Four days of training for farmers took place last week at the Hotel Millennia.

Conducted by the Samoa Business Enterprise Centre from Monday to Thursday, the training aimed to support fruit and vegetable growers and livestock producers to improve their productivity and take greater advantage of market opportunities.

The training is part of the Samoa Agriculture Competitiveness Enhancement Project.

The Business Training Manager of S.B.E.C., Naomi Fili-Falō, said “the training helps farming in Samoa become more commercially oriented and competitive so that it can take advantage of emerging market opportunities.

“Most farmers use the money they receive to develop their families without thinking of enlarging their plantation or creating other businesses,” she said.

“Other objectives of this training are to encourage interested livestock producers to upgrade livestock, improve husbandry practices and stock management, make productivity enhancing on-farm investments, and improve the quality of meat sold in the local market.” she said.

“What they receive from selling their products can end up in very good used if we let them understand ways to make other use of the money they receive.”

During the training on Tuesday on the development of piggeries, poultry and honey bees in Samoa, they also discussed some important points in marketing like, prices, sizes and methods in selling.

Mrs Fuli-Falō stated that “Last year was the first intake of this programme and there were 53 farmers approved, as for the second intake this year, we visited 157 farmers.”

“This amounts confirmed the great need in our people for this project.”

Eighty farmers joined on Monday for cattle and sheep development, 36 participated on Tuesday for the sessions on piggeries, poultry and honey bees, and 28 were there for fruit and vegetable advice Wednesday.”

The Coordinator for the Samoa Agriculture Competitiveness Enhancement Project [SACEP], Lafaele Enoka said the 157 farmers are from Upolu only.

“This amount of farmers is now eligible but the bank will assess and look into their credibility before signing the agreement for the funding.”

“The total amount of farmers approved for grants from the 157 that we visited is not yet confirmed.”

Launched in October 2012, the World Bank and the Samoan government are working to revive a declining agriculture industry in Samoa. During an interview with the Minister of Agriculture, Lemamea Ropati Mualia last year, he said that more than 50 farmers have had their applications for funding approved under a World Bank grant scheme.

(STUFF) - The Chiefs were heartened to receive a good luck message via video from Sonny Bill Williams before Saturday night’s unsuccessful Super Rugby qualifying final in Canberra, but they realise that was no substitute for having the cross-code superstar appearing in person next season.

Williams’ return to rugby at the end of his second NRL campaign with the Sydney Roosters presented a logical up side for the back-to-back champions in the aftermath of a frustrating 32-30 loss to the Brumbies.

It did not take long for Williams’ imminent return to New Zealand rugby to be raised at GIO Stadium and head coach Dave Rennie admitted it would be hugely beneficial to have the league second rower revert to second five-eighth in 2015.

“Sonny sent a message to the boys wishing them all the best and obviously we’re looking forward to getting him back.

“We’re a pretty small backline without him and Richard Kahui (who left for Japan at the end of last season).

“We brought Robbie Fruean in to perhaps do that job for us but it hasn’t eventuated,” he said, referring to the disruptive effect of the midfield back’s well documented heart issues.

The Chiefs generally relied on subtle rather than physically-imposing backs during a campaign that culminated with a record of eight wins, seven losses and two draws.

Aaron Cruden, Tim Nanai-Williams, Dwayne Sweeney, Bundee Aki and Gareth Anscombe are listed in the 82kg (Cruden) to 95kg (Sweeney) range so Williams’ dimensions (108kg, 1.94-metres) will be a welcome boost as the Chiefs rebuild.

“To have Sonny back next year will give us a little bit of size. We’ll look forward to that, it allows you to play a different style of game,” said Rennie, who ramps up planning for the future after a host of personnel are farewelled.

Veteran flanker Tanerau Latimer heads the list of departing stalwarts while Anscombe, Aki, Mils Muliaina, Asaeli Tikoriotuma, Mo Schwalger and Kane Thompson are also contemplating the next phase of their careers.

Rennie said the focus once the squad disbands would be on the contribution of those individuals rather than collective disappointment of missing out of a record-equalling third straight crown.

“We’ll reflect more on that,” said Rennie, who could not disguise the fact that the Brumbies’ 22-3 lead following a dominant opening quarter ensured the Chiefs have only won two of their last 10 games in Australia.

The Sutherland family celebrated two special occasions at the Faleata Golf Course last weekend.

The first event was Donna Sutherland’s 50th birthday. Then there was the wedding of her sixth child, Frank Sutherland, who tied the knot with his long time love, Tyla Marie Turner. Mrs. Sutherland is the daughter of the late Tausilia Auvae and To’elau Auvae from Afega. Wife to Ken Sutherland, the couple who live in Auckland, New Zealand, have eight children and two grandchildren.

Both events were blessed by Reverend Misiafa Tyrell, of the Methodist Church, Satapuala, who spoke about the love of God and how he has guided the family to Samoa for the special celebrations.

There were tears of joy as Mrs. Sutherland recalled the humble beginnings for her family.

“I am very thankful to the Lord for every year he has added in my life and the blessings I’ve had through my children,” she said.

“Though I came from a humble family, the Lord blessed my life with so much more.”

She said they purposed to bring the celebrations to Samoa so she could celebrate with her mother and her relatives.

Her husband, Mr. Sutherland, paid tribute to his wife.

“I’m glad we made it this far, we’ve done well and you raised our children well,” said Mr. Sutherland.

Her son Frank added, “Mum you have been a supportive mother and a great example to us all. Thanks for putting up with us all those years.”

The birthday was followed by the blessing Frank Sutherland and Tylar Turner’s wedding.

“We’re both very excited about today,” said Tylar.

“I didn’t expect it would be this big but I guess things happen.”

Tylar Marie Turner is the daughter of Paul Turner and Donna Parker.

The couple had been together for seven years and they have a daughter, Ayva Sutherland.

“With the rings on our fingers and blessings from our families, there’s nothing more we could have asked for,” said Tylar.

“We look forward to building our family when we get back home.”

The Sutherlands are returning home this week.

If he chose to switch allegiance to Samoa, of which he holds a passport, he could debut for Samoa when the IRB Sevens World Series starts later this year. He could then play for Samoa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and represent Samoa at the Rio Olympics.

A loophole in the International Rugby Board’s player eligibility rules could see some players change national allegiance ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

One man who could theoretically switch allegiance is cross-code superstar Sonny Bill Williams, if he chose to represent Samoa instead of New Zealand.

Frank Halai, Isaia Toeava and Joe Rokocoko could also switch allegiance to Tonga, Samoa or Fiji respectively, if they chose to represent the nation of their birth.

The loophole comes about because of the inclusion of rugby sevens at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and rules stating that to compete for a country you must have that nation’s passport.

According to the IRB Handbook, Regulation 8, any player that has represented a national team, but has a passport for a second country, can switch allegiance during the 2014-15 IRB Sevens World Series if there has been an 18-month period since their last national team appearance.

To become eligible for a second country, the player must apply to switch allegiance, and then turn out for his new country during next season’s World Series, which doubles as Olympic qualification.

The player can only debut for his new team once the application is approved, and once the 18-month national team stand-down has passed.

Once a player has made his sevens debut for a new national team in an Olympic event, like the 2014-15 World Series, IRB rules state that the player can then play any form of the game for his new country.

For instance, Sonny Bill Williams last played for the All Blacks on August 25, 2012, in a 22-0 win over Australia at Eden Park.

If he chose to switch allegiance to Samoa, of which he holds a passport, he could debut for Samoa when the IRB Sevens World Series starts later this year.

He could then play for Samoa at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and represent Samoa at the Rio Olympics.

Williams won’t be changing allegiance, and has shown no signs of wanting to switch, having signed a two-year deal with New Zealand Rugby and the Chiefs Super Rugby franchise.

Likewise, Frank Halai won’t be switching allegiance, with his chances of playing for New Zealand at the 2015 World Cup and Rio Olympics still high.

However, players like Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko or Sitiveni Sivivatu could make the switch with no future in the All Blacks or with the New Zealand Sevens team.

Toeava, 28, would be an interesting prospect for Samoa, having played his last game for the All Blacks at the 2011 World Cup.

Rokocoko is only 31 and playing well in France, and Fiji would surely be interested in someone of his ability and experience.

Other players who could theoretically switch nations are one-cap All Black and 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Soseni Anesi (Samoa), three-test All Black Benson Stanley (Australia) and 14-test England international Riki Flutey could switch allegiance back to New Zealand.

The next chance players will have to switch allegiance will be during the 2018-19 IRB Sevens World Series, doubling as a qualifying event for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

From then on the stand-down period for players will be extended to three-years, rather than the 18 months this coming season.

Tana Umaga is keen to coach a Singapore Super Rugby franchise if the country wins its bid to host one of the competition’s new teams in 2016.

Wellington (Espnscrum) 21 July 2014 - Tana Umaga is keen to coach a Singapore Super Rugby franchise if the country wins its bid to host one of the competition’s new teams in 2016.

Singapore is in a straight fight with Japan over who will host an 18th Super Rugby franchise when the competition expands in two years. The Asian nations are vying for one spot in the enlarged tournament, with South Africa’s Southern Kings and a new side from

Argentina already confirmed as taking part.Umaga already has strong links with Singapore rugby and will coach the Asia Pacific

Dragons there in a game against the Maori All Blacks later this year. The former All Black captain is currently head coach of New

Zealand side Counties Manukau and has also been linked with a role at the Blues next season.

“There are a few positions up for grabs at the moment and I’m interested in looking at all of the options,” Umaga told New Zealand’s Sunday News.

“If it does come to that, and I’m one of the ones that’s asked to apply, then I’ll look at it.

“Until that happens, I can’t apply for something that’s a what if, the decision is still a few months away and you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Umaga has spoken of his support for the Singapore bid - his words contrasting with those of Japan head coach Eddie Jones, who claimed it was a “joke” that Singapore was even being considered as a potential host for a Super Rugby team.

Samoa’s preparations for the third United Nations Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S) conference is not confined to just ensuring the venues are ready.

Quietly braving the elements on the hot and dusty streets of Apia is the National Beautification Team, whose task is to make sure the streets look their best, come September.

The team is spearheaded by businesswoman, Su’a Frieda Paul (pictured above).

Armed with spades, rakes, brooms, shovel and a wheel barrel, the team has been working extremely hard to give the Apia Township a facelift. 

Yesterday, the Samoa Observer followed their work, starting from in front of the A.N.Z Bank at Matafele going towards Sogi.

“We are tidying up the town because it’s been so untidy,” Su’a says.

“Our goal is to tidy it up so that it would be be ready for S.I.D.S.”

Part of the beautification process includes planting trees where they can. But Su’a says this is proving to be a big challenge.

“It’s hard to grow plants (on the islands because) there is no rain and the soil is hard,” she says. “But we are working on it, replanting some trees and praying they will grow.”

“The trees, however, would make Apia look fabulous,” she says.

“We don't just want Apia to look nice for tourists, we also want it to look good for all of us who live here.”

Today, Su’a and her team will continue to work on Beach Road. They will continue doing that even when S.I.D.S is finished.

For now though, the immediate focus is September when thousands of visitors are expected to flock to Samoa.

By that time, Su’a and her team hope the trees they have planted would flourish so that Apia would look its best.

She says they are making good progress.

The S.I.D.S conference is 39 days away and Samoa is slowly but surely getting into the S.I.D.S mode.

Coming from Apia to Tuana’imato, a number of roads have been widened with new tar and traffic lines.

At Tuana’imato, there is a new fence around the reserve there.

Elsewhere, venue officials have been working tirelessly to ensure the buildings are up and ready.

The hype for the conference is growing.

Adding to the excitement, many banners and billboards promoting the international meeting are now visible around Apia, Faleata and on the road towards the Faleolo International Airport.

“He was a lovable boy, excellent listener and he was very respectful. This is a very difficult time for our family”

The family of a 42-year-old man who fell from a moving bus and ended up being run over is mourning his death.

The incident at Vaitele-tai instantly killed Alofa Alofaifo, last Saturday morning.

Attempts to get a comment from the Police yesterday were unsuccessful.

But Alofa’s mother, Iva Alofaifo, told the Samoa Observer they still couldn’t believe that her son has died.

“I miss him dearly,” she said.

“I really wish I could have seen him one more time before this happened.”

Iva said her son was a “good boy.”

“He was a lovable boy, excellent listener and he was very respectful," she said. “This is a very difficult time for our family.”

Alofa’s brother-in-law, Puletua Faimata said Alofa went to Apia to buy food for their Sunday to’ona’i when the incident happened.

“He slept here last Friday night,” he said referring to their house. “This has come as a complete shock to our family. Right now, I can say that he is the last person something like this could’ve happened to."

“I still cannot believe that he is gone. Many people who knew him also cannot believe what has happened.”

Emelina Mapuao, who lives across from where the incident happened, said the death is a real tragedy.

She said she knows Alofa and his mother very well.

“It was last Friday that Alofa came to our house and asked for water and I noticed from his eyes that he was really drunk,” Mrs. Mapuao said.

“We talked and he left (Friday)."

“On Saturday at about six o’clock in the morning, I saw a bus parking for almost half an hour on the other side of the road with a number of people flocking to it."

“I didn't know that it was Alofa (they were looking at).”

Mrs. Mapuao said the Police visited their house that day.

“One of the policeman explained that the man hopped out of the bus while the bus was still moving."

“He slipped and fell to the ground and he ended up under the tyre of the bus."

“The Police officer also told us that the bus driver took his dead body to the hospital.”

Another eyewitness said the bus driver did not realise he had driven over someone.

“The country can be the judge of that. I believe, however, that whoever knocks and keeps knocking, the door will eventually open” – Lavea Peseta Lua Nafo’i

It’s official.
Lavea Peseta Lua Nafo’i will fly the Tautua Samoa Party’s flag for the Gagaifomauga No. 1 by-election.

During a press conference yesterday, Lavea said he is confident about his chances against four candidates from the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P).

“There is a lot I can offer my constituency and I stand ready to voice their needs and concerns in Parliament,” he said.

“Their views will not be suppressed. If my constituency is unhappy about certain laws they don’t support, I will voice their views without any restrictions.”

Lavea dismissed the notion that the constituencies of opposition M.P.s do not get help as they should.

“The country can be the judge of that,” he said. “I believe, however, that whoever knocks and keeps knocking, the door will eventually open.”

Lavea is a founding member of Tautua Party. In fact, he is Secretary of the party.

Away from politics, he is works as the Manager of Fixed Services Network Operation at Bluesky Samoa.

The Tautua Samoa leader, Palusalu’e Fa’apo II, and other M.Ps for the Party congratulated Lavea for his courage to represent Tautua.

Palusalue acknowledged that many candidates refuse to run for the Opposition.

“Their thinking is that once you run for the Opposition, the government won’t do anything for your constituency,” he said.

“But that is not true. We advise the government and the government does their duty to do work for any constituency and work to service our country.”

Tautua Whip, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, agreed.

He said that while the Tautua Party is often labeled as “anti government and (a group that) stirs up matters,” it is a known fact that a “strong government needs a strong opposition party.”

Asked about Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi’s claim that Gagaifomauga No. 1 has always backed the H.R.P.P, Palusalue said this was not true.

“Before Gaina’s term, there was an Opposition member that occupied the seat before him,” said Palusalue.

“Tuilo’a was an independent member until he was approached by the H.R.P.P to join their party so the claims from the Prime Minister are unfounded.”

The member that Palu was referring to is Timu Lafaele who was an M.P for the Samoan National Development Party (S.N. D.P).

Gaina Tino, a former Minister of Justice and Legislative Assembly, is the H.R.P.P’s leading candidate.

Next up is the former Chief Executive Officer of Radio 2.A.P Faimalotoa Kolotita Stowers, who is 64-years-old. The third candidate is the General Manager of Tanu Beach

Fales in Manase, Taito Vaea Tanu.

The fourth candidate is Lavea Leti.

The by-election will be held on Friday 15 August 2014.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi (pictured right), is in New Zealand this week.

He is attending the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employers Scheme (R.S.E) Employers Conference.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa was invited to deliver the keynote address at the Conference.

While there, he will meet with New Zealand’s Prime Minister, To’osavili John Key. Tuilaepa is also scheduled to visit farms in Nelson and Napier where Samoans are employed under the R.S.E scheme.

He will also meet companies with the potential to offer employment opportunities, under the scheme, in carpentry, fishing and meat processing industries.

Over 1,200 Samoans are employed under the R.S.E programme in New Zealand, and approximately NZ$10 million is remitted annually in to Samoa through the programme.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Vaosa Epa.

A man who used to work for the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa’s television network, E.F.K.S TV, has pleaded guilty to forging the signature of the General Secretary of the church, Reverend Elder Dr. Iutisone Salevao.

The signature was apparently forged on a local bank cheque in a series of incidents where a total of $15,000 was removed.

Semester Falefatu appeared before the Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu, on Monday.

Falefatu, according to information presented in Court, initially faced six charges.

The Prosecutor, Precious Chang, however, withdrew two of those charges.

Falefatu was then asked if he needed a lawyer to represent him.

He said no, indicating that he was ready to enter his plea.

With two of six charges withdrawn, Falefatu then pleaded guilty to four counts of forgery and two counts of theft.

The four counts of forgery included two incidents during which he forged the signature of Rev. Salevao as well as another senior Pastor of the Church.

The theft charges involve the amounts of $700 and $800 he took while he was working at the TV network.

The matter has been adjourned to 18 August 2014.

It has been referred to the court of Justice Vui Clarence Nelson.

“We want to identify which variety is best for freezing and present options to exporters to consider. We also want to present options for exporters so they can minimize the cost and still produce quality frozen taro” – Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa

A project driven by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S) with assistance from Australia to look at the best ways to export frozen talo was put to the test yesterday.

The first sensory evaluation for frozen taro, as per ongoing trials funded by the Pacific Horticultural and Market Access Programme (P.H.A.M.A) programme, took place at S.R.O.S’s conference room.

The project is looking at the best ways to package talo so that it could arrive at its final destination fresh and ready to be used.

Yesterday’s evaluation looked at the Samoa 1 type, after it was frozen for three months.

“Freezing is one of the methods of food preservation that retains taste, texture and nutritional value over long storage periods,” S.R.O.S’s Manager of Plant and Food Technology, Kuinimeri Asora Finau explained.

“There were eight different steps that the Samoa 1 taro was put through. So today is to taste and see what the outcome of our research is.

“The idea is to determine the optimum process pathway to freeze taro."

“We want to identify which variety is best for freezing and present options to exporters to consider. We also want to present options for exporters so they can minimize the cost and still produce quality frozen taro.”

One of the markets being targeted is Australia.

There is still no talo from Samoa being exported there since the days of the talo leaf blight.

“Our role is to look at which variety; Samoa 1 and Samoa 2, that is best when it’s frozen.”

She added that this is the first time Samoa has come “across this process” and she hopes that if successful, the project will give more opportunities to talo farmers.

“What we are looking at is to enter the market in Australia with the best ‘ready to cook frozen taro’ after this process.”

So what’s the verdict after yesterday’s test?

Unfortunately, we will have to wait until next week when the Samoa 2 type talo is put to the test.

P.H.A.M.A. is an Australian-funded initiative designed to provide practical and targeted assistance to help Pacific countries manage the regulatory aspects associated with exporting primary products.

This encompasses gaining access for new products into new markets, as well as helping to manage issues associated with maintaining existing trade.

A teenage boy from Indiana who was flying around the world with his father in a single-engine plane was killed when their plane crashed earlier today near American Samoa. The father is missing at sea.

Babar Suleman and his 17-year-old son, Haris, took off from American Samoa this morning. The US Coast Guard notified the family about the crash at sea this morning and said that it had found Haris Suleman's body and the plane's wreckage but had not located Babar Suleman.

The pair left on their around the world adventure June 19 from Greenwood, Indiana, to raise money for The Citizens Foundation, a nonprofit that builds schools in rural Pakistan, the Indianapolis Star reported. Their stops included England, Egypt and Pakistan. They had hoped to "break the record for the fastest circumnavigation around the world with the youngest pilot commanding a private, single engine airplane," the newspaper reported.

"We don’t really know what happened with the plane," Hiba Suleman, Haris' sister, said in a press conference today. She said the plane took off at 9:50 p.m. local time and at 10:15 p.m. the air traffic controller saw the lights of the plane go down about 23 miles off American Samoa.

"Dad talked for years of going on this trip. We believed in it. We knew there was a risk," she said.

Their favorite stops were Pago Pago and Egypt, where they rode camels and saw pyramids. She said her brother was glad he got to spend so much time with dad, an idea "most people would run from."

Her father had been flying since 2007 and Haris had started learning last year, obtaining his flying license in June, she said. They were expected back home on Saturday.

Azher Kaan, a family friend, told reporters that he received an email from Babar this morning talking about how they were on their way back. "We were organizing welcome banners," he said. "We're still hopeful we will have Babar coming back."

He said the pair had raised over $500,000 "for building schools in impoverished neighborhoods, for children who had nothing."

The Coast Guard was searching for Babar Suleman late today.

By: http://abcnews.go.com/US/indiana-teen-flying-world-crashes-american-samoa/story?id=24683762

The former Chief Executive Officer of Health, Palanitina Tupuimatagi Toelupe, has been awarded an important water contract.

According to a media release from Cabinet, she has been awarded the contract Technical Assistance Services to Review and Update National Drinking Water Standards.

“The tender for the consultant contract was advertised for public interest, and two candidates submitted applications,” a statement from Cabinet said.

“An assessment was conducted by the Sub Committee according to the Tender Bidding Document before a recommendation was tabled before Cabinet for approval.”

The effect on the big, strong Samoan man has been dramatic, with his weight dropping from 137 kilograms to 112 kilograms, as he, with Ropati-Frost by his side, spent more and more time in hospital

Eventually the moment overwhelmed Erika Ropati-Frost.

She had shown remarkable strength on Sunday in talking about the challenges she and her husband, Tuvale, had faced in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games, which begin in Glasgow this week.

“Sorry,” she says, taking a moment before continuing her story.

Tuvale, who initially thought he had a common cold, was diagnosed with cancer in April and has just finished seven weeks of intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatment to fight the tumour in his sinus cavity.

The effect on the big, strong Samoan man has been dramatic, with his weight dropping from 137 kilograms to 112 kilograms, as he, with Ropati-Frost by his side, spent more and more time in hospital.

“From what they told me it was one of the toughest treatments that a cancer patient to go through,” she said.

“He was always my rock and to have those roles reversed and to see him in probably in one of the weakest stages in his life, it was definitely really hard.”

Ropati-Frost says seeing Tuvale’s weakened body - he had endured 35 days of radiation treatment - made it extremely hard leaving her husband of a year to travel to Glasgow, where she will be competing in the 53kg division.

“I remember the day I left we both just broke down and I didn’t want to leave ... and when they made the call for us to board to leave Brisbane it was just extremely emotional for me,” she said.

“I have good teammates who are really supportive and everyone’s always asking about how he’s going. He has said that he’s on the mend, (that) he is feeling better from the day that I left.”

“The doctors have said it’s only going to get easier. He’s gone through the hard part so it’s time for me to do the hard part of weightlifting.”

“Under this sort of pressure and having something really motivating to do well I think he’s going to give me the emotional strength to really do well at these Games and I’m hoping that I can make him proud at the moment.”

Ropati-Frost has competed in the past two Games in the 48kg division, claiming bronze in the Melbourne in 2006, but has now moved up to the 53kg. She believes she is among a group of contenders that could win a medal.

“There’s some really strong girls but with the weights that I’m hoping I can do, and I believe that I’m capable of doing, I might be able to get onto that podium,” Ropati-Frost says,

“But at the same time my teammate Socheata (Be), we’re on the same level, she’s strong in the snatch, I’m strong in the clean and jerk so out of the two of us it really depends on who can pull it out on the day.”

“There’s quite a few of us who might be able to sneak in for bronze, maybe a silver medal. It depends on what happens on the day but I can only have my fingers crossed and hopefully my hard work and preparation is going to give me some good results.”

PR - To assist students with their preparations for the 2014 National Exams, the Association of Teachers of English in Samoa (T.A.T.E.S) held tutorials last Saturday.

These were held from 9 am to 12 noon at three centers in Upolu – Sagaga, Maluafou and Falealili Colleges.

The members of the association which include lecturers and teachers from the National University of Samoa, government, mission and private schools were pleased with the turn up of students at each centre.

Students from other colleges attended the centre closest to them.

For instance, students from Lepa/Lotofaga and Palalaua Colleges joined students of Falealili at their College.

The turn-up of students attested to students’ eagerness to learn, and also school principals’ support of the association and their continued efforts to support the teaching of English as a subject.

The Association plans to continue these tutorials on a fortnightly basis and to hold tutorials also for students in Savai’i.

T.A.T.E.S wishes to extend their appreciation to the Principals and Communities of Sagaga, Falealili and Maluafou for availing their school premises for the tutorials.

The Manu Samoa Sevens will have to overcome Wales first if they want a crack at the Commonwealth Games gold medal in Glasgow, Scotland.

Wales is Samoa’s most formidable pool opponent with Papua New Guinea and Malaysia rounding off the pool.

Samoa is coached by veteran Manu Samoa coach, Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua. The team sees the return of veteran Lolo Lui, who is among a number of young players picked by Fuimaono.

Meanwhile, New Zealand will seek to extend their stranglehold on the Commonwealth Games rugby sevens for a fifth successive time when it gets under way at Ibrox Stadium, their bid boosted by the absence of arch-rivals Fiji.

The All Blacks have won all four previous Commonwealth sevens tournaments, dating back to the Jonah Lomu-inspired triumph in Kuala Lumpur in 1998, and have since dominated the IRB Sevens World Series of a sport which will be included in the Rio Olympics in 2016.

“For 16 years now Rugby Sevens has enjoyed being a key part of the Commonwealth Games,” said Bernard Lapasset, president of rugby union’s world governing body, the IRB.

“To compete alongside their compatriots in a multi-sport environment is a matter of huge pride and honour for our rugby players, who are making giant strides in this new Olympic era. We wish our rugby athletes all the best in this magnificent international event.”

The Fijians will not be in Scotland, however, having missed qualification after the late inclusion of their country in the multi-sport event.

Formidable

Despite their absence, there is a formidable line-up of teams that turn out on the IRB world circuit.

Reigning champions New Zealand have been drawn in Pool A alongside Canada, Nigeria and tournament hosts Scotland, who have named star international British and Irish Lion full-back Stuart Hogg and veteran winger Sean Lamont in the squad.

Silver medallists four years ago in New Delhi, Australia, and bronze medallists South Africa are top seeds in pools D and B respectively, while other World Series regulars in Samoa, England, Kenya, Wales and Canada will be determined to challenge the dominance of the mighty Sevens All Blacks.

The beauty of the Commonwealths means there are also places for the unheralded likes of Malaysia, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uganda.

Stalwart DJ Forbes, along with Sherwin Stowers and Tim Mikkelson plus World Cup winners Declan O’Donnell and Pita Ahki, headline the New Zealand team coached by veteran Gordon Tietjens.

“Winning a gold medal at a Commonwealth Games is very special,” said Tietjens. “There is nothing better than seeing a player being presented with a gold medal and listening to the anthem.”

Teams grouping:

Pool A - Scotland, New Zealand, Canada, Barbados
Pool B - South Africa, Kenya, Cook Islands, Trinidad and Tobago
Pool C - Samoa, Wales, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia
Pool D - England, Australia, Sri Lanka, Uganda

“We now have the means to produce and distribute millions of breadfruit trees for tree planting projects in the tropics, where hunger and lack of food sustainability are prevalent.”

The government has received US$12,240 (T$29,000) from the sales of a Samoan breadfruit cultivar as a result of a landmark benefit-sharing agreement entered into six years ago.

The cheque was presented by Dr Diane Ragone, the Director of the Hawaii-based Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden (N.T.B.G) to the Deputy Prime Minister, Fonotoe Nuafesili Pierre Lauofo this week.

The money is the result of two years of tree sales.

“At this critical time of global food security issues, these exciting partnerships now make it possible for the Breadfruit Institute to make significant advances in promoting the cultivation and use of breadfruit,” said Dr Ragone.

“We now have the means to produce and distribute millions of breadfruit trees for tree planting projects in the tropics, where hunger and lack of food sustainability are prevalent.

“Since 2009, Ma’afala trees have been distributed to 27 countries, including Haiti, Jamaica, Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, and Myanmar.”

In 2008, N.T.B.G entered into a memorandum of understanding with the government of Samoa that the non-profit N.T.B.G is designated as Samoa’s agent to distribute Samoan breadfruit varieties globally through Cultivaris/Global Breadfruit, a horticultural partner with growing facilities in California, Europe, and Central America.

For each tree sold, N.T.B.G receives a royalty and, in turn, gives 50per cent of that royalty to the Samoan government.

Through the benefit sharing agreement these funds help support the work of the Ministry of Agriculture in research and development of new crops and new varieties for the Samoan people.

It will also help villages to develop breadfruit and other botanical collections and educate others about traditional knowledge and culture of the Samoan people.

The foundation for the agreement stems back to the 1980s when Dr Ragone spent years of collecting breadfruit varieties throughout the tropical Pacific.

N.T.B.G established a comprehensive collection of more than 120 varieties at its Maui garden in 1989.

In order to put greater emphasis on the conservation and study of this important food crop, N.T.B.G formed its Breadfruit Institute in 2003 with Dr Ragone at the helm.

After conducting a number of studies in nutrition and seasonality, the Institute began collaborating with Dr Susan Murch, at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, an expert in in vitro micropropagation.

Breadfruit is generally propagated vegetatively, from root shoots. Dr Murch’s tissue culture work thus far has put two Samoan varieties, Ma‘afala and ‘Ulu fiti, into mass production by Cultivaris. In addition to those originating in Samoa, Dr

Murch has had success with several other varieties from the Pacific.

Dr Ragone also presented a flat of 60 micro-propagated plants of the Aveloloa variety to the Ministry of Agriculture upon arrival at Fagali’i Airport, as part of the institute’s “Plant a Tree of Life” project.

“When I first began my work on collecting and documenting breadfruit diversity in 1985, while a graduate research assistant at USP Alafua, one of my long-term goals was to conserve traditional varieties. The Aveloloa is a gift to Samoa, and represents the first return of a culturally important, indigenous variety of breadfruit to its home country,” Dr Ragone said.

Part of Dr Ragone’s visit to Samoa also included discussions with the Chief Executive Officer of the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa, Tilafono David Hunter, concerning their breadfruit flour as well as a visit to the Women in

Business and Development (WIBD) site at Nu’u.

Today, she will give a presentation at the National University of Samoa on “The Conservation and Use of Breadfruit - An Old Crop with a New Future” at 12p.m. and members of the public who are interested are invited to attend.

National Tropical Botanical Garden a not-for-profit, non-governmental institution with nearly 2,000 acres of gardens and preserves in Hawai‘i and Florida. Its mission is to enrich life through discovery, scientific research, conservation, and education by perpetuating the survival of plants, ecosystems, and cultural knowledge of tropical regions.

NTBG’s Breadfruit Institute, www.breadfruit.org promotes the conservation and use of breadfruit for food and reforestation. NTBG is supported primarily through donations and grants.

The Director General of the Ministry of Health, Leausa Dr Take Naseri, has put the country on a High Health Alert

The alert issued during an emergency press conference called by the Ministry of Health Moto’otua yesterday follows an outbreak of Acute Fever and Rash (A.F.R) in American Samoa.

The outbreak apparently killed one young man at the beginning of the week. More than 100 cases of A.F.R have since emerged during the past few days.

“Due to the proximity of our two islands, the Ministry of Health advises the public to be on High Alert to prevent an outbreak here in Samoa,” Leausa said in a statement issued to the media

Members of the public are advised to take precautions and seek medical advice immediately when they experience symptoms such as “fever, skin rashes, joint pains, generalised body aches, headaches and other less common symptoms.”

The Ministry of Health also advised the country to:

• Avoid mosquito bites using proper clothing; mosquito repellents, bed nets and screens etc.

• Mosquito control by elimination of mosquito breeding sites, indoors and outdoors. Clearing drainages, stagnant water or any articles retaining water.

• Restrict travel to and from American Samoa during this time of the outbreak.

• Stay alert to the situation through updates given to Doctors, Nurses and key government agencies in Samoa.

“The Ministry of Health Samoa has been notified of an outbreak of Acute Fever and Rash (AFR) in American Samoa.”

According to Leausa, two people have been hospitalized in American Samoa with one in Intensive Care Unit.

“It is suspected that this is caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes.”

He added: “The Ministry of Health continues to heightened Surveillance and Vector Control measures especially at the ports of entry, for Health protection.”

According to a story from Samoa News earlier this week, a young man in American Samoa died as a result of the A.F.R outbreak.

American Samoa’s Department of Health (DOH) Director, Motusa Tuileama Nua said they “suspect this outbreak may be caused by one of the mosquito spread-diseases that have been circulating in the South Pacific, which are dengue fever, ckihungunya and zika viruses.”

According to Motusa, these diseases can cause serious complications including bleeding, paralysis, persistent arthritis and eventually death.

“Specialized lab tests needed to identify which of these diseases may be causing the current outbreak are arranged.”

He pointed out that if anyone develops fever, body aches with or without rash, they should go to a clinic or ER within one day of onset.

DOH physician, Dr Mark Durand, told Samoa News the deceased man “became very sick within a week of first contracting the illness and he was actually very well cared for at the hospital but he had several complications.”

He explained that he had internal bleeding which caused the heart and the lungs to fail. He said they suspected dengue fever, however, when physicians conducted testing of the dengue, the result was negative.

Dr Durand added that the public should note that the “high risks types of mosquito are the ones that bite two hours before light and two hours before dawn.”

“When a situation happens, officers
must act - in such situation you need quality officers to act on that power without abuse. The problem is with what the Commission has heard… it is certain to the Commission that the officers have a lot of freedom to punish prisoners to satisfy personal quirk"

The suspended Commissioner of Police, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo, yesterday responded to several allegations against him before a new Commission of Inquiry.

Chaired by Ombudsman Maiava Iulai Toma, the allegations target his handling of police procedures especially in relation to the running of Tafa’igata Prison.

Yesterday, before the Police Commissioner could take the stand, however, Ombudsman Maiava pointed out that the Commissioner’s reappointment warrant by Cabinet was not signed.

“I am not fully aware why, but I do know for a fact it was not signed,” said Maiava. “Now we have a situation where the matters and mechanism that should be in place for us to easily assess the performance of the Commissioner are in fact not in place.”

The Inquiry decided to proceed citing that members of the public are “entitled to an accounting of the Commissioner’s performance.”

Lilomaiava was then questioned about the treatment of prisoners and the absence of policies to monitor activities at Tafaigata.

Lilomaiava said he does not deny the issues that were raised.

“Ever since (I became Commissioner) there wasn’t any regulation in place for the Prisons Act 1967,” he said. “There were about five Commissioners before me and this practice of no regulation has been carried forth from the past years."

“But when I was appointed, I initiated policies that include the police force work and the Tafaigata prison.”

Lilomaiava cited policies that cover the handling of prisoners, death, transportation and health care among others. The Chairman of the Inquiry then noted that the Commissioner had submitted eight documents detailing policies implemented by the Commissioner as well as a list of work in progress before his suspension.

About the treatment of prisoners, Lilomaiava referred to the Police Act where there are specific periods a convict has to serve before they can be on parole. He said that Cell No. 9, which is often referred to as the “cement wall” hasn’t been used for a long time.

The cell is said to be a dark room where prisoners are isolated for disciplinary situations.

However, a lawyer assisting the Commission, Sine Lafaiali’i Koria, reminded the Commissioner that “what is in the act is not necessarily what is done”.
Chairman Maiava agreed.

He pointed out that it appears that when prisoners behave badly, they are taken from their regular place and put somewhere else for punishment.

“The Act says only the Commissioner is authorised to give such punishment,” said Maiava. “It seems from the Commission of Inquiry that any police officer can institute punishment at Tafaigata. It’s so loose for such an important matter…”

In response, Lilomaiava said when the Commissioner is not at the immediate vicinity of the prison and police officers’ lives are at risk, they need to take appropriate actions.

“Such conditions are extreme and in tight conditions you can't wait to call the Commissioner first to make the order before you can lock them up,” he said.

“But I know what you are saying, however, like I mentioned before there weren’t any regulations in place before but they are now.”

Maiava disagreed. He stressed that the problem is the quality of police officers.

“When a situation happens, officers must act - in such situation's you need quality officers to act on that power without abuse. The problem is with what the Commission has heard, it is certain to the Commission that the officers have a lot of freedom to punish prisoners to satisfy personal quirk. Officers had a lot of power to punish prisoners when it’s not justified.”

Lilomaiava did not dispute this.

“I am not denying it that they do abuse their power,” said Lilomaiava. “I’ve had people that come to me and report it but those are only the ones reported.”

Death at Tafa’igata prison.

Ms Koria asked the Police Commissioner to offer an explanation about the death of Hans Dalton at Tafaigata prison.

Dalton was a psychiatric patient that was found dead in a 44 gallon drum on 26th December, 2012. He was placed in protective custody in prison as a result of a request from the Head of Mental Unit of the National Hospital due to his public aggressiveness.

Ms Koria told the Commission that police were on camp at Tafaigata and asked what were the actions of the Commissioner done in handling the case.

Lilomaiava said there were only four police officers on duty and they “didn’t expect that a sick person from the hospital would be brought in”.

The Commissioner blamed the officer that was on duty for not asking for assistance.

“As you know, we don’t have special cells to lock up patients with mental needs.”

Maiava interjected and said it appears from the Commissioner that the fault falls on the Senior Constable who was in charge.

“This one person was given a huge responsibility to look after the whole prison,” said Maiava. “But look at the irony of the case, here’s a desperate man screaming out loud for help and no one was alerted."

“The irony of it is that (from evidence) people mocked him and said things to him. What does this say about the leadership at the Police?”

Lilomaiava said Tafa’igata is not a peaceful place, it is a place full of people who scream often.

“It is full of angry people, unhappy people and different kinds of people. There is just no peace there.”

The Commissioner said an investigation was launched into the death of Dalton and four police officers were questioned. Two pleaded guilty to being negligent in carrying out their duties and the other two pleaded not guilty. They appeared before the Police tribunal.

It has not been made known publically what has happened to those officers.

Which led Ombudsman Maiava to ask Lilomaiava if he was not curious to find out what actually happened and who killed Dalton.

“I can’t sleep,” he said. “When I do I feel like I’m sleeping on maggots, I can’t rest properly.”

Another Commission member, Su’a Tanielu Su’a asked Lilomaiava why he didn’t take appropriate actions to discipline the Assistant Commissioner or terminate him for all the problems at Tafa’igata.

Head of Tafa’igata prison and prisoners.

During the first Inquiry, the Commission found that there was an incident reported and investigated by the Police’s Standards Unit involving former Assistant Commissioner, Sala Uili Seaga, asking a prisoner to give him a massage.

Lilomaiava was asked how he handled the matter.

In response, he said once there were allegations, there was an immediate investigation.

“I also spoke to Sala about it and he denied it,” said Lilomaiava.

Handling prison’s project money.

The Commissioner was also asked to explain why Sala kept the prisoners’ money. The Commission was told that there was a substantial amount of money found in a safe at Tafa’igata prison.

Lilomaiava replied that the money must have been from vegetables sold and the furniture being made there.

“I ordered Sala to deposit the money in the bank and he said he will,” said Lilomaiava. “I wasn’t aware that he didn’t until I was told that the Commission of Inquiry found the money in a safe at Tafa’igata during their investigation.”

Escaped prisoners and Tafaigata under staffed.

The Commissioner was asked why there were not enough officers to man the Tafaigata prison.

Lilomaiava said in the Police budget, it has always been their plea every year to have more officers at the prison.

“I have also been to the Minister about this matter and his response was there was not enough money. We didn’t have the budget.”

Asked about prisoners constantly running away, Lilomaiava said there is a real need to upgrade the facilities at the prison, especially the fence.

He said money has always been a problem.

“You only need two mass arrests with things like village disputes to finish that budget,” he said about the money allocated for Tafa’igata. “Because they’ll be in prison for two to three weeks before their court hearings. After that, the Court

will adjourn and we are left to feed about forty of them from this case for many months until their trial is up.”

Drinking at Tafaigata prison.

Another matter raised yesterday was the “drinking culture” at Tafa’igata where some officers had consistently drank on the prison ground and claimed they were given “special permission” for it.

Chairman Maiava told Lilomaiava that the Commission has heard a lot from prisoners that drinking is a common thing there.

“A Superintendent confirmed that he did so on daily basis. He put it this way, that he would have just four bottles and that he has special permission from Commissioner to do this yet the rules from Tafaigata are clear that this is not allowed.”

In response, Lilomaiava told the Commission that “drinking is strictly not allowed at Tafa’igata."

“They are not allowed to do this because people are looking at it.”

The Inquiry continues today.

“Through those twelve days, we’ll be doing things that basically encounter how to escort a V.I.P safely and we’re also looking at diplomacy and protocol.”

The Police are doing their bit to ensure the thousands of visitors expected in Samoa for the Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S) Conference are protected.

Yesterday, the Close Personal Protection (C.P.P) Training Programme was officially launched as part of the country’s preparations for the meeting in September.

The programme has been made possible with assistance from the Australian Police.

The training, held in Apia, is designed to upgrade the level of police protection provided by local police officers to international standards.

“It is important for the Samoa Police service to set activities to improve the capacities of our police members in providing effective law enforcement not only for delegates that will be here for the conference but also for the people of Samoa as well,” Assistant Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu said.

“It is important to recognise that in these changing times in the policing content, the Samoa police service can now benefit from the knowledge and the experience of our Australian friends to improve the skills within our own policing service.”

Fauono encouraged the participants to make good use of the course.

“You must always remember that the safety and the lives of these people who will be coming for the S.I.D.S are in your hands.”

The 12-day training is being provided by C.C.P trainers from Australia.

“The aim of this course is to have the officers operating at the international level and that’s what we are providing in the training,” said Lucas Atkins, a Close Personal Protection Trainer

“Through those 12 days, we’ll be doing things that basically encounter how to escort a V.I.P safely and we’re also looking at diplomacy and protocol.”

Some 51 police officers will be undergoing the training with 26 starters and 25 refreshers.

Participants of the training said that it was a great experience for them to learn something new.

“This training has been a challenge,” said Hillary Eteuati

“We’ve learned so much on how to protect and ensure that the lives of those who will be coming are safe.”