scary and as a Samoan, I’m scared. I think so many other women share the same feeling.”

Getting back to Prime Minister Tuilaepa, Ms. Lei Sam said he is wasting so much time on “useless things”.

“I think the Prime Minister is too busy pulling other people down and he has neglected his job of dealing with issues that are worrying our people.

“Take, for example, how he ridiculed the former Miss Samoa who has gone to the Miss World. What did she do wrong? She didn't deserve to be put down like that but that’s what our Prime Minister did.

“ I think he should concentrate on dealing with the real issues instead of wasting our time with these other petty issues.”

Asked what the real issues were, Ms. Lei Sam said “poverty” is a real issue.

“My heart sinks every time I look out the window and I see these kids running around at all hours of the day selling stuff. That tells me that our people are so poor and there is so much poverty in Samoa.

“Many of them are nine and eight year olds. It’s heartbreaking.”

She told of an incident last week where two young girls approached her at her shop.

“I looked down and I saw that the pineapples they were selling were bigger than this kid’s head. I became so sad. This is what the future will be like for Samoa.

“So my question again is that, where is our Prime Minister? What are they doing about these things?”

On the issue of safety, Ms.

Lei Sam said it is unfair to blame the Prison Authority and the Police for what is happening.

“Everyone has a role to play but ultimately it has to be the government that takes the lead. If things are a mess at the Prison, it reflects badly on Tuilaepa’s government. It means the government is not functioning well. At the end of the day, the buck stops with them.”

Ms. Lei Sam is a vocal critic of the government and not so long ago had also warned about the future of the country.

“Our ancestors fought for our country to be independent because they wanted a brighter future for our people,” she said. “They would not have envisioned what is going on today.

Samoa is in danger now and we have to do something about it.”

Pastor Pattie Ah Kuoi, the Founder of Rhema Bible Training Centre, says there is no greater satisfaction than finishing a job.

Her message comes as Rhema celebrates 2015’s graduates, with families and friends gathering at Taufusi on Monday for the graduation ceremony.

Four students graduated with fourth year advanced diplomas.

But the celebration was marred with sadness as one of them, Toefoi Toefoi, had passed away.

Those who were able to make the graduation were Phillip Junior Setu, Paul Junior To’o and Joseph Tupe Tupai.

The graduation marked the end of a long journey for the students and staff of Rhema.

“Finishing a task is better than starting,” said Pastor Pattie Ah Kuoi.

She reminded the audience that God does not want starters.

“He needs finishers,” she said. “We can finish any task with Him on our side.”

Speaking to the graduates, the Pastor believed they were “prepared”, and were ready for the next step of their journey.

Having the right attitude, determination, honesty, willingness and faith were the weapons she believed would let anyone finish any task given to them, as well as a “whatever it takes” attitude.

“Jesus was an amazing example of a ‘whatever it takes’ attitude,” she said.

“Do not leave the job half-done.

In her final remarks, she congratulated the graduates and wished them the best for their futures.

“This is your calling from God and there is a bright future ahead of us.”

Rhema Bible Training College is an inter-denominational ministry training center designed to train men and women who feel a call on their life to work for God.

A year of struggles and hard work at Maluafou College has wrapped up, with a prize giving held to celebrate the end of the academic journey for 2015.

The school hall was packed with all the families and friends of the students joining the celebration on Monday.

Reverend Palemia Tauili’ili from the Congregational Christian Church of Samalaeulu conducted a small service to start the celebration, followed by the keynote address, which was delivered by Reverend Vavatau Taufao.

The Schools Director for the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa reminded the students that education was their pathway to success.

He congratulated the graduates and teachers for this year’s work and urged them to keep on “striving for the best”.

Having said that, he told the audience that, like Martin Luther King, he has a dream for Maluafou College.

“I have a dream that one day Maluafou College will rise up above all schools in Samoa.”

He believed that his dream will be achieved if the students, teachers and parents work hand in hand with prayer and hard work as their main weapon. Excitement and joyful spirits bubbled over as prize getters received their awards. However, nothing beat the loud shouts from the parents and family of 16-yearold Josephine Laulu from Moamoa, who was named the top student of this year. She was also the top art student and took away five trophies.

Speaking to Samoa Observer, she said she felt “blessed” by the honour. “All thanks and glory be with our God, for He made this happen for me,” she said.

She thanked her family and her parents for supporting her throughout her academic journey at Maluafou College.

“It was a tough ride filled with challenges,” she said.

Proud mother Alisi Matiasi Laulu of Moamoa said the family did not expect Josephine to walk away as top student for the year. However, she believed her daughter had reaped what she sowed.

She recalled the countless times she had sat from afar, watching her daughter struggle doing her homework throughout the year.

“She had sleepless nights,” she said. “I’ve witnessed her struggle, trying to finish her assignments and having stayed up all night studying.”

The mother said she told her off a number of times for staying up late and not getting enough sleep.

“Sometimes I get really angry at her for not listening to us.”

At the same time, the proud parent said she was praying to God, asking Him to guide her daughter and make her dreams come true.

The top student told the Samoa Observer that she is now ready to begin her next journey.

She said she wants to be a lawyer and will do anything to make that happen.

“Growing up, I have always been a witness of arguments over land and title within my extended family,” she said.

She believed that her way of helping to put an end to her family’s disputes was by pursuing her dream as a lawyer.

“I will go for it, knowing that Our Heavenly Father has got my back, [and] I believe that with him, everything is possible.”

Students attending Vaimoso Primary School had more reasons to celebrate yesterday.

Not only is the fourth and final school term for 2015 drawing to a close with Christmas around the corner, they now have a brand new $219,000 school building to boot.

This has given the students plenty of reasons to look forward to the new school year when they will return to a learning environment that should motivate them to work harder.

The project was funded by the Japanese government and the Vaimoso Village.

The Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua, spoke on behalf of the government to thank Japan for the kind assistance.

He highlighted that the government prioritises education and the school building will allow the students of Vaimoso to improve their learning.

Speaking on behalf of the Japanese government, Ambassador Tuimaugaoalii Kazumasa Shibuta, said the grant for the project was provided under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.

“I know it hasn’t been an easy task to get it completed but I am impressed at the persistence of the school committee and the village of Vaimoso to get this project completed,” said Tuimaugaoali’i.

“I hope these new classrooms would create a happier and more comfortable learning environment for the children and I am sure many bright young minds educated here will become the leaders of Samoa in the future.”

According to the Ambassador, Japan has been helping Samoa under the project in question since 1991.

“Since the inception of this scheme, thousands of Samoan people at the village and community level have benefitted from it.

“I urge the teachers, staff and students to ensure proper maintenance of the building so it may continue to be used for years to come.”

Samoan man Daniel Marquardt believes he can change the world through rowing.

The 35-year-old is training six days a week in New Zealand at the moment, in a bid to represent Samoa in rowing during the 2016 Olympic Games.

“I believe that my qualification for and participation in the Olympics will ensure the successful adoption and development of rowing in Samoa,” Marquardt said.

“A few weeks ago, I participated in U.S. Rowing’s fall speed order, which is a measuring stick for elite rowers seeking U.S. national team selection.

“The event has two competition components: an ergometer test, [which] measures speed potential using an apples-to-apples method, and an on-water race in single sculls.

“I finished fifth on the erg test, despite training on an elite level for a relatively short period.

“While I expected to finish last on the water, given my novice technique, I actually beat a couple of competitors to the great surprise and delight of many following the event.

“I am on a very steep learning curve, that could very well see me compete for gold in the Asia/ Oceania Olympic qualifier, where the top seven finishers will make the Olympics, and then continue to improve and make a very surprising debut competition in the Olympics.”

Marquardt lives with his wife and daughters, near Washington, D.C. in the United States.

Originally a college football player, with N.F.L aspirations, injuries ended Marquardt’s dreams of football stardom. After that, he gained a massive amount of weight, ending up at about 350 pounds.

“Three years ago I decided to change my life and learn about rowing, so that I could expose my two young daughters to the sport.

“This resulted in my losing more than 100 pounds and discovering my Olympic potential.”

The athlete’s training in New Zealand is taking place throughout the country’s summer months, with the N.Z. racing season going through to late February. Then it’s on to the Olympic qualifier.

“The Olympic qualifier for Samoa is the Asia/Oceania Olympic Qualifying Regatta, which will be held from 23- 25 April in Korea.

“The top seven finishers in my event, the heavyweight single scull (M1x), will qualify for the Olympics. “My goal at the regatta is to not only qualify, but finish on the podium and show Samoa that anything is possible.” If successful, the hopeful athlete aims to inspire a new generation of female Samoan rowers. “Samoan athletic talent is exported into sports like American football and international rugby.

These sports have created thousands of opportunities for young Samoan men to travel beyond the islands, experience Western culture and receive university educations.

“What is alarming to me is that this conversation about athletics has almost entirely excluded half of Samoa’s population. “There is no American football or rugby with the accompanying benefits for women.

The only reason there is no such sport for women is because noone has [found] one, until this year.

“Rowing will be the sport that will create parallel opportunities for Samoan women to those that exist for men in sports.”

Marquardt’s family comes from the village of Malie (Collins family) in Samoa and Leone (Marquardt family) in American Samoa.

The Mundia family is celebrating a successful prize giving at Robert Louis Stevenson Secondary School, with 18-year-old Lute Mundia and her brother named as the big winners on Wednesday.

The siblings, from Aopo, Savai’i, and residing at Vaitele-fou, walked away with the first and second places for Robert Louis Stevenson Secondary School.

Eighteen-year-old Lute Mundia was named top student while her younger brother, Talie Mundia, 16, won the prize for first runner-up.

Lute said it has been a challenging year for her, with her brother Talie describing 2015 as “overwhelming”.

Lute said competing with her brother was challenging for her.

“We don’t study together even though we took the same courses,” she said.

Talie couldn’t agree more, saying the whole purpose of them not studying together was so they could learn how to be independent.

“We know we will not be together for the rest of our lives, so I think studying on our own was good practice for us in trying to be independent.

“We wanted to do things on our own, so that we don’t have to rely on each other all the time,” said Lute.

Talie added: “We were like two strangers living in the same house, studying the same courses, [who] are related.”

Both of them studied science, but have different career paths in mind.

For Lute, she is aiming to be an engineer, while Talie is looking at taking up medicine.

Despite the differences they had during studies, the siblings were “overwhelmed” and “thrilled with happiness” because they had completed their journey at R.L.S.S and managed to put a smile on their mother’s face.

“We are so grateful to God for His blessings upon us,” they both said.

They wanted to thank their parents, families and teachers for all the encouragement and support they’ve given them.

Niu Mundia was proud of her ambitious children at the prize giving, and spoke of how they have always been competitive.

“My heart is full of joy and I am very happy,” she said. “I am especially grateful to God for guiding my children and by using them for His glory.”

Niu Mundia said the main challenge she gave to her children was to “put God first before anything else”.

The special ceremony began with a small service conducted by Reverend Fa’avevela Tuato from the Methodist Church at Si’usega.

The celebration commemorated the hard work done by teachers, parents and students throughout the year, said the Chairman of the School Board, Papali’i Wright, who addressed the audience.

He challenged the school leavers to think hard about their future and keep moving forward, not backward.

He also told the returning students to look ahead into their futures and take everything “step by step”.

The Mundia family is celebrating a successful prize giving at Robert Louis Stevenson Secondary School, with 18-year-old Lute Mundia and her brother named as the big winners on Wednesday.

The siblings, from Aopo, Savai’i, and residing at Vaitele-fou, walked away with the first and second places for Robert Louis Stevenson Secondary School.

Eighteen-year-old Lute Mundia was named top student while her younger brother, Talie Mundia, 16, won the prize for first runner-up.

Lute said it has been a challenging year for her, with her brother Talie describing 2015 as “overwhelming”.

Lute said competing with her brother was challenging for her.

“We don’t study together even though we took the same courses,” she said.

Talie couldn’t agree more, saying the whole purpose of them not studying together was so they could learn how to be independent.

“We know we will not be together for the rest of our lives, so I think studying on our own was good practice for us in trying to be independent.

“We wanted to do things on our own, so that we don’t have to rely on each other all the time,” said Lute.

Talie added: “We were like two strangers living in the same house, studying the same courses, [who] are related.”

Both of them studied science, but have different career paths in mind.

For Lute, she is aiming to be an engineer, while Talie is looking at taking up medicine.

Despite the differences they had during studies, the siblings were “overwhelmed” and “thrilled with happiness” because they had completed their journey at R.L.S.S and managed to put a smile on their mother’s face.

“We are so grateful to God for His blessings upon us,” they both said.

They wanted to thank their parents, families and teachers for all the encouragement and support they’ve given them.

Niu Mundia was proud of her ambitious children at the prize giving, and spoke of how they have always been competitive.

“My heart is full of joy and I am very happy,” she said. “I am especially grateful to God for guiding my children and by using them for His glory.”

Niu Mundia said the main challenge she gave to her children was to “put God first before anything else”.

The special ceremony began with a small service conducted by Reverend Fa’avevela Tuato from the Methodist Church at Si’usega.

The celebration commemorated the hard work done by teachers, parents and students throughout the year, said the Chairman of the School Board, Papali’i Wright, who addressed the audience.

He challenged the school leavers to think hard about their future and keep moving forward, not backward.

He also told the returning students to look ahead into their futures and take everything “step by step”.

The President of the Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G), Siliniu Lina Chang, has denied tampering with Police evidence in relation to a matter before the District Court.

• JUDGE: Vaepule Vaemoa Vaai 
• PROSECUTING LAWYERS: Fepulea’i Patrick Fepuleai and Diana Roma 

DEFENCE LAWYERS: 
• Taulapapa Brenda Heather-Latu for Siliniu Lina Chang and Tumua Luafalealo
• Papali’i Taeu Masipau for Sala’a Sale Sala’a 
• Alalatoa Rosella Papali’i for Elaine Ulia-Faiga 

Siliniu uttered the denial when her evidence continued yesterday in the ongoing hearing of charges against her and others in relation to an alleged attempt to defeat the cause of justice.

At the heart of the matter is Susan Caroline Stowers, who had apparently lodged a complaint against Elaine Ulia-Faiga, another defendant in the hearing.

Siliniu – and others – are accused of an attempt to ensure Ms. Stowers withdrew her complaint and left the country before the hearing.

Taking the stand, Siliniu also dismissed the accusation she had breached the trust of Ms. Stowers, who was under S.V.S.G’s care, after revealing in Court what the girl had told her in confidence.

During cross-examination, lawyer Fepulea’i questioned Siliniu about the work of S.V.S.G.

“From reading the reason why S.V.S.G was setup, its purpose is to protect the victims and care for them,” said Fepulea’i.

“There is nothing in here that says you are allowed to interview [the] victim or accused. Susan was also under your care and in this case she should’ve remained there until her Court case finishes.”

In response, Siliniu said it’s true that their work is to care and shelter the victims.

“But we cannot hold her if she keeps running away,” she said.

She explained she had not agreed to meet with Elaine, Terry (Elaine’s husband, a church minister who allegedly had a sexual relationship with Susan Caroline Stowers) and the parents of Susan. She said they kept visiting her office to meet with her.

“What’s so hard about telling Elaine and [Susan’s] parents that came asking to withdraw the case that it is before the Court?” Fepulea’i asked.

Siliniu responded that she told them exactly that.

“What’s worse is S.V.S.G had talked to Terry and Elaine, who is the defendant in the case,” Fepuleai followed up.

Again, Siliniu explained she had not invited them to come to her office.

However, they were arguing in front of the office which is why they were brought in to her office.

“I don’t know what’s so bad with that,” she added.

The prosecutor said it was bad since there was a Court hearing pending on 25 July, where police would call their witnesses.

“But you talked with them and now you were tampering with police evidence,” said Fepuleai.

Siliniu denied this.

“I did not tamper with police evidence. I also didn’t want to meet with them. As I mentioned before, the faletua and faifeau have been coming to my office many times and I declined (to talk to them).”

Fepulea’i though was not convinced.

“Shouldn’t you have maintained your stance and told them the case was before Court?” he asked.

The President insisted she had advised them about it.

Fepuleai told Siliniu the case was before the Court and Police had all the witnesses, and she tampered with the evidence when she spoke with the defendant.

He also asked the President why she had disclosed a conversation she had with Susan, where she had promised not to tell anyone.

In response, Siliniu said: “Yes I did, and I haven’t spoken to anyone about what she had told me.”

“But you told the Court (what she told you)?” Fepulea’i put it to her.

Siliniu said she had to disclose the matter because of the charges she is facing.

But she insisted that she had not said anything to the Criminal Investigative Division about what Susan had told her, she had only told them about what Elaine said.

Another crucial area Fepuleai wanted to understand is why Siliniu initiated a meeting where the parents were present and decided to withdraw the charges.

In response, she explained that Susan’s mother had visited their office, seeking to withdraw the charges. She had then advised her to have a meeting with the others and “end this matter” that had been “dragging for too long”.

But Fepuleai insisted it was not Siliniu’s job to encourage the withdrawing of the charges.

Siliniu again denied the allegation.

Evidence from Susan, stating she was asked by Siliniu to apologise to her parents and others in a meeting that was held at the office was put to the President.

Siliniu told the Court she heard the evidence and “I looked at her with love and [wondered] why she would create such lies”.

Moving on to the letter made under the letterhead of S.V.S.G to the Police Commissioner to withdraw the charges, Fepulea’i questioned why it was done in that manner.

Siliniu said Inspector Sala’a said to have the letter written under their letterhead, since the case was brought to the Police through the S.V.S.G office.

“Am I correct if I say that Sala’a worded the letter?” said Fepulea’i.

The President denied this, saying he had only advised about the format of the letter.

“So it’s correct if I say the letter was a request from S.V.S.G to withdraw the charges, considering the wording of the letter?” the lawyer asked.

Siliniu said yes. She said the letter was made under the S.V.S.G letterhead but the request was agreed upon by the parents in the meeting.

“From your evidence you said you suspected the Commissioner will not accept the letter. Why is this?”

She explained she would not be surprised if the request was rejected because most of her correspondence with Lilomaiava was usually not accepted.

Fepulea’i also put to Siliniu that, according to evidence from Susan’s parents, she had told them to get Susan out of the country before the Court case on 25 July 2013.

The President denied the allegation.

Unsatisfied with this, Fepulea’i told the Court that Susan’s parents are “simple people” who live out in the village and do not understand Court proceedings, and that if a complainant is not present, the case will automatically be dismissed.

“But you are aware of these proceedings and you have been a police officer for a very long time. So it is true, your office had informed the parents to ensure their daughter leaves the country before the Court case.”

Siliniu repeatedly denied the allegation and said she had not made the instructions.

The trial continues today.

Siliniu is one of four defendants in the ongoing case. The President and Sala’a face a charge over the arrangement for Ms. Stowers’ parents to withdraw a complaint she filed against Ulia-Faiga in July 2013.

The second charge is against Siliniu and Tumua, where they are accused of an attempt to ensure Ms. Stowers left the country before a hearing, which had been scheduled for 24 July, 2013.

Lastly, the defendants are accused of telling Ms. Stowers not to cooperate with the Police investigation.

Fa’atuatua College’s 2015 Valedictorian, Solivalealofiolenuu Wilson, has dedicated her achievements to her late father and her two-year-old son.

“It’s the end of tough journey and the beginning of another journey academically,” she said yesterday, during the College’s prize giving.

“This is for my dad, he’s always [been] there for me from the start,” she said with tears in her eyes.

“This is my only prize giving he missed out[on in] all the years of my journey.”

The 17-year-old said her son, Moses Wilson, had helped her in her schooling too.“My son motivates me in school, now that my dad is gone.”

Ms. Wilson started off in year 10 at Fa’atuatua College, after having her son.

She said being part of Fa’atuatua College felt good, and she had made good friends and good memories during her time at the school.

In her farewell speech, she thanked the Principal, the teachers, her family and the rest of the graduating class for 2015.

“There is nothing that can hold you back.”

Ms. Wilson is the daughter of the late Filoitumua Dick Wilson and Laina Wilson of Vaivase-Tai.

She said she has no plans for her future yet, and for the time being will be living in the moment and enjoying life.

A science student who dreams of becoming a heart surgeon or doctor has been named 2015’s Valedictorian for Pesega College.

At a prize giving held Tuesday morning, 17-year-old Peniel Adelaide Nifae Magele was given the top honour at the school.

“I’m overwhelmed and grateful with my accomplishment this year,” she said.

“I didn’t expect this because there were a lot of competitions and there were a lot of students who were competing for this place.

“Tears of joy came running down my cheeks when I heard my name called out as this year’s Valedictorian.”

She dedicated her accomplishment to her family, especially her parents, as well as God.

“It’s all for Him because, to be very honest, if it wasn’t for God I wouldn’t be able to accomplish this and I wouldn’t be able to make my parents and family proud,” she said.

“For this I owe Him (God) my life and everything that I have achieved today.”

Asked what the next step is for her, the bright student said it’s party time for now.

“I am going to celebrate with my family, parents and friends, and then start all over again for next year,” she said.

“I want to reach my goal and I know it’s going to be extra hard but I am willing to go [the] extra mile on this because nothing comes easy in life.”

Her father, Nifae Magele, was humbled by his daughter’s success.

“At times I see my daughter struggles with her studies, but I always encourage her to have faith and be honest with her work,” he said.

“There was a time that she became very ill because of the sleepless nights, but that didn’t stop her.

“Now all those sleepless nights and struggle has...paid off.

“But this is not the end of it - as a matter of fact, this is just the beginning.”

Mr. Magele acknowledged the love of God upon his daughter and the support of his family towards her.

The young Valedictorian comes from the village of Vaitele Fou, and is the second of Mara and Nifae Magele’s three children.

She said she has no plans for her future yet, and for the time being will be living in the moment and enjoying life.

Lawyers, Arthur Junior Lesā and Constance Tafua Rivers have celebrated a new step in their journey together, being married yesterday at the Mulivai Immaculate Cathedral.

Friends and family packed the building, witnessing the pair promising to cherish each other through whatever life brings their way, and beginning their life as husband and wife.

Father William Hansel SM conducted the ceremony, where he told the newlywed couple being married takes a lot of sacrifices.

“Love means patience and kind; it is neither rude nor selfish and because of your love for each other we are here today,” he said.

“Love is the uniform that you have chosen to wear for the rest of your lives and if you have that kind of love then you are both ready to endure whatever comes your way.

“You are here today to proclaim your love for each other before God, your families and to the world.”

After the service, the newlyweds, their bridal party and friends accompanied them to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, where the reception was held.

The groom is the youngest of the three children of Salote and Afa Lesā, from Vaivase Uta, while the bride is the eldest of the six children of Brent and Matile Tafua Rivers, from Vaoala.

The bride and groom are both lawyers.

The Leader of the Tautua Samoa Party, Palusalue Fa’apo II, has accused Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi’s administration of using deceptive schemes to make money.

The allegation was made during the Tautua Samoa Party’s weekly press conference where Palusalue used the opportunity to urge the government to stop using people as pawns in their schemes to generate revenue.

Palusalue was speaking about taxes levied on alcoholic products, cigarettes and soft drinks.

While he and the Tautua Party agree about the need to come up with ways to reduce public consumption of such products to improve health, Palusalue took issue with the way the money is being collected and how it is being spent.

“In my opinion, any money raised from these taxes should go straight into improving the health system of Samoa,” he said.

“But that’s hardly the case here.

We don't know where this money goes to and what it is being used for.”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa is in France and could be contacted for a comment yesterday.

According to the Opposition leader, however, not a year goes by without a price increase for beer, cigarettes and soft drinks.

“The government is always saying they are trying to reduce the incidents of non communicable diseases,” he said.

“This is an excuse. The truth is that they are using it to raise revenues and they’ve found a good excuse that is easy enough to be accepted by people in these products.”

Palusalue said the tactic was very deceptive. He added that the money is being used elsewhere.

“So (this tax) is merely being used by the government as a money-making exercise. It’s very deceptive. The people can’t see how this money is being used to improve the health service.”

Palusalue said the government must be more transparent and such taxes should be directed to improve the state of the health system.

Another Tautua Samoa M.P., Lefau Harry Schuster, supported his leader.

Lefau did not object to the taxes levied on the products but he questioned the system being used.

According to Lefau, if the goal is to promote good health, then alcohol products with stronger alcohol content should cost more.

He pointed to the Philippines, saying that country has a very good system of dealing with the issue.

Most importantly, he said the money goes directly to the health system.

“They raise the price (of these products) every year,” Lefau said. “In doing so they achieve two things. First they stop people from smoking because they can’t afford it and second, they are telling the kids not to smoke because it is so expensive.”

Lefau said the government should impose taxes based on alcoholic; nicotine or sugar levels in a product because these are the ingredients that have an impact on a consumer’s health.

The Tautua’s deputy leader, Aeau Dr. Leavai supported his colleagues. He said all the money raised from such taxes should be used to promote better health for everyone.

Away from taxes levied on alcohol, cigarettes and soft drinks, Palusalue also raised questions about the decision to separate the Ministry of Health and the National Health Services (N.H.S).

“Has the separation been useful?” he asked. “Or has it been merely a waste of money to run two separate bodies?”

Palusalue said from what he has seen, the two bodies are duplicating a lot of functions.

“My understanding is that the Ministry of Health should be dealing with policies and regulations but what’s happening is that a lot of roles have been duplicated.

“And yet there is another law proposed to set up a separate Prevention unit. This will cost the country more money.

“The idea behind the separation is not only to improve the service to the country but also to save money from administration costs so that it is spent on prevention programmes.”

Lastly, Palusalue said he was grateful for the decision to cancel a radiothon that had been planned to raise funds for the CT Scan.

He said the fundraiser was a classic example of how the government would have used people to make money.

“I recall that in every budget for the past three years, there was always an amount allocated for the CT Scan. So every time we meet and when ask for an update on the CT scan, they gave us a lot of excuses.

“They said things like they are advertising for bidders. But then we were surprised when we heard they were going to have a radio thon.

“I’m so glad they didn't go ahead with it. It would have been utterly shameful for the government to ask members of the public to fund it.”

Palusalue said he had a quiet word with the Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama, where he advised him to cancel the fundraiser.

It was not possible to get a comment from Tuitama yesterday.

The Manu Samoa sevens side are focussed on recovering from a horror year last season when they finished 10th in the world series.

The latest edition of the series kicks off today in Dubai and the Samoan team have been preparing with a different vision, led by new coach Damian McGrath and his assistant Muliagatele Brian Lima.

Samoa Rugby Chief Executive Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai says the duo complement each other well, and even though the team recently lost to Tonga in the Oceania Sevens semi-finals, they are on track for further improvement.

Faleomavaega says as well as qualifying for next year's Olympics, the team is looking to contend once again in the world series.

"What we definitely want from our team this year is to try and improve our rankings,” he said.

“Top four or five this year. That will be decided in terms of how they go about this year.

“It's going to be a long way back for us and I think we gave them 100 percent support from the union's point of view in terms of preparation. We are hoping that they can do the job for us."

Samoa’s first opponent today is South Africa, scheduled for 7.44pm. They then play Scotland at 11.06pm with their final game against Russia at 4.50am tomorrow.

Ua tu’ua’ia e le Ta’ita’i o le Vaega a le Tautua Samoa, o Palusalue Fa’apo II, le Ali’i Palemia, Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi ma lana faigamalo, ona o le fa’aaogaina o fuafuaga taufa’asese e maua ai tupe.

O lea tu’ua’iga na faia i le fonotaga ta’i-vaiaso a le Vaega Fa’aUpufai ma Tusitala ma le ‘Au-fa’asalalau, lea fo’i na fa’aaogaina ai le avanoa e talosagaina ai le malo, e soia le fa’aaogaina o tagata e fai ma maunu e tau fa’amaonia ai a latou fuafuaga ina ia maua mai ai tupe.

Na fa’aalia fo’i le finagalo o Palusalue i lafoga fa’aopoopo mo ‘ava-malosi, tapa’a ma mea-inu suamalie. Ui e ioeina e Palu ma le Vaega a le Tautua le faia o ‘auala e tu’u-itiitia ai le fa’aaogaina o ia oloa mo le tausiga o le soifua maloloina, peita’i na faitioina lava e Palusalue le ‘auala ua fa’aaoga e aoina ai tupe nei ma le vaega fo’i o lo’o fa’aaoga iai.

“I lo’u manatu, o tupe e maua mai lafoga nei, e tatau ona alu sa’o lava i taumafaiga e fa’aleleia ai le soifua maloloina o le atunu’u,” o lana saunoaga lea.

“Peita’i e le fa’apena. Tatou te le o iloa po’o fea lea e alu iai le tupe lea, ae po’o le a fo’i le mea o fa’aaoga iai.”

O lo’o i Farani le Ali’i Palemia ua le maua ai se feso’ota’iga ananafi mo sona finagalo i lea mata’upu.

Ae na ta’ua e le Ta’ita’i o le Itu Agai, e le misi se tausaga ma se si’itaga o tau o oloa nei, o le pia, sikaleti ma vai-inu suamalie.

“O le tali lava lea a le malo, e fa’apea mai o lo’o taumafai e fa’aitiitia le tula’i mai pea o fa’ama’i le-pipisi,” o lana saunoaga lea.

“E matua pepelo a le mea lea. O le mea moni lava, ua latou fa’aaoga le mea lea e si’itia ai tupe-maua ma maua ai se tali lelei e faigofie ona talia ai e tagata o oloa nei.”

Na ta’ua e Palu, e tau-fa’asese tele lea faiga. Ma fa’aopopo mai fo’i, e ‘ese le mea lea e fa’aalu ai seleni nei.

“O lafoga nei o lo’o fa’aaogaina e le malo o se faiga e maua ai tupe.

E matua tau-fa’asese lava. E le o silafia e le atunu’u pe o fa’afefea ona fa’aaoga tupe nei mo le fa’aleleia o le ‘au’aunaga fa’aSoifua Maloloina.”

Na ta’ua fo’i, e tatau ona tausolomua i le malo ona fai fa’ai’uga ma fa’atinoga i ‘aua malamalama ma sa tatau ona tu’u-sa’o tupe nei o lafoga e fa’aleleia ai tulaga o le soifua maloloina aua le atunu’u lautele.

Na lagolagoina fo’i e le tasi sui o le Itu Agai, o Lefau Harry Schuster, le Ta’ita’i.

E le’i tete’e Lefau i lafoga fa’aopoopo i oloa nei ae na te fesiligia lava le ‘auala o lo’o fa’aaogaina ai ia tupe.

Saunoa Lefau, afai o le fa’amoemoe o le si’itia o le soifua maloloina, e tatau la ona taugata atu pia ma ‘ava e sili atu le malolosi.

Na ia ta’ua le atunu’u o Filipaina fa’apea, e ‘ese le manaia o le faiga a lea atunu’u e fo’ia ai lea fa’afitauli.

O le mea aupito taua na ia fa’aalia, o le alu sa’o lea o le tupe i le vaega o le soifua maloloina.

“Latou te si’ia le tau o oloa ne ii tausaga ta’itasi,” o le fa’aaliga lea a Lefau. “I le fa’atinoga o lea tulaga, latou te ‘ausia ai vaega e lua. Muamua, e taofia ai tagata mai le ulaula-tapa’a aua ua le-gafatia le tau, ma le lona lua, o le fa’ailoa atu lea i fanau laiti ma tupulaga, e ‘aua le ulaula ona e matua taugata.”

Saunoa Lefau, ua tatau i le malo ona fai lafoga e fua i le malosi o le ‘ava, le tele o le nikotini po’o le suka fo’i i oloa nei, ona o vaega tonu nei o lo’o matua afaina ai le soifua o le tagata e fa’aaogaina.

Na lagolagoina fo’i e le Sui Ta’ita’i o le Tautua, o ‘A’e’au Dr. Peniamina Leavai, sui o lana vaega.

Na saunoa, o tupe uma nei e maua mai lafoga nei, e tatau ona fa’aaoga e fa’aleleia ma si’itia atili ai tulaga o le soifua maloloina o tagata uma.

E ‘ese mai lafoga fa’aopoopo nei i ‘ava-malosi, sikaleti ma mea-inu suamalie, na fesiligia fo’i e Palusalue, le fa’ai’uga na tu’u-‘ese’ese ai le Matagaluega o le Soifua Maloloina ma le ‘Au’aunaga fa’aSoifua Maloloina.

“O aoga le tu’u-‘ese’esega lea?” o lana fesili lea.

“Pe na o le ma’umau ai o tupe e fa’agaioi ai nei itutino ‘ese’ese e lua?”

Na ta’ua e Palu, i lana lava silasila, e tasi lava le ‘autu lea e fa’atino e nei itutino uma e lua.

“I lo’u lava malamalama, o le Matagaluega o le Soifua Maloloina, e tatau ona feagai ma faigafa’avae ma tulafono, peita’i o le mea lea e tupu, o le tele o galuega nei o lo’o fa’atinoina fo’i e le isi vaega.

“A’o lea fo’i ua toe fuafua le isi tulafono e fa’atuina ai se vaega fa’apitoa mo Puipuiga.

O le a atili tele ai tupe-alu a le atunu’u.

“O le manatu sa i tua o le fa’a’ese’eseina o vaega nei, e le gata ia fa’aleleia ai le ‘au’aunaga mo le atunu’u, ae fa’asaoina ai fo’i tupe mai isi galuega fa’aPulega ae fa’aaoga mo polokalame mo puipuiga.

O le vaega mulimuli na saunoa iai Palusalue, o lona fiafia lea i le fa’ai’uga na taofia ai le leitiofoni na fuafua e sa’ili ai se tupe mo le Fa’ata – CT Scan.

Na ta’ua e Palu, o le sa’iliga-seleni lea, o le fa’ata’ita’iga tonu lava lea o le fa’aaogaina e le malo o tagata ina ia maua ai ni tupe.

“Lea ‘ou te manatua tala o le tupe i tausaga uma e tolu ua mavae, e iai lava le tupe e fa’aagaga mo le Fa’ata (CT Scan) lea. O taimi uma lava la matou te fono ai ae talosagaina se fa’amatalaga lata mai o lea fuafuaga, o le mea moni, e matua tele le mau lapisi latou te la’u mai ia matou.

“Fai mai o lo’o fa’asalalau mo ni tauofoga. A ua matou tete’i nei ina ua fa’alogo atu o le a fai le leitiofoni.

“A ua ‘ou fiafia lava ona ua le o’o. E matua mataga tele ma fa’alumaina le malo ae tatalo i le atunu’u mo se tupe e fa’atino ai lea mea.”

Na ta’ua e Palusalue, sa talatalanoa fa’asamasamanoa ma le Minisita o le Soifua Maloloina, o Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama, lea sa fautua iai, ia taofia lea sa’iliga-tupe.

E le’i maua se avanoa ananafi mo le Afioga a le Minisita mo sona finagalo.

Another prisoner has escaped from Tafa’igata Prison, the third in two weeks.

The good news is that the Police apprehended 23-year-old prisoner, Alema Leleiga, last evening.

Members of the public spotted him in town and they reported him to Police right away. He was arrested and taken back to Tafa’igata. Leleiga had escaped from prison on Thursday.

Prison Media Officer, Sagaga Galu Frost, told the Weekend Observer that the escaped prisoner was not dangerous to the public.

He is serving time at Tafa’igata for theft as a servant.

Leleiga had apparently escaped from Tafa’igata while out with other prisoners doing labour work.

“I don’t know why they keep on escaping,” Sagaga said.

“The food and water is good because those are the basic needs for the person’s daily needs, the labour work takes only one to two hours.”

Prior to the prisoner being caught, Sagaga urged members of the public to contact Police or Tafa’igata if they see the escaped prisoner.

Last night, they did.

Sagaga told the Weekend Observer that the Leleiga escaped from prison and went to his family.

Tafa’igata Prison has a small rock and wire fence surrounding it.

Four new judges for the Land and Titles Court will be sworn in by the Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu, on Wednesday next week.

Among the new judges is a woman, Fiu Mesepi Sialaoa.

The other judges appointed by the Judiciary Services Commission chaired by His Honour Patu are Masoe Tovia Tufuga, Nanai Pologa Ioane and Tauiliili Sekuini Solomona Auelua.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Masinalupe Tusipa Masinalupe, said the swearing-in ceremony was scheduled for Friday (yesterday).

But that did not happen.

According to Masinalupe, it was postponed until Wednesday next week so the Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, and others can attend.

More than 50 people applied for the new judge positions and 18 were interviewed.

The C.E.O said the appointments were approved by Cabinet.

He explained: “The new judges will replace three judges that have left the office”.

One of the judges is Fa’amatuainu Saivega, who passed away this year.

The other two judges, Fonoivasa Lolesio Ah Ching and Maiava Nafatali.

They have retired.

Masinalupe said there are currently 16 judges in the L.T.C and more are needed.

In explaining the procedures of L.T.C., Masinalupe said when a Court sits it requires at least three judges, an assessor and a Deputy President.

“It’s not the same as the Supreme Court and the other Court,” said the C.E.O. “L.T.C. requires more judges to sit in one case and with the other judges retiring and passed away we need new ones.”

Another prisoner has escaped from Tafa’igata Prison, the third in two weeks.

The good news is that the Police apprehended 23-year-old prisoner, Alema Leleiga, last evening.

Members of the public spotted him in town and they reported him to Police right away. He was arrested and taken back to Tafa’igata. Leleiga had escaped from prison on Thursday.

Prison Media Officer, Sagaga Galu Frost, told the Weekend Observer that the escaped prisoner was not dangerous to the public.

He is serving time at Tafa’igata for theft as a servant.

Leleiga had apparently escaped from Tafa’igata while out with other prisoners doing labour work.

“I don’t know why they keep on escaping,” Sagaga said.

“The food and water is good because those are the basic needs for the person’s daily needs, the labour work takes only one to two hours.”

Prior to the prisoner being caught, Sagaga urged members of the public to contact Police or Tafa’igata if they see the escaped prisoner.

Last night, they did.

Sagaga told the Weekend Observer that the Leleiga escaped from prison and went to his family.

Tafa’igata Prison has a small rock and wire fence surrounding it.

The International Labour Organisation (I.L.O) is serious about helping Samoa address growing fears about street vendors.

Its National Coordinator in Samoa, Tomasi Peni, says law reform would be a good first step for dealing with Samoa’s growing child street vendor problem.

It comes as a growing number of young people in Samoa are exposed to a variety of dangerous activities – including the case of a 17-year-old girl identified by the I.L.O, becoming a sex worker.

According to Mr. Peni, there is currently no specific legislation stopping child vendors from working at night time in Samoa, with existing legislature only preventing it during school hours.

Other legislature did not apply to child vendors as it does not consider the street “a formal place of work,” Mr. Peni said.

“The country needs to work together, especially the ministries and [social organisations] that deal with child labour,” he said.

“What they need to do is look at the gaps [in legislation] and see where they can work together to include the street vendors in legislation.”

He said young children were working into the late hours of the night on the streets of Apia, selling various things. That exposed them to a variety of dangerous activities as well, with some children stealing.

Mr. Peni said the street vendor issue would take some time to solve, but government intervention was important. In the meantime, the community and social organisations throughout the country had an important role to play in ensuring children weren’t working as street vendors, he said.

“What we want to see in the next course of action is for the social partners [I.L.O is working with] to take action.”

That included groups such as the Child Labour Working Committee and the Samoa Workers Congress.

Mr. Peni urged parents to put a stop to their kids working as child vendors.

“I think it’s time they take the issue seriously.”

Mr. Peni’s comments came as the I.L.O held a Child Labour Validation Forum at the Development Bank of Samoa yesterday.

The forum featured presentations from various speakers, including Mr. Peni, about child labour.

Mr. Peni said there was a significant need for solid data on child labour in Samoa, with few studies done on the issue, as the country looks to address the problem.

The forum would attempt to solve the lack of data around child street vending, acting as the final validation exercise for an assessment on child street vendors performed by the I.L.O in late 2014. According to a press release from the organisation, that rapid assessment found children involved in child labour and also in the worst forms of child labour.

The release went on to say that the first validation exercise on the rapid assessment was done in May last year. The rapid assessment features various pieces of information on working street children, including gender distribution, age distribution, whether the children are homeless or not, the status of their schooling and more.

It also includes various “narratives” from some of the child vendors interviewed for the rapid assessment.

One such narrative, from a 17-year-old female street vendor, states: “My aunty was mean to me after my parents died and I chose to leave home and live on the street. I am no longer in school because there is always never enough money for my family. My friends on the street helped show me what to do to earn some money, so I started selling things like matches, pins, razor blades, chips, drinks. Later on I also learnt that I can go out with men and boys and get paid for sex. To survive on the street I have learnt to stick with others on the street and only go with my regular clients.”

Heavyweight boxer, Lupesoliai Joseph Parker, added one more knockout to his impressive record last night.

Parker floored Daniel 'The Mountain' Martz with a lethal right hook one minute and 57 seconds into the first round of their Fight for Life clash in Hamilton.

The win means the Parker train continues to roll, gaining momentum with each floored opponent as the camp set their sights on title contention in a recently revitalised heavyweight division.

"I was happy with he performance - we got a good result," Parker.

"There are still a few things to work on but we got there."

But first up is a trip to Samoa on 23 January 2016, where Parker will face his first-ever southpaw challenger in the form of Jason Bergman, 25-11-2, 16 KOs.

Speaking after the fight last night, Parker said he was really looking forward to fighting in front of his fans in Samoa.

He said he was grateful to Duco Events, Burger King and all his sponsors for making the Tuanaimato fight happen.

So what of the challenge offered by Martz last night?

Well it wasn't much.

Parker started slowly, working his way to the body of his much taller opponent. The rangey American managed to avoid Parker’s power for the first few seconds but that didn't last long. Parker connected a left to the body with his lethal right and that was the fight.

Trainer Kevin Barry said he was pleased with Parker’s effort last night, with the win improving his ranking with all the major boxing organisations.

As for a world title fight?

Parker said that shouldn't be too far away.

"I'm not sure I'm ready for it yet.

We still have a lot of work on but I'm not too far away. We've got a good plan with my coaches and trainers and well stick to that."'

While he admitted he still has plenty to work on, the road to the title campaign is picking up momentum and in a few weeks, that will roll into Apia where Parker is expected to be treated to a hero’s homecoming.

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A Tokelauan mother has the Ministry of Health and health workers from Samoa to thank for her life.

The woman, whose name is withheld for medical reasons, is recovering well after a rescue mission conducted on Thursday by the hospital’s Senior Registrar, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Ulai Dr. Tapa Fidow and the ships Nafanua and Fasefulu.

Speaking to the Sunday Samoan, Ulai said the mother had some maternal complications and the Tokelau Hospital couldn’t operate on her.

So they had to bring her over to Samoa by boat.

They managed to save her, he said.

“We went on the boat and we transferred the patient from one boat to another,” he said. “It’s very dangerous but all the credit should go to Nafanua and also [the] ship Fasefulu.

Dr. Fidow was unable to go into specifics about the patient.

He said she is a mother of six, which he and another doctor went to save.

“This rescue mission managed to save this lady’s life,” he said.

“We brought her here and we operated on her on that same day and the mother is recovering very well now.”

He thanked everyone involved in the effort to save the woman, including the Tokelauan Office, the Ministry of Police, the Nafanua, the skipper and his crew and the National Health Services.

“She will be here for a few days and then return to Tokelau.”