The 47th annual seminar of the First Samoan Full Gospel Church ended yesterday.

Hundreds of church members gathered for the last time as they returned the glory and honour to God for a wonderful week of fellowship and spiritual blessings received from different speakers.

Held at Vaitele-tai for one week, the General Secretary of the Church, Reverend Edward Tautolo said the week was extremely fulfilling.

It was an opportunity to look areas that needs strengthening.

 “’The youth was a strong target of the seminar,” he said. “They are the future of the church and we need to look at ways to develop them.

“We are living in a time when the young people are overwhelmed by the challenges of this life but we believe that building them in the Word of God is what will make them stronger so they can become good servants in the future.”

The seminars also targeted strong leadership among other issues.

“We looked at the leadership within the church in Samoa and overseas countries and we are so blessed that God is still in control in everything that we do when we allow Him to go first before us.”

Rev. Tautolo also confirmed two new appointments.

“We’ve elected Leautu Vaeao as a Treasurer and Tupufia Manuleleua from American Samoa as Deacon Elder of the church.”

Their denomination, he said, is 51 years old.

Rev. Richard Vaeao conducted the final service yesterday.

“Nothing will hinder us from receiving God’s blessings when we honour Him with all our heart.”

“The tour has been very eye opening and quite overwhelming as there are many layers of the Law and Justice Sector which I, and I am assuming the general public are not aware of.

PR - The Leadership Samoa Class of 2014 continued its 10 months journey with its second study tour two weeks ago.

The focus was on Parliament, Law and Order. The first day consisted of informative and challenging talks and discussions from the Electoral Commissioner, Papali’i Malietau Malietoa; Speaker of Parliament, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt,

Legislative Assembly senior personnel, Tigaina Laupepa, Samoa Law Society President, Mareva Betham - Annandale, Taulapapa Brenda Heather-Latu, partner of Latu Lawyers and Justice Vui Clarence Nelson of the Supreme Court.

Papali’i updated the emerging leaders of Samoa about the plans of the upcoming general election in 2016 and the role of the Electoral Office in government.

Despite his busy schedule with hosting 40 Speakers of Parliament from the region, Laaulialemalietoa still had time to share with the 2014 Class the role a Speaker plays in the Legislative of Samoa.

He also shared his experiences and hardships he faced in life that contributed to his achievements of being the leader of Samoa’s Parliament.

“Every calling is from God,” he said.

“My role as speaker is a reward of my services to my family, my village, and my religious denominations. The way to lead is through hard work.”

Mareva Betham-Annandale presented the role of the society to Samoa’s law and order sector. She highlighted the challenges faced by the Society, which included continuing legal education for its members, handling of complaints from the public, disciplining of its members and the charging of legal fees.

Taulapapa Brenda shared about the issues and challenges faced by her firm, which included the increase in the number of Law graduates and the inability to provide jobs for all. She also noted the criticism often raised regarding the quality of their services and the lack of training.

She noted that the major drivers of crimes of theft as a servant were cultural and church obligations in that families were under financial pressure to give more than their means allowed.

In their work as Legal representatives for ANZ Bank, the Latu Lawyers have extensive experience with this situation. Tellers found to have committed theft said they did so because of intense pressure from their families and peers.
Justice Vui Clarence discussed the role of a judge to the Law and Justice Sector, and the major challenges he faces daily. One of the major difficulties he encounters is sentencing young offenders, especially those he calls “Borderline” cases (i.e. not young enough for Youth Jail but not quite old enough for Tafaigata). Justice Vui shared the some of the personal effects of his role and his decisions made. This included youths reoffending when he has given them a chance of reforming, public opinions and criticisms.

The second day of the Parliament, Law and Order study tour included more inspiring and enlightening presentations and discussions from the Attorney General of Samoa, Aumua Ming Leung Wai, Superintendent of Ministry of Police Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, the new Commissioner of the Ministry of Prisons and Corrections Facilities, Taitosaua Edward Winterstein, new Executive Director of the Samoa Law Reform Commission, Leota Theresa Potoi, the Coordinator of the Law and Justice Sector Secretariat Roni Fereti and lastly the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Masinalupe Tusipa Masinalupe.

The AG discussed the role of the Office of the Attorney General to the Government of Samoa. He clarified the AG‟s responsibility as the Chief Legal Advisor to the Head of State, Prime Minister and Cabinet. The AG‟s Office provides legal advice to government, parliament and less often the Judiciary. AG does not give legal advice to those outside of government. A couple of the continuing challenges their office face is the retention of senior lawyers and the lack of understanding of government ministries to the AG‟s office roles and functions. He concluded by sharing some leadership tips for the emerging leaders group. This included leading from the front, have balance in our lives, respect others, never compromise your values and always act with integrity as it instil trust. Never forget your role as a Leader and never lose your way. Work smarter, not harder! Understand your staffs weaknesses and strengths, delegate accordingly and always trust those under you. Always take responsibility and lastly, he emphasized to put God first in everything we do.

The presentation from the Ministry of Police highlighted their core functions as mandated by the Police Service ACT 2009. He also gave a brief overview of the common crimes in Samoa, which are sexual, crimes against persons, traffic offenses, offenses to public order and crimes against personal property. The notable highly prevalent acts in the Samoa Sexual Crimes are rape, incest, carnal knowledge, and indecent assault. Technology (especially mobile phone usage) has brought another form of crime which the Ministry are now seeing and pertains heavily to sexually explicit materials. These are cybercrimes which are rapidly taking speed and are difficult for the Ministry to detect and track.

The new Commissioner of the Ministry of Prisons and Corrections facility talked about his strategies in improving Corrections facilities in Samoa. One of the strategies discussed was to improve standards by creating more rehabilitation programmes to assist inmates and help reduce re-offending. Currently there are six available programmes for Tafaigata, 5 for Oloamanu and two for both Vaiaata and Vailele. He is hoping to include an additional 12 new programmes to all

Corrections facilities in Samoa. The 12 include drug and alcohol counselling, education and vocational trainings, mental health trainings, improvement of working relations between officers and inmates, apprenticeship programmes, prison industries,village fale projects, biogas projects, medical and chaplaincy services, improvement of hygiene and case management of offenders. The new Commissioner is hoping with the new strategies in place it will help improve the status of the facilities in Samoa.

The new Executive Director of the Samoa Law Reform Commission, Leota Theresa Potoi talked about the role of the Commission and the challenges and issues faced. Some of the key challenges they are facing include; trying to move ahead with public opinion relating to all legislations under review, reconciling and harmonising western laws with customary law, the public perception of the Commission, ensuring laws intended for reform are consistent with
international obligations and international best practice. The amount of references given to them, technicality and diversity of references, delay in translations, consultations issues, funding, attraction and retention of staff and difficulty of obtaining relevant data are additional challenges faced by the Samoa Law Reform Commission.

Roni Fereti, the Coordinator of the Law and Justice Sector Secretariat and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Masinalupe Tusipa Masinalupe each discussed their role of the Law and Justice Sector Secretariat to the Sector.

The Leadership Class of 2014 have learnt a wide range of new information which contributed much to their personal development. According to one participant, Lisha Sablan of Janet’s of Samoa “The tour has been very eye opening and quite overwhelming as there are many layers of the Law and Justice Sector which I, and I am assuming the general public are not aware of. What I come to realization is that, it is not as easy as presenting a set of laws and expecting people to follow these”.

Think a minute…Someone said: “Love is a fantasy that is cured by marriage.” But marriage is not the problem. It is people’s wrong understanding and expectations of marriage that is the problem. Yesterday we talked about the epidemic disease that is destroying many marriages. Today we will finish with another unhealthy condition, then prescribe some medicine to heal and rebuild our relationship and life together.

A third sign of sickness in marriage is a communication breakdown. As a comedian said: “My wife and I sleep in separate rooms. We have dinner apart. We take separate holidays. We’re doing everything we can to keep our marriage together!”

Many husbands and wives drift apart gradually over time—until finally they’re like two strangers sitting at the same table with nothing to talk about. They become “married singles” living separate lives under the same roof. Their daily attention to each other slowly fades away into their busyness and interest in other friends and fun.

So what marriage medicines can help us with these different marriage illnesses? First, accept your wife or husband the way they are. Remember, everybody has some weaknesses—including you! “The wife who criticizes her husband’s faults needs to remember they might have kept him from getting a better wife!” You cannot pick and choose which parts of your mate’s personality you will love and accept, and which parts you will not. Real love accepts your mate’s weaknesses and also admits your own, including saying

“I’m sorry” when you are wrong.

Second, never forget what first attracted you to each other. Make the time and effort to keep your romance alive with thoughtful, tender words, kindnesses, and special surprises. Say and do those things you know your mate appreciates—even if it is not your own favorite thing. That is what mature, adult love for your “other half” is and does.

A famous actress said sadly: “Marriage is the miracle that transforms the kiss from a pleasure to a duty.” But she is wrong! “Marriage” does not do that, “husbands and wives” do that—when they do not choose to keep their love fresh and alive each day. Remember, our children deserve to have a father and mother who show them what a close, happy marriage looks like, so they will know how to have and enjoy one when they grow up.

Today, if your marriage could use some help, sincerely ask the original Maker of marriage to take full charge and start changing your heart with His real love. Jesus will help you change day by day, so you and your spouse can begin enjoying the satisfying love and life together He planned for you. Just think a minute…

“We’re doing our bit for sports tourism. We’re proud to be back and we want to be proud of what Samoa offers visitors and tourists” - Toalepai

The All Samoa Invitational Golf Tournament (A.S.I.G.T.) is back in Samoa after last being staged here 31 years ago.
It’s been two years in the planning and eight trips were made to Samoa this year by the president of the hosting club, the Samoa-New Zealand Golf Association.

Toalepai Lui Tautolo said their club has brought the three-day event to Samoa at the request of the Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

“Tuilaepa said it would help the economy, the country and for our purposes, it’s a chance to visit our families andreturn to Samoa.”

Boasting membership from six major clubs; the Samoa New Zealand Golf Association ; Los Angeles; San Francisco; San Diego;

Hawaii and American Samoa, the tournament is an annual event and will be held at the Faleata Golf Course .

Over 100 golfers are expected and locals can also pay a fee to take part.

“We had hoped to play a day at each of the three golf courses, Fagali’i, Faleata and Penina but the other two courses don’t have enough golf carts for our players so the whole tournament will be played at Faleata.”

“It’s 37 years since we first established this tournament and each year, clubs take turns in hosting.

“So instead of having it in New Zealand for our turn, we decided to come here.

“We also decided to run an extra one-day practice tournament on Monday and donate the proceeds to charity.

“When this idea was put to our members at our presentation during last year’s event in Las Vegas, it was agreed.”

“Again, at the suggestion of the prime minister, the funds raised on that day will go to the Goshen Mental Health Services,” he said.

“It will highlight the plight of people with mental health problems who are often kept out of sight in Samoan society and gives us a chance to give back,” he said.

Even though some of their American-based golfers will not arrive in time for Monday’s practice tournament, Toalepai said they have already pledged to donate anyway. Vailima Breweries has also come on board as a product sponsor.

As well as the prime minister speaking at tonight’s dinner at Faleata, next year’s host,

Sydney (smh.com.au) July 13, 2014 - If Brisbane want to win the 2015 premiership, the formula is simple: make sure Anthony Milford’s family are at every game, even if you have to pick them up in a helicopter.

Milford’s performance in Canberra’s 36-20 win over Gold Coast at CBUS Super Stadium was the perfect antidote for mid-season cynicism born of too many hit-ups, spot plays and yardage sets. In a competition where creativity is often neutered by coaches and shunned by players, the young Samoan international reminded us why we fell in love with the sport to start with.

His seventh-minute flick for centre Brenko Lee to score would make most players' highlight reels. For Milford, who turned 20 on Friday, it was just a metaphorical shrug of the shoulders.

His heady flat ball for Dane Tilse put the thundering giant into a gap at 32 minutes, and Milford backed up to score himself.

But for evidence of why Sunday’s game was an “I was there” occasion, when a star bloomed before our eyes, check out his reverse, unsighted tap-on for centre Jarrod Croker’s touchdown just short of half-time. “It’s kind of an instinct thing,” Milford attempted to explain, “He’s always off my hip.”

After the break, Milford was temporarily subdued; and Gold Coast narrowed the margin to six for a 14-minute period.

But with five minutes left, he took a pass standing still, briefly faced his own try line, performed a pirouette, found space on the left, delivered an exquisite face-ball to Croker and backed up to score himself after turning Kalifa FaiFai Loa inside out.

“It gave me extra motivation, knowing mum and my family were there to cheer me,” said Milford, who will join Brisbane on a two year deal next year.

“I don’t want to let them down, I want to entertain them as best I can. Today was the perfect way to do that. Mum and the extended family were all there. The role it played out there was unexplainable.”

Asked if his kin would be regulars at Suncorp Stadium next year, Milford answered: “Fingers crossed, I hope so.” So do the Broncos.

The Methodist Church continued its 50th Golden Jubilee celebration yesterday with a parade that started from in front of the church to the Malae-o-Aele field at Faleula.

The George Brown Primary School, Uesiliana College and Wesley College together with synods from all around the globe participated in yesterday’s event.

President of the Methodist Church, Reverend Aisoli Iuli, was in tears when he thanked everyone, including the students for coming together as one in making their celebration beautiful and memorable.

“I want to see a strong Methodist Church,” he said.

“I want to see a church that comes together with one heart to do something. I want people who can do things with one heart and one soul.”

He also encouraged them to be strong and reminded that the Lord will be with them always.

“I remember an elderly man who was saying farewell to his children and he told his children, “When you go take my bones with you and the Lord will visit you.”

“He visits your wisdom, your freedom and your hearts, and if you have everything and have wisdom and knowledge then go and take my bones with you."

“I can see the church is growing and all because of our forefathers so may we always remember them and the hardship that they went through just for us to be happy.”

The Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi also spoke at the end of the parade.

The celebration continues today.

Unhappy passengers on a Virgin Samoa to flight to Sydney, which did not depart at six yesterday morning, as scheduled, are fuming.

The Apia-Sydney flight was instead rescheduled for 2:50a.m. today, re-routed for Brisbane.

Yesterday morning, many passengers – including tourists - turned up at the Airport only to be told to go home.

An elderly man, who was travelling with his family, said the last minute cancellation was both “unfair” and “extremely unprofessional.”

“We live in Savai’i,” he told the Samoa Observer yesterday.

“On Sunday we caught the last ferry across and we slept at the wharf waiting for our flight. We were not informed about the delay at all until we arrived at the airport counter.”

The elderly resident said it was unfair for the Airline not to offer them accommodation and food.

“The people at the counter gave us that ‘tough luck’ look. I think they accommodated all the tourists but not us which I think it’s pretty sad.

“In our case, it’s not as if we can just hop on a canoe and paddle all the way back to Savai’i. It is not our fault that we are stranded here.”

The unhappy passenger said he “would have appreciated it if we were told before hand.”

According to the passenger, workers at the Virgin Samoa counter at Faleolo informed them that the delay was caused by an issue out of Sydney.

“We were told that the aircraft was supposed to have left Sydney before midnight because that’s when the Sydney airport shuts,” the passenger said.

“Apparently by midnight, the plane was still there and as a result, it couldn't leave.”

The delay also affected many passengers who were scheduled to arrive yesterday morning.

Sam, who has spent a week with his family in Samoa, said the delay was unfortunate.

“I think delayed flights are pretty much part and parcel of the travelling experience, especially if you book with a low-cost carrier."

“What I find frustrating though was the lack of warnings from the Airline. I felt sorry for my family because they prepared a lot of food stuff for me to take back to our relatives in Australia."

“All that stuff now has been dumped because I cannot take it. I’m just stuck here at the airport and there is nothing I can do about it.”

It was not possible to get a comment from Virgin Samoa yesterday.

Flights delay out of Auckland.

Meanwhile, restrictions have been lifted at Auckland Airport, after fog caused significant disruption for travellers on Monday morning.

The company said 58 domestic flights had been cancelled and 35 delayed. One international flight was delayed and two diverted. China Southern flight CZ335 was sent to Christchurch and a private aircraft from Melbourne had gone to

Wellington, while a flight from Singapore was also delayed.

MetService said there had been a lot of moisture around from recent bad weather, and it was still quite humid with light winds - a recipe for the thick blanket of fog that caused havoc at the airport. It said the forecast for later on Monday was clear. A large number of disgruntled passengers were stranded with their plans in limbo. It not only disrupted business meetings, but school holiday plans.

Queues of businessmen, individuals and families have packed out the domestic terminal.

One mother, who was travelling with two young children, said their plans to go fishing at Nelson's Golden Bay might have to wait until Tuesday.

Another woman said she had just got back from Samoa and needed to get home to pack, as she was due to fly to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games.

Auckland Transport said the fog had also caused problems for ferry services.

A Nofoali’i man who confessed to killing his brother and then burying his body on their family property has been jailed for life.

The decision was handed down by Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu yesterday.

The 40-year-old, Levitiko Afoa Fitu, had pleaded guilty to the murder of his brother through defence lawyer, Trina Atoa.

Fitu apparently admitted to having buried the body of his 57-year-old brother on their family property after a scuffle as a result of a drinking session that went wrong.

The incident happed at Nofoali’i between the end of March and beginning of April 2013.

The two brothers were having a drinking session when they fought over something that has not been revealed since his confession to Police during the Mother’s Day weekend.

When Ms Atoa appeared in Court, she entered a guilty plea to the charge of murder against her client.

“My family's been away from me for the last three years now so I'm going back to the islands to spend time with my family and especially my little girl. She's turning 14, she'll be out of college soon and I haven't spent a lot of time with her so I think it's time for me to put the family first” – Mahonri Schwalger

Mahonri Schwalger says at the end of this Super Rugby season, it will be time to put his family first back in Samoa.

But if there were ever any doubts about his current priorities and his commitment to the Chiefs' cause until then, his effort in playing most of last Friday night's crucial victory over the Blues with a dislocated shoulder certainly dispelled them.

Schwalger, who turns 36 in September, has been a true warrior in his three seasons at hooker for the Chiefs, having to overcome several serious injuries and surgeries to both his knee and eye in order to provide the veteran experience the tight five needed.

But when he dislocated his shoulder making a big tackle early in Friday's match, having to put it back in place himself was a first for him. He played on until about 15 minutes from the end of the match when the Chiefs had established an eight-point lead.

"I was just trying to hit one of the big boys and the shoulder just sort of popped out," said the quietly spoken man they call Mo.

"I put it back in myself. I've never done that before but it is the sort of thing you do for this group."

"This group has been a big part of my career for the last three years and I want to finish on a high and make sure I give it all for these guys," Schwalger said.

Considering there were over 20 scrums in the rain-lashed match at Eden Park, endless forward skirmishes away from the set-pieces and many tackles to be made it is a remarkable achievement for Schwalger to have played on as long as he did with such a painful shoulder.

And don't count the former Samoa captain out of the Chiefs' Saturday night qualifier against the Brumbies in Canberra if the ligament damage turns out not to be too serious. He is determined to finish the season off in style with his team-mates and coach Dave Rennie is hopeful he will be good to go.

"I'll be good. I'll have a kava tonight and relax and hopefully the body will be fine," Schwalger said.

"I was just trying to guts it out until we got ahead by a few points and build that sort of confidence among the boys so I could come off and rest up."

What does the Chiefs team mean to Schwalger?

"It means a lot. It's been a big part of my life in the last three years, we've won two championships, the coaches have built a great environment and mainly it's my family."

"Some of the boys are leaving and I'm going to miss them, but after being a professional rugby player for a few years and I'm going to sit back at the end of it and have good memories for the rest of my life."

"It's all about leaving your legacy and that's the whole point of it. Leaving my legacy is something I can look back on and talk about to my kids," he said.

Schwalger confirmed he was leaving the Chiefs once the season was over and heading back to Samoa for some overdue family time.

"My family's been away from me for the last three years now so I'm going back to the islands to spend time with my family and especially my little girl."

"She's turning 14, she'll be out of college soon and I haven't spent a lot of time with her so I think it's time for me to put the family first."

"At the moment I've got the job to do for the Chiefs and hopefully we'll finish on a good note."

But it is not necessarily the end of rugby for Schwalger, who said he could still end up playing somewhere in the world after taking a couple of months to spend with his family.

"It could be anywhere in the world or it might be back home playing at grassroots and trying to help out the development of rugby in the islands. At this stage I haven't even thought too far ahead of myself."

Inside the house, the Police found a gas burner including glass tubes... according to photos taken by Police, it indicated that this is where the drugs “ice” was kept or consumed...There were further glass pipes in the room”  - Justice Vui

A married father of ten, who had an “ice” drug lab in his home at Papauta, has been sentenced to five years in prison.

Roy Williams, 45-years-old, was jailed by Justice Vui Clarence Nelson, yesterday.

The defendant appeared before the Court for a variety of drug-related charges including the possession of methamphetamine, utensils, possession of marijuana seeds, and the possession of two unlawful weapons and ammunition.

A mechanic by trade, Williams also fished as a means to feed his family.

At 6a.m. on Tuesday 28 March this year, the Police visited the defendant’s house with a search warrant. When he heard the Police approaching, he used the back door to escape taking with him a pillowcase.

He threw the pillowcase into his plantation.

But when he was caught, the Police found 11 glass pipes, two small plastic bags containing 0.2grams of methamphetamine, 12 small plastic bags with 3647 seeds of marijuana and two illegal 2.22 calibre pistols and one 1.38 ammunition in the pillowcase.

Inside the house, the Police found a gas burner including glass tubes. Justice Vui said according to photos taken by Police. it indicated that this is where the drugs “ice” was kept or consumed.

“There were further glass pipes in the room.”

William’s pleaded guilty to the charges against him early in the matter. He was represented by lawyer, Diana Roma.

Consumption of (ice) is a social problem and the Court plays a role trying to control this problem by imposing deterrence sentences, said Justice Vui.

“But the courts alone can’t solve the problem,” he added. “The community must also play its part.”

He said that Williams was a “good example of a good man whose life has been ruined by narcotics.”

He then imposed different sentences on Williams according to the charges against him.

For the 0.2 gram of ice he was sentenced to 12 months, for the 3,647 seeds of marijuana he was sentenced to five years, and in relation to the charge of being in possession of utensils for making ice – 3 years, for the possession of two

unlawful weapons – 3 years and for the ammunition 2 weeks.

Justice Vui then ordered that William’s serve these terms concurrently resulting with his being sent to prison for only five years.

Samoa College celebrated its annual Culture Day last Friday.

This year, the students marked the occasion with a speech competition, traditional dancing and immersed themselves in the preparation of food. The competition saw the school’s four houses; Vaea, Calliope, Williams and Stevenson go head-to-head.

Samoan teacher, Taupaū Selu Tuala, said the celebration is an important date on the school’s annual calendar of activities.

“With Samoan being compulsory in the curriculum, we try to teach the students how best to apply what they learn here and how to relate that to the real world situation,” he said.

“So this culture day is just another platform for them to know more about our culture.”

Student, Vi’ia Reupena, who was among many students taking part, believes that the foundation for a successful life after school relies on the ability to communicate in both Samoan and English.

She says understanding the Samoan culture is critical for all Samoans.

“So today is a day for everyone to enjoy a real taste of Samoan culture, especially the food.”

Her favorite part of the Culture day was listening to the speeches.3

“The Samoan language is so rich,” she says. “There is so much more to our culture that our young people need to learn.”

Students of Saint Mary’s College welcomed a very special visitor last week.

She is short story author and journalist, Sara Vui Talitu, the woman behind popular books such as “Guilty Rain” and “Ma’a.”

With her writing greatly influenced by her work, every day people and events, Ms Talitu says it has always been her passion to write about life events that people do not really like to talk about.

“It’s a way for me to encourage the young writers to be sincere, humble and to write out of necessity to say something important,” she says.

Writing, she says, is an opportunity to “say something that delivers a message on some of the issues that are happening with the

Pacific people especially with the youths.”

At St. Mary’s, Ms Talitu encouraged the students to be creative and write their own stories.

“I am so honoured to be here and be able to share my story and work with the students here,” she said.

“My heart is in the Pacific. I do hope to see more Pacific students coming through as journalists, writers and authors.”

Principal of Saint Mary’s College, Loretta Ulugia, was grateful that the author took time to visit the school.

“Ms Talitu’s work is in the school certificate books that we study for English so it was very fortunate that we grabbed the opportunity, hearing that she was in Samoa,” said Ms Ulugia.

“It’s a good opportunity for the students to meet her in person and to ask questions so that they can get more insights and understanding about the story and about the person who wrote it.”

Ms Ulugia also said the visit also helped the teachers.

“We cover these two short stories every year in year 12 so it’s good to actually hear about the perspective of the person who wrote it,” she said.

Sara Vui Talitu is the daughter of Vui Nafaoina Tavita Fa’aniniva Vui Talitu from Lano, Savai’i, and the late Italia Imo, of Satitoa.

The New Zealand-born Samoan has a solid broadcasting background having worked with the Radio New Zealand International as a journalist, sub-editor and newsreader for ten long years.

She has two Masters degrees from the University of Auckland as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Canterbury. Her reporting interests include Pacific issues, women, business and health.

She is now a lecturer in media studies for the University of Auckland AUT.

Ms Vui said that she is now hoping to come back to Samoa and hopefully visit some more schools that are inspired by her writing.

“At first, I thought that no one was going to

The Samoa Observer and China’s state-owned news organization, Xinhua National News Agency, have entered into an agreement allowing the Observer to benefit from Xinhua’s global newsgathering networks free of charge.

Concluded in Apia on Monday, the agreement was signed on behalf of the Samoa Observer by its Editor in Chief, Savea Sano Malifa, and on behalf of Xinhua News Agency by its Suva Bureau Chief Correspondent, Liu Peng (Philip Liu).

Mr Liu Peng arrived from Suva on Sunday to sign the agreement.

In a letter last week, he said: “Xinhua is offering free access to its database to the Samoa Observer Media Group, and I'm now sending a snapshot of the database, which will give you a general idea of it."

“The database used to allow guests to see partial content, but not any longer. I am now providing you a guest account, so that you can take a closer look of Xinhua's database.”

He gave the Username and the Password.

He wrote: “If the Samoa Observer Media Group wishes to own its exclusive access to Xinhua's database, we need to sign a news and information exchange agreement, which is friendly, brief and with no strings-attached. No fees are needed."

“I have the draft agreement ready and will carry my stamp with me, so that if you decide to fast-track it, we can get it done on site and secure your exclusive access to Xinhua's database, which will keep you updated on news events that are happening around the world.”

The five-year agreement commenced on 14 July 2014; it is renewed automatically at the end of that period if neither of the parties wanted it terminated “the agreement may be renewed continuously.”

Xinhua News Agency is the press agency of the People's Republic of China.

According to Wikipedia, it operates 107 foreign bureaus worldwide, and maintains 31 bureaus in China, one for each province plus a military bureau.

Xinhua is the sole channel for the distribution of important news related to the Communist Party and the Chinese central government.

Many newspapers in China rely on Xinhua feeds for content. People's Daily, for example, uses Xinhua material for about 25 percent of its stories.

Xinhua is a publisher as well as a news agency—it owns more than 20 newspapers and a dozen magazines, and it prints in eight languages: Chinese, English, Spanish, French, Russian, Portuguese, Arabic and Japanese.

Xinhua began operation in November 1931 as the Red China News Agency and changed to its current name in 1937.

During the Pacific War the agency developed overseas broadcasting capabilities and established its first overseas branches.

It began broadcasting to foreign countries in English from 1944. When the communists took power in China, the agency represented the Chinese Communist Party in countries and territories with which it had no diplomatic representation, such as Hong Kong.

The agency was described as the "eyes and tongue" of the Party, observing what is important for the masses and passing on the information.

A former Xinhua director, Zheng Tao, noted that the agency was a bridge between the Party, the government and the people, communicating both the demands of the people and the policies of the Party.

Like many other media organizations, Xinhua struggled to find the "right line" to use in covering the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989.

Although more cautious than People's Daily in its treatment of sensitive topics during that period – such as how to commemorate reformist Communist Party leader Hu Yaobang's April 1989 death, the then ongoing demonstrations in Beijing and elsewhere, and basic questions of press freedom and individual rights – Xinhua gave some favorable coverage to demonstrators and intellectuals who were questioning top party leaders.

Even so, many Xinhua reporters were angry with top editors for not going far enough and for suppressing stories about the Tiananmen Square crackdown.

For several days after the violence on June 4, almost no-one at Xinhua did any work, and journalists demonstrated inside the Agency's Beijing compound.

Government control of the media increased after the protests – top editors at the agency's bureaus in Hong Kong and Macau were replaced with appointees who were "loyal to China" rather than those with ties to either Hong Kong or Macau.

Today, Xinhua News Agency delivers its news across the world in six languages: Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Arabic, as well as news pictures and other kinds of news.

It has made contracts to exchange news and news pictures with more than eighty foreign news agencies or political news departments. Xinhua is also responsible for handling reports from foreign media destined for release in China.

The agency recently began to converge its news and electronic media coverage and has increased its English coverage through its wire service and chinaview.cn web site.

Xinhua has acquired commercial real estate on New York's Times Square and is developing a staff of top-tier English-language reporters. Xinhua has also started an English-language satellite news network.

Under the agreement between the Samoa Observer and Xinhua News Agency however, Xinhua News will begin “supplying English News Bulletins and Chinese News Bulletins within 30 days after the signing of this agreement at no cost to the Observer.”

Also, Xinhua News is bound by the agreement to “improve on the quality of information provided, times of transmission, technology demands of the service provided to the Observer, (and) resolve issues regarding the supply of news article in a timely manner.”

As for the Samoa Observer, it has the right to publish or broadcast news and information supplied by Xinhua but it is not entitled to other rights unless it has been authorized by Xinhua.

Also, the Observer “must acknowledge Xinhua News as the source of the news and information” it is using as well as “the author’s name,” and it may not make “substantial modifications to the news and information supplied by Xinhua.”

Additionally, the Observer cannot use “any other products” owned by Xinhua other than the “news and information to be supplied under this agreement.”

And lastly, “in the performance of this Agreement, the Observer shall not be liable to any third parties for any information given by Xinhua. Observer shall not be liable to any claim whatsoever under this agreement.”

Asked for a comment, Savea said: “I’m delighted. I believe that any form of cooperation among media organizations promising hope in the pursuit of universal freedom of expression among nations should be applauded."

“Samoa is still very much isolated didactically from the outside world despite the Internet, and now with this agreement Xinhua will be bringing news from its 107 bureaus worldwide to Samoa so that as we become much more enlightened as a result, that in itself should be benefit enough.

“Besides, as this seemingly cordial relationship existing between Samoa and China is showing no sign of slowing down, perhaps it is time we accept that it is here to stay, so that the thing to do then is learn how we can seriously benefit from it."

“And what better way to do that than sharing information and knowledge about China’s culture and its way of life, as well as about its relationship with other nations of the world, that Xinhua News Agency is now pledging to provide us?”

“I’m really glad that we have volunteers like them who pay their own fare to come to Samoa to help those who can’t afford the expensive treatment from overseas. I want to thank them for their free service that is useful to our people.”

A free medical clinic is apparently not so free.

That’s why members of the public who turned up at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole hospital yesterday to see a specialist medical team from overseas who are meant to be offering their services for free were surprised when they were asked to pay $10.

The specialist group is being is led by Dr. John Paopao, an Orthopedic Surgeon from Honolulu. They arrived in the country last week to conduct free clinics in Upolu and Savai’i.

While patients flocked in at Moto’otua yesterday for the “free clinic” they were told to pay a $10 fee first.

“I came here knowing the clinic is free not expecting any fees to pay,” said Vai Silia’i, of Letogo and Faga Savai’i.

“I understand that the work from the overseas doctors is free but I don’t understand why the hospital would charge us $10 to see them when their service is free.”

Mrs. Silia’i knew about the specialist group through relatives in Savai’i who contacted her, telling her the doctors can help her with her skin problems.

“I’m really glad that we have volunteers like them who pay their own fare to come to Samoa to help those who can’t afford the expensive treatment from overseas."

“I want to thank them for their free service that is useful to our people.”

The mother was told by hospital staff that yesterday’s schedule was full and had asked her to come back today to make an appointment to see the doctors.

She hopes to have the opportunity to make use of the free service before the volunteered doctors depart.

A father, Mata’afa Ketsu Mata’afa, of Vaisigano was also at Moto’otua to take her daughter to see the specialists.

Lucky for him, he didn’t have to pay anything for children as they are free.

But Mata’afa said he doesn’t agree with people being charged with $10 fees.

“I don’t understand why they would charge people with $10 when the doctors are offering their service for free,” said Mata’afa.

“To me it should be free of charge considering that they are here to do surgery on people for free.”

Another patient, Tino Taula, of Vaitele-fou said the government should “relax” the fees.

According to Mr. Taula, he believes that the government should be supportive of the people and who are finally getting “free help from good Samaritans”.

“The least they could do is give us a break,” he said.

“If the doctors are asking for nothing in return then why not relax their fees and let us make use of their good free service.”

The General Manager of the National Health Services, Leota Laki Sio was not at work yesterday when contacted for a comment.

A staff member who was not authorised to speak to the media, however, defended the fee.

“Whenever anyone comes here at the hospital to see a doctor, they have to pay a $10 fee,” she said. “It used to be $5 but that had increased.”

Asked about the volunteer doctors doing their free clinics, she replied, “yes even them”.

The specialist team had their free clinic in Savai’i last week.

“I expect the investigation to be concluded by the end of the week after which the report will be written in the following week,”

A Commission of Inquiry investigating whether suspended Police Commissioner, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo, and his Assistant, Sala Seaga Uili, performed their functions satisfactorily, has given them options.

The first option is to resign from their positions at the Force.

The second is to respond to the allegations.

Should they decide on the second option, the Commission will then proceed with the Inquiry.

The options were offered to Lilomaiava and Sala by the Ombudsman and the Chairman of the Inquiry, Maiava Iulai Toma, at the beginning of a fresh investigation, which began last week.

Other members of the Inquiry include Gatoloa’i Tili Afamasaga and Su’a Tanielu Su’a. They are assisted by counsels, Sefo Ainu’u and Sine Lafaiali’i- Koria.

All of them were members who conducted the Commission of Inquiry last year into allegations of police corruption focusing on Tafa’igata Prison.

The present investigation is the next phase of inquiry under the Police Act, which will address the capacity of the incumbents to perform their duties.

Lilomaiava and the former Tafa’igata prison head, Sala have been accused of misusing power at the prison.

They have been on suspension with full pay since August last year.

The new investigation is to determine whether the officers' conduct and performance has breached any of their duties under the Police Act and affected the confidence of the community.

“I expect the investigation to be concluded by the end of the week after which the report will be written in the following week,” Maiava told the Samoa Observer last week.

The initial Commission of Inquiry report, which was submitted to Cabinet in February this year, is yet to be released to the public although the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielagaoi commented on the findings at the time.

“The 75 page report lucidly outlines several management and administration problems at the Ministry (Police and Prisons), validates reports of unfavourable conditions, unflattering incidents and incongruous behaviour at the country’s main prison,” Tuilaepa said earlier this year.

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

As a result, Tuilaepa said the Commission has called for the enforcement of policies to govern the relationship among police officers as well as that between police and prisoners.

Respect, he said, should always be paramount, reminding that although prisoners are “sinners that have broken the law, we must never forget that they too, are people created in the image of God, and so God lives in them also.”

Tuilaepa also said the Commission’s report highlights that many problems within the Ministry of Police and Prisons were caused by poor performance, especially by the management.

A man who smashed the window of a Police vehicle with a stone was yesterday held in custody after he failed to explain why he couldn't pay the repairs.

Presiding over the matter was Supreme Court Justice, His Honour Vui Clarence Nelson.

The details of the incident were not revealed during yesterday’s proceedings.

But Probation officer, Tua Ale, told the Court his office has not been able to reach the defendant, Falaniko Penitito, at his given residence.

According to Mr. Ale, the arrangement was that Penitito meets with the Probation office to discuss any possibilities of assistance in withdrawing his Samoa National Provident Fund contribution to pay for the repairs.

But when Justice Vui questioned the defendant about the matter, he said that he couldn't loan from N.P.F.

“I would need a job to make the repayments,” said Penitito. “I’m still looking for a job.”

Justice Vui then told him that if this is the case “you should be sent to prison.”

He added “perhaps no one wants to give you a job because you’re a stone thrower.”

Penitito was then ordered to be kept in custody.

“It makes it very difficult or impossible to have a fair trial,” she said.
Told by Justice Vui that there is no statutory time limit on murder, Ms. Leavai countered that there would be some integrity aspects to the evidence.

A 64-year-old mother accused of strangling her new-born child 44 years ago, appeared in the Supreme Court yesterday, charged with murder.

Maota Ah Tag pleaded not guilty to the charge against her.

Her lawyer, Tima Leavai, also made an application to Supreme Court Justice, Vui Clarence Nelson, to quash the charge against her client.

The alleged incident occurred between March and April in 1970.

In response, His Honour Justice Vui told Ms. Leavai she needed to file more documents with the Court to support her argument.

But Ms. Leavai persisted; arguing that the time between the alleged crime and when her client has finally been charged has been too long. This, she said, violated her client’s Constitutional right to a fair trial.

“It makes it very difficult or impossible to have a fair trial,” she said.

Told by Justice Vui that there is no statutory time limit on murder, Ms. Leavai countered that there would be some integrity aspects to the evidence.

Ms. Leavai then informed the Court that her client maintains that the allegations against her are being pushed by ulterior motives, such as false accusations created by her own sisters.

The Court heard that the defence had initially scheduled three witnesses to give evidence.

But two of them have passed away. The remaining witness is an “invalid” living in American Samoa who has made it clear she is unavailable to be part of the court proceedings.

The prosecution team is made up of Precious Chang and Brigitta Lo Tam-Fa’afiti, of the Attorney General’s Office.

Prior to Ms. Leavai taking over as defence counsel, Ah Tag’s initial lawyer was Tole’afoa Solomona Toa’iloa.

He moved a motion in the Supreme Court last September to quash the murder charge against his client.

Yesterday, His Honour Justice Vui adjourned the matter to 30 July.

“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

This is despite mounting pressure for her to resign over allegations surrounding the running of the Corporation, raised by Controller and Chief Auditor, Fuimaono Camillo Afele.

The allegations involve “corrupt practises” among others, which were backed by the Officers of Parliament Committee (O.P.C) that had been tasked by Parliament to investigate Fuimaono’s report.

Contacted for a comment, Afoa through her secretary, declined.

The Secretary instead told the Samoa Observer that the Corporation’s new Minister, Lautafi Fio Purcell, has already responded and Afoa does not have anything further to say.

Last month, Minister Lautafi rejected a call from fellow H.R.P.P member, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang, for the government to terminate the services of Afoa as C.E.O.

Lautafi, who was recently made a Cabinet Minister, after Faumuina’s resignation over a number of issues – including Chief Auditor

Fuimaono’s report - said there are proper procedures in place to deal with the issue.

“The report is before Parliament,” he said about the Chief Auditor’s and the O.P.C report. “As far as I’m concerned, we should let the

Parliamentary process take its course. When that is done, whatever the government’s response is and if the Attorney General recommends to press charges, then we act on it.”

“But we can’t cut in to it (the parliamentary process).”

Lautafi said the “Parliamentary process is the most superior process.” But he is not ruling out taking action later on.

“If the Attorney General urges that something should be done, then we will cross that bridge when we get there,” he said. "In the meantime, I would urge that we let the process take its course, it’s the proper process.”

But Papali’i, who is a member of the O.P.C and the Chairman of the Public Finance and Expenditure Committee, is not impressed.

He maintains that the C.E.O. should have been “at least suspended” the minute the O.P.C report was tabled in Parliament.

“My point is that I am not happy because the allegations made by the Auditor were reconfirmed by our Parliamentary committee,” he said.

“She should have been suspended after our (O.P.C) report was confirmed because these were serious allegations not just simple (ones). It’s just that I don’t feel good knowing this is happening and nothing is being done.”

More than this, Papali’i said as soon as Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi took over the S.L.C. portfolio, he should have addressed the situation.

“When he came and took over S.L.C. that is the moment he should have done something,” said Papali’i.

“But he never did anything. I am still pushing for that C.E.O. to be terminated, it is just not right.”

Papali’i said there is no need for any further investigation.

“We have done the investigation. We have proven the Auditor’s allegations to be correct that collusion has been committed among the Minister, the C.E.O. and the contractor and we have all the documented evidence to prove that. And yet nothing is done.”

“So I will say not suspend her but terminate her immediately.”

Earlier this year, Papali’i also questioned the Board of directors in relation to the allegations.

“Where is the Board of Directors?” he asked during a recent interview. “They’ve heard and they’ve known all this right from the time we exposed the report.”

“Once the Auditor’s Report was tabled, it was public, they should’ve known from the Report the irregularities; they should have asked the C.E.O; asked her what are these? Discipline her. Sack her.”

“Now that the Minister has resigned because of all these serious allegations against him because of his involvement with S.L.C, what are they doing to the C.E.O?”

“She should be out first, not the Minister. And that’s why I’m asking, where is the Board of Directors? What are you doing?”

“When we first became a couple, he was a different man. He was a good husband until three months later, he started to hit me. Sometimes, the physical pain is nothing compared to the emotional pain from the things he says to me. He calls me names and I find many of them unbelievable”

Alisi* is tired of it. So much so sometimes she wishes she wasn't born.

“I am nine months pregnant and this is our third child,” she says.

“But my husband has been abusing me. It has been this way since we became a couple. He is still doing it."

“I don’t know why, and I keep asking myself what have I done wrong to be treated like this?”

Alisi lives in a village close to town. Tired of the abuse she is getting from her husband, she contacted the Samoa Observer wanting to tell her story.

“I don't know if I’m such a bad person or if there are other people like me out there,” she says. “I’ve seen so much talk about domestic violence and I used to think that it only applies to the people who are involved with those workshops."

“But I also keep thinking that there has got to be a way.”

At 26-years-old, Alisi tells of how her husband was the “man of my dreams” when they first met.

“When we first became a couple, he was a different man. He was a good husband until three months later, he started to hit me."

“Sometimes, the physical pain is nothing compared to the emotional pain from the things he says to me. He calls me names and I find many of them unbelievable.”

Alisi, who is a stay-home-mother, says her eyes are for her husband only.

“And yet he thinks I’m having an affair. Even when I stay at home, he doesn’t trust me. I don’t know why."

“I should be the one who gets jealous because he is the one who leaves me at home and he goes off to work. I don't know if he’s doing anything he shouldn't be doing but I know that’s between him and God. I trust him. I love him.”

So why did she decide to speak up?

“I didn’t want to talk at first because I thought it was going to get better,” says Alisi. “But to be honest, it is getting worse. I’m fearful for the life of my unborn baby.”

She also wants to rest and live a happy life.

“I’m tired of this life and I’m tired of living like a slave,” she says, crying.

“I want to rest because to tell you the truth, I’m beginning to go crazy because of this. I can’t handle the beating, it’s just too much.”

Asked if she had approached the Police, she said yes.

“I lodged a complaint with the Police and I spoke to a female officer. She then contacted the man (husband) to come over to the police station to sort out the issue."

“We had a talk and he made some promises which resulted in my complaint being dropped. But he has gone back to his old self and the beating now is very frequent.”

Last week, Alisi went to the Samoa Victim Support Group to seek for help.

“I had nowhere else to go and I can’t trust anyone so that is the reason why I went to the Samoa Victim Support because I know they are my only hope.”

Asked how the S.V.S.G could help her, she said they are helping her arrange a protection order for her.

“I want to file another complaint against him and I want him to be out of my life and my children’s lives forever."

“He has been verbally and physically abusing me and I am willing to tell everything and do everything so that he will be out of our lives for good.”

She says the beating over the years has left her in a very bad state.

“I’m weak and I know I can’t stand against him because he’s strong physically so all I can do is cry and hide my face when he hits me."

“To tell you the truth, I’m broken into a million pieces, I don’t feel good about myself anymore and when I look in the mirror, I feel disgusted about myself.”

The President of the Samoa Victim Support Group, Lina Chang, says Alisi’s story is one of many stories they have to listen to.

“This is what we are facing every day,” she says.

“What we can do to these victims is support them and actually listen to them and at the end, help them in any way we can."

“Most of these victims that come to us, we just let them talk. Through the process in many cases, you can tell right away how the violence inflicted against them has ruined their lives.”

Ms Chang says many victims feel worthless. Some have accepted the violence and blame themselves for it.

“They have a low self esteem and they don’t want to go out to the public anymore because of what they have been through for so long."

“So what we do is give them hope again, encourage them that they can start over."

“We train them on how to cook, do flowers sewing and all of that, we also give them places to live and tell them that they are worth something in life and they should never give up.”

The S.V.S.G has since secured a protection order against Alisi’s husband.

*The real name of the victim has been changed to protect her. Her village is also withheld.

The Rotary Club of Apia welcomed its new President, Tony Callaghan, during a dinner at the Samoa Traditional Resort, Ululoloa, on Tuesday night.

Mr Callaghan takes over from former President, Tole’afoa Douglas Creevey, who handed over the baton and congratulated the new President.

But letting go of a role he has occupied for two years doesn’t mean Tole’afoa will have much free time. He has been elected to be the District Assistant Governor with Samoa being part of District 9920.

James Arp was the recent District Assistant Governor.

Tole’afoa said being a Rotarian is an experience he would always treasure.

“Rotary is based on service above self so you do everything you can in any community to help,” he said.

“Every time we go out and help in natural disasters, this is when I feel that I’m of great value as a Rotarian."

“Like the tsunami in 2009, we received a lot of assistance from Rotarians in Australia and New Zealand in the form of tents."

“When we were out putting up the tents, we must’ve put up three hundred tents for people that were homeless and we worked alongside with government and other organisations.”

The new District Assistant Governor also remembers their role in the relief effort following Cyclone Evan, during which they handed out relief kits.

The Apia Rotary Club was also involved in the most recent Literacy Week.

“We participated in it – we do it on normal basis going out to Primary Schools and build them libraries all over Savai’i and Upolu and we continue to do that this year,” he said.

“The other one is sanitation and water where we do a lot of projects building water tanks for schools who don’t have enough water or fix up their sanitation blocks and toilets so the children can have something hygienic to use.”

Rotary Apia also originally set up the Cancer society, said Tole’afoa.

For the new President, Mr Callaghan is excited about the future. He is honoured to be called to the position and he is keen to promote what Rotary is all about.

“This year my vision I have for the Club is to start making sure that people know what we do and encourage them to be part of it.”

Rotary Apia has been active in Samoa for the last 34 years. With 18 active members, the Club is a non-profitable organisation that engages in many local and worldwide community work.