Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has rejected criticism of the plan to build a beach area with shops and restaurants as “old men” making noise “as usual”.

Tuilaepa says the beautifying of Apia with a beach is part of government’s plan to attract tourists to Samoa.

But the idea has received objections from the Tautua Party leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II, Shadow Minister of Environment, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster as well as residents near the area.

Tuilaepa, in rejecting the criticism, said the development will include shops and restaurants as well as street lighting.

The decision to go ahead with the project was made by Cabinet, he said. It is a project that is necessary to attract tourists to Samoa. He said Europeans enjoy bathing in the sun so that their skin can turn brown.

“When white people see us black people with brown colours it’s like looking at angels.”

But it is nothing to be proud of, he said.

“Because I have also seen Samoans bathing on the beach and it’s not because they want to be brown, but black.”

Tuilaepa claims that “Apia is not as beautiful as it was long ago”. In fact many years ago there was a beach in Apia.

But the sand at Vaisigano was stolen by road contractors and eventually there was no more beach, he said. The project will return Apia to what it once was.

The people opposing it are unhappy because they are slowly seeing the formation of the beach and it’s looking beautiful.

“Remember this sand comes from the rivers of Vaisigano - the sand is taken to the sea and then the sea pushes it back and creates a beach.

“If you see the mounds of sands in the area – after cyclone Evan, there was so much of it.” It resulted with Cbinet deciding it was time to beautify Apia by creating a beach there, he said.

“The importance of that - is that there are big plans to develop the town, this means the areas on the beach from Matautu to Mulinuu.”

The development does not only involve the beautification of the beach but building shops and restaurants and lights that will illuminate the place like daytime at night.

“Then Apia will be a beautiful place to see.”

Tuilaepa said “these are good plans and government is trying to make happen”.

This would be a signature site from Samoa to the outside world, he claims.

“Those who are not happy and that make noises, you all know that they make noises and then it dies away.

“Let the old men make noises - but many people have offered their congratulations for the beach.”

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, says Cabinet has “fully approved the recommendations” from a Commission of Inquiry into allegations of corruption at the Ministry of Police and Prisons.

Among the recommendations, he told the media during a press conference, is the urgent need to improve the security at Tafa’igata so that prisoners don't just escape at will.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that the report was particularly scathing about the “calibre” and “integrity” of police officers, in relation to claims of inappropriate relationships at the prison.

As a result, Tuilaepa said the Commission has called for the enforcement of policies to govern the relationship among Police officers as well as that between police and prisoners. Respect, he said, should always be paramount, reminding that although prisoners are “sinners that have broken the law, we must never forget that they too, are people created in the image of God, and so God lives in them also.”

At the end of the Commission’s report, Tuilaepa said it highlighted a “weakness” within the Ministry. It involves investigations against Police officers carried out by the Police Professional Standards Unit.

Tuilaepa said the Commission found that such investigations are not being carried out properly and that is why the Office of the Ombudsman has now been tasked with the job of investigating Police officers.

“Remember there is that question - they Police us but who polices them?” he said.

“Well, that is the answer to that fault that existed before,” he said about the Ombudsman’s new role of looking into allegations against Police officers. Tuilaepa also said the Commission’s report highlights that many problems within the Ministry of Police and Prisons were caused by poor performance, especially by the management.

“The 75-page report lucidly outlined several management and administrative problems at the Ministry and validated unfavourable conditions, unflattering incidents and incongruous behaviour at the country’s main prison,” Tuilaepa said in a statement issued by the Press Secretariat yesterday.

Headed by the Ombudsman, Maiava Iulai Toma, the inquiry titled “Tafaigata Prisons – investigating the allegations regarding the mismanagement and misadministration of Tafaigata Prisons and other related issues” looked at a number of issues at the prison.

Among the issues were alleged loans between prisoners and police officers and sexual misconduct between them.

Speaking to the media, Tuilaepa did not reveal the individual findings of the Commission. He said a press release would be issued outlining Cabinet’s decision.

However, he pointed out that the Inquiry supported the decision by the Minister of Police and Prisons, Sala Fata Pinati, to separate the Prison from the Police.

“The recommendation has resulted with the view that it is necessary for Tafa’igata Prison to be made independent from the Ministry of Police,” said Tuilaepa.

Tuilaepa said the only way “to improve (the running of) Tafa’igata (Prison) is to separate it from the Ministry.”

That way, a separate Commissioner will be responsible for the Prison. “Since the Commissioner is based here at the Ministry (of Police), he tends to give all his attention to the Ministry and not to the prison,” said the Prime Minister. A dedicated Commissioner for the Prisons would help improve the running of the facilities.

At the beginning of the Commission of Inquiry, Police Commissioner, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo, and Assistant Police Commissioner, Sala Seaga Uili, were suspended.

Tuilaepa said the suspensions were to avoid any influence in the course of the investigation. They remain “suspended with full pay” and this is likely to continue for another two or three weeks, said Tuilaepa.

Meanwhile, Tuilaepa said: “Cabinet has accepted the recommendations about the improvement of the prison.”

This includes a recommendation for a security fence to be built so as to prevent prisoners from escaping from Tafa’igata.

Tuilaepa claimed that this fence has already been included in the budget for the current year.

However, under the Approved Estimates of Receipts and Payments of the Government of Samoa for the Financial Year ending 30 June 2014, there are no budget allocations for capital costs for the ministry’s Correctional Services.

The budget of $2,226,892 is fully taken up by personnel and operating expenses.

Tuilaepa also spoke about a lack of programmes for prisoners to obtain skills and talents so that when their term of imprisonment is served, they return to the community as new and rehabilitated people.

The Ministry of Police and Prison performs two roles; enforcing of the law and policing of the members of the public so that they abide by the law, conducting charges against those who break the law. And the second is rehabilitation of prisoners.

This, he said, involves the ministry housing facilities to keep these people properly locked up so that they don’t escape and commit offences again and to look after the prisoners so that the public is protected. These are two separate things, he said.

“There will also be programmes to rehabilitate the prisoners so that when their term of imprisonment is finished they will come out as changed people.”

This recommendation has started with a choir that is already established and made up of prisoners.

The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.) needs the continuous financial support of government to assist its future projects, a Parliamentary Committee has found.

The Education, Science, Communication and Information Technology (E.S.C.I.T.) Committee, submitted its recommendations to the Assembly at the last session of Parliament on S.R.O.S.’s Corporate Plan for 2011-2014. Chaired by Lenatai Victor Tamapua, a copy of the report has been obtained by the Sunday Samoan.

According to the report the Committee noted that the Organisation is committed to becoming a self-funding body.

“Within 2012-2014, S.R.O.S. cannot afford to obtain 100 per cent of resources for its on-going projects,” the report reads.

“For this reason, the Organisation has confirmed the need of continuous financial support of the Government to assist its future projects.

“The Organisation also considers possible ways to improve its technical services for revenue earning.”

The Committee reported that as part of its Corporate Plan S.R.O.S. recognises working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries as their services are closely related.

“Promoting this relationship will achieve future projects, and upgrading technologies should go together with the availability of resources,” the Committee’s report reads.

“The main objective of the Plan is to achieve the International Accreditation Status of Samoa.

“Technical Analysis provided by S.R.O.S. as part of the World Trade Organisation requirements should also be met by Samoa.”

Although the committee’s report does not refer to existing expenses and revenue of the laboratory, according to this year’s budget, the Approved Estimates of Receipts and Payments of the Government of Samoa for the Financial Year Ending 30 June 2014, total expenditure is expected to be $3,566,626 tala.

Revenues are expected to be $160,000 tala.

In addition to Lenatai, the E.S.C.I.T. Committee comprises of Deputy Chairman Ifopo Matia Filisi, and Members Levaopolo Talatonu, Tusa Misi Tupuola, Aveau Nikotemo Palamo, Tuileutu Alavaa Voi and Tufuga Gafoaleata Faitua.

The Committee’s report will be published in full in tomorrow’s edition.

A Samoa College Old Pupils Association (S.C.O.P.A.) radiothon was held yesterday at Samoa College’s gym, Vaivase.

“As you can see, we have nearly completed the school gym,” said S.C.O.P.A. President, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.

The work started last year in December and Leala said that $250,000 has already been paid of the total cost of the project which is $630,000.

“We are still waiting on some of our requests that we sendt to other donor agencies and hopefully they will help us.

“We don’t owe any money for this project and that is very good news as we draw near to the end of the (construction of the) gym.”

Leala also acknowledged the kind support of leaders of the C.C.C.S.; Vice Chairman Rev. Tautiaga Senara and the Chairman of the C.C.C.S. Rev Tavita Roma who presented school ties that the association will use for sale as souvenirs.

“Having them with us keeps us going and encourages us a lot while we are working on the project.

“We would like to thank all the parents, former and present students of Samoa College, supporters and fans for all the prayers and assistance that makes all of these things easier and possible.”

Project Manager, Ulugia Asiata Anamani, confirmed that this project will be completed in two weeks time.

“It was July that we were looking at to finish the gym but looking at where it is standing now, I can confirm this will be completed in the next two weeks.”

“We are also looking at what equipment to use inside the gym.”

The Office of the Press Secretariat yesterday issued a statement from the Prime Minister about the Commission of Inquiry’s report into Tafaigata Prison. It is published here in verbatim:

Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Commission of Inquiry report- including all its recommendations - into conditions at Tafaigata Prison and other related issues. Said Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi;

“The 75-page report lucidly outlined several management and administrative problems at the Ministry and validated unfavourable conditions, unflattering incidents and incongruous behaviour at the country’s main prison.”

Said Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi; “Fortunately, the weaknesses that led to these problems have been addressed in the Police (Servant Amendment) Act that Parliament approved last year.

It essentially separated the management and administration of Prisons from general policing.

“Prisons will soon have its own chief executive and management to concentrate on the best interests and advancing the prison system when before, the Police ministry was dominated by core policing the law.”

It recommends that the Ombudsman’s office plays a broader and more active role in the regular review and of prison conditions and regular monitoring of prisoners’ general welfare as well as initiate and develop training programmes for prison officers.

“The weaknesses identified in the report are mainly to do with the systems in respect of operations and controls.

The Commission provides recommendations that will make the prison systems much more effective in terms of rehabilitating prisoners and upgrading the skills of prison officers. In terms of infrastructure, the Commission recommends the construction of more secure holding cells and perimeter fencing.

It also recommends the establishment of an in-house medical clinic and facilities for counselling services.

The Police Professional Standards Unit (PSU), the report recommends, should immediately execute its job of investigating several outstanding cases involving Police officers that were brought to its (PSU) desk, as unearthed in the Inquiry. The report was particularly scathing in addressing the urgent need to lift the calibre and integrity level of police personnel.

The Commission as to its next phase of the Inquiry - under the Police Act - will address the issue of the capacity of the incumbent Commissioner and the ACEO - Tafaigata Prisons – to perform their functions satisfactorily as highlighted in the Inquiry’s findings.

That final report should be available within four weeks.”

“They can easily go and carry themselves up the hill and so I find that there is no problem at all with the track they currently use to access to the main village.”

A family at Magiagi has dashed the hopes of residents living in a subvillage called Ueligitone.

Just when the government is finally starting on plans to build a road into the remote sub-village, the project has been brought to a standstill.

“I have stopped the road because there shouldn’t be one,” said family elder, Soafa Felaga’i.

“They shouldn’t be pushing for something they have no understanding about,” Soafa said referring to fellow villagers.

He claims those requesting to have a road built are “young children”.

Young children whom, he said, have no understanding at all of the real situation regarding the land in the area.

“When that road is in place, it will belong to the government and will forever be there,” he said.

But “it takes half a million to remove the houses of my family up there to make way for the road.”

Soafa said his fellow villagers who are asking for the road “can’t pay us that kind of money.

“The Government will have to do that.”

But Soafa is doubtful about the government’s ability to pay them compensation. And there’s more. He claims that the village’s request for the road did not follow the proper protocol.

“They went to the Minister to put a road there so as to ease their travel.” But he had little sympathy for complaints about village access via a steep track.

“They can easily go and carry themselves up the hill and so I find that there is no problem at all with the track they currently use to access to the main village.”

The controversy over the building of a road for the sub-village has been a longterm issue, he said. But he refrained from commenting any further in regards to the compensation claim and past issues that have stopped the road going ahead.

He confirmed he was approached sometime prior to the latest request by villagers from Ueligitone but “I told them to wait until I consulted with the family”.

“I am not the only owner of those properties, it is family land.”

Businesswoman Lupe Vui, who lives at Ueligitone, said that travelling up the steep track is a very difficult task.

She operates a small store and when she purchases goods for her business, these have to be carried down the hill to where her shop is located.

Ms. Vui is also worried about the situation faced by others who have to travel daily back up the steep hill to get to the main road to find public transport.

Her other concerns are for the young children who may fall ill unexpectedly and for elderly people.

“They have to be carried up the track,” she said.

“The request was made so long ago followed by others, so now all we are doing is waiting.”

Another resident, Fualilia Atonio, said their plans have been put on hold as a result of the family owning the property.

“They don’t want a road here because they claim it’s their land and so we have left it with the village mayor.”

The village mayor could not be found yesterday for a comment regarding this matter.

But Ms. Atonio said the family of Soafa should make clear what compensation they want for the property.

She claims that government provided machines to excavate the property to build the road but the family of Soafa stopped it from going any further.

“This has been going on for more than 10 years.”

The Police are working towards “effective” dog control in the lead up to the Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S) meeting in September.

In a statement issued by Assistant Police Commissioner, Afamasaga Michael So’onalole, he said the Dog Control Programme is aiming for a long-term solution to provide a secure and safe environment for Samoa and its visitors.

“However, the initial focus will be on improving public safety in and around Apia before the September 2014 S.I.D.S. conference,” he said.

“Wandering stray and owned dogs have been a longstanding problem in Samoa and there is a high incidence of dog attacks on locals and tourists alike.

“That is why the Ministry of Police are establishing a programme that will focus on responsible dog ownership and effective dog control.”

Afamasaga said the programme is being designed with assistance from Auckland Council Animal Control Services.

“The Council were engaged last year to assist in the design of a dog control programme that is in accordance with the Canine Control Act 2013,” he said.

“The programme will consist of education and awareness, dog registration, dog control activities and enforcement; and construction of a dog shelter for stray and unregistered dogs.”

When asked via email if he could guarantee there would not be a repeat of what happened in 2007 before the South Pacific Games where police shot dogs in the early hours of the morning in an effort to both beautify Apia and to ensure people's safety, Afamasaga did not answer by the time of press.

However, in an earlier report by Radio New Zealand International, Afamasaga said the police dog control programme wants to provide a long-term humane solution, and this does not involve tranquilizing or shooting dogs.

His statement is in line with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (W.S.P.A.) stance, who state the inhumane culling of dogs is not acceptable under any circumstance.

For the first time W.S.P.A. will attend a S.I.D.S conference to be held in Samoa later this year. W.S.P.A.’s Regional Communications Manager Nicola Perez said her organisation, in line with international guidelines, states that when dog population management is deemed necessary it is essential that it is achieved in the most humane way possible.

“Culling street dogs has at no time been effective – mass killing of animals is not, and never will be the answer,” she said.

“W.S.P.A.’s work demonstrates that a humane and holistic approach is the only longterm solution to managing dog populations.

“Governments must take a sustainable approach and address the core issue of managing the dog population.”

Ms. Perez said combining dog population management and promoting responsible ownership can help address challenges associated with roaming dogs, such as: disease transmission, injury and fear caused by aggressive behaviour in dogs, nuisance through noise and fouling and livestock predation.

“Dog population management can include neutering of stray and owned animals, the promotion of responsible ownership and legislative measures to protect dogs and encourage better animal welfare,” she said.

“Additional measures include the identification and registration of dogs and vaccinating against…zoonotic diseases.

“W.S.P.A. moves people to change their attitudes and behaviour towards animals and works to create a world where people respect and value dogs; developing and implementing solutions that work for animals and people.”

Further in the release issued by Afamasaga he said the Police have recently completed the recruitment of Dog Control Officers and administration support to implement the Programme to staff a new Dog Control Unit.

He said the team consists of Canine Control Officer Maseiga Lauina, Assistant Canine Control Officers Tumua Taoipu Ah Loo and Mati Situli and Canine Administrative Officer Theresa Togafau Kamisi.

“The team will be travelling to New Zealand this week to undertake training and observe the work of Auckland Council Animal Control Unit,” Afamasaga said in the release.

“Under the Canine Control Act 2013 all dogs must be registered. “Currently it is impossible to know which dog is owned and which dog is a stray – this will be resolved through each registered dog having a collar and identification tag.

“With support from Auckland Council, a registration system will be set up, and training will begin for the Dog Control Officers who will learn about dog registration and education, handling and impoundment, customer service, health and safety, animal welfare methods, euthanasia, and disease management.”

He said plans for the construction of a dog shelter to house collected dogs are also underway with the aim of having construction complete by mid-2014.

“Land has been confirmed at Tafa’igata and work to prepare the site for construction has been completed,” said Afamasaga.

“Canine Control Officers will inform the registered owner of the dog that their dog has been collected.

“Dogs will be housed at the shelter for at least four days to allow for collection by an owner.

“After this period the dog may be re-homed or humanely euthanised.”

He said the Police would provide more information on the registration process in late-April once the system is in place and the dog control activities begin.

“The Police are working closely with other Government Ministries and the Animal Protection Society to implement the Dog Control Programme and develop a long term solution to this issue,” Afamasaga concluded.

Follow up questions about the cost and requirements of registering dogs had not been responded to at press time.

“They snore and snore and then wake up and then complain – then back to snoring and then up again, complaining”

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, says he is confused as to why the Opposition party is asking for their “shadow” Cabinet positions to be officially recognised.

Tuilaepa claims that their Shadow cabinet is already recognised in Parliament and througout the country.

Speaking to the media last week, Prime Minister Tuilaepa said the call from the Opposition for recognition was related to a desire for higher pay.

He said the Opposition thinks that their “pay should be the same as you, who are under the sun.”

But Tuilaepa disagrees.

“How can our pay be the same when we are out in the sun getting dirty while they are snoring under the shade?” he asked.

“They snore and snore and then wake up and then complain – then back to snoring and then up again, complaining.”

Opposition MPs are usually given or chose portfolios including ministries and other government bodies to follow as closely as possible – the same as someone’s ‘shadow’, hence the expression.

However, after joking about what the term meant to the opposition, Tuilaepa went on to mock the opposition criticism of government’s beach development in Apia.

“They are even complaining about the beach because they don’t understand the importance of a beach.”

He said that Samoa Tautua Party claims the beach will be packed with naked people roaming around.

He suggests that the opposition should reconsider the seriousness of this claim since nakedness is nothing new to Samoa.

“Look, in 1830 missionaries from overseas came dressed in their suits and their wives in long dresses.

“And our women were found with only ‘siapo’ [tapa cloth] without any top covering.”

So when the missionaries saw this they said “what you are doing is wrong – you should put on some tops. So they gave us clothes.”

Europeans these days walk around and say the sun is too hot and say we must wear something thin.

“What’s the difference - it is what we are used to!”

Tuilaepa said he doesn’t know why this shocks or surprises the opposition “but if they consider it again this is what we were once used to”.

He said there was far worse to see in books and movies. “If a movie comes on, my eyes get so crossed from what I see.

“But beaches are best for people to roam about on and kick sand and take a swim to heal their wounds.”

Addressing the male journalists that were present at the 2AP talk show programme that he was attending he said “that is one use of the beach”.

“Remember those days when the old man would send you for a swim? “That time was very important. The only thing we were afraid of was that you might get thrown with a rock.”

He didn’t go into details but it is common knowledge that, historically, when young men were circumcised they were required to bathe in the sea to heal their surgical wounds.

Some might also get pelted by stones from other boys mocking them for their initiation into manhood.

Outgoing British High Commissioner, Victoria Treadell, says that an attitude change at societal level is needed to reduce domestic violence in Samoa.

Speaking at a press conference in Apia, the said this change begins with real public awareness.

“People are increasingly saying enough, this must stop, it must not be part of our society,” she said.

“I think there are a lot of people who are absolutely committed to reducing this problem.

“There is a genuine issue here to address. It requires a partnership and real support from government, from civil society, I think the church also has an important role.

“But I think if I can speak quite honestly and objectively, there needs to be better coordination and there needs to be responsibility taken and there also needs to be a change in attitude within the society.”

She said during her time in Samoa she had a meeting with U.N. Women, where she was told of a recent survey done.

“There was a survey recently done asking school aged children whether it is all right for the mother or the women in the household to be physically abused,” she said.

“And 50 per cent of the boys thought it was ok, that’s what’s happens in the family.

“But the shocking statistic was that 58 per cent of the girls thought that that was acceptable. “The girl child and the young women and the women have to be the first to say enough this is not right and it is not acceptable.”

She said strong women have to head this and provide confidence to those who may feel weaker about the issue.

“And that is in all societies,” she said. “People have to begin to stand up and they have to be public about their condemnation of this problem in society.

“Government has to do it women must to do it, the church must do it community leaders - the matais in the villages. “In an international community, this is something that is universally unacceptable.”

She said in this area the British Government was leading a global campaign on the prevention of sexual violence in conflict.

“In many conflict zones rape is used as a weapon of war,” she said.

“It is as much a criminal act as genocide and the perpetrators must equally be brought to book.

“So we are hosting a major summit in London in June, bringing together 140 countries who have signed up to this initiative including New Zealand.

They “will be represented at a very senior government level to work out a plan on how to address this.

“Now of course the sexual violence that takes place here in Samoa is not in a conflict zone, as such.

“But we take the value of that agenda and look at how we can roll out our work here and identify the people with who we can work as well as our dialogue with government.

“So I don’t think you ever eradicate it from society completely, we can definitely reduce it and change has to come first in terms of attitude.”

She said advocacy of this issue is something the British High Commission could assist Samoa with.

“What Britain can do is say this is an issue that we care about and we want to encourage progress,” said Her Excellency.

“Advocacy, that is something that we can do.

“It is an issue that I will be talking to the Prime Minister about, I know he himself is concerned about it.

“But from everyone I have met in Samoa, everyone recognises the challenge and the need to do something better.

“But I do think it begins with real public awareness and people increasingly saying enough, this must stop, it must not be part of our society.”

“It’s hard for them because people respect the church so much and they are not willing to come out and talk about their issues, because they say it’s shameful and they feel guilty and all sorts of things are attached to it.”

Customs, tradition and religion can be barriers to solving problems of youth and sexual violence, says a community counsellor. Rapid technological change including the widespread use of mobile phones is one of the factors behind increasing violence, Tess Fruean believes.

“There are so many changes, and while we are predominantly a Christian country, I think that Christianity can also be a barrier, because a lot of people feel they cannot speak out.”

It’s a problem recognised by the church, with the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S) asking Ms. Fruean to be one of the trainers at a two day workshop on Youth Violence, Sexual Violence. Said Ms. Fruean,

“It’s hard for them because people respect the church so much and they are not willing to come out and talk about their issues, because they said it’s shameful and feel guilty and all sorts of things are attached to it.”

The workshop was held at the C.C.C.S Youth Hall last week. Starting were four members from each congregation of Savaii, finishing Friday with four members from each congregation around Upolu.

A nine question survey was distributed to participants to prompt discussion, along with 10 myths about sexual violence.

The programme “targets the C.C.C.S. youth and really is to create awareness to help young people understand about violence especially sexual violence especially since it’s a growing concern in Samoa right now”, said Ms. Fruean.

“So the program covers the aspects of violence, the types of violence there are and we’ve had activities that we ask the young people to share their perceptions of violence because everyone has different perceptions and it’s just really to try and get their understanding and what they think about violence in general.

“We’ve also looked at risk factors - what kind of person that is likely to commit violent acts and we looked at other risk factors as well.

“We looked at different kinds of risk that make somebody become violent, so another factor will be biological or personality.

“It is also to do with the environment, how the person interacts with their partners, families, at school and in work places, so the environment also plays a big influence, because the individual interacts with the environment on daily basis. Ms. Fruean acknowledges the invitation from the church to hold the workshop for C.C.C.S. youth.

“But it is a program that should be addresses to all the youths of Samoa.

“It is also a good way to get the young people to share what they already know because most of them who have suffered sexual violence never want to talk about it.

“Having programmes like this will help them talk about the issue,” she said.

“The church vision of targeting the youth is to use them as advocates so they can take what they learn from here, and take it out to the community and share what they have learned from this workshop. Ms. Fruean said that technology is changing faster than the ability of families and communities to absorb those changes.

“The special technological changes that are happening, it’s really fast and with all these technologies I don’t think we are ready to provide support for the people that need the support.

“It’s the values that changed as well, with families meaning togetherness, but now there are hardly any in our country.

“We can also say that our culture and tradition is one of the barriers to stop the youth from speaking out. In some cases, parents are committing sexual violence towards their children, but there is that saying of respecting our parents, so that can be a barrier to stop children from talking.

“Violent acts need to be dealt with on many levels as they are a consequence of multiple factors such as biological, psychological, social and environmental. While each level in the ecological model represents a risk, it also can be looked at as place for key intervention.”

Other speakers included Ministry of Health officials Selaupasene Ualesi and Fa’aifoasu Moala. From Police, Junior Tofilau and Henifa Bryce also spoke.

Church leaders spoke from spiritual perspectives, while providing evaluation and feedback. How to avoid violence Defusion techniques are used as soon as early warning signs or ‘triggers’ appear, that a problem is likely to develop.

● Interrupt undesirable behaviour
● Redirect person to acceptable task
● To distract person’s attention to something else
● Keep emotional temperature as low as possible
● Address other person calmly and quietly
● Use their first name frequently
● Maintain eye contact (but avoid staring)
● Speak slowly, deliberatively, use calming gestures
● Practice active listening
● Acknowledging anger e.g. “I can see that you’re angry ...”
● Assertive “I” messages help you control what you are saying

Teachers at Faleata College were trained by Samoa Stationery and Books (S.S.A.B) on how to use computers effectively last week.

The training was conducted by Deputy Managing Director, Gasemaninoa Pelenato. The main purpose of the training was to ensure that teachers were aware of the components of a computer and also how to effectively use various Microsoft Office programs such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel to assist them with their teaching.

S.S.A.B. provides free computer training for customers who support S.S.A.B. through their purchases. S.S.A.B. believes in adding value to its products sold.

There is no use having computers at schools when teachers cannot fully utilize them.

This is why S.S.A.B. wanted to provide this training, the company said in a press release.

Not every school has moved into the computer age yet, this is why S.S.A.B. has worked together with Faleata College so everything can be processed quickly rather than handwriting reports for the school.

The training was very simple, 16 teachers attended, everything was set up by S.S.A.B. so all they had to do to start learning was just by clicking the keyboard, said S.S.A.B..

“In the fast developing world computer literacy plays an important role in modern world,” said S.S.A.B..

A person has to be educated for better life. At every where all work is done by the computer this is why the training brought so much help for Faleata and also for S.S.A.B..

“Having equal and ready access to this technology and to skills in how to effectively use it was the purpose of this training.”

Many teachers enjoyed the training, simple things were learnt, including how to use an Excel sheet and its formulas, said the company.

District Court Judge, His Honour Vaepule Vaemoa Vaai, yesterday found two senior Cabinet Ministers guilty of charges brought against them by the Police.

Whereas deputy Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, was convicted of obstructing a Police Officer, the Associate Minister of Trade, Muagututagata Peter Ah Him, was convicted of making a U-turn on Beach Road and obstructing a Police officer.

The charges stemmed from an incident on Beach road on Friday night, 4 October 2013.

“Of the charges against Ah Him of making an unlawful U-Turn on Beach Road and of obstructing Constable Isitolo in the execution of his duty on the 4th of October 2013, I am satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt by the evidence and find him guilty of both charges,” His Honour Judge Vaepule ruled.

“On the charge against Meredith of encouraging Ah Him to obstruct Constable Isitolo in the execution of his duty on the 4th of October 2013, I am also satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt from the evidence and accordingly find Meredith guilty as charged.”

Judge Vaepule’s ruling was delivered yesterday.

Outside the Court, Fonotoe was well supported by his constituents.

Neither Members of Parliament wanted to speak to the media at Court.

Outside Parliament, however, Fonotoe thanked everyone who worked on the case.

He said he couldn’t say much because he hadn’t read Judge Vapule’s ruling.

“The sentence will be delivered next week on Friday,” he said. As for the ruling, he said: “The decision has been given and it is a decision that we all accept.”

His Honour Judge Vaepule did not read out his verdict in full in Court yesterday.

Instead, he said he “was satisfied with the evidence against Muagututagata and that he was guilty of both charges”.

“Likewise for Fonotoe, I find him guilty.”

Judge Vaepule said he has already prepared his written submission of the verdict and that copies were already given out to defence counsels.

Rexona Titi and B. Fa.afiti Lo- Tam, of the Attorney General’s Office, stood for the prosecution. Donald Kerslake represented Fonotoe while Patrick Fepulea’i represented Muagututagata.

A copy of Judge Vaepule’s ruling was obtained by the Samoa Observer.

It is published here in verbatim:

DECISION OF THE COURT

Background

The first named defendant Fonotoe Pierre Meredith who is the Deputy Prime Minister faces a charge of obstructing Constable Ioapo Isitolo pursuant to Section 10(1)(b) Police Offences Ordinance 1961 (“the Ordinance”). The charge arises from an incident on Beach road on Friday night, the 4th of October 2013.

The second named defendant Muagututagata Peter Ah Him is Associate Minister for the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour. He faces two charges. One of making a U-Turn on Beach road at Savalalo on the 4th day of October 2013 pursuant to Section 12 of the Road Traffic Orders 1994, and the other of obstructing Constable Ioapo Isitolo the same day pursuant to Section 10(1)(a) the Ordinance.

On the 4th of October 2013, Corporal Mose Lotomau, Senior Constable Maanaima Patu, Constables Ioapo Isitolo, Tevita Vii and Michael Vala were patrolling in police vehicle POL 38 in town. They started around 10.00pm from the eastern side of Beach road to the west towards Mulinuu. At the roundabout in front of the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel at Sogi they turned and drove back. As they were cruising past the intersection in front of the Flea Market at Savalalo, they stopped and warned the driver of a taxi cab who was about to make a U-Turn not to do so. Almost at the same moment they also spotted a green double cab pickup heading towards them making a U-Turn in front of the SNPF Plaza. The manoeuvre prompted the officers to approach the driver and therefore ordered him to pull over to the side of the road which he did, stopping in front of the Development Bank building. The police vehicle pulled up behind it and Corporal Lotomau instructed Constables Isitolo and Vii to breath-test the driver whom he suspected was driving under the influence of alcohol. The green double cab the patrolling officers pulled over was a government vehicle registered MCIL 07 to the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour. The driver was Associate Minister Ah Him.

Constable Isitolo conducted three breath-tests on Ah Him and the results were not considered a success because of the way Ah Him breathed into the apparatus. Constable Isitolo decided to conduct a further test and was about to administer it when another government vehicle registered SSS 01 pulled up and stopped alongside MCIL 07. The driver of the newly arrived pickup was Deputy Prime Minister Meredith. He started a conversation with the officers at the scene which went on for a while with the exchanges between Meredith and S/Constable Patu (who had by then joined Constables Isitolo and Vii) seemingly becoming quite heated. Towards the end, Ah Him, who had been silent throughout slowly drove away from where he had been stopped and towards the town clock, followed by Meredith.

Charges

Meredith - The charge originally laid against Meredith read: “..at Savalalo on the 4th day of October 2013 he incited and encouraged Muagututagata Peter Ah Him to resist and obstruct Constable Ioapo Isitolo while in the execution of his duty”.

Because the word “and” instead of “or” was used in wording the charge, Mr Kerslake submitted that the prosecution was required to prove Meredith not only incited and encouraged Ah Him, but also incited or encouraged him to resist and obstruct Constable Isitolo while in the execution of his duty.

In anticipation of an application to amend the charge, Mr Kerslake objected to granting leave if an application was made, for two reasons.

First, the prosecution did not seek leave to amend the charge in its closing submissions. Second and more importantly, amending the charge would prejudice Meredith’s defense. Whilst the former is true, an opportunity was given to the prosecution to respond but limited only to amending the charge.

Leave was sought to amend the charge by deleting “and” where it appears between “incited” and “encouraged” and again where it appears between the words “resist” and “obstruct”, and inserting “or” instead. Leave was granted and as explained to counsel on the day, there was in the Court’s view no prejudicial effect on Meredith’s defense in the amendment sought because under a charge laid under S 10(1)(b) of the Ordinance, the prosecution is required to prove only that Meredith either incited or (not and) encouraged Ah Him, but also incited or encouraged him to resist or (not and) obstruct Constable Isitolo while in the execution of his duty.

The charge as amended therefore now reads: “at Savalalo on the 4th day of October 2013, the defendant incited or encouraged Muagututagata Peter Ah Him of Leififi to resist or obstruct Constable Ioapo Isitolowhile in the execution of his duty”.

Ah Him - The first charge against the Associate Minister is: “…at Savalalo on the 4th day of October 2013 being the driver of….vehicle registered MCIL 07 permit such vehicle to make a U-Turn between the front of Kitano Hotel and Vaisigano bridge”.

The second reads: “…that at Savalalo on the 4th day of October 2013, he willfully obstructed Constable Ioapo Isitolo, while in the execution of his duty”. Facts Before conducting the first test, Constable Isitolo explained to Ah Him the nature of and the procedure he would follow in the test using the breathalyser machine he was about to administer. He also instructed Ah Him the proper way to breathe into the tube and informed him that he could be arrested if he did not comply with the testing requirements.

On the first test, the words “Insufficient Volume” showed on the screen after Ah Him breathed into the tube. The words which showed meant the volume of air Ah Him breathed into the tube was not enough for the machine to show a result. Constable Isitolo accordingly informed Ah Him he was not breathing enough air into the tube, and breath-tested him again.

The same words again appeared. Constable Isitolo informed Ah Him he was still not breathing properly into the tube, and tested him a third time. The third test showed the same result. Constable Isitolo then not only warned Ah Him he could be arrested if he kept breathing incorrectly into the tube, but also gave Ah Him another opportunity to be tested. He informed him accordingly and was about to administer that test when Meredith’s pickup pulled up.

Meredith asked the officers “Oa kou mea ga e fai?” (“What are you doing?”), to which Constable Isitolo responded “O lea e kau saili le ‘avamalosi i le ave ka’avale” (“We are trying to test the driver for alcohol”). Meredith said he enquired further “o iai se mea o kupu” (“if anything was happening”), but heard no response.

He did not explain when he asked, whether he meant, if anything was happening to the officers or to the Associate Minister because it was plain to everyone present the only thing that was happening when he stopped was the breath testing of the Associate Minister.

There is no dispute regarding the exchange which followed. Meredith admitted having said to the officers next, something like “A fai la e fai le amiokogu o e fai ia Kalaimagu la e igu i luga” (“If you’re talking about doing the honest thing, then go and do it to Kalaimanu who is drinking up there”). He did not say whether any officer replied.

But according to S/Constable Patu he did; he responded “E leai se mea e fai ai fua Kalaimanu e le’o avea e Kalaimagu se kaavale pei o Pika” (“There is no need to do anything to Kalaimanu because he is not driving a car like Pika”). Meredith mentioned seeing earlier that evening,

Assistant Police Commissioner Talaimanu Keti and other men he recognised as police officers drinking in a Bar called Leon’s inside the SNPF Plaza, where he himself was having a beer with Ah Him that same evening. There were competing claims about accusations of influencing the police. S/ Constable Patu denied accusing Meredith of it first. Meredith said S/Constable Patu brought it up. He considered S/Constable Patu’s attitude to him as rude and was surprised by the accusatory tone of the Senior Constable’s remarks about interfering with police work.

That he said, is the reason he responded the way he did. He did not explain however why he insinuated that breath-testing the Associate Minister also necessitated breath-testing Assistant Commissioner Talaimanu who evidently, was not aware of what was going on at that moment in front of the DBS building. The last words could hardly be described a conversation because only Meredith spoke.

The dispute which however arose during the evidence related to what Meredith said and the number of times he said it. Of the three officers who were present S/Constable Patu claimed Meredith called Ah Him three times to “Alu lau ka’avale” (“drive your car”).

Constable Isitolo heard the same call more than twice whilst Constable Vii heard it once. Meredith denied calling Ah Him, saying he instead commented “Afai ua leai seisi mea oga ku’u lea o le kaavale a le migisika lagolago e alu” (“If there was nothing further, then let the Associate Minister’s vehicle go”), a comment to which none of the officers responded. Discussion a) Ah Him - Information D44/14 - making a U-Turn between the front of the Kitano hotel and Vaisigano Bridge. Section 12 Road Traffic Orders 1994 states:

“That no driver of any vehicle is permitted to make a U-Turn commencing from infront of Kitano Hotel to Vaisigano bridge along Main Beach Road”

Mr Fepulea’i submitted there is no longer a hotel called Kitano. That is true but not critical to the prosecution case because the operative criterion in determining the points between which a U-Turn is an offence under S.12 of the Road Traffic Orders 1994 is not the name but the location.

That is, anywhere on Beach Road between the Kitano Hotel or where the Kitano Hotel used to be (currently the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel), and the bridge at Vaisigano.

The charge as worded also does not make specific reference to “Beach Road”. Again, this is not critical to the prosecution case because the undisputed evidence supports the fact Ah Him made a U-Turn in front of the SNPF Plaza which is located between Vaisigano Bridge and the Tanoa Tusitala hotel on Beach Road.

Mr Fepulea’i conceded the wording of Section 12 of the Road Traffic Orders 1994 renders making a U-Turn in front of the SNPF Plaza a strict liability offence.

b) Information D43/14 - Resisting and misleading the police.

Section 10(1) of the Ordinance states: “Every person commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to a fine of 2 penalty units who; (

“These are very ugly years if you reach them, these are very ugly numbers, 6 and 9” – P.M. Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi

An “older” and “healthier” Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, was back in Parliament yesterday, after what he described as a “sudden disappearance.”

Having turned 69 years old yesterday, the week’s Parliament session was only a few minutes old when Tuilaepa announced his return.

“My sudden disappearance during the last meeting is no longer a secret,” he said, adding that he was somewhat sad having to leave “our warm fellowship.”

But it’s great to be back, he said.

“Now we are back today, one of my ministers has reminded me that when we had the last meeting, I was 68,” he said.

“And now I’m 69, or 96, if you reverse the nine and six; it is still the same thing.” The numbers worry Tuilaepa.

“These are very ugly years if you reach them, these are very ugly numbers, 6 and 9,” he said to laughter from the floor. According to him, it’s amazing how time flies quickly.

“But this is a good opportunity to say thank you to the leaders of the churches and everyone who prayed for me. I also want to thank members of Parliament and all members of the country who visited me at Moto’otua and Mercy Ascot Hospital in Auckland.”

While in New Zealand, Tuilaepa said he received injections to strengthen the “troops inside my blood veins…”

He said this was vital and he urged Members of Parliament to take the message about health prevention seriously, to avoid “what happened to me.”

He added that as people, “we learn from things that happen. They give us new thoughts.”

Turning his attention to the leader of the Opposition, Palusalue Fa’apo II, Tuilaepa acknowledged his role.

“I want to especially thank you for coming to see me at Moto’otua,” he said.

“I did not expect you to come up and yet you performed your role as an elderly deacon of the church.”

But Tuilaepa had a bone to pick with Palusalue. He said he found out later that Palusalue had been spreading rumours “that I was extremely sick, that I only had a few days (to live).

“So I doubted the spirit in which you came.” The Prime Minister also acknowledged the work of Speaker, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata’ivao, noting Parliament had gotten through a mountain of work in his absence. “I doubt that there is anyone in here who doesn't want to reach eternal life,” he said.

“The only difference (between ourselves is that we’ll all go at different) times.

He added: “Our prayer to our heavenly master is to delay our days a bit more until a few more elections up ahead.”

About the work of Parliament this week, Tuilaepa reminded that the country is “commemorating the death of our Christ.”

“So the plan, Mr. Speaker, is that we meet until Wednesday and then we’ll take a break,” he said.

“We’ll try to deal with as many reports as possible and we’ll finish with that report the House has been waiting for, the Samoa Land Corporation (S.L.C) Report.”

As the new Minister of S.L.C, Tuilaepa issued a warning to the Opposition.

“To the leader of the Opposoition, since I returned, the muscles of my troops (inside the blood veins) are as strong as a chain saw.” In response, Palusalue welcomed back Tuilaepa.

“We were praying for your speedy recovery,” he reassured.

“I recall you usually say that your heart will smash the machine that would be used to assess it but I note that this time, it’s not your heart but your leg.”

In any case, Palusalue said it was good to have the Prime Minister back.

“My only concern is that I’m not sure if the members of your party were as concerned as we were about your absence.” Parliament continues.

The life of the President of Football Federation Samoa (F.F.S), Savae Togia Toetu Fa’afetai Petana, was celebrated yesterday.

The celebration happened when friends, colleagues and mourners joined his family at the E.F.K.S Church, Vaivase- tai, for his final service.

Savae had died at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital last Wednesday night. He was 51.

The President of the Oceania Football Confederation (O.F.C), David Chung, who also spoke on behalf of FIFA, said Savae was always supportive and loyal.

He paid tribute to his efforts to revive football in Samoa after it went through a rough patch a few years ago.

He said his achievements in developing football would leave an enduring legacy.

Savae’s widow, Telesia Iosefo Petana, spoke about her husband’s love for sports.

She said that when he stays up all night to watch sports on TV, any plans she had of changing the channel would not work. She remembered his “loving ways” and “how he treated everyone the same, regardless of whether you were rich, poor, woman, man, young or old.

“He treated everyone the same,” she said.

She also spoke about his love for music. One of his favourite songs is a number called “Have I told you lately?”

His sister-in- law, Monika Iosefo Robertson said Savae was more than an in-law, he was “a true friend”.

A businessman responsible for running the Petana Customs Agency, Savae is a former student of Vaivase Primary, Leifiifi College and Leulumoega-Fou College.

He was the fourth of six children of the late Utumakaiona Salevi and Suia, of Moata’a and Matautu Lefaga.

He is survived by his widow Telesia and their four children.

“The Betting (Totalisator) Agency Board must make it a priority to establish a law that will incorporate both the Gaming 1978 and the Totalisator Agency Board Act 1990.

The Committee recognises the importance of having just one legislation that guides betting activities in Samoa and other relevant activities”

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi , yesterday rejected three of four recommendations made in a report by Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee.

The Totalisator Agency Board (T.A.B) Financial Statements for 2011 and 2012 was tabled and debated when Parliament reconvened at Tiafau. Chaired by the former Mnister of Finance , Papali’itele Niko Lee Hang, the Finance Committee also includes the leader of the Opposition, Palusalue Fa’apo II.

In its report to Parliament, the Committee recommended:

• The Betting (Totalisator) Agency Board must make it a priority to establish a law that will incorporate both the Gaming 1978 and the Totalisator Agency Board Act 1990.

The Committee recognises the importance of having just one legislation that guides betting activities in Samoa and other relevant activities;

• Management and Betting (Totalisator) Agency Board must establish policies and guidelines for the allocation of financial assistance to sports and other organisations as well as the donations to the country as a whole such as educational programs and assisting health operations of Samoan citizens overseas;

• The Management and Betting (Totalisator) Agency Board must prioritise financial assistance to sporting organisations for that is the main focus of the Board since its establishment;

• Management and Betting (Totalisator) Agency Board for betting must seek out other avenues of sources of income for the organisation to increase its budget so as to improve and develop the sporting organisation in Samoa, which is its main focus.

Papali’itele tabled its report in Parliament and asked for it to be approved. But Tuilaepa objected.

“I do not accept (recommendations) number one, two and three,” he told Parliament. Tuilaepa used church fundraising as an example.

“Small organisations like churches host bingo and bonus games so they can finance for new church buildings,” he said.

“If these small charitable organisations are included in here (with businesses) it will defeat the whole purpose of charity events.” Tuilaepa said this is where conscience should be used.

He pointed out that there is legislation in place, which already manages commercial organisations. Such organisations, he said, make money for the development of the country.

“I understand what the committee is talking about but that is not the spirit of doing things,” said Tuilaepa. “This is where we used our conscience.

“Others would say that if we overuse conscience, it will be used for the wrong reasons but to me conscience is a commandment from God that was put into a man when he was born.”

Opposition Leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II disagreed. He reminded Tuilaepa that the recommendations from the Committee were based on their investigation about what is happening today.

M.P. for Gagaemauga No. 2, Levaopolo Talatonu Va'ai, agreed with Tuilaepa. His main concern was that telecommunication companies are making money through phone gambling games.

“I understand that it will be easy for elderly women to fundraise through these games,” he said.

“But what I’m more worried about are the phone gambling games from the companies.

“They should pay for that kind of business license and should be clearly defined under a legislation.”

Chairman Papali’itele supported Levao. He assured everyone that his concerns will be put forward to the Committee and the phone gambling games should be brought under T.A.B.

The existence of Parliamentary democracy in Samoa was questioned yesterday when the government was accused of “trickery” in relation to the General Election.

The allegation was made by the leader of the Opposition Party, Palusalue Fa’apo II, after the government bulldozed through a bill about the elections.

The Electoral Amendment Bill 2014, tabled by the Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, proposes major changes to the Electoral Act 1963.

One of the changes is the proposal to replace the Individual Voters roll with two urban constituencies.

Minutes into Parliament’s session yesterday, Speaker La’auli Leuatea Polata’ivao, introduced the bill by reading out a letter signed by the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, calling for the bill to be debated urgently.

But Palusalue was not impressed. He questioned the urgency of the bill reminding that it has serious ramifications on members of the public.

And therefore, it should not be rushed.

“This is not democracy,” he said. “You don't rush these things in a democracy.”

Faleata West M.P., Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi agreed.

“This law, Mr. Speaker, will not only change Constitutional laws in relation to the constituencies for this generation, it will also affect future generations,” he said.

“So it’s not an easy bill.” Lealailepule said Members of Parliament and voters should be given enough time to mull over the proposed changes.

“So it shouldn't be rushed,” he said. “This law is not about us, it’s about the future of the country and there are Members of Parliament whom this law will go directly against.” Back on the floor, Palusalue was clearly unhappy.

“When I look at the way this law has been brought into the House, it’s trickery,” he said. “It’s being introduced today and it’s meant to be passed today. What about the rights of the people? What about the rights of the constituencies?”

Speaker La’auli immediately objected saying Palusalue’s comments were inappropriate. But Palusalue wouldn't stop.

“No (I don't agree),” he responded. “Because (the running of) Parliament is different today (from what it was).”

The Speaker ordered Palusalue to sit down “Are you saying that the signature of the Head of State is trickery? Tell me?” As Palusalue attempted to respond, the Speaker wouldn't have any of it.

“No sit down, sit down.” Raising his voice now, he said: “Whose letter in which instructions have been given for Parliament?

Are you saying that the Head of State is a fool (tuivalea) that he would just sign without considering this?

Be considerate with your statements.”

At that point, a calm Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, took the floor.

“There is an opportunity for debate,” he said.

According to the Prime Minister, the amendments in the bill are the result of “about three Commissions of Inquiry” and “these Commissions all have had reports presented to Parliament, which we have read.

“So this thing is not new.

This bill has been in Parliament for a while.”

Tuilaepa denied any intention by the government to trick Parliament into passing the bill into law. But Associate Minister and Individual Voters M.P., Papali’itele Niko Lee Hang was not convinced.

“I note that this law will be debated and passed today,” he said.

“My question is, does that violate the Constitution? Because the Individual Voters’ seats are in the Constitution and if we pass this bill, are we not violating the Constitution?”

Vaimauga M.P., Lefau Harry Schuster, also expressed his concerns.

“Neither do I oppose nor am I suspicious about the way the bill has been introduced because the government can speed through any bill that’s needed (to be passed),” he said.

“My question is, this is one of the cornerstones of democratic governments, the right of people to choose their leaders. As Members of Parliament, yes we have the right to debate these laws but lets be reminded that voters also have the right to choose where they want to vote.

“That’s the issue I’m looking at and I feel very sad (about it).”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa interjected telling the Speaker that Members of the House were already debating the bill when “the first and second reading haven’t been brought forward.”

As the Speaker was about to respond to the Prime Minister, Palusalue attempted to raise another point. He was stopped.

“I besiege you as the leader of the Opposition, this has happened so many times where I’m telling you something and you just get up and say whatever,” Speaker La’auli said.

“I advice you read the Standing Orders section 89. This is my last instruction to you.”

As for the issue at hand, La’auli said: “My opinion is that it is up to the government to bring the bills in whichever way they want. In the House, we have the opportunity to discuss these matters.

He added: “The Head of State has already signed (for this bill to be debated urgently).

I don't know whose signature could be above his signature. So let’s prepare to debate this Election ‘trickery’ alleged matter. If you have been preparing, now is the time to express your opinions.”

But Siumu M.P., Tuu’u Anasi’i Leota, had other ideas. “I want to express an opinion,” he told Parliament.

“I feel so sad about the urgent manner in which this bill has been brought in.

“When you look at it, it will not be given to a Committee. After the second reading then it will be passed and there is no way for it to be stopped.”

Tuu’u said this saddened him. “I feel so sad. This bill is a government bill,” he said.

“It involves the whole government and the government is made up of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers and Associate Ministers.

“My disappointment is that there was no opportunity given to this party to express our opinions (about it), as members of this party.” Tuu’u’s point was greeted by a noticeable pause. But veteran M.P. and the deputy leader of the Opposition, Aeau Peniamina Leavai, supported Tuu’u.

“I want to say something about this matter before we reach the stage where there is no reversal gear,” he said. Addressing the Speaker, Aeau said: “The opinion of these members is that we have to weigh the importance of an issue before a decision is made.

“The constituencies haven’t been informed. Let's remember that we are merely messengers for our constituents and yet this House hasn't been informed about this (at all).” Palusalue immediately supported his colleague.

“My request to you Mr. Speaker is to let the bill go through the due process where it is passed to a Committee and then it is brought back to the House before it is passed. "Besides, we are nowhere near the election.” The Speaker, however, disagreed.

Again interrupting Palusalue, he asked: “Is it your will that we ignore what the Head of State has already signed? Is that what you want? That cannot happen.” At that point, deputy Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, took the floor.

“There is a little matter I want to raise because the country is listening in case people misinterpret the use of the name of the Head of State,” he said. “It appears (from the discussion) that it is the will of the Head of State to rush this matter. No, that’s not right. It is a recommendation from Cabinet to the Head of State and that’s why he signed.

“The decision to speed this through is from Cabinet. So the government gives the advice and hence the Head of State’s signature.

I want to clarify this in case people take it that it is the Head of State’s will to speed this through.”

The Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Lei’ataua, had a problem with objections from the previous speakers.

“I note that everyone who took the floor are senior members of the House, they have served the country for a long time and yet it appears that their understanding of Standing Orders is very weak,” he said.

“One of them is a former Speaker and what this tells us is that his wisdom is very green.”

Tolofua reminded that Parliament policies dictate that the only authority that allows anything to be discussed urgently is that of the Head of State. Palusalue did not take being called “green” lightly.

But as he rose to respond to Tolofua, he was told to sit down.

“I’ll correct him,” the Speaker reassured Palusalue. Back on the floor, Lealailepule urged Parliament to consider the bill carefully.

“Lealailepule will not stop the discussion of the bill but my advice is to please be considerate about the implications of this bill,” he said.

“This From front page law will shape the future of the government.” He also advised the Speaker to protect the integrity of the “house of Samoa.”

Again, Prime Minister Tuilaepa, was very calm. “This bill is part of the government’s efforts to improve the way our elections are carried out,” he said.

It was common knowledge that after every elections, there are always problems, he sad. “So with these amendments we’re making today, they will probably be dissolved at the next elections.”

Tuilaepa reminded that problems during elections are an on going issue. He reminded that when Identification Cards were introduced, everyone said that was the solution to the problems at the time. “But even that gave birth to another mountain of problems,” he said.

“So lets be mindful that whatever good things we come up with, I’m of the belief that there will always be a need to change (things)."

Tuilaepa said the overall aim is to improve the running of elections.

“Mr. Speaker, (as seasoned Members of Parliament) we are tired of numerous problems that have arisen that are caused by candidates, election after election.

“When we stop one way of corruption, another way surfaces. The goal of all these attempts by the government is so that we can reach a time when there are no more problems.

So this is not trickery, this an effort to improve our election processes.” Palusalue supported Tuilaepa. “That is our goal too,” he said.

“We want to improve the election processes. "But Mr. Speaker, please consider proper Parliamentary processes.

“If you are true to your word about transparency and accountability, these processes should be respected in reference to this bill.

“My request is for Parliament to follow its usual procedure (in the debating of this bill). Let’s have a Committee that invites views from the public.” That agitated Tuilaepa somewhat.

“Let me tell you this,” he responded to Palusalue.

“Our government is run by democratic principles. What does democracy mean? It is the opinion of the majority.

“There are times when there is even corruption in democracy. The problem is that there is no better system than democracy. So our government (tries to) follow democratic principles.”

In reference to Palusalue’s take on good governance, Tuilaepa said: “If I was sitting there (as the opposition) with a party of 12 which doesn't even make up a (the numbers for a) Cabinet, I would say the same thing.

“But what would you say (if you were sitting here as the government)? You would say everything that I’m saying now.”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa then pointed that “in this world, there is not just one thing, we have to consider other things in the performance of our work.

“That is democracy,” he stressed.

“These are not our systems but they were systems put in place by our forebears who approved our Constitution. They agreed that democracy is the process that shapes our policies and the way our country is run.”

As the debate wounded down, Aeau intervened and insisted to correct Tolofua.

“When it comes to these things, no one should just open his mouth in this House,” he said.

Tolofua did not back down. Insisting that what he said was the truth, he reiterated that the wisdom of people who opposed the introduction of the bill was not only “green,” it was also “sticky.”

But Palusalue had the last words. Referring to Tolofua, he said his comments were not only “stupid,” they were also “foolish.”

Parliament continues.

“There’s only one answer to that. It’s no difference to slaying a snake with its eyes wide open” - Papali’itele Niko Lee Hang

Individual voters across the nation will be restricted to two specific urban areas and traditional customs eliminated from elections under law changes proposed yesterday.

The proposed changes to the Electoral Act 1963 divided members of the ruling Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P). Tabled before Parliament for the first time, M.P.’s from both sides were not pleased with the Electoral Amendment Bill 2014.

The bill was pushed through its second reading yesterday. Amendments include changing the nationwide individual roll to voters in two specific urban constituencies, as well as wider changes covering traditional donations, and the elimination of the need for candidates to get endorsement from the village mayor. Individual voter and associate Min ister for Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Papali’itele Niko Lee Hang, was among those strongly rejecting the proposed changes.

“I am saddened that the Act is being passed in a rush, giving little time to study, discuss and read through it especially since it has a huge impact on my constituency,” he told Parliament.

“The Prime Minister has told us the changes from the Commission of Inquiry are good but my question is no one from the Commission understands the individual seats.”

Opposition leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II cut in.

He asked Papali’itele, “How do you interpret it when you’re sitting on the H.R.P.P. side yet your seat will be dissolved?”

Papali’itele was quick to take the stand again. “There’s only one answer to that,” he said. “It’s no difference to slaying a snake with its eyes wide open (fasia ole gata ae pulapula mata).

“The truth is, I don’t support the (proposed) law.” Another individual voter M.P., also Associate Minister for Health, Maualaivao Pat Ah Him, felt the same way. Maualaivao told Parliament the bill had shocked him.

“I came with a different feeling this morning, a happy feeling without knowing this was going to happen,” he said. “But I’m shocked by this…I didn’t expect it. Just like what he (Papali’itele) said, it’s so hard to watch a snake getting slain, with its eyes wide open.”

Further, Maualaivao said such changes would cause disagreements from people living in Faleata and Vaimauga constituencies.

Associate Minister for the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, and MP for Falealili, Tusa Misi Tupuola, supported the M.P.s. Tusa said he does not agree with the division of the constituencies.

For example, he referred to the villages of Piu and Matavai not being in the list for his constituency.

“These are the founding villages of our constituency,” he said.

“The family names of Alo Fanene are in 10 villages and Aiga Fenuinuivao in four villages so there is no righteousness in this division (of constituency) where our foundations are affected by it.”

But Tusa suggested that the only right way to do it is to divide Falealili into two halves.

“I don’t want anything for me but my concern is for the next generation, the future of our country.

“The ballot is something from the palagi but it is affecting our village foundations.”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi brushed off the concerns from Tusa. Tuilaepa told Parliament the member was contradicting himself with what he agrees on and not.

“He wants to keep the foundation of villages yet he wants to divide it (Falealili) into equal halves.”

Minister for Revenue, Tuiloma Lameko disagreed with Tusa. Tuiloma said the changes are appropriate.

He also pointed out that the list where Piu is under Sapunaoa is correct. M.P. for Faleata East, Aveau Niko Palamo had a different concern.

He pointed out that rather than using lawyers to confirm the candidacy of people, pastors should do it.

“Why not use pastors who would do it for free?” suggested Aveau.

“Seeing a lawyer would require money but we have our spiritual leaders who can do it.”

MP for Satupaitea, Lautafi Selafi Purcell voiced his concern on o’o or official presentations to villages. While many view it as corruption, Lautafi said the custom is a tradition in our culture.

“I would do an o’o whether I win or lose,” he said. “It’s the perception from people and the timing that people take it the wrong way (faauiga sese).”

Tuilaepa intervened. He said there are many words spreading on the internet and Facebook viewing Samoan M.P.’s corrupt because of this custom.

“O’o is our culture,” he said. “We hear words that our country is corrupt because of it but it’s done in other countries but it’s not viewed as corrupt.

“It’s giving the world a bad image of Samoa…but now we have a law that prevents this to avoid our country from being disgraced.”

The debate on the bill continues today.

The General Manager of the Electric Power Corporation (E.P.C.), Tologata Tile Tuimaleali’ifano, says that new, more efficient diesel generators at Fiaga Power Station have saved 1.7 million litres from being charged to customers.

“E.P.C saved about 1.7 million litres of fuel from using more efficient generators at Fiaga Power Station,” said Tologata.

“This benefit is passed on to consumers through fuel surcharge. “In other words, if Fiaga was not built, 1.7 million more litres will be added to fuel surcharge.”

Tologata was responding to criticism from the Opposition party that there was not enough power capacity at the E.P.C. to meet peak demand, causing power cuts.

He pointed to their press release of 9th April, blaming “fuel contamination” for the Sunday 6th April power cuts. In his response to Samoa Observer yesterday, Tologata went further, dismissing critics who previously criticised the Fiaga Station as too big, but were now saying it was too small.

“Members of the public who do not have any engineering understanding about E.P.C.’s complex system including generators, capacity, network, etc, should not make these incorrect comments because they are misleading.”

“First it was said that government should not have built Fiaga.”

“Now it is said it is not enough.”

“If government did not build Fiaga, E.P.C. could not meet the current power demand.”

Opposition Tautua Samoa Party’s Shadow Minister for E.P.C., Levaopolo Talatonu, last week claimed that the reason for the blackout was simple.

He said E.P.C. needs 19.2megawatts (MW) of electricity for Upolu island.

The problem, he said, is that there is a shortfall of about 2.2MW.

“The total demand capacity for people here in Upolu is 19.2MW and the short fall in power supply is 2.2MW,” he said last week.

Levaopolo said the problem is not new. He claims that every time there is an overload, the power goes off. And Levaopolo’s solution to the shortfall?

“I think E.P.C. should add another generator to cover the shortfall,” he said.

When asked for comment yesterday, Tologata referred to the issue of fuel contamination and their press release. It reads in full: “Fuel Contamination caused power outage “The Electric Power Corporation wishes to confirm that Sunday 6th of April’s power outage to the islands of Upolu and Manono tai was a result of fuel contamination at the Fiaga Power Station.

“This is beyond EPC’s control and EPC is making all remedial efforts to rectify the situation with its fuel supplier.

“Comments made by some members of the public about shortage in capacity is not correct.

“EPC apologises to the public for any inconvenience that this may have caused.”

A Social Worker and Counsellor for patients and families is now available at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital.

“The service was just started last year and it is one of a kind in the country,” said Principal Social Worker and Counsellor, Pei Tauiliili Reupena.

“We deal with the needs of patients in the hospital.” There are already up to 30 cases each week that he deals with and he believes there is a need for this for patients and families.

There are only two staff and two part timers from Australia and New Zealand now working at the service.

“Promoting the standard of health care to the next level in Samoa is one of the most vital things through this service,” he said.

"One of the most important qualities social workers need, is diplomacy, because of the range of people and professionals with whom they have to deal.”

“They also need to be calm at all times, they have to be resilient, they have to be confident and they have to be extremely intelligent, open and honest especially an education background in social worker.”

A proposed structure for social services includes the social workers section, as well as public relations officers and chaplaincy services.

“Under the social workers section comes the social work; support/assessments, counselling, clinical support, family groups, conferencing, therapies/ programmes, patient advocacies, social education and community and mental health.

“These three services must work together so that the service will function well,” said Pei.

“The public relation officers will cover internal and external relationships, public meetings, cultural matters, public awareness, public safety and a directory, hospital tours, information and ambassadors.”

He said that spiritual support under chaplaincy services is one of the most important components.

“Under this service we make ward visits, staff provides spiritual support (Friday Services), palliative care, assist with funeral consultations and assist and work with community and church ministers.”

“Currently the social services unit is under the Allied Professionals Manager together with other health specialists services.”

“But with the complete subservices included in the future, a full structure will be in order as indicated.”

Looking for that cute little restaurant that people talk about but you can never find?

There’s an app for that. A Samoan app.

The claim is made by Reverend Falefatu Enari, who says he met with representatives from Digicel in the middle of last year to discuss his concept of an online advertising website, called Poly Marketplace.

The Samoa Tourism Authority fale at Eleele fou was a place of celebration on Monday evening, as the country’s tourism industry got its hands on a new software ‘app’ or application that guides mobile users to the country’s attractions.

Developed by tourism operator, Polynesian Xplorer, the app revealed an innovative opportunity for Samoa to be more accessible – literally the touch of a button on a ‘smart’ phone.

In fact, that’s what they’ve called it: The Samoa Smart Guide app.

The application allows people seeking information about Samoa to locate accommodation, restaurants, find out about events, churches, even road stalls, and it provides maps as well.

The app will also feature vouchers and coupons for specials.

Perhaps what will make it what is known as a ‘killer’ app is the fact that it can be downloaded and used ‘offline’, an important consideration in a country where internet connections can be slow, patchy or altogether absent.

Oh, and it’s free.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi was all praise for the innovation.

“This is a first for this country and it is an important milestone” in the continuing efforts by Polynesian Xplorer to promote Samoa to the outside world.

The application will serve curious, information hungry residents and visitors that want to know more about Samoa and its attractions including businesses; motels, government information, church events, hotels, stores and much more, he said.

Global markets and local people alike will now be able to more easily access information about Samoa, he said.

The application embraces the latest mobiles technology.

One other major positive aspect about the application is that it would feature small businesses, often left off the major marketing, promotional and advertising campaigns. Having these businesses featured on this application would help promote them to the outside world, said Tuilaepa.

He said that if people from the global market wanted to know the location of these smaller businesses the application will direct them straight to their whereabouts.

The application features the S.T.A. logo.

The application is available now to Android mobile users and will also be useable on Apple devices by next week.