A man who died after driving a family car off a cliff at one of the country’s main tourism attractions has been declared a "suicide" by Police.

The car plunged nearly 200 metres before smashing into trees near the Papapapaitai Falls at Tiavi, on Monday evening.

He was resuscitated when the rescue team arrived but died at the scene.

Acting Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu, told a press conference yesterday that the 34-year-old man was “a quiet person” who didn’t “share” his thoughts readily with anyone.

The man was from Malifa, stayed at home and never went out on his own, he said. Fauono said there will be no post mortem conducted into the death.

He confirmed that the death was a suicide. He declined, however, to reveal the identity of the deceased, giving no reasons for his decision.

Prior to his death, the deceased and his younger brother visited the Tiavi Falls on Sunday, said the Acting Police Commissioner.

“On Monday when this same brother was arriving home, he was surprised to hear the car take off.”

The vehicle that left the family’s residence was driven by the deceased. Fauono said the deceased was known for never leaving the house by himself. His brother went in search of him after the man’s sudden disappearance from his family home.

“He thought over where he would have gone and remembered where they were on Sunday at the Papapapitai Falls”

The brother then drove to Tiavi where he asked people in the area whether they had spotted his brother. It was then he was told that a vehicle had plummeted to the gorge below.

Police were then alerted. A source from the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (F.E.S.A) confirmed they were informed by Police about the accident at 2pm.

At the scene of the accident, ropes and a ladder had to be used to get down to where the vehicle was spotted lying in between trees. He said the scene was dramatic.

“His body was lying 20-30 metres away from where the vehicle was”.

The car was badly damaged as a result of the impact of the vehicle falling 150-200 metres into the gorge. The man’s body was found severely injured with a crushed head, broken arm and broken legs, said the source.

A total of eight members of the rescue team - including members of the Ministry of Police and Prisons - assisted in bringing the young man’s body up the cliff.

“It was an emotional scene with so many people there, his parents were also there and because of the condition of his injuries and impact of the damage to his body – it was covered when he was brought up the cliff.”

He expressed sadness at the man’s death, saying he was still young. The family of the deceased could not be reached for a comment yesterday. Monday’s death was the second to have occurred at that same location.

The first was in 2012 when a Eugene, Oregon man from the United States, Brad Bachelor, drove his vehicle over the cliff, crashing some 500 metres down.

Fauono turned aside questions whether more safety measures should be considered to ensure that such incidents do not occur again at the tourist attraction.

He said the Tiavi Falls was not created for people as a place to take their own lives.

Inclusive growth in the private sector is the key to sustainable development.

That’s the opinion of the United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Gyan Chandra Acharya.

Mr. Acharya, who is the Under- Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (U.N.-O.H.R.L.L.S.), is in Samoa to discuss the preparations for the Private Sector Partnerships Forum that will be convened on August 30-31 in Apia.

The theme of the forum is ‘Fostering Private Sector Partnerships to Support Sustainable Development in Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S.)’.

During his time in the country, the Under-Scretary-General met with the Acting Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, S.I.D.S. Coordinator, Faalavaau Perina Sila and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (C.o.C.I.) C.E.O., Ane Moananu, among others.

“One of the things I will be therefore talking to the Samoa Chamber of Commerce (about) is how best you can look at both the prospects but also the challenges,” he said.

“In terms of getting the private sector from outside and making sure that all the projects and all the programs that you have in the country get implemented and ...brings about changing the lives of the people.

“We are also looking to make sure that the private sector makes these investments as well as the partnership with a view to promote equity, with a view to promote sustainability, with a view to promote inclusiveness.

“It is very important that you have a growth, but it has to be generating employment, it has to be looking at how you can bring in the women, the youth - those who are not there, and then help them achieve the economic growth as well as prosperity.

“I think that is the only way we can make it sustainable.” He said the U.N. would be looking at the role of the private sector and how to make the growth both inclusive and sustainable.

“Because I do understand that there is a need for...strengthening the private sector in all these S.I.D.S. countries,” said Mr. Acharya.

“And that is also another area we will be looking at how best you can strengthen the private sector in all the Small Island Developing States.”

Mr. Acharya said the S.I.D.S. private sectors had a very important role to play in the areas of agriculture, energy, the transportation, disaster risk reduction as well as the information and communications technology, the fisheries and tourism.

“So we are really trying to ask them what are the areas in which they think and what is the nature of the interventions they are looking for as well in terms of the support,” he said.

“If it is in terms of investment, how are they really going to look at that?

“There are also lessons to be learned in terms of collaboration between the private sector and the government.

“At the end of the day...I think it is the collective contribution of all that will take the society forward.”

The Office of the Prime Minister could not confirm yesterday if Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, was due to return last night.

Contacted yesterday, a secretary, who did not want to be named, said as far as she was concerned, the Prime Minister was still in New Zealand. She did not know when he would return.

Asked if there was anyone else in the office who might know, she did not say.

“He is still in New Zealand,” she said. Asked whether he would be expected back to work next week, she said “probably”.

She gave no further details regarding his health or any other unknown plans regarding his whereabouts in Auckland at present.

An email sent to Vaosa Epa, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, four days ago has not been responded to. Ms. Epa is in New Zealand with the Prime Minister.

She was among officials – including the Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama, who accompanied the Prime Minister.

Tuilaepa, 68, was transferred to Auckland for a medical check- up late last month after being admitted to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

The Prime Minister had felt “chills” and a “fever” while attending one of Parliament’s night sessions on Wednesday 19 March.

He was assisted out of the chamber and taken to the national hospital for medical help. He was there for three days before flying to New Zealand after his infected toe caused a red patch to spread around the area.

Speaker of the House, La’auli Leuatea Polata’ivao in an earlier interview with this newspaper said the Prime Minister would be away for a week. But he said this was not confirmed.

The Prime Minister has been away for more than a week.

Tuilaepa has been Prime Minister of Samoa and leader of the Human Rights Protection Party since 1998.

Prior to his health scare, he had publically stated that he was as strong as a whale and that his heart was beating like that of a bull.

A source told the Samoa Observer that the Prime Minister was scheduled to return last night.

A 50-year-old man from Salelologa and Manono has been charged in relation to the death of a 4-year- old boy from Satupa’itea who died during a hit and run incident last week.

Acting Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu, said the incident was a matter of the boy being “in the wrong place at the wrong time”.

“A 4-year-old is supposed to be in the house at that time of the night,” he said.

The deceased was struck down by the vehicle at 8:30pm, he said.

Police were alerted by the Tuasivi Hospital after the boy was brought in for medical assistance.

“By 8:50pm the boy was pronounced dead,” said Fauono.

The accused is being charged with negligent driving causing death and is expected to appear in Court in relation to this matter on 24 April, 2014.

Acting Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu, has confirmed that three senior officials at the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture have been charged with theft as a servant in relation to the February burglary at the Ministry office at Leifi’ifi.

He, however, declined to name the three accused. Investigations were continuing to finalise charges as well as determine the total amount of monies and property stolen during the break-in, he said.

The men will appear in the Supreme Court in relation to this matter on 14 April 2014.

Last month, the Chief Executive Officer of M.E.S.C., Matafeo Tanielu Aiafi, confirmed the suspension of three of his senior officials in relation to the break-in of Saturday 22 February, 2014.

This included two Principal Officers and an Assistant Chief Executive officer.

He also declined to name the trio.

The number of taro containers exported for the past month has more than doubled.

That’s according to an official at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fa’avaeolenu’u Tamoe Tautu.

“Compared to last February, there were only two containers of taro that was sent overseas. Last month the outcome was really good,” he said.

“There were four and a half containers for March.”

But the good news means the Ministry needs to ensure the quality of the exported taro is the best.

That’s why the Ministry is continuing to limit the varieties of taro being exported due to risks.

“There are only two varieties of taro that the Ministry has approved for exporting to overseas markets and we are still working on others.”

“The two varieties of taro that are good to export are called Samoa 01 and Samoa 02.”

There are over 300 farmers from all over Samoa registered to export taro.

Farmers get $38 tala for 20 kilos, averaging at twelve to sixteen taros.

“The process takes a lot of time and what is very important is the shelf life of the taro,” said Fa’avae.

“That is whether the taro can still be used after two to three weeks and the ministry is urging other farmers to bring in their taro so that we can investigate whether they are giving the right varieties.”

Although all varieties of taro are cleared for export, according to a New Zealand official earlier this year, Fa’avae said that only some are proven to last the distance.

“The ministry was investigating and working on different varieties of taro and found out that most taro can only be used in Samoa because they couldn’t meet the required shelf life and how long will stay until used for the overseas market.”

Fa’avae said there is also a need to avoid mixing different varieties.

“One taro of a different variety can destroy the whole container if the ministry doesn’t assess each shipment properly,” he said.

“It is a must for the ministry to take a really good look at the condition and variety of each taro to meet what our overseas market is looking for.”

The Hong Kong Sevens might have been a disaster for the Manu Samoa Sevens but that didn’t stop local radio and TV personality, Taule’ale’ausumai Sioeli Alofaifo, from having the trip of a lifetime to Hong Kong last weekend.

The presenter travelled to Hong Kong courtesy of BlueSky who paid for his airfare and accommodation while SBC TVOne paid for the live reports by Taule’ale’a from Hong Kong.

At the tournament, Taule’ale’a met many rugby legends including Jonah Lomu and Ben Collings. Photos: supplied

A scholarship student from Samoa, Ryder Fuimaono, has received the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (M.F.A.T.) Award for the Highest Performing N.Z.A.I.D sponsored Pacific student at Otago in 2013.

A second year Medicine student, Mr. Fuimaono, who hails from Ululoloa, received 92 per cent average.

He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Pesega 5th Ward).

He was born in Auckland, New Zealand but moved to Samoa with his family when he was 3 years old.

He was educated at Pesega College from Year 7 to Year 13 and also a school president in his last year 2011.

He was both joint Dux at Pesega College in Year 2011 and NUS Foundation year in 2012.

Mr. Fuimaono loves basketball and is self motivated. He represented Samoa in the South Pacific Games in New Calendonia in 2011.

He also represented Samoa in the Under 19 team for the Oceania Games at Melbourne Australia in 2012.

He was awarded a Scholarship from the government of Samoa to study Medicine in the University of Otago in 2013.

Mr. Fuimaono is dedicated to his family, church and his education.

His favourite scripture is found in the book of Mormon, Ether 12 vs 27, which reads: “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness.

I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” His philosophy is “hard work really works.”

His plan for the future is to graduate from the School of Medicine, be a good Ambassador for his country and become a good doctor to help sick people and save lives.

The Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (S.A.M.E.) yesterday launched its “S.A.M.E.- International Certification Programme” for 2014- 2016.

The programme, launched at Hotel Insel Fehrmarn at Moto’otua, follows the success of the S.A.M.E. I.S.O. 9001:2008 Programme, which started in 2009 to 2013.

The programme launched yesterday will focus on providing continuing training and international certification for its members; local public and private Sector enterprises; and any organizations that require the enhancement of its competitiveness and operating efficiency to meet international recognition and ensure sustainability and success both in local, regional and global markets.

Success to Date The S.A.M.E. I.S.O. 9001:2008 programme resulted in eight member companies of S.A.M.E. gaining certification in December 2010.

Support services had been continued for these eight companies to date, as well as continuing internal auditor training for both certified and new entrants.

As of now, another eight members of S.A.M.E. who have started the programme in 2012/13 are now eligible for I.S.O. 9001”2008 Certification in 2014/2015. Scope of S.A.M.E. I.S.O. Certification Programme The S.A.M.E. I.S.O. Certification Programme is a continuation of the aforementioned programme, but with a broadening perspective to include other International certifications (in addition to I.S.O. 9001:2008) –such as HACCP Food Safety; Environmental Management; etc. Another important scope of the programme is that S.A.M.E. will become involved in carrying out the Internal Auditors Training programme in close consultation with approved International Service Providers.

Process for Selection of Service Provider-for S.A.M.E. I.S.O. Programme 2014-2016 S.A.M.E. had tendered and invited quotations internationally for service providers to deliver the programme which initially started in 2009 and carried out by Quality Catalysts of India, up to the end of 2013.

An independent selection team appointed by S.A.M.E., comprising its Technical Advisor and V.S.A.-Financial advisor selected the new contractor, New Zealand International Certification Limited (N.Z.-I.C.L.) to carry out the programme over the next 3 years.

NZICL Background International Certifications are leaders in assessment and certification of management systems. The organisation was established in 1994 in Auckland, and now have an extensive network of international offices and assessors. They have certified over ten thousand clients around the world and currently offer more than thirty international recognised certification programs such as I.S.O. 9001 Quality, I.S.O. 14001 Environmental Management, H.A.C.C.P. Food Safety and Greenhouse Gas to name a few.

NZ-ICL is committed to working with S.A.M.E. and its members and stakeholders, in delivering the S.A.M.E.- International I.S.O. Certification Programme to enhance the capacity of the Samoan Value Added Chain and Exporters of Samoa made goods and services, to become competitive. International Certifications enhances customer confidence; increases productive efficiency and drives business sustainability and success on the global market. Sponsorship/Support The S.A.M.E. I.S.O. Certification Programme-has been sponsored by the following organizations:

1. Private Sector Support facility (from inception to now);

2. Government of Samoa 3. S.A.M.E. 4. S.A.M.E. Members 5. T.C.M.- (Trade, Commerce & Manufacture Sector Project-M.C.I.L.) is currently the Main Sponsor for the Programme starting in March 2014 for the next 3 years. The Samoa Association of Manufacturers & Exporters acknowledged the invaluable support of these sponsors.

We’ve all heard the stories about the customers and clients approaching government ministries to access records only to be told that the file is lost.

Today, there is an effort being made to stop that from happening. At Samoa Stationery and Books at Togāfu’afu’a yesterday morning, File Corp Records Business Manager, Glennis Bates conducted a training on how to set up an efficient system for all ministries to be able to retrieve lost files and documents without having to spend money.

“I am over here for the fifth time with Samoa Stationery and Books to assist with the management side of the business,” she said.

“We have many ministries here that need to have effective and efficient filing systems.”

So what’s the easiest way to find a lost file?

Don't lose it in the first place.

“This particular training session is basically how to set up an efficient system.

“We have many ministries with documentation they have lost, misplaced files - this will help them retrieve their files a lot quicker which will save the ministries a lot of money on the long term.”

Efficient filing systems are very important for every country, she said.

“Documentation is so vital to any ministry and any company, and it’s been able to retrieve them in issues like litigation,” she said.

“This is just to make it easier for them to retrieve that documentation.”

She said that computers had a part to play but that hard copies were essential as well.

“We do computerise but if you don’t have the paper documentation flow done correctly, a computerised system is not going to help with that.

“So step one is getting your paper documentation in place.”

Efficiency gains were a main aim of the training session, she indicated.

“What I hope to get from the participants today is a better understanding of what we call lateral filing and how to index and classify their files to make it more efficient for them to retrieve that document they are looking for.”

The training session is for three days.

“Also during my time here, I will be visiting the ministries just to see what they currently have and where I can suggest they can change their system to make it more efficient.

“We’re going to see a lot of ministries with their current system and, where we can, look at making it more effective for them and I guess that is a big part of my visit here.”

Different ministries had different needs, she said. “It depends on the needs at the moment and how urgent the needs are, and having a look on different ways and what they can do to classified their different files to make it more efficient.

“Many of the ministries are way ahead in this aspect, but it’s not just looking at their current documentation it’s looking at their intentions urgently and what should be archived, what should be marked inactive, right down to what should be shredded not kept.”

Now in her fifth visit, is the message sinking in?

“As far as I’m concerned, because I have a passion for records management, it is vital to any company to have a sound records management system.

“If you don’t or if you can’t find your documentation, if you put that back to a dollar value of what the salaries are of each person that’s looking for misplaced or lost files, you quantify that out to a week, month or a year it is costing the ministries and corporation a lot of money.”

Recognition of the need for records management needed to come from the top, she said, not just workers.

“They can go back with that knowledge and report back to management, but we do have management that come along.

We have CEO’s and financial controllers because it is an important part that they realise that they need to have a sound records management system.”

Owner and Managing Director, Fiti Leung Wai said the training is important to them and also other businesses.

“To have sound records management system and to look after it well, to make it easier for them to find records, and to find documentation that they are looking for to save time, and also save them money if they have this system in their work place.”

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, is back in the country and he is wasting no time. Today, the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) is scheduled to bestow on him an honorary degree, a Doctorate of Philosophy in Economics.

The honour is to be bestowed during the University’s graduation ceremony.

Less than two weeks since he flew to Auckland for medical treatment, the Prime Minister returned straight to work yesterday, after arriving on a 9pm flight from Auckland on Tuesday.

While no official comment from his Office could be obtained at press time last night, a relative told the Samoa Observer that he was present at the weekly Cabinet meeting yesterday.

Concerns, however, remain about his health, the relative said.

“His foot is healing and he looks well,” she said.

“He looks better than when he was at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital but he still needs more time to recover.”

The source said that despite his quick recovery from the scare that took him to New Zealand, he should “still continue to rest.”

“Two weeks is good but a month would have been better,” she said.

“But with him, all year round he doesn't rest.

He works and works and even when he does get some sleep, it’s only for an hour or two.”

The source said she and others close to Tuilaepa are still concerned about his health but understand that the Prime Minister knows nothing more than work.

She hinted that if he did retire, he would probably go “out of his mind” since “he is such a workaholic.”

Attempts to get a comment from Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Prime Minister, Vaosa Epa, were unsuccessful.

According to her secretary yesterday, she was attending the Cabinet meeting.

A call to the Cabinet office confirmed that a meeting was underway, and that the Prime Minister was leading the meeting.

Tuilaepa, 68, was transferred to Auckland for a medical check-up late last month after being admitted to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

The Prime Minister had felt “chills” and a “fever” while attending one of Parliament’s night sessions on Wednesday 19 March.

He was assisted out of the chamber and taken to the national hospital for medical help.

He was there for three days before flying to New Zealand after his infected toe caused a red patch to spread around the area.

Tuilaepa, who is also the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, reportedly returned with the Manu Samoa Sevens on the same flight, after the team bombed out badly in Tokyo and Hong Kong.

The ground breaking ceremony for the new Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) Jubilee Church took place at Malua yesterday morning.

The ceremony was an opportunity for General Secretary, Reverend Dr. Iutisone Salevao, to give the background about the project.

“There were six companies that applied (for the construction) when it was advertised,” he said.

Dr. Salevao joked that “the problem (was that) none of those companies came with God”, to laughter from invited guests.

“Then we made a decision of reconsidering the construction of the Jubilee (church).”

That decision saw Shanghai Construction awarded the contract for foundation and fill, Fletcher Construction will carry out most of the framework, while the exterior will be installed and maintained by South Pacific Cladding, he said.

“The length is 51metres; width is 31 metres, 23 metres for the height and 1,500 square meters for the total capacity,” he said.

“The steeple is 11 metres so the total height of the Jubilee is 34 metres”

He also confirmed that the base would be raised due to threats from severe events such as climate change and tsunami.

More than hundred guests and church members attended the ground-breaking yesterday, including pastors and their wives, members of the government and members of the congregation.

Chairman of the C.C.C.S, Reverend Elder Tavita Roma led the opening prayer while Reverend Kerisiano Soti conducted the scripture reading.

Vice Chairman, Reverend Elder. Senara Tautiaga encouraged everyone especially members of the congregation to stay strong in the Lord.

“The breaking of the ground this morning is opening doors for all to plant good seed, great hope symbolizes God’s perfection in his timing and blessings,” he said.

“This is why we are here today – in spite of all the challenges and despite all the odds – the gracious hand of God is on us.

“Believe it and we shall receive it, and that what we are focusing on this morning as we all gathered together to break the ground for the construction of this New Jubilee.

“May our Lord’s anointing be upon us all through our body, soul and spirit.”

“To contractors that will be working on this land may all be blessed.”

He referred to Psalms: “If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap.”

“Let our God start it, continue it and finish it and may his holy name be glorified.”

The Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, and his Masiofo, Her Highness Filifilia Tamasese, welcomed two National Football League (N.F.L.) stars yesterday.

Paul Soliai and Isaako Aaitui touched down at Faleolo International Airport yesterday morning and one of their first stops was their Highnesses’ residence at Tuaefu.

There, the stars and their entourage were officially welcomed to Samoa.

The players are in the country to promote football and healthy living for Samoan people through sports.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to be here to give back to our people,” said Paul Soliai. “Our hearts are in Samoa.

“Growing up as a kid we didn’t get a chance to meet the Head of State and the leaders of our country but coming back and getting that chance is a blessing for our families.”

Soliai, whose roots are in Solosolo and Vaiala, said it is a privilege to come back to Samoa.

“The main purpose of our visit is to teach our Samoan people how to stay healthy and live a longer life,” he said.

“We just had to come here, come back home and give back.”

His colleague Aaitui said the trip is also about promoting football in Samoa.

“We believe there is great potential here that needs to be unearthed,” he said.

“A lot of Samoan athletes have been aligned with success in many different sports, including football, so our goal is that we are trying to promote the game to all our teenagers here in Samoa.”

Their highnesses were delighted to welcome the football players.

“It’s great that you have taken the time to come,” His Highness Tui Atua said.

“It is the Samoan spirit to come home and share about your success in those countries.”

The Head of State thanked the players for their heart to give back to their country.

He also praised their national pride and spirit to come all the way to Samoa to help.

To mark the special meeting, the players presented His Highness Tui Atua and the Masiofo with souvenirs from their teams.

Today, the group’s visit will kick off at Leifiifi College.

They are scheduled to visit Samoa College tomorrow. Paul Fuapapa Soliai, 30, is a nose tackle for the Atlanta Falcons.

He played college football at the University of Utah, and was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2007 N.F.L. Draft. Isaako Aaitui, 27, is a defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins.

He was originally signed by the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2011. He played college football at U.N.L.V.

Children with autism are often seen as quiet and withdrawn – so much so that some are even thought of as deaf or ‘dumb’ – unable to speak.

However, medical studies overseas show that they may only be quiet because they are seeing, hearing and thinking faster than everyone else.

Too fast. Children with autism can be ‘overloaded’ by ordinary sights and sounds because of their very sensitive minds - sights and sounds that other children are not bothered by.

Most people only focus on one sight and listen to one sound at a time. Autistic children are unable to limt life the same way.

They see and hear everything, and everyone, all the time. Six year old Juliana Tomasi, from the village of Vailoa, Faleata is one of the first children at a programme run by the country’s SENESE services for children facing physical and mental handicaps.

Yesterday she received a price from Digicel for being the first one to finish the programme “My daughter is one of the many children who have autism,” said Juliana’s mother, Nina Iosefa.

“She can do whatever she is told to do but she cannot talk much, even when she’s happy.

“A lot of people say that my daughter is deaf but I know she’s not, she has autism because she can talk but not as clear as the way I talk, that’s how I know she is not deaf,” said Ms. Iosefa.

“She can be very active but when she is angry or sad, she will not listen to anything I say to her.

“From when Juliana was young we took her to the hospital and the doctor told us that we have to be careful with her to not make her angry.”

Little Juliana was a focus of yesterday’s events aimed at raising awareness about the medical condition, with Senese Awareness and A.P.T.C., the Australia Pacific Technical College, working together in front of the Government building yesterday.

ANZ Bank also donated a 1,000 tala cheque to help out with the programme.

SENESE Awareness and Promotion Coordinator Fa’aolo Utumapu said that “Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Autism is a developmental disability characterized by a child’s inability to communicate and socialize with others”, she said.

“It is the result of a neurological condition affecting normal brain function, development and social interactions.

“Autism affects the way the brain develops early in life and the way a baby begins to collect and process information.

“The cause of autism is still unknown and there are no cures, however, the good news is that children with autism can learn and improve, sometimes significantly with the intervention to improve their communication and social interaction.

“Today is the first day of Autism Awareness and the purpose for today is to raise awareness of the community about autism.

“I know for a fact that little of them know about this condition in the country and also to promote about the services that are available in SENESE and other organisations that can assist children with autism and their families.

“We can work with families and schools on strategies that they can use in order for the child to be able to learn better, because autism is a disability that can result from the way the brain processes information and it’s different from the way we, as people without autism process information.

She said that a lot of people had come to ask a lot of questions about autism.

Ms. Utamapu acknowledged all the people that have helped, including companies that have donated for the awareness programme over the next month.

Two weeks from now SENESE will be visiting some schools to raise awareness for students that are in primary schools with autism.

“We want to raise the profiles of autism in those schools so that the teachers can have a better understanding of strategies that they can do to help the children who have autism in their schools.”

Aana Alofi No. 3 M.P., Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, has become the first Samoan Member of Parliament to join a global group of parliamentarians calling for self-determination for West Papua.

In doing so, Toeolesulusulu is the 86th member to join the International Parliamentarians for West Papua, and only the seventh from the entire Pacific Islands region.

The group was launched in the Houses of Parliament, London, in 2008, following decades of reports about human rights abuses by Indonesian security forces in West Papua.

The West Papua Declaration signed by the M.P.s reads,

“We the undersigned recognise the inalienable right of the indigenous people of West Papua to self-determination, which was violated in the 1969 “Act of Free Choice”,

AND call upon our governments through the United Nations to put in place arrangements for the free exercise of that right SO that the indigenous people of West Papua can decide democratically their own future in accordance with international standards of human rights, the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.”

Toeolesulusulu is no recent convert to the cause, having first learnt about West Papua over a decade ago when he was working in Fiji for the World Wide Fund for Nature (W.W.F.).

One of the other groups also working there was the P.C.R.C., the Pacific Centre for Resource Concerns, which had long focused on making the region nuclear free, as well as supporting independence efforts.

People from West Papua were campaigning in Fiji at the time, and they, along with most other non- governmental organisations there at the time, got to hear about their concerns.

However, since then, that interest and support for West Papua is actually “waning”, said Toeolesulusulu, “in the 80s and 90s, there was strong lobbying, there was more active work going on.”

This is partly because Pacific states have moved on from their founding years, when international issues of independence have region. turned to domestic issues of sustainability and economic growth.

He also blames a lack of leadership from western countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, but also closer partners like New Zealand and Australia – all with their own interests in West Papua.

“New Zealand and Australia are tied to Indonesia with trade and military connections,” said Toeolesulusulu.

He agreed that trade links had had a corrupting influence on regional politics, but indicated the problem was wider than just the region.

“It’s a global phenomenon, you look at Africa, South America, and how the United States, for example, pushes its global agendas to get their way. Also New Zealand and Australia, they also have interest to push, to put their own people first.”

However, he did not agree with criticism that the Melanesian Spearhead Group had ‘sold out’ when it recently signed trade and sovereignty agreements with Indonesia.

“That’s a strong statement.

“As I’ve said, the relationships now are more directed towards trade and development assistance, and a lot of countries are looking more to their local needs.”

As Indonesia continues to pour thousands of its own migrants into West Papua, getting self-determination for West Papua gets harder, he says.

“They should have done the right thing at that time. “It’s even harder now with still more Indonesians coming into the region.”

But he says it’s an important area of human rights, “that we should be doing more to make a stand.

“Especially when you look at how the Pacific Islands came about, when you look at Samoa, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, all these countries had colonial powers.”

Toeolesulusulu praises the role taken up by Vanuatu. “Countries like Vanuatu are starting to take a strong interest.”

Earlier this month, Vanuatu Prime Minister Moana Kalosil Carcasses, a founding member of the IPWP, speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, called for international action on West Papua.

"Why are we not discussing it in this Council, why are we turning a blind eye to them and closing our ears to the lone voices of the Papuan people, many of whom have shed innocent blood because they want justice and freedom."

Mr. Carcasses said roughly 10 percent of the indigenous population have been killed by Indonesian security forces since 1963.

More recently, between October 2011 and March 2013, 25 Papuans were murdered but nothing has been done to bring the perpetrators to justice.

He urged the Council to consider adopting a resolution to establish a country mandate on the situation in West Papua, which would include an investigation of alleged human rights violations, and provide recommendations on a peaceful political solution.

The Central Bank of Samoa (C.B.S.) yesterday co-hosted the launch of the Money Pacific Money Guide.

The launch was another significant milestone in the partnership of the Central Bank of Samoa and the Money Pacific initiative in the promotion of financial inclusion and financial literacy.

The Guide provides financial information and activities in a workbook format. It is aimed to be a helpful resource for high school students, adult education classes and families.

Kim Hailwood, of Money Pacific said “the Money Pacific Money Guide is not to dictate people of their financial decisions, but rather guide them on what they can do.”

The Governor of C.B.S., Maiava Atalina Ainu’u-Enari said Samoa “believes that economic development can be fostered by CLOTHES Ph: 25491 educating individuals on how best they can manage their personal finances.”

She added that this latest resource will surely “assist us in all our diverse capacities as financial consumers.”

The Money Guide is the first of its kind to feature Samoan and Tongan Languages.

The Central Bank of Samoa and Money Pacific invited a diversity of guests to attend the official launch, which included the Ministry of Women, Community and Society Development, Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture, Principals and Teachers of Government Schools conducting the EFEC (Entrepreneurship and Financial Education Curriculum) programme, Youth & Education Directors from the church denominations, SBEC, WIBDI, SPBD, as well as the Australian High Commission and New Zealand High Commission as representatives of their respective Governments for they are the major funders of the Money Pacific project.

Money Pacific was established in 2007, under the NZ-Pacific Remittance Project (Money Pacific) has played a leading role in reducing the cost of sending money within the Pacific region.

On their website it is stated that “Money Pacific is dedicated to helping Pacific families manage their money and make the best decisions to achieve their financial goals, while learning to minimise the impact of unexpected bumps along the way.’

A demonstration of the Money Guide was conducted by Hailwood and Becky de Beer-Lamont from Money Pacific, who are based in New Zealand.

A ferry company based in the Bahamas has officially purchased the state-owned vessel, MV Lady Filifilia or “Rock da Boat” as it was commonly known to many.

The vessel was initially purchased by the Corporation in 2008 to conduct day cruise services operating under Talofa Cruises.

The ferry was purchased for operations to “remote and isolated islands of Samoa as an added activity contributing to the promotion of tourism.”

Unfortunately, said the corporation in a press release, things didn’t go well due to “technical and environmental issues.”

These issues hindered the progression of this initiative as well as holding back exploration of the potential of this “wonderful” concept.

The Corporation resolved to use the vessel as a venue for various occasions such as weddings, birthdays, corporate events “as well as the ever popular party cruise known by many as ‘Rock da Boat’ in order to sustain revenue to meet its financial obligations.”

“Cabinet upon recommendation by the S.S.C. Board of Directors endorsed the proposal for the vessel to be sold given its limitations and inability to comply with international/ national requirements,” said the corporation.

The press release did not state how much the ferry was sold for. Initial plans were for the corporation to use the ferry to provide a regular passenger service between Apia to Aleipata, and Apia to American Samoa, with other routes between Apia and Mulifanua to Salelologa as alternatives.

“The Corporation’s long term plan is to replace this vessel with another one, which every success with Rock da Boat’s can comply with all maritime future endeavors.” requirements.”

The carrier, named MV Floragracht “The S.S.C. Board, Management yesterday uploaded the ferry to and Staff wished Bahamas Ferries transport it to its new home port in Nassau, Bahamas.

A 2011 report on national infrastructure listed Lady Filifila as among spending causing $7 million in debt for the corporation by that year.

“SSC has a total outstanding debt of some T$7M mainly arising from acquisition of new vessels (MV Samoa Express in 2001, MV Fotu-o-Samoa II in 2004, and MV Lady Filifilia in 2008), purchase of land at Matautu, and expansion of workshops.

These debts are all with local commercial banks,” reads the National Infrastructure Strategic Plan.

The same report also noted that the corporation also had a turnover of $16 million tala by the end of the 2009 financial year.

According to the South Pacific Travel Blog, the 150 passenger ferry was formerly known as the Reef Quest, a dive boat formerly based in Cairns, Australia.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has admitted being “careless” with his health in relation to a “scratch” that hospitalised him last month.

And now he has learnt from his experience, he has reminded members of the public about the importance of vaccinations that could save their lives.

Tuilaepa is back in the country after he was sent to New Zealand for medical treatment last month.

“I was very careless,” he told Radio 2AP yesterday, during his first public interview since he was evacuated from Parliament on Wednesday night, 19 March 2014.

The Prime Minister added that vaccinations being promoted and supplied by the National Hospital are “very important, to protect you from being injured by a nail or any other scratch.” As for his condition, he quipped: “Don't say I was sick (instead say that) I was scratched.”

Asked about  fears expressed by people close to him that he should still be in bed, taking more time to recover, Tuilaepa said this was not necessary.

“No, it’s finished,” he said about the condition that hospitalised him. “There is no reason why I should rest. You saw me walking here.”

He joked that perhaps he needed a horse to compare his pace to so that people can stop worrying.

“If there was a horse (at the hospital), I would have asked for it to be brought out so I could race it so that the rest will know that everything is spick and span,” he said.

According to the Prime Minister, when he left the country, the rumour mill had it that “I was in a serious condition.”

“I wasn't in a serious condition,” he said, adding that the doctors just wanted to ensure he rested so that the treatment he received would be effective. “Now I have returned and my strength has been restored.”

Told that in his absence, some members of the Opposition party were worried about his ability to continue to lead the government, Tuilaepa said he anticipated something like that.

“That’s what I was worried about,” he said. “(When I was in hospital) the leader (of the Opposition) came and some members of the opposition came.

“Now if they expressed such an opinion (in my absence), it means they weren’t genuine when they came to visit me, they only came to see when I would die.”

The Prime Minister also denied being diabetic.

“No there was nothing like that,” he said. “If this scratch happened and I had diabetes, I would have flipped already.” The Prime Minister said he is grateful to be back and he thanked everyone for their prayers and support.

“I want to thank our Church leaders, the people of our country, Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers and everyone who visited out of their concern,” he said.

“I also want to thank the Opposition, I think they were very genuine when they visited.

“So I want to say thank you all, not just our people in Samoa but also in New Zealand where I was well looked after by our people and church leaders who visited. Only God can reward your kindness.”

HONORARY DOCTORATE

Yesterday, Prime Minister Tuilaepa was honoured by the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) with an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Economics.

The honour was conferred during the University ’ s graduation.

The N.U.S. award is the second such award for the Prime Minister. In 2012, Victoria University in Wellington New Zealand conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Laws on the Prime Minister.

Asked for his thoughts, he said he was humbled by the honour.

“Universities are very hard to convince,” he said. “But somehow the Victoria University and our University are convinced about the leader of the HRPP… and it’s like that…”

OFFICERS OF PARLIAMENT COMMITTEE REPORT

Getting back to politics, Tuilaepa backed the Speaker’s decision to delay the debate on the Officers of Parliament Committee report.

The report in question confirms instances of “corrupt practises” within some government bodies that were highlighted by the Controller and Chief Auditor’s report.

Before he was hospitalised, Tuilaepa had promised that the report would be debated during last month’s Parliament session.

It wasn't.

“When someone travels overseas, his reports should not be debated unless he returns,” the Prime Minister said yesterday. “Who will answer about these reports when I’m not here? These reports (concerns ministries) under my watch.”

Tuilaepa said he suspects that Palusalue Fa’apo II and his party were keen to debate the report in his absence so “they would have had the freedom to speak about things that are unfounded. So the Speaker made the right decision.”

MANU SAMOA SEVENS

Lastly, the Prime Minister, who is also the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, was asked about the poor performance of the Manu Samoa Sevens lately.

“This close to the Olympics, you’ve seen that a lot of the teams are bringing in their muscly players,” he said.

“But when you look at our players, they need some time to develop their muscles. They are quite tiny. We need sizable players, like the ones of old…” The Prime Minister called for patience.

“Remember the team that won (our first World title), before that they kept on losing games after games. But they got better when the muscles on their arms and legs grew and then they won. Eventually we came out on top.

“So with these new players, we need to be patient. We don't become good right away. We need to keep our focus on the future and allow these players to gain experience.”

This year’s Samoa Tourism Exchange (S.T.E.) has proven to be a real hit for local industry members who used the two-day opportunity to market their businesses to an international audience.

 According to the S.T.E. website, the Exchange is an annual event where tourism stakeholders come together to discuss important topics and tools relating to tourism development.

“It is organised by the Government through the Samoa Tourism Authority,” the site says.

“S.T.E. 2014 will once again bring together the Fa'a Samoa Roadshow for International Travel Agents and the Samoa Tourism Industry Conference for Samoa-based operators.” Ieti Sanerivi, from Tailua’s Beach Fales in Manase, said the exchange was just what his family’s small business needed.

“This is actually the first time we found out about it and the first time we have been at something like this, which is really neat for us,” he said.

“From our point of view this is what we really needed, it is just the publicity and being aware of what is really out there for us. “In terms of drawing (tourism) markets not only to the country but to our property in Savaii.

“It has been really good, so thumbs up to S.T.A. (Samoa Tourism Authority) for all their help and all the things that they have considered that will benefit everyone.”

He said the highlights of the Exchange were not only being able to network with the buyers and the people from abroad, but also being able to meet locally with the stakeholders and the resorts here in Upolu.

“So it has been really good,” said Mr Sanerivi.

“Just building these relationships and that partnership…(and) being able to market our place that was the highlight of this whole exchange.”

Mr. Sanerivi said what his business offers to tourists is a Samoan lifestyle experience.

“That is getting their hands dirty and doing the umu, not just sitting back and watching people doing it,” he said.

“We tell the tourists ‘they (the locals) have been doing that for quite a while but we want you to come and join us to prepare dinner, because if you are not going to help, you are not going to eat’.

“That is just the humour we like to throw in and they ask ‘can I have a try scraping breadfruit and taro?’

“Also we do farm tours as well…so it is taking them out to the farm, the plantation and showing them how we cultivate the land.

“And then they share their ideas, which is really good, which just elevates our experience as business owners.

“And they take something back with them that real Samoa life experience.”

He said he was really happy with the way the S.T.A. is marketing Samoa to the world. “Samoa is out there,” he said.

“It was surprising I found out there was an S.T.A. office in the UK and Europe – that was pretty neat, I never knew that.

“We are all over the place.”

Mr. Sanerivi said the S.T.A. is doing what it can to market Samoa to the world and that it was up to the operators to hold up their end and provide a great Samoan experience for the tourists. That is “making sure the standards are up there,” he said.

“S.T.A. is doing a great job and just being able to find out about S.H.A. (Samoa Hotel Association) and what they have to offer - the trainings - so we give the customer service people have come to expect. “It has been a really good experience for us.”

Nanise Tolovae from Polynesian Explorer said the S.T.E. was great for the company she works for.

“We got to have lots of meetings with a range of different agents from different places and catch up with existing partners,” she said. There were “also some new opportunities too.

“We had a good representation of our New Zealand and Australian wholesalers and some new prospects from China as well, so we got some good meetings in.

“We need an increase in numbers that is why we have put a lot into this day.

“So for us this is an important show, we like to have people come here and particularly for our Europe agents… to have them come here that is really good.”

According to the S.T.E. website, the Exchange was initiated in 2008 and has expanded to become a national tourism event.

“The industry stakeholders from all around Samoa are given the opportunity to exhibit their products and establishments to buyers from New Zealand and Australia,” according to the site.

“This year, S.T.E. will expand even further to include other Pacific Islands.”

Accredited Mediators of Samoa held the official opening of their new office at the Court House yesterday afternoon.

His Honour, Chief Justice Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu was the keynote speaker. He also cut the ribbon for the new A.M.S.A. office.

“In January 2013, following the formation of A.M.S.A. as a professional body, the Executive Council of A.M.S.A. approached me and requested an office space within the Court House,” he said.

“I had no hesitation.”

Last year on 4th May 2013 at the first A.M.S.A. retreat at the Samoa Tradition Resort, he referred to that request as a future collaborative effort between A.M.S.A. and its partners, and, he said, as another important step forward in the establishment and development of mediation in Samoa.

“There are purposes for this new office. The first is to facilitate the coordination and referral of civil cases to mediation by A.M.S.A. working together with the court annexed Mediation Unit of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration.

“The location of this office within the Court House will provide ready and convenient access to a mediator by the parties to a civil case referred by the Court to mediation through the Court –annexed Mediation Unit.

“The second purpose of this office is to provide a central location for members of the public who wish to refer their disputes directly to mediation for resolution without having to go to Court first.

“The third purpose of this office is to promote mediation in Samoa.

“Securing this office space is one of the many initiatives that A.M.S.A. has come up with to contribute to the ultimate goal of making mediation services readily available and accessible by the general public.

“However, our aim is to move on from here to establish a Mediation Centre in the not too distant future.

“The Mediation Centre will not only be for conducting mediations but also to provide mediation training and to promote mediation in Samoa”, said Patu.

“Now I would like to acknowledge with great appreciation the support provided by Gavin Murray and Lady Buitzon; for the financial assistance provided by the International Finance Corporation (I.F.C.) to A.M.S.A. that has enabled the purchase of furniture and equipment for this new office.

“I would also like to acknowledge with great appreciation the support provided by Maeva Vaai and Antonia Wong of the World Bank Group Office in Samoa for assisting with securing the approvals of I.F.C.’s assistance.

“Last but not least, I would also like to acknowledge with much appreciation the support given by the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration to the establishment of this office.

“To the President, Vice President, and members of A.M.S.A., congratulations on this initiative and I trust you will make good use of this office in furthering the availability of mediation services and in promoting mediation in Samoa.