A Samoan man celebrating his newly acquired New Zealand residency forced the evacuation of a Napier street after crashing his car and causing a gas eruption, spilling toxic fumes into the air.

In the Napier District Court yesterday, Sanerivi Aimainu, 22, pleaded guilty to excess breath-alcohol and dangerous driving, after leaving a trail of destruction along Richmond St on June 18th.

Aimainu was drinking at a mate’s home to celebrate his recent acceptance as a New Zealand resident when he left in his Subaru about 1a.m.

Court documents said he drove down the driveway “scraping the car along a concrete wall” as he made his way on to Richmond St.

“The grinding noise awoke the next-door neighbour who saw [Aimainu] continue to drive and hit the gas meter with such force that he broke the pipe ... allowing toxic gas to erupt from the main.”

Aimainu then hit the front gate and letter box before making it on to the road.

He did a U-turn and tried to drive back down the driveway but crashed into the front fence and side of the house.

Emergency services arrived and, as a result of the gas eruption, police evacuated nearby homes.

Yesterday one neighbour said the experience was frightening for her four children, who were forced out of their house for an hour.

She said her dog woke her and she smelled gas. She could hear him revving the car, trying to reverse after hitting the gas pipe. She woke next morning with a headache from the fumes.

Aimainu registered a blood-alcohol level of 127 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. The legal limit is 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood.

He later told police: “I was scared, I was concentrating to see if any cars were coming.”

Yesterday, Judge Jonathan Down convicted and sentenced Aimainu, through the help of a Samoan translator.

Aimainu was disqualified from driving for six months and ordered to pay $1,963.16 in reparation to AMI Insurance. He was also sentenced to 40 hours’ community work.

Va’alele Fa’amatai, of Vaisigano and Lauli’i, needs your help.

The mother is seeking financial help from the community to support her 12-year-old-daughter, Fa’ama’au’s heart operation in New Zealand later this month.

To be precise, they need $3,100 for their airfares.

Va’alele is a mother of five and her daughter attends Moata’a Primary School.

She told the Samoa Observer that they only found out about her daughter’s heart condition when doctors visited her school to check for rheumatic fever in 2012.

“They told me that she has a hole in her heart and it needs to be treated before it gets worse,” she said.

“Doctors at Moto’otua Hospital did all that they could and they told me that the government will pay for my daughter’s operation but we have to find our own air fares.”

Va’alele is the only one who works in her family.

“After I pay everything – including all our loans - I am left with $50 to last us for two weeks.”

“It’s hard because I have four other children who are depending on me and now with my daughter’s condition, I just don’t know what to do.”

The mother said she applied for $3,000 loan from a local commercial bank. It was rejected. Later, however, the bank granted $1,200.

“I was sad but because I only earn $7,999 each year which is why I couldn’t get a bigger loan,” she said.

That money has since been spent to process passports and visa applications.

Her husband’s family also donated $1,000 to help.

However, their airfares need to be paid.

Speaking about her daughter’s condition, the mother broke down.

“It’s very hard because I can see that my daughter is still young and has her whole future ahead of her,” she said.

“She can’t lead a normal life, she can’t play any sports or have fun with other children. So if this operation is the only way to heal my daughter, I will go out of my way to get her to that operation.”

The condition, she says, is worsening.

And it is affecting her emotionally, physically and mentally.

“The doctors said the more Fa’ama’au grows, the bigger the hole in her heart gets and that is why this operation is very important because this might be the only chance that I will ever get to save my daughter.”

“I had nowhere to go and so I remember the Samoa Victim Support Group and that is why I came here.”

Fa’amau joined her mother’s heartfelt plea.

“I am very scared,” she told the Samoa Observer. “Sometime it hurts so much. I want to be able to play with my friends but I can’t because I’m scared that something bad might happen to me.”

Fa’ama’au needs to be at the Star Ship Hospital in New Zealand on the 25th of this month.

If you want to help Fa’ama’au, please contact the S.V.S.G on 25392 or 7576601 and ask for the President of the S.V.S.G., Lina Chang.

Thursday was a colourful and exciting day of celebration for parents, families and friends but especially the children of Manumalo Christian School.

The occasion was the celebration of the Culture.

The event was opened with an “ava” ceremony performed by the students.

Other items that followed included a show by a string band, “tausala”, “taupou” and “manaia”.

Principal, Pili Fata said that culture day for Manumalo School was an annual event of the school.

“Having the Samoan Day is just a way to teach the students how to keep our culture alive and to get them used to our way of life,” said Mr Fata “It’s just to ensure that they can learn a little bit about our culture so that when they grow older, they can hold on to their identity as Samoans as well as share it with other people from other cultures.”

In fact, Mr Fata said that the celebration of their culture day was also dedicated to their visiting friends from Australia who donated desks and chairs for their school.

“It’s a nice way of saying thank you and also for them to take our culture with them as they go back to Australia,” he said.

He was also thankful to the support of parents and families who came to witness the event.

“All the students looked forward to their performances and I am very thankful to the parents for the preparations and the efforts they have put in their children today,” said Mr Fata.

The School’s Samoan Day this year saw the pupils divided into four teams; Savai’i, Upolu, Manono and Apolima.

“As we all know, our culture is slowly fading yet this is one of the ways that we could keep it for years and generations to come,” said Mr Fata “Not only must we know about our culture, but we must also practice it,” he said.

Besides various entertainments by the students, cooking Samoan traditional food was also part of the day’s activities.

The government will ask for Samoa to be removed from a list of countries known for money laundering and weak anti-terror laws.

The request will be made by next week during the Asia Pacific Group meeting in China.

The occasion was the celebration of the Culture.

There, a recent report suggesting Samoa’s status be changed from the “enhanced follow up” category to the “regular follow up” category will be discussed.

The group says Samoa has made positive progress in strengthening its security measures and the recent passing of the Counter Terrorism Act 2014.

Samoa’s delegation to the meeting will be led by the Central Bank Governor, Maiava Atalina Enari.

According to a statement from Cabinet, the meeting is important for Samoa.

They hope to achieve the following:

• The Asia Pacific Group (APG) Plenary will discuss and approve a recent report by the APG to remove Samoa from the ‘enhanced follow up’ category to a ‘regular follow up’ category due mainly to the positive progress achieved by Samoa so far in strengthening its anti money laundering system.

Also, the recent approval and enactment of the Counter Terrorism Act 2014 by Parliament has reflected positively on Samoa’s commitment to comply with anti-money laundering and counter terrorism standards, as promulgated by the Financial Action Task Force;

• To discuss with the APG Assessment Team, Samoa’s preparation for its Mutual Evaluation by the APG, as scheduled to take place in November 2014;

• As Co-Heads of the Pacific Offshore Centre Project, SIFA (Samoa International Finance Authority) will meet with representatives of the Cook Islands Government. The meeting is to discuss priority areas and focus on developing a typology report of the key risks of offshore centres in the Pacific, and the need to strengthen and develop appropriate strategies to mitigate the risks of abuse by criminals through the offence of money laundering and terrorist financing activities.

Samoans around the world are taking the plunge to take part in a new social media phenomenon where participants dunk themselves with icey water to raise money for charity.

The Ice Water Challenge is a global fundraising effort spread online.

Participants nominate their friends and family on Facebook. Those nominated have 24 hours to plunge themselves in icey water and post a photo or video online to prove they completed the challenge.

If they do it in time, they donate $10-$20 to a charity of their choice.

Failure to complete their challenge means they donate $100.

The Facebook page which pulls together those around New Zealand who have taken the challenge has more than 10,000 likes and there are more than 100 videos of ice challengers awaiting uploading.

Countdown Bush Inn said the challenge explained a sudden and unexpected spike in ice sales, which had doubled in the last two weeks, despite it being the middle of winter.

Zion Tauamiti said his Facebook page was packed with nominations from friends and videos of others completing the challenge. He had already been nominated and said he would be completing the challenge this week.

Participants could choose any charity they liked, but in New Zealand the preferred causes were often charities connected to cancer.

The Child Cancer Foundation said it had had over 100 donations made by Ice Water Challenge participants. A givealittle.co.nz page had been started with a goal of $5,000.

Tauamiti said a wellknown Samoan in Christchurch had recently been diagnosed with cancer which had spurred greater participation within the Samoan and Maori communities.

“The Samoan guys are going hard on it,” Tauamiti said. “I’ll definitely be doing it.”

After school programme employee James Walker was nominated and completed the challenge by allowing two kids he was supervising - Jacob Manning, 10, and Adyn Callaghan, 10 - to drench him at the end of the day.

The Ice Water Challenge has been documented online all over the world.

Emergency services personnel in America had done the challenge in uniform and donated money to charities like the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund. The American fallen firefighters charity had received more than $85,000 in challenge donations. – The Press

Manu Samoa Sevens coach, Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua, is confident ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Fuimaono in fact believes the team that’s getting ready to leave the country is much better than the one that performed poorly during the last IRB Sevens Series.

“We want a medal,” Fuimaono said. “As you know we’ve never been there before but we will try our best.”

“At the moment our sevens has been down so we are trying our best to pick up the standard - not only the fitness level but also the strength.”

“They are far, far better than the result of the last IRB circuit”.

Samoa dropped from 4th to 8th position on the IRB ranking after the last Series. The coaching staff has since been changed and Fuimaono has been brought in especially for the Glasgow assignment.

The hard task master is a former Manu Samoa fifteens coach. He was a selector during the past sevens campaign.

Fuimaono has included veterans Lio Lolo and Lolo Lui in an extended 14-man squad.

Cama misses out. When Junior Tomasi Cama misses the plane with the New Zealand Sevens team to some exotic overseas tournament this year, it has always been because of injury.

It has happened again, the 2012 world sevens player of the year and New Zealand playmaker won’t be chasing a second Commonwealth Games gold medal after being part of the winning team at the 2010 Delhi Games.

Four tears to a calf muscle has seen to that. And to top it off, just when Gordon Tietjens named his team for the Glasgow Games, Cama was laid up at home sick and on antibiotics.

“It has been a bit of a bummer,” said the 33-year-old. “I was disappointed.”

“He [Tietjens] said it would have been a different story if I had been playing in this year’s series.”

“He also said the boys who have played have been playing well.”

Cama couldn’t attend the selection camp at Mt Maunganui for which he had been named.

There remains hope. Tietjens wants to take two extra players as cover on Monday to their camp in Amsterdam, Cama would love to be one of them and Tietjens said Cama will probably go there as a back-up player.

Counting against him is that he has played little rugby this year. At the Wellington Sevens in February he played only one game. He was called up for the London tournament and had only one game there too.

It all goes back to Christmas when he was training to play with the Manawatu sevens team which he was coaching and guided to the national final at Rotorua. He felt the calf muscle tighten and a scan revealed the damage.

“I’m still keen to get back to full fitness; I think maybe this season if I can just get over this bug and see what’s next.”

When he has tried to attain full fitness and has gone hard, the calf has flared up again and he has had to take the next day off.

While the calf has been healing and he has been training for the past month, that is no substitute for games. There hasn’t been any sevens to play.

He said it is tough at international level to come straight back into it.

“I know what level I have to be at, not for one game, but for the whole tournament.”

Tietjens rates him the best halfback in world sevens and Cama still has the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics as one of his ambitions.

The German Ambassador, Dr Anne- Marie Schleich and the Samoan High Commissioner to New Zealand, Leasi Papali’i T. Scanlan signed an agreement on Thursday this week.

The agreement was to formalise a German contribution towards a Samoan forest re-development project.

As a contribution towards Samoa as host of the 3rd United Nations International Conference on Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S) from 1st to 4th September 2014, Germany has granted $183,000 for the re-development of Faleata Reserve.

The project of Faleata Reserve is located south west of Apia central.

It includes the re-vegetation of 10 hectares of land with coastal and lowland native forest trees to create an area for native forest conservation.

The Faleata area was hit and damaged by cyclone Evan in December 2013.

To create a recreational atmosphere for the international delegations of the 3rd UnitedNationsS.I.D.SConferenceshelters and benches within the reserve will be built as well as trails and bridges.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has officially launched the theme song for the United Nations Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S).

The launch was held inside his office on Wednesday.

A choir led by music teacher, Salā Seutatia Aveau, performed the “There Is Hope” song in front of the Prime Minister,

Cabinet Ministers and Chairpersons of the various S.I.D.S Organizing Committees.

“The theme song will deliver a message to those who will participate in the SIDS conference, on how important this meeting is to Samoa as the host country,” Tuilaepa said.

“The causes of climate change are well known to the leaders of the developed countries, and some island countries like the Tokelaus and even parts of Samoa will be covered by the rising seas, but there is hope.”

The song calls on leaders of the world to work harder to protect the future of children and small island communities.

It was written by the Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau. His wife, Salā Seutatia Aveau provided the music.

The conference which will bring into Apia some three thousand delegates from the 197 members states as well as NGO’s, the private sector, inter- government organizations, academic institutions, the media and many others.

Twelve pastors of the Methodist Church graduated with Certificates in Theology and Diploma in Theology from Piula Theological College yesterday.

The ceremony, attended by relatives, friends and church members was held at the Theological College’s campus at Piula.

Principal of the College, Reverend Solomona Tapuai Potogi, said the occasion was a day to celebrate.

“I want to congratulate the graduates for their hard work and I want to thank them for putting the effort into their studies,” he said.

“Today they celebrate their hard work, and there is nothing better than this.”

“I just thank God for all He had done for them and also for the teachers for the hard work that they had put in.”

Mene Li’a was awarded student of the year and he said that all he could do was thank God for all He had done.

“It’s been a very challenging year but we are just thankful that we made it,” he said.

“I thank my wife for supporting me throughout the year and also my families and our parents, we wouldn’t be able to come this far if it wasn’t for their support.”

Ulufafo Matau, another graduate, couldn’t agree more.

“All the glory and honour goes unto God,” he said.

“It’s been a long journey but we’ve made it and now we are ready to serve the Lord with all that we have.”

“I thank all the teachers, the principal and especially our families and parents for supporting us throughout our journey.”

“Everything that has happened today is all from God and so we give all the glory and honour back to Him for he made today happen for us.”

The graduation yesterday was part of the Methodist Church’s 50th Golden Jubilee celebration, which will be officially opened today at Faleula.

List of the Graduates:

Certificate in Theology:
1.    Samu Jr and Lotomaulalo  Amitunai
2.    Panapa and Faaiviivi Malaki
3.    Sosaia and Ulata Pese
4.    Andrew and Malia Asiasi
5.    Sione and Afe Lokeni
6.    Nonu and Litia T. Fatu
7.    Mene and Sulufaiga Li’a
8.    Latu and Maina Malaesaili
9.    Humfeliu and Ana Seve

    Diploma in Theology:
1.    Iosefa and Roneo Mavaeao
2.    Mighty and Taranaki Taiulu
3.    Poutasi and Soteria Tali
4.    Fiaalii and Ulufafo Matau
5.    Pou and Fofoaivaoese Lilo

The Finance and Expenditure Committee (F.E.C.) of Parliament has told the government to cut the “abuse of public assets,” stop breaking the law and reduce its “overspending.”

F.E.C. says such negligent behavior is costing money the country does not have.

The concern is contained in the Committee’s report on the Government’s Main Estimates of Receipts and Payments for the Financial Year Ending 30 June 2015, a copy of which has been obtained by the Sunday Samoan.

The committee is chaired by the Associate Minister of Communications, Papali’itele Niko Lee Hang; its Vice Chairperson is Associate

Minister of Tourism, Tafua Maluelue Tafua.

Other members include the leader of the Opposition, Palusalue Fa’apo II, Tialavea Fea Seigafolava (H.R.P.P), Taefu Lemi Taefu (H.R.P.P), Afualo Dr. Wood Salele (Tautua) and Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi (Tautua).

According to the report, the Ministry of Finance struggled with putting the budget estimates together.

But the Committee noted that a number of the problems they uncovered could have been avoided.

“There are Government policies which should have been well monitored to ensure increase of ordinary revenue,” the report reads.

 “Such (include the) good monitoring of cash flow and not overspending on other controlling various output items such as luncheon and dinning which a lot of Ministries and Corporations have overspent more than 100 per cent of actual allocations in the main estimates.”

The Committee also urged the Ministry of Finance (M.O.F) to comply with the submission of public accounts to Parliament.

The Committee noted that M.O.F “did not comply with the reporting requirements of Part XIV of the Public Finance Management Act 2001”.
Part XIV deals with financial reporting.

According to the Act, the Minister is responsible for the “supervision of the finances, assets and liabilities of the State so as to ensure that a full accounting is made to the Legislative Assembly of all transactions involving public moneys or the disposition of public property. And the supervision of the finances of public bodies.”

The Committee then turned its attention to State Owned Enterprises (S.O.E’s), or Public Bodies.

“The Committee has raised so many concerns on how reluctant the S.O.E’s are and failing to meet their obligations,” the report says.

“The main objective behind Government’s vision to privatise Government Authorities to operate as S.O.E.s to be monitored by Board of Directors, is to generate income and declare annual dividends contributing to financing various Government’s commitments and activities appropriated in annual financial budgets from time to time.

“Some of the concerns the Committee raised included that Part II of the Provisions of the Public Bodies (Performance and Accountability) Act 2001 be re-enforced to ensure all Public Bodies are obligated to contribute of 50 per cent of their revenues, dividends, to assist the Ministry of Finance in financing Annual Government Appropriations.”

In regards to Government Policies, the F.E.C. was not happy about the “abuse of government vehicles.”

So much so it felt the need to reprint the Cabinet directive concerning this issue within this report.

“The Committee throughout its scrutiny noted its concern of the abuse of government vehicles by public officials causing unnecessary expenditures,” according to the report.

“This is one of the most pressing issue which Government should consider as a priority to reduce spending."

“The Committee confirmed that a Cabinet Directive has already been issued (F.K.) 13(l7), which clearly outlined all the requirements and conditions with regards to all Government vehicles.”

The Committee was particularly concerned with Chief Executive Officers and their Assistants’ misuse of government vehicles.

It attempted to address this issue by asking the Public Service Commission (P.S.C.) to put a stop to this misuse of public property for good.

“The Committee also enquired the P.S.C. as a member of the monitoring team for the Government Vehicle Policy in that there are noticeably C.E.O.’s driving Government vehicles with no government license plates to put a stop to it once and for all as these are not private properties but belongs to government,” the report reads.

“In addition the Committee also stated that those in A.C.E.O. positions are still using government vehicles outside of working hours which is not in line with Cabinet FK 13 (17).

“The Committee believes that there should be proper enforcement of Cabinet decisions for adherence for effective and efficient management of government resources such as vehicles.”

But the report is not all bad news.

 “The Committee revealed through its inquiries into the Main Estimates 2014/2015 how difficult it was for the M.O.F. to put in place a sound economic management strategies to cater for demands in various Government Sectors,” the report reads.

“However, there are other positive alternatives the Committee believes the Assembly should take note of.

“It is quite obvious that program of expenditures appropriated in the Main Estimates 2014/2015 exceeds ordinary revenue as indicated by the M.O.F.

“Such performance measures would also encourage Government to determine whether the appropriation estimates allocated to several Ministries and State Owned Enterprises is appropriate or inadequate.”

This is despite this year’s Budget being $49 million less than the Government’s 2013-14 Financial Year Expenditure.

The Committee’s full report will be published in tomorrow’s edition. Meantime, here is a brief summary of department output appropriation.

Summary of Departmental Output Appropriations Highlights

MINISTRY OF FINANCE - $85,504,588 The Committee urged the Ministry of Finance to strengthen its monitoring role and encouraging Government Ministries and Public Bodies that they should always comply with their reporting obligations.
“And submit annual reports to Parliament at the end of each financial year, which the Committee feels it is vital and would significantly improve transparent operational controls and account for public resources,” the Committee reports.

"(The Committee) Recommends the Authority to adhere and comply with timely submissions of annual reports in accordance with Parliamentary requirements.

“(And) That the Ministry of Finance to comply with the submission of public accounts to Parliament (sic) did not comply with the reporting requirements of Part XIV of the Public Finance Management Act 2001.”

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, SPORTS & CULTURE -  $84,003,538 The Committee also raised its concern about the progress of the salary increase for teachers.

“The Public Service Commission confirmed that the disbursement of salary increase for teachers will take place within this Financial Year,” the report reads.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH - $81,877,881 The Committee reported there have been complaints about the cost of health care, such as the $40 tala fee for sleeping in the outpatients’ ward.

“And the disappearance of a doctor who is to sign off for a patient waiting to be discharged,” the report reads.

“This has prompted the management to review the amount a patient has to pay.

“The total capital cost of operations under output three is $157,094 due to the belief that all countries prioritising curative services over prevention.

“The Management believe there is lack of funding for prevention programmes, as much of the attention is taken towards curative services and not prevention.”

NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES - $73,111,356

In its report the Committee noted that $11 million from this appropriation goes to overseas treatment which is a substantial amount and cost.

“The Committee enquired about the services done by Dr. Benjamin and a Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) in place regarding this arrangement,” it states.

“The N.H.S. stated that they cannot provide an M.O.U. as requested.”

“The Committee emphasised the need to review this and that maybe it is high time to utilise our own Samoan people who are medical professional to do this service.” During its considerations of the Budget, the Committee asked the N.H.S. about some of the issues that have arisen from the nursing services and the need for the medical and nursing professionals to work collaboratively to serve our people.

“The committee re-emphasized that our people are dependent on their services as health workers,” the report reads.

MINISTRY OF WORKS, TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE - $59,132,802
In its report the F.E.C. noted that the Ministry had been appropriated less money to pay its rent on its office in the T.A.T.T.E. building.

“The Ministry stated that negotiations have been made re-considering the lease payable according to the space that they are occupying,” the report reads.

“After negotiations on these terms, the Ministry is finally satisfied and has come up with a more appropriate amount to be paid in the future.” The Committee made two significant recommendations to government regarding this Ministry.

“(It recommends) opposing the proposal of the Samoa Shipping Corporation to be in charge of the Mulifanua Wharf, Salelologa Wharf and Satitoa Aleipata Wharf but still prefers the Samoa Ports Authority to remain as a monitoring Agent for all these government assets,” the report reads. ”Recommends the Ministry to have an opportunity in the constructing of roadways to ensure full superior of this service such as played by the Land and Transport Authority (L.T.A.)

“The Committee suggests, that it is inappropriate to surrender all contracts to S.O.E.s and controlled by themselves.”

LAND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY - $35,413,187 The Committee reports that new increases for Bus and Taxi fares commenced in May 2014.

“The Authority has confirmed that there are a lot of positive opinions from the public and these allow them to observe an increase made by bus owners before the official increase,” the report reads.

“Bus and taxi owners objected the new increase, saying that it is unfair compare to the increase of petrol and diesel price as well as spare parts.”

SAMOA WATER AUTHORITY -  $15,000,000; $20,111,556 In its report the Committee reports the Authority has been acting illegally.

“(It) noted that the Authority continues paying withholding taxes of Directors, and it is illegal,” the F.E.C. report reads.

“The Authority confirmed that a sitting allowance of $250 was paid to each Director for their presence at the late General Manager’s funeral, under the authority of the Acting General Manager.

“The Committee believes that it is illegal.

“The Committee was so disappointed with breaching of Government policies and the law.” In light of this issue the F.E.C. made two recommendations:

“The Authority to be complied with legal provisions of paying withholding taxes of board members in order to cease payments of taxes and save funds for its operation,” the report reads.

“To cease payments of sitting allowances to board members while attending other occasions such as funerals except for board meetings.”

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT - $28,569,367 According to the Committee, the Ministry was given a budget of $125,000 for the renovation of the Post Office due to several damages that have been witnessed.

“There are only two companies that are currently using the building under lease,” the report states.

“The Post Office leases for $70,000 a year and telephone company, Bluesky, pays $60,000 a year.

“The Ministry was hoping to obtain more funds for this initiative (than) they requested because they believe that the estimated budget given by the Ministry of Finance is not enough.”

According to the report the Ministry is currently looking at improving the service of public toilet in the town area.

“They have also set out the planning for the establishing of a new public toilet on the east side of the current,” the Committee says.

“The Ministry noted that they are still deciding with the Ministry of Finance on which contractor to be responsible with (sic) the project because they have realised that most contracts that are tendering at a low cost, emphasises…very bad quality of work.”

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE - $21,258,876 According to the Committee the International Criminal Tribunal for Prosecution of Persons, which sat under M.F.A.T., is defunct.

“For the International Criminal Tribunal for Prosecution of Persons, there is no allocated funds for the year 2014/2015.

“After a review the Tribunal will no longer operate as it cannot achieve its goals.”  In addition to this, the F.E.C. reports the M.FA.T. is looking into ways to attract aid from countries (sic) such as Africa.

“This would be a cost effective with no strings attached approach,” the Committee reports.
“And only requires that of a person with promotional media expertise.”

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE INDUSTRY AND LABOUR - $16,942,143 The F.E.C. questioned the responsible Ministry for conducting credit checks for foreign investors coming into the country and applying for business license.

“That the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour to work collaboratively with the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Ministry for Revenue to consult and review policies on issuing work permits and business licenses.” the Committee recommends.

“The Committee also raised its concern on the awarding of contracts to overseas building contractors who have bid and taken over most of the construction work which used to be done by local contractors.”

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES - $13,840,474 Before the Committee could consider the main estimates for this Ministry, it took pause to make note of something.

“It was hard for the Committee to accept the continuous contempt of Parliament by the Chief Executive Officer,” the report reads.

“It is not the first time he breaches privileges and ethics of Parliament.

“However the Committee seriously considered the effects of this on performances for the benefit of the public, and that the Committee approves to consider the total appropriations for the Ministry.” The Committee also noted the

“carelessness” of the Ministry in monitoring some of its organic projects.

“Because there were no records of total number of crops planted since the start,” the report reads.

“These records can't confirm achievements and the use of funds appropriately.

“At the time of Committee investigation, a total of $219,300 for unpaid bonuses still has not been paid out.” In addition to this an allocation of $5,660,000 approved for the Agricultural Cyclone Response Project, was confirmed by the Chief

Executive Officer during the 2013/2014 Budget Screening."

“That the said amount will be paid out in full by to June 2014, however it still hasn’t been paid out,” the Committee reports.

“It highlights poor performance according to information submitted before the Committee.”

MINISTRY OF REVENUE  - $11,421,059 While the Committee noted an increase of total revenue compared to the current financial year 2013/2014, it says the Ministry confirmed there would be no new taxes this financial year.

“The Ministry for Revenue is the only Ministry the government rely heavily on for financial support,” the report reads.

“The Ministry also confirmed that there is no intention of increasing any taxes within this financial year.

“The Committee raised its concern about increasing taxes as it is the only way the Government can earn revenue to accommodate a lot of developing projects at the moment.”

MINSITRY OF WOMEN, COMMUNITY & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT - $10,436,807

“The Committee noted an increased spending in output two from the Financial Year 2013/2014,” the report reads.

“The Ministry confirmed that it was due to Ministerial visitations and the usual gifts and donations. ”The Committee raised its concern for the overspending and urges the Ministry to discontinue such practice after this Financial Year.

“The concern of the Committee is that the Ministry adhere and comply to this Government Policy.” The Committee also noted a large number of ministries with debts towards the printing service.

“The Ministry claims this has a big effect on the printing service not meeting its objective,” according to the F.E.C.

“The Ministry noted the main problems it is facing is the difference in records between the printing service and the ministries.

“The Committee noted that the Ministry do a detailed follow-up and deduct the amount of debts through the Ministry of Finance.”

SAMOA TOURISM AUTHORITY - $10,361,255 The F.E.C. noted in its report that there is an enormous decrease in the Authority’s appropriation.

“However, the Authority confirmed that they will strive for its best to operate according to allocations approved,” the report reads.

“It also confirmed that there are extra roles which the Authority can achieve and can be able to rely on in terms of funds.”

MINISTRY OF PRIME MINISTER & CABINET - $7,986,312 The Committee questioned why there hasn’t been a significant amount of cost recovery for the Ministry and yet we have experienced a lot of foreign investors especially Asians inside Samoa running business.

“The Chief Executive Officer elaborated that this is one of the core responsibility of the Immigration Division is to conduct credit checks for any person who comes into the country.

“The Ministry showed its concerns of a person should at least stay in Samoa for another three months before issuing a working certificate or any other permit.

According to the Committee the Ministry further confirmed there are three certain criteria to meet before any permit is awarded which include, the applicant be a Samoan Citizen, married to a Samoan Citizen, or, hold permanent residence.

“The Ministry also confirmed that all applications for Citizenship are referred to Cabinet for review and approval,” the report reads.

“The issuance of Foreign Investment Certificates, should be the responsible of the Ministry of Commerce Industries and Labour.

“Whereas the issuance of business licenses should be the responsible of the Ministry for Revenue.”

The F.E.C. therefore recommended that the Ministry coordinate with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour and the Ministry for Revenue to establish a task force and to consider alternatives that all of the concerns raised regarding the issuance of permits and working certificates can be centralized in one location.

“The Committee also recommends all Ministries involved to have consultations and review related policies and regulations to prevent any duplication of services rendered out to the public.”

THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION - $4,402,019 The report reads that the Committee enquired about the reclassification of salaries for P.S.C. staff being the main contributing factor in the increase in the new budget which noticeably does not correspond with all Government Ministries and Corporation employees.

“The C.E.O. stated that a recommendation from the tribunal based on their advice has led to the implementation of this new reclassification,” according to the F.E.C.

“The Committee stated that this process does reflect an equitable process across all government employees and needs to be implemented across the board.

“The C.E.O. reassured the Committee that this will be implemented across all government Ministries.

“In addition the Committee also stated that those in A.C.E.O. positions are still using government vehicles outside of working hours, which is not in line with Cabinet FK 13 (17).

“The Committee believes that there should be proper enforcement of Cabinet decisions for adherence for effective and efficient management of government resources such as vehicles.”

The Committee recommended to government that it cease all the remunerations of Principals and Senior Officers of the Public Service Commission employees until they are all implemented across all Government Ministries and Corporations employees to reflect a fair and equitable process.

THE OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER AND CHIEF AUDITOR - $3,341,769

In its report the Committee questioned the Office about several Ministry reports that were submitted to the Parliament and has witnessed the slow attempt to complete the auditing of Government Ministries reports as well as State Owned Enterprises.

“The Committee considers that all auditing progressions must be completed and able to be presented to Parliament on time,” it reads.

“The Committee asked what the condition of the Government S.O.E.s was in at the moment regarding the Offices’ auditing reports.

“Since the S.O.E.s have been lacking most of the time in playing their part, the Committee noted that the S.O.Es have hardly made any contribution to assist Government’s budget and its development programmes, as well as the irresponsibly submitting of annual reports to the Parliament.”

The Committee advised the Office of the Controller and Chief Auditor to continue examining all the Ministries and S.O.E.s audit reports carefully and to make sure that budgets are used accordingly.

THE MINISTRY OF PRISONS - $2,951,253 The F.E.C. reports that this is the first budget screening for the new Commissioner of Prisons.

“The Committee was informed that the official separation or hand over of the prisons authority will not be effective till the end of year,” the F.E.C. report reads.

“Unfortunately, the Committee urged the new Commssioner to get up on his two feet and start off with his new operations.”

During its investigation the Committee visited the Olomanu Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre.

“The Committee disappointedly witnessed the situation that the Rehabilitation Centre is in as of today in terms of the environment as well as the healthcare of police officers,” the report reads.

“The Committee fully discovered that not a positive change has come out of the Centre’s services.

“The Committee examined and specifically recommended that the Ministry should consider attaining dispatch equipment for police officers serving at Olomanu in case of threats and emergencies.” According to the report due to the

Committee’s observations, the current condition of the officers shelter was in a very bad stage and ensured that the Ministry has not done anything about it.

“The shelter for officers only is very old and revealed several leakages on the roof,” the report reads.

“The head police of the facility noted that the officers and prisoners cannot get a proper rest in the open house because of the mosquitoes.

“However, the Committee’s main concern is the safety of police officers and due to the state of the shelters; it is very insecure for them.

“The head officer also commented, that some of the facility’s development is financially provided by himself or one of the officers so supplies are made available for the prisoners.”

SAMOA FIRE AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AUTHORITY-  $2,395,291 According to the Committee most hydrants have been buried due to infrastructure development.
“(It is a) problem for the Authority to find the actual location of these hydrants along Beach Road for their use especially if fire breaks out in town,” the report reads.

THE OFFICE OF THE REGULATOR - $1,568,323

According to the F.E.C. the Regulator did not appear before the Committee in reviewing the budget for the Office of the Regulator on the appointed day.

“However, the Committee upheld government’s intention for the betterment of our country as a whole and as a result the Committee accepted the request of reviewing the Office’s Budget on the following day,” the report reads.

“The Committee questioned the cost of license for broadcasting companies and television due to the poor reception witnessing in rural areas.

“The Office confirmed that regular visit are carried out annually by the Office in rural areas to report.

“In terms of broadcasting licenses cost, the Office confirmed that a service provider pays a registration fee of $100.00 and licence at a cost of $3000.00 annually which last for a term of 10 years.” The Committee then made the recommendation that the Ombudsman look at an appropriate measurement of license for broadcasting companies to encourage excellent services for the country especially to encounter the poor television receptions in the rural areas.

THE OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN - $789,591. The Committee Reports that to improve the service, the Ombudsman needs to recruit four experts.“However, only two positions are now funded by the Budget,” the F.E.C. reports.

“It also requested for three lawyers to conduct negotiations of issues now before the Ombudsman which was approved by the Cabinet, however only two were accepted by the Ministry of Finance.

“The Office of the Ombudsman has raised disappointment with the result of their request.”

“To say that our kids will suffer is wrong. We are implementing the developments, reaping the fruits and we are also paying for it at the same time. What’s so difficult about that? There is no difficulty whatsoever” – P.M. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Samoa’s foreign debt is “just over $960 million” but there is nothing to be alarmed about.

So assures Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, amidst concerns expressed by members of the Opposition party, who claim that the debt has exceeded one billion tala.

“Looking at it now, we have a debt of just over $960 million,” Tuilaepa said during his weekly media conference.

“And we are paying $51million every year.”

"The annual payment is peanuts."

“The government revenues exceed $700million a year,” continued the Prime Minister. “Which means that when you look at payments of $51million compared to revenues of more than $700million, the government’s financial position is very strong.”

Tuilaepa was again asked to address concerns about the economy with claims that the country’s debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (G.D.P) ratio has reached 65 per cent.

The Opposition fears that any more debt could cripple the economy.

They have also expressed concerns about the future generations of Samoa having to shoulder such a burden.

But Tuilaepa was dismissive.

“There’s nothing to worry about,” he said.

“When it comes to borrowing, there are two things you have to look at. You have to have enough revenues and you must have enough foreign reserves. That’s why tourism is so important because that’s where we are earning our foreign reserves.”

Tuilaepa said Samoa has a very good debt service ratio and “that’s why anytime we need to borrow some money from whatever organisation, they give it because they see that we have the ability to service the debt."

“I’ve tried to explain this so many times to the Opposition but they don't understand,” he said.

Tuilaepa then took a trip down memory lane. He stopped to compare the current debt of “over $900 million to the $15million we owed back in 1980 which we couldn't pay.”

 “That was because we had poor foreign reserves and that’s why we couldn't loan anymore."

“I’ve always tried to explain in Parliament that it is not the amount of the debt that matters but it’s our ability to meet our annual payments.”

The Prime Minister, who is also the Minister of Finance, reminded that most of the loans are soft loans, the type that with grace periods of over 20 years.

“So there is no reason to worry.”

As for fears about future generations shouldering the debt, Tuilaepa said such claims are “unfounded.”

“In Parliament, I said look, that’s from a theory book for beginners in economics.”

To highlight his point, he said: “If you borrow $500 from the Development Bank for a cabbage garden, you’ll take three months to sell your cabbage.

“When you are finished, you go and use the money you made to pay it. What does that mean? You are paying it during your time, rather than waiting for your children to pay for it. So the same thing is happening with the government now."

“We’re getting money (from loans) and we are using it to improve infrastructure such as bridges and then we are moving to pay it."

“So to say that our kids will suffer is wrong. We are implementing the developments, reaping the fruits and we are also paying for it at the same time."

“What’s so difficult about that? There is no difficulty whatsoever.”

Tuilaepa again reverted back to the early days of the ruling Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P).

“We need to remember when the H.R.P.P rose up to lead this country. That was when all the doors were closed.”

Tuilaepa said when they came into power, he took over the Finance portfolio and immediately put in place long-term plans to improve the economy.

“And that’s how we’ve arrived here today,” he said.

“So there’s no need for these new boys to worry as I was there during that time to solve the problem."

“Remember those days when there was only one shipment of rice and people would fight over it? None of that is happening anymore."

“People are no longer fighting over rice and cans of herrings.”

Tuilaepa said it’s good to remember what happened in the past so that people can appreciate where this country is today.

“I keep referring to this time because the new crop of Members of Parliament don't understand it,” he said.

“The only people whom we stood together in 1982 who are still in Parliament are Le Mamea Ropati, Pule Lameko and myself.”

What can parents and caregivers do to protect their children?

This is an edited transcript for a talk given by Lani Wendt Young at a fundraiser for the Samoa Victim Support charity which provides refuge and support to survivors of abuse and domestic violence. The event was organized by Nicola Mills and Ariane Stevenson and hosted at Milani Café in Apia, last Saturday.

The prayers of a mother from Vaisigano, who made a plea through this newspaper for financial help to send her 12-year-old child for an operation in New Zealand, has been answered.

Thanks to the Managing Director of Island Rock, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, Va’alele Fa’amatai is now absolutely sure that her daughter, Fa’ama’au Ianuari, will arrive in New Zealand on time for her scheduled surgery at Star Ship Hospital.

Yesterday, Tuaopepe presented a cheque of $3,500 to Ms. Fa’amatai to fund their airfares.

The young student at Moata’a Primary School has a hole in her heart. She cannot take part in any sporting activities.

Yesterday at least was a happy day for the family.

Ms. Fa’amatai couldn’t thank Tuaopepe enough for his generous donation.

The mother approached Samoa Victim Support Group when she had ran out of options to find money to fund for her and her daughter’s airfares.

The organisation contacted Samoa Observer for assistance in telling the woman’s story.

So following a report published in the Samoa Observer edition of 11 July, Tuaopepe said he was touched by the woman’s plea.

“It is not all about business at Island Rock,” a statement from the company said.

Tuaopepe, a father of four young daughters, said he “understands the anguish and worry this young mother is going through.

“Nothing is more important to a parent than his child,” he added.

“If we can help get her to New Zealand, then we can all hope and pray that she will be healed so she can look forward with hope to a brighter future.”

 “If successful the operation in New Zealand will enable this child to play sports and lead a normal life like all other children. Who knows she may even be a future champion for Samoa!”

Tuaopepe, who is the President and coach of the national Weightlifting team, is preparing to fly Glasgow, Scotland, for the Commonwealth Games.

History tells us that the bonds of family and the love of your country are unbreakable.

On 5 July 2014 these truths were proven by the gathering of the Carruthers family to intern the ashes of Irving “Eveni” Hetherington

Carruthers, his wife Moe and his daughter Hether at Tufuiopa, Apia, Samoa.  In order to fulfil her father’s final wishes, Mona

Carruthers Bailey has returned Eveni , her mother Moe and her sister Hether to Samoa and has brought the Carruthers family together.  It was an opportunity for the Carruthers family to finally lay Eveni , his wife and daughter to rest in peace at home in Samoa.  

This gathering was also an opportunity to reflect on Eveni’s legacy and his contribution to the development of modern Samoa through the company I.H Carruthers Limited and through his community and charitable works.

Irving Hetherington Carruthers was born on 27 October 1884 and died on 5 July 1974.  Eveni’s father Richard was a Scottish lawyer from Melbourne Australia.  Richard married Matua and had 5 children.

Eveni ‘s first marriage was to Anne Jennings of Swains island.  Of this union five children were born: Margaret, Richard (Dick), Phoebe, Caroline and Elizabeth. In the early 1900s, Anne died and is buried in Samoa.

In 1919, Eveni married Vaopunimatagi Seumanautafa of Apia.  Sadly Vao died in the early 1900s and is  buried in Apia.

In 1934, Eveni married Moe and had three children Mona, Hether and Malcolm.  Through Mona, Eveni had four grandchildren Sonia, Marion, Ross and Andrew.

In 1925 Eveni established I H Carruthers Limited as a cocoa and copra merchant with trading stations all over the island. In 1932 Eveni was leader of the Legislative Council, the governing body of Samoa at that time.  This was an important role as at that time World War 2 waged  abroad and threatened in the northern Pacific.

Eveni was an active deacon of the Apia Protestant Church and a generous contributor to the church which is now a thriving congregation. The Apia Protestant Church continues to thrive to this day.

The company I H Carruthers Limited is Eveni’s most visible legacy and contribution to the development of Samoa. In 1952 through Eveni’s son Dick the company went through an explosive expansion phase. The little country store converted to a two storey building hosing offices upstairs and a retail department store downstairs.  Dick encouraged his children to work with him in the company and with skill and drive, Dick’s children Gary , Kim, June and Anne have built the company to meet the challenges of the future.  

After Dick’s death in 1987 his daughter Kim took over the management of the company and successfully positioned the company to be able to navigate the challenges it faced as Samoa developed economically.  This included ensuring that its flagship store is on freehold land and no longer leasehold land.  This was both Dick’s and Eveni’s wish. After Kim’s death, her son Alex took over as CEO of the company.  

The Carruthers family motto is “Forever Prompt and Faithful” and Eveni’s life was a testament to that motto. The Carruthers family motto is a living one and it endures today through Eveni’s grand children and great grand children.

Eveni devoted his life to the development of modern Samoa and to providing for his family and future generations.  That dedication continues to bear fruit today.  

The Eveni story vividly demonstrates that life is a circle and that his return to rest in peace in Samoa completes that circle.

“Samoa is not a nation, it is just one big family, therefore if we have peace and stability in our families, then we will have a stable and strong Samoa” – Chief Justice Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu

The Court House at Mulinu’u was home to more than its usual share of lawyers, judges, health practitioners and service providers when it hosted Samoa’s first Family Law Forum.

Held on Monday and Tuesday last week, the event was jointly organised by the Samoa Judiciary, UN Women and the Samoa Law

Commission to discuss the best ways for the newly established Family Court and Family Violence Court to play their part in dealing with family violence and its effects on Samoa’s communities.

The presentations and panel discussions covered a range of topics including the importance and role of fa’asamoa in the justice process, giving all parties a voice, the rights of children and the importance of restorative justice and rehabilitation.

Samoa Family Court judge, Her Honour Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren says while the concepts of family law are not new, the establishment of the Family Court and Family Violence Court as a separate division of the District Court in Samoa is, so the timing of the forum was quite deliberate.

“I think these conversations have already been happening in little pockets, but this forum was an opportunity to bring all of them into the same place,” she says. “It’s the perfect time to look at what we want to achieve and what is happening now.”

To help in this process, a number of guests from New Zealand participated in the forum, sharing lessons learned in the 30 years since its family court was established.

Considering Samoa’s system is closely modelled on the New Zealand one, this experience is particularly relevant in exploring which directions will be most effective for Samoa. Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu, was the driving force behind many of the recent changes to the court system, so it was only fitting that he opened the forum. He continually set the tone of the discussions throughout the two days, including his explanation of the importance of family law to Samoa.

“Samoa is not a nation, it is just one big family, therefore if we have peace and stability in our families, then we will have a stable and strong Samoa.”

New Zealand’s chief district court judge, Her Honour Jan-Marie Doogue, emphasised that focusing on lengthy jail sentences has not worked in her home country.

“The old sentencing paradigm has had little or no effect on domestic violence,” she says. “The solution needs to be in the context of the family and this system excludes the family. Victims tell us they want apologies and more focus on the rehabilitation of behaviour; the courthouse is the fulcrum, not the full stop.”

The similarities between this approach and the principles of fa’asamoa were not lost on the audience and many of the discussions throughout the forum focused on how best to amalgamate fa’asamoa with the principles of human rights and judicial law.

Restorative justice is one such aspect and Judge Tafaoimalo says it must play a huge part in the Family Court system.

“We are at the bottom of the cliff and as a Family Court, our role is to help families to climb back up,” she says.

“Restorative justice is about restoring people to the positions they were in before the incident.

I’m not saying they need to be restored to exactly where they were before - for instance back in that relationship - but it’s about restoring that person to the same level of dignity and security.

A huge part of that is the apology, reconciliation and remorse.

UN Women not only co-hosted the forum but also provides technical support to the Family Court, as well as monitoring and evaluation, specifically for the recently established Family Violence Court.

The organisation’s regional human rights and programme adviser Doreen Buettner spoke about international better practices and challenges when it comes to specialised courts and was impressed with the frank nature of the discussions at the forum.  

“Samoa is leading the way in the Pacific with its Family Court and Family Violence Court, so we are hoping that other Pacific Island countries and territories will have a close eye on Samoa and will learn from their approach,” she says.

“It was also fantastic to see that the Chief Justice is so passionate about and supportive of having a specialised court to address family violence.”

Judge Tafaoimalo is also very happy with how the forum went and, along with many of the participants, is already talking about the possibility of another one next year.

“By then the Family Court will have evolved and processes will be set in place.”

Almost eleven years ago, a gift called Minoi Simeone was born.

Half of his life was spent crawling because his legs were too weak to hold him up.

Born with a medical condition called mongolism, better known as Downs Syndrome, he was the youngest of six children.

Mongolism is a congenital disorder caused by having an extra 21st chromosome resulting with a flat face and short stature.  People with this condition have 47 chromosomes.

His mother, Fa’amita Simeone, decided not to have any more babies after Minoi.

 “Because I knew that if I had another child, I wouldn’t give him enough care that he deserved and needed from me.”

In the early days, she struggled with finding a school for her son.

Eventually she found out about the Fiamalamalama School for the Intellectually Handicapped at Alafua.

That was when his life changed.

“It was the best decision I made as a mother,” she said.

Since joining, her son has learnt how to walk and recently, he was one of six students from the school to receive a gold medal in bowling during the Special Olympics National Games held at the Apia Park. It’s something Ms. Simeone is very proud of.   

It is also something that the Principal of the school, Sharon Suhren, is excited about.

Other students won gold medals in the same sport. They are Talaoso Tavui, Samuelu Aukusitino, Enesto Auelua, Makiasi Teofilo and Iafeta Pouono.

“They are very happy about this because they will also be awarded their gold medals,” said Ms. Suhren.

The winners had to compete against other schools such as; Lototaumafai, S.E.N.E.S.E. and other schools from Savai’i.

But she couldn’t confirm the names or how many schools her students had competed against from Savai’i.

“As part of their preparations for the Special Olympics the school hosts school sports every Wednesday,” Ms. Suhren said.

Ms. Simeone praised the school for giving her son the opportunity to enjoy life just like everyone else.

“For six years of his life, he couldn’t walk,” she said.

“But then after entering him into Fiamalamalama, I have seen so many changes in terms of his activeness and his physical strength.”

“I remember when he was born, and I noticed he was sick. I prayed to God over the years that I needed him because without him, nothing could be possible.”

She said God’s love has been amazing.

“He showed me this school and look at how quick my baby has grown and improved.”

Looking at him, the mother concluded: “I wouldn’t give him up for the world. He is truly my pride and joy.”

Seventeen buses and more than ten taxi vehicles were put through their paces last Friday as Samoa stepped up its preparations for the Small Islands Developing States (S.I.D.S) meeting.

Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau, said the test was to familiarise the drivers with their routes as well as protocols.

“This is all part of training drivers, especially the liaison officers to get used of the routes that they will be travelling during the conference,” he said.

“It was also a good exercise for those drivers to get to know how to drive these news buses from China.”

Tuisugaletaua said last Friday’s session was the first training before the conference. There will be more training sessions.

“Twenty buses donated by Japan have now arrived at Matautu wharf.

“There must a clearance from a Japanese Engineer on those buses before releasing  ...maybe next Monday or Tuesday.”

Tuisugaletaua said preparations in all areas of hosting the conference is a must.

During the test on Friday, Prime Minister; Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi and Deputy Prime Minister; Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, were also present.

The S.I.D.S meeting in September is expected to bring more than 3,000 visitors to Samoa.

Dave Leng is the Bluesky Samoa Triathlon Champion for 2014.  The win was secured with his second placing in the weekend racing in the long triathlon course.

Darren Young, who secured his fourth victory of the series on Saturday, fell just shy in points to finish second overall in the series.
Both competitors were out to do their best in order to secure the outright series lead and the Championship. So while Young won the battle, it was Leng who won the war. He was crowned Bluesky Samoa Triathlon Champion for the year yesterday at the Series Prize Giving.

Young can feel a little hard done by in not winning the Series with his four wins in four starts. The only race he did not win was the one he did not start. Leng on the other hand had one win and two seconds in the Series.

However the points system employed in the last two years sees the Bluesky executive amass more points, 137 pts to Young’s 126 pts.

Saturday’s race was a 1500m swim in Mulinu’u followed by a 74 km bike ride to the top of Le Mafa Pass and return to base at

Mulinu’u. The run leg was 10kms around Mulinu’u.

Malama Tafuna’i was the only female to complete four races in the Championship race. She is our Women’s champion for 2014. She did not race on Saturday however in her four results Tafuna’i finished 8th overall and first female.

In the other Races – Taivai Paulo of Fagali’i took out the 522 race while youngster Durant Webster took out the EN-TRI Plus. Another youngster Pitapola Ioane took out the EN-TRI Race.

There are some very special Tamatoa triathletes in the making and the future of Samoa Triathlon is looking great. Youngsters like Pitapola Ioane, Durant Webster and Josiah MacDonald are very keen young tri-athletes who competed in their second series this year.  

The Bluesky Series now takes a break for the International Events in July and August.

Championship Overall Series Points
1.    Dave Leng, 137 pts
2.    Darren Young, 126 pts
3.    Steve Nimarota, 108 pts
4.    Ryan Tierney, 97 pts
5.    Daniel Afoa, 81 pts
6.    Sam Nimarota, 78 pts
7.    Bernie Poort, 51 pts
8.    Malama Tafuna’i, 30 pts

The mighty hand of God over the affairs of the Methodist Church in Samoa was acknowledged yesterday during a special service attended by hundreds of Methodist Church members.

The occasion was the official opening of the Church’s 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations, for which Methodist followers from all over the world are in the country to celebrate.

The celebration will move to the streets of Puipa’a and Aele where a parade will take place this morning.

Yesterday though, the Church knelt in prayer and thanked God for his love, goodness and mercies..

Among the guests at the service, held at the Mulivai o Aele Wesley Church at Faleula, was the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, the Masiofo, Her Highness Masiofo Filifilia Tamasese as well as the Member of the Council of Deputies, Tuimaleali’ifano Sualauvi II.

Also present was Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and other high-level guests.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa unveiled a memorial stone to mark the occasion. He also presented the Church $20,000 from the people of Samoa for their celebration.

The Church Secretary, Reverend Apineru Lafai said this week is all about thanks giving.
 

“Today would never have happened if it wasn’t for the Lord,” he said.

“It is a day to remember our forefathers who worked and fought so hard from the beginning of this work and now we are celebrating 50 years since the Methodist Church Conference became Independent.”

“This is day that the Lord has made we shall rejoice and be glad in it.”

President of the Methodist Church, Reverend Elder Aisoli Tapā Iuli could not agree more.

 “Those who were before us have been through a lot just for us to have peace today and be able to celebrate this golden jubilee with joy,” he said.

“It is the day that we say thank you to our forefathers for their hard work and remembering them forever.”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa congratulated the church and its leadership. He also encouraged them about the future, reminding about Jesus Christ’s promise that “I will be with you always.”

The Central Bank of Samoa has bought the six-acre property at Ululoloa that once belonged to Polynesian Airlines for $3.5 million.

The transaction was confirmed by the Corporate Manager of the Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F), Tagaloasa Uili Matafeo.

The ownership of the land had apparently been transferred from the Airline to S.N.P.F several years ago.

The agreement to transfer the property to the S.N.P.F, according to Tagaloasa, was made during the time of former and the late Prime Minister, Tofilau Eti Alesana.

It was when the airline was making losses and heavy in debt.

Now, Tagaloasa said the S.N.P.F has decided to sell the land so that the money can be invested into the Fund.

He added that the “S.N.P.F. has many properties” in Samoa and elsewhere.

“These profits help fund [the] bonuses,” he said about the dividends paid to contributors every year.

An attempt to get a comment from Governor of the Central Bank of Samoa, Maiava Atalina Enari, was unsuccessful.

A staff member of the Bank who answered the phone said she was overseas.

Attorney General, Aumua Ming Leung Wai, has confirmed that a man wanted by local authorities over the rape of four students with special needs has been sent back to Samoa.

The confirmation came in an email from Aumua to the Samoa Observer. He was asked for a comment following international reports about the man being found in the United States of America.

Aumua was reluctant to reveal the man’s identity, citing “the protection of the victims.”

“All information regarding the victims or any information that could lead to the identification of the victims cannot be released,” he said.

 But “the said male had left Samoa” several years ago.

Since then, “the Office of the Attorney General with the Samoan Police had worked with relevant United States authorities for the return of this male.”

According to information provided by the United States government, Vaiaoga Leatuvao, went there on a six-month visitor's visa in September 2012.

In July 2013, the Samoan government charged Leatuvao with raping four female students at a Samoan school for disabled children.

Leatuvao, who was still in Seattle on the now-expired visa, was arrested last August for immigration violations.

He was sent back on Tuesday from Sea-Tac Airport, arriving in Samoa on Thursday.

The 37-year-old was escorted by two United States government agents. 

Aumua declined to discuss the matter further saying that “it may prejudice investigations at this stage.”