A suburb in Sydney can be like Samoa?

So says President of Mosman Junior Rugby, Jerry Meades, talking about their home suburb close to one of the city’s famous landmarks.

“We are from Mosman, a suburb of Sydney and it’s near the zoo in Sydney,” said Mr. Meades, explaining what brings them all the way to Samoa. While most people here think of Sydney as a big city with tall buildings, there are also areas that are green, leafy and small.

“So Mosman is a very village community and rugby is the core part of that,” said Mr. Meades.

“Also it’s right on the Sydney Harbour so it’s basically a sea and water community and so it’s very similar to Samoa.”

That similarity is no doubt helping the team achieve its other objective – to soak up the village culture of Samoa while here on their eight day tour. Mosman Tour Manager, Andrew Groth, said that “the big part for us is not only playing rugby but also the boys learning about Samoa and having the lovely cultural experience here.”

That aspect was a new one for teens. “One, we expect them to learn about different cultures, that’s very important because some of the boys on this tour have never been outside of Australia before.

“Some them have never been overseas and even for the boys that have been overseas, have never been to Samoa before and some of them, maybe, they might have some experience in Pacific Islands but not much.

“So it’s learning about the culture in Samoa and the Pacific Islands in general, so it’s learning about culture.

“I also think it’s learning about different people,” said Mr. Groth.

The teens will have much more time for people and culture because they have been cut off from their usual entertainment – mobile phones.

“One of the really good things I like about this tour is our children at home, they spend far too much time playing with digital devices and computers.

“However on our trip here we tell them, you don’t bring that, you don’t bring your phone and you don’t need your digital devices.

“So they come here and they interact with each other and with the people they meet locally and they are really friendly and so they just learn all that great communication, so it’s learning that as well.”

Mr. Groth said the other thing they “absolutely find amazing” is the singing in Samoa, describing themselves as “hopeless at it, we are not very good, so hopefully our boys will learn a little bit of that wonderful creativity that you have.”

The team kicked off their tour at Aleipata yesterday. The area is no random choice.

“We always come here to Aleipata because we know this area was affected by the tsunami so we come trying to spend some money, show some spirit and so that our boys learn so much out of it as well, and it’s a wonderful education for our boys,” said Mr. Groth. “It’s a way of us trying to help as well.”

Every school they go to they donate rugby boots, jersey, t-shirts, water bottles and equipment for rugby. Yesterday, Mosmon Juniors went to the Congregational Church at Saleapaga and donated $2,000 to help them fix up their sports court.

“Every year we come and go to church there with Rev Uaea and so it’s great that we were able to help, and then the computers at Aleipata.

“Each game we will donate some things to schools just to help them, with rugby equipment and so forth.” At the age of 14, trips like this one come at a time when they are looking to be more independent and start maturing into young men, he said.

“This is a great way to bring them together into a group and work as a team, just help them with a little bit of guidance but let them sort of learn on their own as well.”

There is one major difference between Mosmon and Samoa, however.

“The only thing is that the boys find it really hot, it’s a lot hotter here than in Sydney. “So when we were playing our games today, they were very strong in the first half but they were definitely feeling the heat in the second half and they slowed down a little bit.

“The Samoan boys that we played against are much more used to the heat.”

With an overnight flight from Sydney, without sleep, and the heat a few of them had “a bit of a tummy bug” but, she’ll be right, “that’s all part of the experience and learning to overcome that.

Mosmon Juniors played Aleipata College yesterday while today they return to the college to donate computers to the school.

Unlike other donations brought into the country, Mosmon is also supporting local business, picking the computers up yesterday afternoon from Island Rock.

Tomorrow they play against Palalaua College spending Easter Celebration with them before moving to Apia.

On Saturday, the Mosmon Juniors play a Samoan national team. Next year, the team will return with other, different players the same age, on what is becoming an annual sojourn for Mosmon teens.

The Minister of Finance, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga, broke down in Parliament late last night when he resigned as a Cabinet Minister.

“Only God knows,” he told the House, as tears flowed freely from his cheeks. “I’m not mad at anyone. I believe God allows these things to test the faith of people who trust in him.”

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, accepted Faumuina’s resignation. He acknowledged Faumuina’s contribution to the development of the country saying 14 years of service to Parliament is not a short period of time. He also praised Faumuina’s bravery in implementing a number of projects that many politicians were scared of. Among them, he said, included the transformation of a Ministry previously known as a “Ministry of Waste” to what is known today as a “well run” Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure.

“Don't forget that God has blessed you with many talents,” Tuilaepa told Faumuina. “The end of your service in this area will mean your availability to serve in another area.”

Tuilaepa also announced that a new Minister of Finance would be sworn in at 4pm on Friday 25 April 2014. “It will not be an easy decision,” he said.

“Everyone in this party is a professor.” Last night was the first time Faumuina broke his long held silence over numerous allegations against him. Speaking during a Ministerial statement allowed by the Speaker of Parliament, La’auli Leuatea Polata’ivao - despite objections to it – Faumuina maintained his innocence, saying he acted in the best interest of the government and the people of Samoa.

Among the questions he addressed were:

• Questions surrounding his time at as the Minister of Works
• Questions surrounding the South Pacific Games 2007
• Questions surrounding the Samoa Land Corporation
• Questions surrounding the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa
• Questions surrounding the Unit Trust of Samoa

Faumuina addressed the questions during a statement delivered at the beginning of Parliament’s debate over the Officers of Parliament Committee report into the Controller and Chief Auditor’s Report for 2009 and 2010. During his tenure as the Minister of Works, Faumuina told Parliament his task was not easy because he had to implement a number of plans – including downsizing the Ministry.

These plans, he said, had been in the pipeline for sometime and yet there was lack of “political will” to see them through. So when he started to move these plans, he encountered many problems. He dismissed criticisms against his handling of S.P.G facilities saying such facilities were built to international standards.

“There was a lot of criticism about the facilities,” he admitted.

“But the longterm vision at the time was looking far beyond 2007, the government’s vision was to attract world tournaments to be held in Samoa. “We have already seen this happen.”

As for S.R.O.S and U.T.O.S, the Minister said these organisations play a vital in the development of Samoa. He said S.R.O.S and U.T.O.S are both flourishing because there is clearly a need for the services they provide. The Minister also strongly defended his behaviour as the Minister of S.L.C.

In a detailed response to the allegations raised in the Controller and Chief Auditor’s report as well as the O.P.C Report, Faumuina said S.L.C had addressed questions raised by the Auditor but their response had been rejected. About the shortfalls in revenue, he said this was normal because budgeted revenue can never be the same as actuals.

Losing money during the Siva Afi Court case was not the Corporation’s fault, the Minister said. He blamed the Court saying the “judge was slack.”

A water drilling truck, which cost the Corporation millions, was also defended by the Minister, who said the purchase of it saved the government millions more.

He said the purchase was necessary because the Samoa Water Authority’s truck was not going to be available for at least five years.

As a result, it would have cost the government nearly $10million to transport water to Falelauniu over that period of time. From 1990 to 2006, Faumuina said government only received $2million from S.L.C with a debt of $21million. During his tenure, the $2million ballooned to $15.9million and the debt has since been fully paid.

As for the $340,000 Lexus, Faumuina apologised for violating Cabinet’s procurement policies saying he was merely keen on saving the environment.

He, however, strongly rejected claims that his wife was a shareholder in a landscaping company involved with the Faleata Golf Course.

Faumuina’s Ministerial statement was also the subject of a heated debate among Members of Parliament. Whereas Opposition leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II rejected it arguing that a Ministerial statement cannot be challenged, the Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, said Faumuina should use Parliamentary privileges to respond.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa disagreed with Fiame but then the Speaker eventually that Faumuina could deliver his Ministerial address. Prior to the Minister’s Ministerial statement last night, Prime Minister Tuilaepa moved a motion for Parliament to adopt 38 reports without debate so “that we can get on to the Officers of Parliament committee report.”

But Palusalue objected.

“Mr. Speaker all these reports are very important and all the Members of the House want to speak about them, especially this side,” he said.

“There are a lot of serious matters that we should be looking at into these reports.” Palusalue said such a motion is “usually moved towards the end of a Parliamentary sitting. “But we’ve still got a long way to go before the end of this sitting.”

Palusalue urged Parliament to discuss each report. But Tuilaepa disagreed. “Mr. Speaker, the final word about these reports is the response from the government,” he said.

“What’s the point when a lot of these reports are dated? The reports we need are reports about today, what’s happening now, current reports. “I also spoke with the leader of the Opposition and he advised me to complete our work tonight and we agreed.” Palusalue denied this.

“We did not agree on passing 38 reports without debate, I want to make sure of that. Speaker Laauli supported Tuilaepa. “If we leave these 30 plus reports, it will lapse in May.

We will no longer be able to discuss it. “It’s much better to move a motion now that the government has officially accepted all these reports, then the government will respond to the concerns raised by the Committees and the Chairs. “It’s much better than when all these reports become pointless in May.”

Palusalue insisted that their objection to the motion to put on the record.

“Mr. Speaker, perhaps the leader of the Opposition doesn't understand that we can remove the motion and then all these reports will become useless and the government wouldn't have to respond. Tuilaepa said the government C.E.O’s have complained that when they turn up to Committee meetings, there is no quorum, which in return delays the reports.

“So I can remove the motion and then all these reports will lapse and become useless.”

To Palusalue, Tuilaepa said: “Stop playing politics, you are coming with such bad politics, you are looking to score some points. Parliament continued into the early hours of this morning.

It decided to pass the O.P.C report, after Palusalue moved a motion to end the discussion. Parliament has been adjourned until next month.

Former Minister of Finance, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga, sat alone in Parliament.

He was preparing for his Ministerial statement while the rest of Members of Parliament were eager for some fresh air.

It was close to midnight on Wednesday and for most M.P.’s it was time to stretch their arms after a tiring few hours of debate.

As for Faumuina, it wasn’t just another late night away from home.

This was the night he had been waiting for, one he would remember for some time.

Being the only M.P. inside the chamber during the break, Faumuina sat quietly on the front bench.

He was reading over his speech.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata’ivao and Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, stayed in the Speaker’s room behind the chamber for more than 10 minutes.

Finally, it was time for Parliament to resume.

Still, Minister Faumuina kept his head low and continued reading a pile of papers.

Within seconds, the Parliament was back in action.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa took the stand. He moved a motion for Parliament to adopt 39 reports without debate so that “we can get on to the Officers of Parliament committee report”.

The Opposition leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II, disagreed. He insisted that there was enough time to go through the reports since “all the members wanted to speak about them.”

Palusalue lost the argument.

Back to Faumuina, La’auli had a few things to say.

“Much has been said about the Minister for seven to eight months now,” said La’auli. “It is only fitting for him to answer to these accusations that he’s been accused of and it will not stop you from asking questions.”

At that point, Faumuina stood up and signaled to the Speaker that he wished to speak. With eyes locked on the Speaker, Faumuina requested to make a Ministerial speech to answer to the allegations.

Palusalue objected to this.

He wasn't the only one. The Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, cut in.

“It’s important for the Minister to do a Ministerial speech but I question what grounds he’s speaking on,” said Fiame. She explained that the report is concerning the Samoa Land Corporation (S.L.C) and Faumuina was the former Minister of S.L.C.

“My understanding is that a Minister speaks about their (current) portfolio,” she said. “He is the current Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister has now taken over S.L.C.

“He’s no longer the Minister for S.L.C, he was the former Minister and I think if the Minister (Faumuina) wishes to speak, he should request to speak using (Parliamentary) privileges, not as a Ministerial speech.”

Tuilaepa disagreed. He told Parliament there was nothing wrong with the Minister trying to explain and answer to the many allegations.

“Nothing is hidden,” he pointed. “I don’t know why Fiame doesn’t want the Minister to answer to the report.”

But Fiame was not deterred.

“I do not object to the Minister giving a (Ministerial) speech but to me the issue now is personal to him,” said Fiame. “I am not stopping the Minister from responding to the report but I am only saying he should speak using privileges, not a Ministerial speech.

“But, Honourable Speaker, it is you who decides.”

There was much muttering inside the chamber as the feud from both sides continued.

M.P. for Falelatai and Samatau, Taefu Lemi, intervened. He told Parliament there are a lot disagreements but he didn’t understand now what the Minister was answering to when the questions hadn’t been asked.

“It’s like the horse cart is going first, before the horse,” he said.

MP for Alataua West, Lafaitele Patrick Leiataualesa, agreed.

He told the Speaker his only hope is “you make a righteous decision”.

The Speaker finally agreed to pass the motion for Faumuina to make his Ministerial speech.

Many M.P.s especially from the Opposition side shook their heads in disapproval.

With an hour gone, members of the House were noticeably upset.

Palusalue lost patience and he took the stand to ask the Speaker if the Minister was almost done with his speech.

“I’m just worried about the Prime Minister, he looks cold,” said Palusalue, in a barbed comment recalling his last appearance in Parliament, when he ended up being assisted to the intensive care.

Veteran M.P. for Falealupo, Aeau Peniamina Leavaiseeta, backed their leader.

“Please Mr. Speaker, I just want to know two things,” he said. “First, I want to know what the Minister speech is about and secondly he’s wasting his time because that’s not what we wanted to ask about in the report.

“I’m just thinking if this is a plan of his to take up time and by the time he finishes, our time is up.”

Tuilaepa disputed this, attacking the M.P.’s.

“I have never seen such disrespectful manners where a Minister is giving a Ministerial speech and you keep interfering with him. If you hadn’t kept interfering with the Ministerial speech, it would’ve been finished by now, so let’s just listen.”

Faumuina continued with his 25 pagelong speech. It was almost 11:30 pm when Faumuina reached the bottom of his speech – and revealed his resignation.

All eyes turned to Faumuina. He didn’t rush saying the words. Tears flowed freely from his eyes.

“The root of our work is done to praise our Father in Heaven,” said Faumuina. “Thank you Prime Minister for your trust in me and Cabinet ministers that I’ve worked with and the Opposition.

“God’s children are soft hearted, humble and forgiving…and based on these laws I thank you Prime Minister for your trust in me but I give my resignation to our Cabinet.”

There was a stunned silence in the chamber. As he fought the tears, Faumuina stopped for a split second and continued.

“Thank you for electing me (as Minister),” he told Parliament. “I am not turning my back on your orders, no, only God knows.

“I’m not mad at anyone; I believe God allows these things to test the faith of people who trust in him.”

The mood in Parliament changed from a loud dispute to sorrow.

Later, outside Parliament, Faumuina responded for the first time in more than a year to many requests for an interview with Samoa Observer.

Unlike the stony silence of past months, Faumuina seemed relieved, almost friendly. He said it was time for him to give up his duties, giving him time to attend monthly meetings in his constituency.

“Samoa, fa’amagalo lo outou auauna”, he said - Samoa, forgive your servant.

Earlier, Prime Minister, Tuilaepa had accepted Faumuina’s resignation.

He acknowledged Faumuina’s contribution to the development of the country saying 14 years of service to Parliament is not a short period of time.

He also praised Faumuina’s bravery in implementing a number of projects that many politicians were scared of.

Among them, he said, included the transformation of a Ministry previously known as a “Ministry of Waste” to what is known today as a “well run” Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure.

“Don't forget that God has blessed you with many talents,” Tuilaepa told Faumuina.

“The end of your service in this area will mean your availability to serve in another area.”

Tuilaepa also announced that a new Minister of Finance would be sworn in at 4pm on Friday 25 April 2014.

Minutes after the resignation, CEO of the Ministry of Finance, Tupaimatuna Iulai Lavea, was seen rushing to Parliament in his vehicle. The Governor of Central Bank of Samoa, Maiava Atalina Ainu’u Enari followed.

Outside Parliament, Faumuina was embraced by the C.E.O.s. After Parliament, M.P.’s surrounded Faumuina. Others hugged, shook hands and some patted him on the back.

In a country founded on God, and built on forgiveness, Faumuina was no longer a minister.

But, unlike at the start of the speech, he was no longer alone.

A traffic accident happened Thursday afternoon at one of the four corners within the Vaitele industrial area.

A Toyota S.U.V. was heading inland while a truck was driving down towards the main road when they collided.

The truck was carrying a load of sand.

The driver of the Toyota S.U.V. did not want to talk when asked about what happened.

Eyewitnesses said that the police took the truck driver with them a few minutes after the accident occurred.

It is not known how many people were in the vehicles when they crashed.

The Toyota ended up against an electric pole while the truck toppled into a ditch.

Police were not available for comment.

“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

Farmers now doubt that the Fugalei Market will be completed in June due to the Minister of Finance, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga, resigning from his position in Parliament on Wednesday night.

Faumuina was also Minister of the Accident Compensation Corporation, which owns the land on which the new market is being built.

Yesterday, Asipa Fuimaono, of Satalo Falealili, was one of the many farmers who doubt the completion of the market as promised.

“The market will take longer now, he said. “Faumuina shouldn’t have resigned because he still has a lot of things that need to be completed before he resigns. Now everything is affected by his resignation.

“This is what he should have thought of before he made this decision.”

Asipa said the uncertainty surrounding the completion date for the market is sad.

“Now the big question is; when will this market be finished? Who is responsible for looking after the market?

And how much longer do we have to suffer in the rain and sun trying to sell our produce?

“I feel so sorry for Faumuina now, but I guess he did what he thought was the right thing to do.”

Another farmer, Tivalu Manu, from Faleatiu, shared similar thoughts with Fuimaono.

“With the Minister of Finance resigning, the market will take much longer than we thought, and it’s affecting all of us.

“However with his resignation it’s the best decision I have heard in a very long time.

“This should have happened a long time ago, because we are not talking about thousands, we are talking about millions all gone down the drain and nothing good or stable has come out of it except for corruption.

“That’s why I am very happy with his decision and to tell you the truth I don’t even feel sorry for him, because every time I see the numbers of people out here in the rain and the sun selling things just to look after their families, it makes me angry. “

There is only one person who I know is suitable for that position. It’s Misa Telefoni; if only he was still in the parliament.

“I don’t know about the others but he is the only person who I know is best for the position but too bad he is no longer in the government.

“As for the market, I guess we are going to have to wait for next year.”

Samoa’s High Commissioner to Australia, Lemalu Tate Simi, has passed away.

His death was confirmed by two of his children yesterday, who declined to give details.

Asked for a comment, they said they could only confirm that their father has passed away assuring that there will be an official release from the family regarding his death.

“We are holding off on the media release until she arrives tonight at 9:30pm,” the siblings said about their mother, Peseta Noumea Simi.

The children also declined to give out any other information about when and how he passed away.

But Lemalu is a well-known diplomat and public servant.

On his Facebook page last night, tributes had started to arrive from all corners of the world. One of them came from prominent Samoan, Tofilau Nina Kirifi-Alai, who wrote:

“Tate Simi, A writer, A poet ...
Remember that 'flag of freedom '
An artist, A sikolasipi
Whose poems challenged,
entertained and educated
Us the young post independence
generation of Samoans
Raised by that flag
Filled with lotonu’u
to serve and uphold
Lo ta Malo Tutoatasi
Tate Simi - The artist
That's how I knew you
Talofa e ...alu ia oe
your 'Words"
Will live on
etched in the Arts forever
Unlike life itself
E mamae ma magumagu pei o le
fugalaau.
Alofaaga mo Peseta Noumea ma le fanau.”

Another tribute from Livigistone Nu’usila said he was a “good man gone too soon.”

Lemalu is one of several senior public servants who have passed away in the last year.

Lemalu was appointed to the position of High Commissioner to Australia in 2009.

Prior to that, he was the Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour from 2003 to that year.

He is survived by four children and wife, Peseta, who is currently an Assistant Chief Executive with the Ministry of Finance.

Lemalu was born at Fagali’i in 1954 and attended Samoa College from 1967 to 1971.

Following that stint at Samoa College he left Samoa for New Zealand where he was educated at Wellington Polytechnic from 1972 until 1975.

Later, he attended the New Zealand Central Institute of Technology for a year.

Following his education, Lemalu held high profile positions in the New Zealand government as well as in Ministries in Samoa.

He also held the Presidency at the Red Cross of Samoa from 1995 until 2009. Aside from his academic skills landing him many job opportunities, Lemalu also held a high post with the Samoa Rugby Union as an executive from 1986 to 2007.

In 1986-1996 and 2008, he was elected as Manu Samoa Manager.

Lemalu replaced Dr. Lei’ataua Kirifoti Eteuati as High Commissioner of Samoa to Australia.

Following his education Lemalu was employed at the Head Office of the Ministry of Works in Wellington New Zealand from 1972-74 before moving to the Housing Corporation from 1974 until 1977.

In 1978 he worked for the Department of Works, Samoa before working for the Department of Labour from 1978 to 2003. He later on became the C.E.O. for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour from 2003-2009, a time during which Samoa underwent restructuring within its Government Departments.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
1972-1977 – Architectural Draughtsman
1978 – Senior Arch. Draughtsman
1978-1979 - Inspector of Apprentices
1979-1980 – Labour Inspector
1980 – 1982 – Senior Labour Inspector
1982-84 - Assistant Commissioner of Labour
1984-2003 - Commissioner of Labour
2003-09 - C.E.O for the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, described the law as an “ass” yesterday before backtracking on the government’s plan to fast track the passing of the Electoral Amendment Bill 2014.

Tabled on Tuesday, the bill proposes major changes to the Electoral Act 1963.

The bill was introduced by the government with a certificate of urgency signed by the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese.

But it was met by strongly worded objections from members of the government as well as the Opposition Party who called on the government to ensure the due process is observed in relation to the bill.

When Parliament reconvened yesterday, Tuilaepa had a change of plan. He moved a motion for the Bill to be passed on to a Parliament Select Committee for a thorough review – as per usual process.

The announcement was met by a thundering approval from both sides of the House.

The members congratulated Prime Minister Tuilaepa for his willingness to compromise. Prior to that, Tuilaepa told Parliament that “the law is a donkey.”

He reiterated that the government’s vision behind the amendments being proposed to is to ensure a free and fair election. He told the House that the government wants to improve the way the election processes are being run.

Tuilaepa then blamed some traditional leaders, judges and lawyers for causing problems with existing electoral practice of gift giving to voters, called the o’o.

“If we didn’t have matai who were fed during the o’o, then turning their backs after and accusing the candidates, we wouldn’t have these problems,” he said.

“But it’s the perception from people. “Even our own judges and lawyers argue that the cultural concept is wrong, so the government is trying to find a way to stop our country from being humiliated.”

Tuilaepa was referring to overseas Law an ass, P.M. says as Govt. backtracks perceptions of the cultural practice.

He added that the debates are helpful to help people in the villages to understand how difficult it is to find a solution to the different perceptions.

During the second reading of the bill, the debate focused on whether the o’o and momoli were the cultural practice or electoral bribery and corruption.

Highlighted in the Electoral Amendment Bill 2014, the proposed change suggested that o’o and momoli be undertaken in the 12 months after elections, not before.

This would be a change from current practice before elections, where politicians often hand out thousands of dollars in food, drinks, equipment and cash, justifying them as traditional marks of respect and gratitude for being chosen as candidates.

M.P. for A’ana Alofi No. 1, Le’aupepe Toleafoa Fa’afisi fully supports the current practice in relation to the o’o.

His concern is that if the custom is removed, there would be nothing else for the M.P. to give back to the village Council to thank them.

“There is no difference in doing the o’o before and after because even if you tell voters that you would present it after the election, that is bribing too,” he said.

“No matter what time the o’o is presented, it is still the same.”

M.P. for Vaisigano No. 2, Motuopua’a Aisoli Va’ai, disagreed with the practice. He wants the o’o to be removed.

Motuopua’a said M.P.’s already suffer from the cost of campaigns and the o’o adds to that burden.

“We spend thousands on campaigns,” he said.

“If we present a o’o it would be another cost because you don’t just go with 50 boxes of herring to do it. “We should just stop doing it.”

The M.P. also argued that o’o presentations are done everyday. He explained that in everyday life, when families have fa’alavelave family obligations they seek help from M.P.’s.

“When any family in the village has a fa’alavelave they come to your house,” said Motuopua’a. “But when you have a fa’alavelave no one comes to you and helps you, you do it on your own.

“I want this to change and I want the law to change the mindset of people, that when you become an M.P. you don’t have millions of dollars raining from the sky.”

However M.P. for A’ana Alofi no3, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Shuster made a different suggestion. He urged that the law define how much should be used for customary gift.

Toeolesulusulu said even $10 given to someone for their transportation is seen as illegal or a bribe.

“My suggestion is why don’t we define a limit on the amount of money given to people,” he said.

“This way we would have less people going to trial over a $10 tala that was only given to help them for transportation.”

Parliament into the early hours of this morning.

Fast cars and car parts are the sort of things you would usually associate with men.

It’s unusual to even think of a woman becoming interested. But then that’s because you obviously haven’t met Cherith Kirita Fretton.

For the 32-year-old, a career in the motor vehicle industry was her destiny, especially since fixing cars is in the family blood.

Her father is a mechanic by trade and as long as she can remember, she has always been tinkering with vehicles.

Ms. Fretton says she understands that it is not a “normal” career choice for a woman. But after returning to Samoa and finding that there was an opening for a Tyre Coordinator at ASCO Motors, Ms. Fretton knew that was her opportunity.

That was over two years ago. She was soon promoted to the role of Parts Supervisor.

Then last year in September, she was given an opportunity to attend a regional Skills Contest in Fiji for the Parts division.

To get there, she had to sit an exam. The exam was assessed by Toyota, which later confirmed that Ms. Fretoon was among the top three.

The prospect was challenging, she confesses, especially since she was the only woman in the competition. Following the finals in Fiji, Team Samoa was given a spot to attend the Regional Toyota Tsusho Group Skills Contest in Sydney Australia.

Ms. Fretton was even more nervous since she would again be the first woman to undertake the competition. She said Fiji has taken the overall prize every year. This time though, Ms. Fretton won the “best of the best” award for Samoa.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, she said the competition was very challenging.

The contest was made up of two parts; the practical and oral tests. She competed wi th ASCO counterparts from Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, and American Samoa. Other competitors came from Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

The competition is organised every year to up-skill the employees. By winning the competition, Ms. Fretton will get the chance to participate in the Toyota Motor Corporation’s Assembly of Champions in Japan.

ASCO’s Service Manager, Nikolao Simone and Pouoa Toa, a Technician, accompanied Ms. Fretton to Australia. Mr. Simone had won the service category in 2009.

Asked how she felt, Ms Fretton said she is deeply “humbled” by her success.

“I am only too happy to set an example,” she said.

She strongly believes that her success will be motivator for others from ASCO to compete in the contests.

And her being the first woman would also mean she has just opened up a door for other “women in the industry to enter the contest.”

For ASCO Motors however her success in Sydney Australia “has boosted staff morale.”

Ms/ Fretton’s win is the first time in 15 years since competing in the contest that Samoa has taken a top spot in the service division of the contest as well as overall winner.

“Before I entered I was nervous about Fiji (counterparts) but after competing and winning others can now say – I can do it too.”

Tuala Oli Ah Him is the Samoa Hotel Association’s (S.H.A.) President for a third term.

At the organisation’s Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday evening at the Hotel Millenia in Sogi, there was a slight reshuffle with some new faces there to support Tuala for the next year.

In addition to Tuala, Amituanai Faleulu Mauli from the Tatiana Motel returns, uncontested, as Vice President, Charlotte Chan Mow – Brunt from the Orator Hotel steps into the position of Treasurer and Adele Kruse from Hotel Insel Fehmarn and S.H.A.’s outgoing Treasurer, returns to the Board as the organisation’s Secretary.

Filling out the Executive’s General Member positions are Sesilia Schwalger, from the Bayview Resort, Lynelle Levi from the Amanaki Hotel and Vaimoana Hunt from the Moanalisa Hotel.

Below is the press release issued by the S.H.A. in full: The Samoa Hotels Association (SHA) held its Annual General Meeting at the Tiafau Fale, Hotel Millenia on Tuesday 15th April 2014. Re-elected President Tuala Oli Ah Him addressed the members on SHA’s achievements and progress for 2013.

He acknowledged that although the industry had suffered great setbacks as a result of Cyclone Evan, the Association continues to advocate and represent the members’ issues and further strengthen SHA’s position as the leading industry body for the tourism sector via collaborative partner relationships with Samoa Tourism Authority (STA), the Government of Samoa, Development Partners such as NZAID, and various other organizations including Samoa Chamber of Commerce.

On Post Cyclone Evan and the Tourism Cyclone Recovery Programme (TCRP), Tuala informed the membership that “Government’s confidence in SHA secured our appointment as the focal point for the TCRP in March 2013 and we have since worked closely with the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) facilitating industry disaster recovery works focusing on the reconstruction of our businesses, recovering market demand, training and capacity building opportunities as well as contracting technical assistance currently faced by our members such as coastal erosion, flood prone areas and inflexible insurance schemes”.

The TCRP will also be providing the industry with great capacity building opportunities addressing skills gaps identified from various recent Training and Needs Analysis data in the areas of Customer Service, Tour Guiding, Food and Beverage just to name a few.

Tuala encouraged the membership to take up this great opportunity fully funded by NZAID and delivered by APTC. Addressing concerns from the membership on the decreased revenue generated from the Association’s booking engine, Tuala advised that, “Recognizing the challenges of e-commerce and various booking engines that have reduced SHA’s share of online bookings, SHA has sought innovative ways to increase our income and thus made a submission to Government to allow SHA as the main centralized reservations system for the UNSIDS Conference. Endorsement of this proposal in April 2013 is a testament of Government’s favorable acknowledgement of SHA’s work in the tourism industry”.

The importance of this endorsement allows the association to pay itself commissions for their own properties that would have otherwise been lost to a third party, generally operating outside Samoa. Commissions earned from the UNSIDS bookings will be channeled back for the continuous development of the Association. Wide representation of SHA Executive Council on key boards, task forces and committees was mentioned as SHA’s vehicles to capitalize on opportunities to strengthen the association and its members.

Tuala commended STA and government’s commitment to attract M.I.C.E markets as well as supporting the niche and destination marketing via initiatives such as the recent Samoa Tourism Exchange 2014 which saw over 50 suppliers from as far as China, United Kingdom and Canada.

“It is this spirit of working together that has strengthened Samoa’s tourism efforts and your SHA. Our united progressing of tourism with all relevant players is the only positive way forward” said the SHA President. In his final note, Tuala highlighted the growth in SHA Members and acknowledged the assistance of its members through subscriptions and commissions.

“Your attendance and participation in our association meetings, workshops and consultations have greatly contributed to the work of SHA. Your subscriptions and commissions assist with the running of our association’s operations are greatly appreciated”.

The SHA council 2014/15 was elected via secret ballot which was scrutinized by two members of Betham and Co Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors.

The new Executive Council for 2014/15 is as follows: President -Tuala Oli Ah Him (Hotel Millenia) Vice President - Afoa Amituanai Faleulu Mauli (Tatiana Motel) Treasurer – Charlotte Chan Mow – Brunt (Orator Hotel) Secretary – Adele Kruse (Hotel Insel Fehmarn) General Member – Sesilia Schwalger (Bayview Resort) General Member - Lynelle Levi (Amanaki Hotel) General Member - Vaimoana Hunt (Moanalisa Hotel) Tuala gave special acknowledgement to the outgoing council members Toleafoa Mara Hunter (Le Alaimoana Hotel), Francois Martel (Namu’a Island Beach Fales) and Pulepule Steve Young (Pasefika Inn) and welcomed on board the newly elected council members Charlotte Chan Mow-Brunt (Orator Hotel), Lynelle Levi (Amanaki Hotel) and Vaimoana Hunt (Moanalisa Hotel). For more information on SHA and its projects please contact the office on telephone 30160 or email ceo@samoa-hotels.ws.

SHA operates an online booking

website www. samoahotels.ws and also has a corporate website for membership and general public viewing www.samoahotelassociation.ws

United States Coast Guard (U.S.C.G.) Rear Admiral Cari B. Thomas has touted Samoa as a leader in the fight to protect fisheries.

RDML. Thomas, who is the Commander of the Coast Guard’s District Fourteen, was in Samoa this week to discuss the ongoing Shiprider Agreement with Samoa.

Her area of responsibility spans over 12.2 million square miles and includes the Hawaiian islands, Guam, American Samoa and activities in Saipan, Singapore and Japan.

This encompasses a region nearly three times the size of the continental United States.

The Shiprider Agreement was signed by the United States and Samoa two years ago and enables Samoa law enforcement officers to help enforce maritime laws, including those pertaining to fisheries, while aboard U.S.C.G. ships. RDML.

Thomas said when the U.S.C.G. crosses into Samoan waters, the local official on board assists them in enforcing the fisheries laws within Samoa’s Exclusive Economic Zone (E.E.Z.).

According to the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea an economic zone (EEZ) is a seazone over which a state has special rights over the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production from water and wind.

“Samoans have been leaders in wanting to preserve the environment and wanting to preserve their fisheries with the Australian patrol boat,” said RDML. Thomas.

“They have been good stewards and we’ll continue to try and support Samoan efforts to do that.

“We are grateful that they agreed to have this Shiprider Agreement and we will bring our Coastguard resources to help in that.

“We have a ship from Honolulu who will be transiting through here in a couple of months with a Samoan Shiprider in an effort to continue on the fisheries enforcement.”

RDML. Thomas said the preservation of fisheries regionally was very important to the United States.

“The United States has the same cooperative relationship with nine nations,” she said.

“It is one of my efforts to attempt to try and do the right conservancy of the environment so that we don’t over fish and create a problem for the future.”

She did say, however, that in an effort to enforce these laws did come with its challenges.

“Fish do not respect boundaries they tend to migrate wherever it is nature says that they should,” she said.

“(Also) there are many countries whose fishing fleets are growing exponentially which is worrisome to me, so we are working very hard to continue to make sure that these countries E.E.Z.s aren’t overfished.

“I am working the other countries whose fishing fleets are growing to try and help them be more responsible flag states, so that they know that it is important for them to not overfish.”

RDML. Thomas said the United States went through the same kind of growth about 30 years ago in which her country was in danger of overfishing many of our own fishing grounds.

“It’s an uncomfortable tug of war that goes on between the fisher man and the conservationists,” she said.

“Because ultimately food is an important commodity for the Pacific and we want to have sustainable fisheries for the long haul, and if we overfish we are going to be in a problem there.”

“So the U.S. Coast Guard has experience and our own lessons in preserving our own fisheries that we are able to bring to the region.”

Concerns have been raised over the failure of town lights stretching from Matautu towards the rear of the government building.

Some are saying that these lights have been off for weeks and are questioning if they will ever be fixed.

“What’s the use of having town lights when they are always off during night time?” asked Latai Toa.

“They are just there like idle statues, just to make the town look fancy when they are not even working.”

Town lights should be one of things that government should look at prioritising, she said.

“Tourists and families love to come to the seawall for fresh air but how will they be able to do that when the place is too dark?” asked Ms. Toa “I’m even afraid to walk by myself behind the government building at night time because all these lights are not working.”

Eva Blömeke, a visitor from Germany spending her holidays in Samoa, shared the same sentiments.

“I was surprised that the town lights here in Samoa did not work,” said Ms. Blömeke.

“Not even that, no one is doing anything about it at all because it’s been the same ever since I got here”, she said.

Ms. Blömeke says that she has been here for weeks now and the town is one of her favourite places to visit with friends. However she said that she feels unsafe.

“For me, it’s very dangerous and I feel unsecure going out to the seawall because it’s usually dark,” she said.

“Samoa is a very nice place but there are still some things that need improving.”

“Maybe starting with the lights in town would be a good idea,” she commented.

One town worker, John Vai, said he has witnessed recent construction work in town.

“The lights should be fixed by now”, he said.

“Why is the procedure taking so long?” Mr. Vai said that the failure of the town lights were caused by recent construction work on pipes that were dug up and taken to Sogi causing the wires to snap.

The General Manager of the Electric Power Corporation (E.P.C), Tologata Tile Leia confirmed that this was the cause of the problem.

However he said this has already been dealt with.

“It is true and the wires have already been repaired”, said Tologata “These lights are deteriorating and falling apart very quickly due to sea spray from the seashore as well as some vandalism from the public”, he said.

There are about a 100 town lights and E.P.C is solely responsible for their repairs and maintenance.

“Government has a plan for a new seawall and the replacement of these seawall lights is included”, said Tologata.

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, government has budgeted $200,000 tala for seawalls.

This follows expenditure of $1,892,000 tala last year for seawalls.

With the U.N.’s Small Islands Developing States conference a few months away, a stink in the middle of Apia has raised eyebrows.

Five months to go till the country’s biggest event is held – and parts of the capital, Apia, still smell like a sewer.

In the past, complaints have come from around the fish market and next to the Development Bank building.

Now it’s the turn of shopkeepers at the National Provident Fund Plaza. Employees working at one of the S.N.P.F. tenants, Pacific Jewell Shop, said they are left feeling sick from the smell coming from what they believe to be a septic tank.

The worst part of it is that the tank seems to be right in front of their shop.

Fofoa Tufuga said they have been suffering for so long.

“It smells really bad because it is right in front of the shop,” she said.

“It’s all right when the door is closed but once we have customers coming in, and the door opens, that’s when it really hits us, and the smell will stay inside the shop.”

Ms. Tufuga also stated that the owner of the Pacific Jewell Shop had already contacted the S.N.P.F. about the issue.

“Our boss complained to the S.N.P.F. twice and they fixed it but now it’s gone back to the same thing again, and we are tired of having to spend eight hours a day smelling this awful smell.

“This problem has also affected the shop, because we have tourists who come in the shop and they also complain to us about it, but all we can tell them is that we have already put a complaint to the people who look after the building.

“It’s bad, and it gives us headaches. I just hope that they can take this somewhere else to where it’s not close to the public.”

Other sources said the smell was coming from a grease trap for the Plaza’s food businesses. This could not be confirmed.

But one shopper, Iosia Manuleleua from Vaimoso, sympathised with the shop keepers over the awful stink.

“I come here often to do my shopping at Frankie’s at Molesi and every time I come across this bad smell,” he said. “It’s very unhealthy.

“Whoever is responsible for looking after the building should really look into this, because we have events that are happening in the future like the S.I.D.S. Conference and it would be very embarrassing to have tourists walking around here holding their noses because of this.

“We have to fix this to make sure that this issue will not go on until that time,” he said. The Samoa Observer contacted the S.N.P.F.

to seek comment but the operator said spokesperson, Tagaloa Uili Matafeo is not working.

Spending over $1.1 million on a truck and water drilling rig saved the country millions of tala.

That’s one of the claims made by the former Minister of Finance, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga, in his shock resignation speech delvered in Parliament last week. The sale of the truck and water rig also made millions, he claimed.

His comments were the first time the public has heard directly from Faumuina since publication last year of the leaked Controller and Chief Auditor’s report, which was reviewed by the Officers of Parliament Committee (O.P.C). In his 25 page speech, Faumuina goes into detailed responses to many of the criticisms made against him. Among those responses are the reasons behind spending over $1.1 million on a truck and water drilling rig by the Samoa Land Corporation (S.L.C) during the 2009 to 2010 financial year, when Faumuina was chairman of the board.

That purchase was criticised by the Audit Office for the use of a “middleman”, and attacked by the O.P.C. as an example of “corrupt practices.”

In fact, S.L.C spent twice as much, at $2,192,210, as disclosed in the O.P.C. report. However, in his speech, Faumuina referred to the lower amount while defending the purchase. A decision by the S.L.C to purchase the truck and a water drilling rig was a result of ‘prioritising Falelauniu residents’ and ‘saving money,’ he told Parliament.

“The Administration had never planned to purchase these assets.”

But when the Samoa Water Authority (S.W.A) could not accommodate drilling at Falelauniu due to other commitments, the purchase was considered and conducted, he claimed.

“The Administration of the Water Authority replied they would not know for sure when their Water Drilling Rig would be available.”

He claimed that the authority’s reason was because they were also dealing with partnership projects with the European Union scheduled for completion by December 2013.

“This programme by the way was the drilling and reticulation of water supply for some of the villages in Savaii.

“In regard to the time according to the Water Authority when the Drilling Rig would be available, it meant we would have to wait for five years before the drilling and reticulation of water supply for families at Falelauniu can be done.”

Faumuina went on to explain that it would have been very expensive for the Corporation to pay the Authority to cart water for some 150 families over 5 years.

“Water is one of the most valuable resources and greatly in demand for the life of man, and it was necessary there for to find the cheapest way to provide water for 150 families or 1,599 people of Falelauniu.” As a result the Board and the Administration gave priority to the people, as well as saving the Corporation’s monies, he said.

He explained that fifty water trucks were required to service water to Falelauniu daily. As a result it was scheduled that the water trucks would distribute water to the area three days a week costing $250 per trip.

One truck carried 3000 litres of water and the cost for transporting the water for three days a week was $37,500.

“There are 52 weeks in a year multiply that by $37, 500 and so the total cost for distributing water to Falelauniu for a year was $1,950,000.

And if S.L.C. waited for five years for S.W.A. to drill for water to service these areas it would have cost the corporation $9,750,000, he claimed.

“It was too expensive for the Corporation,” he said.

His comments did not respond to O.P.C findings that the S.L.C never consulted the Water Authority. But, on the night he resigned, Faumuina said it was not S.L.C’s responsibility to purchase these assets.

However, he went on to explain, the Board and S.L.C Administration’s attention was drawn to the problem as a result of a similar situation that impacted the subdivision of Government lands at Vaitele-fou.

Almost 10 years had lapsed without any water supply and reticulation being done. He told that there were more than 900 quarter acres from 1995/1996 that had been allocated, but electricity lines took until 2000/2001 to be installed. Vaitele roads were sealed in 2003/2004 and water supply were not installed until the end of 2004.

Again he claimed this was why the Administration recommended to the Board to purchase the truck and water drilling rig.

This was to drill a borehole to enable the S.L.C. to cart water for the Subdivision at Falelauniu which would be much cheaper to the Corporation than to wait for S.W.A.

“The cost of the truck and the water drilling rig was US$450,000 (without tax) equivalent to ST$1,196,067.93.”

He said this was much cheaper than to service these areas with a water truck by SWA for 5 years at a cost of $9,750,000. In his speech, Faumuina also claimed that the Corporation sold the truck and drilling rig to SWA for $8 million tala, last year in September.

Faumuina said that the assets sale price exceeded the purchase sale, earning SLC more than it lost – it was a move in the right direction.

He emphasised that purchases of this kind were positive for the Corporation and not something new. He referred to another purchase SLC had made in ploughs resulting with work being conducted in 1993.

SLC would not have been able to “immediately prepare the golf course and other areas of land maintenance and the construction of the sports fields to be ready in time for the South Pacific Games in 2007,” without that purchase.

At first glance, the staff at the Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G) must have thought they were dealing with an extreme case of domestic violence.

A little girl was brought into the centre with heavy bruising around her eyes. Both wrists were bandaged, with “drip” shunts peeking out.

The truth, however, was far more serious. The four-year old girl was suffering from leukaemia.

In fact this is why Isalei Tua ended up at the S.V.S.G. office on Wednesday morning, brought in by her father, Tatino. S.V.S.G. President, Lina Chang, said he rolled his daughter in puffing and huffing. It looked as if he was hiding from someone.

Indeed, she later found out that Mr. Tua had snuck his daughter out of the hospital because he wanted urgent help so his daughter could be treated in New Zealand. But, as he told the Sunday Samoan, “it’s too late”.

Isalei died around 4pm on Friday afternoon. At that time, Samoa Victim Support Group was in the middle of organising a fundraising event on Facebook to fund a “Birthday Bash.”

Isalei Tatino Tua, of Siumu, was just two days away from her 5th birthday yesterday.

She died in the Paediatric Ward at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital. Her father confirmed the sad passing of his “favourite”.

Isalei suffered from heavy bruising around the eyes, nose bleeds and constant fatigue. “We have been in hospital for three months and that is how long she has been sick for.”

He declined to make any further comments regarding why it was too late for her daughter to be sent to New Zealand for treatment. “I have nothing to say. It’s done and she’s resting now.”

He said that Isalei was his favourite out of his four children. She was the second.

“I will always remember how anything she asked for I would do for her.

“She is very close to me and this is why I am always here at the hospital – true, there are times she wants her mother (Aliseta) but that is only for a little while.

“Isalei always spends most of her time with me.”

As a result of his daughter falling ill the family had to move from Siumu to Tufuiopa to be closer to their daughter.

On Friday, S.V.S.G.’s Facebook page reported that it’s article has “over 7000 views, over 600 likes and the story has been shared over 100 times in many countries”.

“This would all have not been possible without your support and the blessing of the world wide web.”

Mrs. Chang said they were going to do anything they could to ensure that the child would celebrate her 5th birthday.

“This is my passion; helping these children and so I would do anything to help her.”

When she was contacted again following the girl’s death, Mrs Chang confirmed her passing.

She said that she was going to ask Mr. Tua if he would agree to have the girl buried on her birthday so that the birthday could still go ahead to celebrate her young life. Isalei’s death caught supporters unprepared.

Lydia Betham was at the S.V.S.G. officer around noon Friday. She was there to offer her services at the organising of the birthday bash.

Also there to donate money to assist with the fundraising purpose, Ms. Betham expressed sadness about the young girl’s illness.

She said it was sad she was dying at such a young age. Her being there was to offer her help so to provide the little girl with some happy memories before her death.

Rossy Lolesio's odyssey to the Mercy Ascot Hospital in New Zealand from her native Samoa for medical treatment was, she say, heavenly.

In her words, it was “like coming into a heaven of love, beautiful service and unconditional commitment to her ailment, from the front office staff, to the radiation therapist and everyone that works in the Newmarket health care facility.”

Such care has eased her apprehension about her health problems, and the prognosis, therefore allowing her to concentrate on the daily treatment of radiation for past six weeks.

“The service I received since arriving had been quite overwhelming. Every day on my arrival here had been like arriving to a heaven full of smiling people and I'm surrounded by loving staff,” says Mrs Lolesio.

A mother of two young children, they accompanied her to New Zealand along with her husband, Iosefo Lolesio.

“They provided us with the best care and I feel at home here at the Auckland Radiology.

“It hadn't been easy for me thinking what I will get out of this treatment but the smiling faces of the people in here have been a tremendous boost to my confidence knowing that I am receiving the best possible service and care.”

This was, she said, “something I am not used to.” Mrs. Lolesio is responding well to treatment.

“I feel good about my future now and from the bottom of my heart I just feel thankful for the hard work they have put into my treatment.

They told me at the beginning that there may be some side effects from the therapy but right now I'm 100%. Actually, I feel very good, I have confidence with everything I've been through so far.”

She praises her specialists, Doctor Benjamin who has “been a rock to me in regards to the treatment and the therapy nurses are awesome.”

It hadn't been an easy past few weeks for both of them, given the treatment she had been going through.

One thing that has helped is that their children are in Wellington with her parents, “which makes it easier for us here in Auckland to concentrate on my treatment without having to worry about their welfare.”

Her husband, Iosefo Lolesio had experienced a similar situation before when he accompanied her sick mum to New Zealand for medical treatment.

“I can't speak highly enough of the service my wife received from the staff here at the Auckland Radiology”

The soft-spoken Samoan was at first lost for words in describing the care bestowed on her wife.

“It helped a lot when you witness the way these professionals treat my wife, I felt confidence once I saw that and I just thank God for these people.”

“We weren't sure at the beginning not knowing how the treatment was going to be but now we are relieved and confident that everything will be okay.”

His message to other people who may find themselves in similar situation as them is,

“Don't be scared, Auckland Radiology is the best place to come to for treatment.”

“Coming here was the best thing that ever happened to us – from the front desk to the treatment room, you will receive the best care.”

Her treatment faced additional complication after she broke her lower right foot in an unfortunate incident at the home she was staying at.

Staff at Auckland Radiology showed tremendous care in firstly, going ahead with her radiation, then arranging an ambulance to transfer her to another hospital where she had her foot attended to and put in a cast. Senior Radiation Therapist, Ms Angela Wells, praised her latest patient.

“Rossy has been a model patient who had no qualms with the treatment. “She has been very receptive to our service. It is our job to make sure the patients we treat are well catered for in every way to alleviate any concerns they may have before we put them through radiation therapy.”

Ms Wells has been on the job for seven years – first at Auckland City Hospital before moving to Auckland Radiology to gain specialist experience on the more advance therapy machines.

“We are duty-bound to give them the best service and to have Rossy under our care had been quite good, it's our job to provide her with best.”

Mrs Lolesio and her young family will be returning to her village Vaitele Uta in Samoa at the end of her treatment in May. This is her last week of radiation therapy with a follow-up in a couple of weeks.

Although she is looking forward to her journey to full health again, both Mr and Mrs Lolesio are sad at the thought of leaving behind the health professionals who have been such a big part of her life during the last six weeks of treatment.

In today’s community page, we bring you photos from Fasito’o-uta’s annual service to commemorate the day when the village came together to reconcile.

Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of the reconciliation with the annual service scheduled on Easter Saturday.

During the service, all the church denominations and village members living in the village and other parts of Samoa come together to fellowship.

Reverend Uta Muaulu, of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, conducted the service while the Chairman of the National Council of Churches, Leaupepe Kasiano spoke on behalf of the village. The Associate Minister of Education, Le’aupepe Tole’afoa Fa’afisi also spoke during the gathering.

A feast followed the service and the celebration continued into the night with a social.

The Organising Committee for this year’s celebration included Faletutulu Ameti, Le’aupepe Mona, Aiono Afaese, Le’aupepe Talai, Tau’au Malaki, Pulu Maleifua and Polataia Leatuolo. Photos: Supplied.

Ruth Ueselani is one woman who has beaten all odds to prove that she is more than just a high school drop out with no future.

Last year, she graduated with a Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A) from the University of the South Pacific (U.S.P). Then on 9 April of this year, she attended a ceremony in Fiji where she was awarded a Gold Medal for her excellence in obtaining the highest scores in her MBA studies.

“All the glory to God for his endless blessings on me,” she said.

The mother of two gives the impression that she has had a carefree life. She draws your attention with her warm smile. According to her, that’s a sign of strengthen and wisdom.

Something that she has had to learn after enduring so much and going through the most roughest roads to achieve success in her life.

“Winning the gold medal was so satisfying because I not only sweated but personally paid for it - trying to earn it. It is a different feeling from the person that was sponsored because it isn’t their money,” she said.

“I guess that’s another reason why I was very determined. I didn’t want to waste my money and I went through so much to get there - it wasn’t an easy road.”

Ms. Ueselani claims that the achievement is far more fulfilling especially since “I was a teenage mother”. Last year, she lost her second husband.

“It was a sad time for me because my husband passed away in September and I graduated in December. Although he departed before I completed, I know he has been with me supporting me throughout my journey.

“I’d like to dedicate my Gold medal to him and my daughters.” Today at 32, she is a single mother of two. Her eldest is 17 - a year older than she was when she fell pregnant with Sonya.

“My achievements are very much dedicated to my late husband Sosefo Fatai Lama, my two daughters Sonya and Lynn, my dear parents and my family and friends.”

She prays that her endurance, patience and success will motivate her young daughters to live the right path when they become young women. But for now she hopes her story will inspire other women that struggle daily to make a better change in their lives in this world.

“Change is a choice and only you can make that choice for a better tomorrow.”

Achieving change is not always the easiest or most peaceful path, she said. But Ms. Ueselani believes that each person is different and achieving what she has needs heart and determination.

The Gold Medal is an award for the top student for the Masters in Business and Administration at U.S.P. It’s not only for Samoa but students from Fiji, Tonga, and the Solomon Islands and other Pacific countries.

“It’s such a prestigious award and I’m very humbled by it all.” Ms. Ueselani is originally from Pago Pago, American Samoa, but lives here in Samoa.

She currently works as a Coordinator for two of Samoa’s environmental initiatives at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E). Her first government job was with the Samoa Water Authority in 2010 following her graduation with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2009.

Last year she moved to M.N.R.E. When she graduated from U.S.P. with her B.Com she had very high grades.

As a result she was recommended to tutor the students. Today this is part of her busy schedule – tutoring at the University here.

Her story is even more amazing because she never completed School Certificate or Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate, nor did she attend University Preparatory Year.

When she entered U.S.P. she was a mature student. So how does she feel achieving so much in her life despite continuous challenges? “I feel like I’m superwoman!”

And it’s a feeling she hopes will inspire other women, young or old, that have had to give up school at an early age to have babies.

“I am not encouraging young girls to have babies but what I am saying is that if it is happening in their lives they can achieve so much if they put their hearts and minds into it.”

According to her when her first marriage failed and she already had two children she told herself that she had to do something to “get out of the hell I was in and that was education – it was one thing that I was very good at”.

So, then started her long winding road juggling motherhood and her studies, and then tutorials and a job as well as being a wife again. But to Ms Ueselani it’s all been worth the while.

“I have been juggling everything in the past three years during my MBA and I came out with the winning gold medal.

“I came out on top – it’s a big milestone also for Samoa to inspire other women to have faith in yourself.”

She wants women in Samoa to remember: “You can do it, and you can rise to the top; it’s just a matter of hard work and commitment”.

She also acknowledges other Samoans that received awards from U.S.P.; Jenny Bennett and Iemaia Gabriel and also her MBA 2013 class.

Donors from the Apia Samoa Central Stake of the Church of Latter Day Saints strolled into the national hospital at Moto’otua yesterday to give their blood this Easter to the people of Samoa.

“The initiative aligns with the spirit of Easter,” said Jason Joseph, President of the Apia Samoa Central State. “Since Jesus Christ spilled his blood for us, we have come up with this initiative to give our blood to those who need it.”

With a high hope of giving and sharing the spirit of Easter, Mr. Joseph draws on the significance of the event.

“The issue with the hospital is that they have a hard time finding all blood types for their patients and it is the hope that we would be able to assist these people through this community service.”

According to Mr. Joseph, this is the first time Apia Samoa Central Stake has donated blood.

“It was done before in one of our churches last year but this year we want to extend it to all six wards,” he said.

Mr. Joseph who organised the event is also a regular donor for Red Cross.

“This is for everyone so we can feel the importance of the love of God as we give to those who are in need,” he said.

“As it says in the scripture, we should love one another.” Disaster Manager of Red Cross, Lemau Afamasaga, was thankful to the church for their contribution.

“The high demand for fresh blood in terms of operations as well as deliveries has increased immensely since the beginning of last year,” said Ms. Afamasaga.

“This initiative means a lot to us and we are very appreciative towards the efforts made by the LDS church today,” she said.

In fact, she said that it is a huge help towards their preparations for the Small Island Developing States Conference hosted this year.

“This will give us supplies of blood that may be needed in case of emergencies that may occur,” said Ms. Afamasaga “Giving something that is precious to us is very hard but the initiative today is very encouraging indeed”.

She also pointed out that the initiative was also something that impressed upon them to take another step forward in terms of their awareness campaign to reach out to more donors.

“It’s not only about donating blood but also building the awareness,“ she said.

“It’s important that donors have a clear understanding of what it means to donate blood”. “One of the conditions is counselling people before they donate their blood - it’s important for conditions like this are met,” she said.

“Giving blood is giving life and a second chance to that person who is in need of blood.” Bishop Manoa of Alamagoto, a donor, was moved during the event.

“People with loving hearts is what matters the most “, he said. “It’s important to donate blood because this is life to our brothers or sisters out there who may be close to death”.

In fact, this is not the first time for Bishop Manoa to donate his blood. “I have donated my blood several times now and it makes me feel good that I am able to help someone else”, he said.

Nine parishes of Faleata West Pulega were combined together in a service to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus at the Vaitele-Uta parish on Sunday.

Sunday Schools and Youths performed different skits and songs that highlighted Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem to the day he was crucified and raised from the death.

Those that participated included: Nu’u Fou, Vaitele-Uta, Vailoa-Uta, Vailoa-Tai, Tulaele, Toamua, Vaigaga, Peteleema Fou and Elise Fou.

Leading the service was Rev. Reupena Nofoaiga of Elise Fou. Rev. Elder Fa’auuga Matautia of C.C.C.S. Faleata West Pulega praised the children for their commitment in taking part in the spiritual plays.

“The skits are not only for those that participated and watched but with hope that it will be useful for you in your everyday lives,” said Rev. Elder Matautia.

“Let it be a light that will grow into each and everyone’s life.” Darren Samoa shared his experience on the day.

“Jesus’ resurrection and his crucifixion is new everyday no matter how many times I’ve watched it,” he said.

“it is important, because it is the time when the Messiah rises from the dead, he gave his life for us and without him we would be dead.

“The Messiah proved himself to be the Son of God.”