Four students at the O Le Amosa o Savavau University celebrated sweet success on Friday.

The students were presented with certificates during a low-key ceremony after one year of study at the Vaitele-based University.

The Founder and President of the University; Aiono Dr. Fanaafi Le Tagaloa, said Friday was a proud moment for the graduates because they had overcome the challenges they faced to achieve success.

“We had eight students registered in the beginning and now only four are receiving certificates,” she said. “I want to congratulate them and say a big ‘fa’amalo’ to their families for their support.”

Aiono said there were many obstacles along the way but the students persevered.

“One of challenges we’ve faced since the establishment of this University is that most students are not able to pay their school fees. But we have been able to keep going and today is a very happy day for all of us.”

One of those proud students was Toafa Paiali’i.

“I want to thank my husband and my children for supporting me throughout,” she said.

“This has really helped me in building up myself in the Samoan Language and glory be to God for I know that He has a great plan for my life.”

As an adult student, Mrs. Paiali’i admits that it is not easy to juggle studies and her other roles – including being a mother.

“But I’m driven to go school every day,” she said. “I get excited and everyday I come to school expecting to receive and learn from my lecturers. Today, I’m so proud to have received this certificate from Dr. Aiono.”

Studying, she said, is a “commitment.”

“You have to do it, you have to make time. I have many commitments but I always make time available to attend as this has definitely not been wasted time for me.”

Another graduate, Ta’a Lagavae says the Le Amosa o Savavau University has something for everyone.

“This has been a great year,” Ta’a said.

“I have learnt something new every day about the Samoan culture and customs. Having Dr. Aiono around us every time is a blessing. I’m really looking forward to learning more next year.”

The graduates
Ta’a Logovae
To’afa Paiali’i
Fatima Strickland
Fiu Nimarota

The Micronesian Block has hinted a willingness to accept a successor to Tuiloma from the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia.

The post of Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, currently held by Tuiloma Neroni Slade, is up for grabs.

This week, a high level seven-member delegation from the Solomon Islands led by that country’s Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, will push for Solomon Islands candidate.

Solomon Islands candidate is Dr. Jimmie Rodgers who until recently was the Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

He is one of three contestants at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau this week.

The Micronesian Block has hinted a willingness to accept a successor to Tuiloma from the Melanesian Spearhead Group, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia.

The Lilo delegation will need to lobby hard for Dr. Rodgers as the other two candidates are from PNG and Fiji.

The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting is the third top-over of the current world tour for Prime Minister Lilo and his delegates.

They have been in Havana, Cuba where they officially opened Solomon Islands Embassy there after it opened its doors last year and has been manned by former National

Parliamentarian Simeon Bouro as Ambassador.

The Prime Minister’s trip will also see him opening our new Embassy in Jakarta, national capital of Indonesia, which is being headed by the former Chief Protocol of the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Salana Kalu as Ambassador.

Meanwhile, the People’s Alliance Party has reiterated its earlier call on the Lilo government not to lose sight of the plight of the Melanesian people of West Papua who have been struggling for political freedom from Indonesian colonial rule.

“…strategically if we could identify an area of mutual interest for investment I think that would be very good, not only in fisheries but also other possibilities - tourism, hotels, industry” – P.M. Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi

Talks between the Samoan government and Ngati Kahungunu are the first Samoa has had directly with any iwi about potential economic partnerships, Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, says.

Tuilaepa spent Thursday and Friday in Hawke’s Bay as part of an eight-day visit to New Zealand.

His time in the region included visiting fruit-growing and seafood businesses, and being hosted to a hangi lunch at the home of Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana on Friday.

He also met iwi staff to discuss Samoa and Ngati Kahungunu’s shared interest in the seafood business and their potential to work together on other initiatives.

“Certainly we [Samoa] are in a central position so strategically if we could identify an area of mutual interest for investment I think that would be very good, not only in fisheries but also other possibilities - tourism, hotels, industry,” Tuilaepa said.

“I think there are a lot of opportunities there in the tourism sector.”

The talks with Ngati Kahungunu were the type of discussion the Samoan Government generally had with the private sector “but I think this is the first time we are talking to an iwi as a group in New Zealand”, he said.

“It is very exciting because it is quite a different approach in the sense of the government and iwi as an investment group, with cultural connotations.”

During the meeting at Ngati Kahungunu’s Hastings offices, Mr. Tomoana talked about the links between Samoa and the iwi, along with his personal family connections.

Ngati Kahungunu’s waka, Takitimu, is said to have been built in Samoa 1200 years ago before embarking on its journey to New Zealand, via several other Pacific islands.

Mr. Tomoana’s mother, June, arrived by “banana boat” from Samoa as a child 80 years ago.

Mr. Tomoana joked with the Samoan delegation that it was good for the iwi to finally meet up “after 1200 years”.

“As part of the Pacific, Ngati Kahungunu and Takitimu have been talking for a long time about rekindling the Hawaiki nation.”

“And more than just culture and politics - there is the economic side to it, too,” he said.

Ties between Hawke’s Bay and Samoa included seasonal migrant workers employed in the region’s orchards, he said.

“Ngati Kahungunu are ready to trade with our Pacific brothers and sisters.”

“Every year we get 500-plus Samoan and 5000 Pacific Islanders through our area. There are opportunities for us. There are opportunities in hosting and support services in a whole lot of areas.”

Tuilaepa, who is also chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, said the nation was excited about the recently confirmed first test between his country and the All Blacks, to be played next year.

“True to the excellent principle of reciprocity, when we come here and the All Blacks make us play in the freezing weather, we are going to reciprocate by making them play at 12 o’clock in our heat. It is how rugby is played amongst friends,” he said.

He said the match would be a useful experience for the All Blacks just ahead of the next Rugby World Cup, because the world champions had suffered in the past from playing “softer teams” earlier on in the competition, meaning they were not prepared when it came to serious competition.

“I’m quite sure the All Blacks would like a tough Manu Samoa-All Blacks game because only a few weeks after that we will have the World Cup,” he said.

Three organisations are the recipients of books and a cheque of $7,000 each funded from the proceeds collected during the Literacy Week.

The Samoa Victim Support Group’s House of Hope, Sei Oriana Trust and the Nelson Memorial Library benefitted from the money collected during a golf tournament, where a brand new Ford Ranger was up for grabs.
Samoa Stationery and Books (SSAB) General Manager, Fiti Leung Wai, presented the gifts during a gathering at the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture’s conference room on Friday.
The Ministry and S.S.A.B had joined forces to promote the annual celebration.
In handing over the money, Mrs. Leung Wai said her company hopes the money would help to develop and nurture future leaders of Samoa.

“Our main goal is to help with the future of Samoa’s children,” she said.
“We hope the money will be used wisely and we hope and look forward to having future professors for Samoa (who are nurtured through this).”
Fuimaono Naoia Schuster, of Sei Oriana Trust, Papali’i Tusimona Tinai, from S.V.S.G and Fepulea’i Fa’ataui Solofuti, on behalf of the Nelson Library, received the gifts.
The members thanked S.S.A.B and M.E.S.C for their hard work in initiating the Literacy week and in doing so, ensuring that the children of Samoa are given every opportunity available to read.
This year’s Literacy Week was guided by the theme “Leaders are Readers”.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of MESC, Leota Velma Galuvao thanked S.S.A.B for their support. She stressed that children must be the priority and they should be encouraged to be in school where they can get an education.

Vaipava Nevo Ioane of Samoa emerged from twenty weightlifters in the 62kgs category to claim a bronze medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Lifting a combined 271kg in the snatch and clean and jerk, Ioane’s feat is hopefully the first of many medals to come from our weightlifters.

Manu Samoa is to play England in the quarterfinal of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games after a convincing opening day at the tournament where they won all their games.

Over 90,000 fans packed into Ibrox Stadium to witness two thrilling sessions on the first day’s play in the Rugby Sevens tournament at the Commonwealth Games.

In two years time Sevens will take its place at the Olympic Games in Rio and once again defending Commonwealth Games champions New Zealand have underlined their credentials in multi-sports events.

The All Blacks Sevens have won all four Commonwealth Games gold medals contested to date and maintained their 100% record in Commonwealth Games on day one at Ibrox with three wins from three, a feat matched by Samoa, Australia and South Africa.

Tournament hosts Scotland won a crucial match against Canada late in the day to proceed with New Zealand from pool A and join the kiwis, South Africa, Kenya, Samoa, Wales, England and Australia in the medal quarter-finals on day two.

Pool A – New Zealand, Canada, Scotland, Barbados
Sir Gordon Tietjens’ side began their fifth Games campaign with a 39-0 victory against Canada thanks to two tries apiece from captain DJ Forbes and Ben Lam, before Sherwin Stowers scored twice in an enthralling 17-14 defeat of Scotland and a final win, 59-0, against Barbados.

They were most uncomfortable against Scotland. Leading 17-0 in the second half they conceded two tries to Lee Jones but held on for a 17-14 win. If Scotland almost upset the favourites in that, their first match, they turned on the style in their second by beating Barbados 56-0 and then scored a crucial 21-5 win against Canada to reach the medal quarter-finals on day two.
After that initial chastening loss to New Zealand, the Canadians bounced back to beat the Bajans 68-5, captain John Moonlight scoring two tries and Nathan Hirayama adding 17 points, but their two losses mean the Canadians are out of the medal running.

Pool B – South Africa, Kenya, Cook Islands, Trinidad and Tobago
Seabelo Senatla scored a hat-trick in both of South Africa’s first two games and another in their decisive win against Kenya as the Delhi bronze medalists topped their pool. The Blitzboks beat Trinidad and Tobago 38-0 and Cook Islands 50-0 to win a place in the medal quarter finals and then outclassed Kenya to win 20-0 in the final game of the first day.
Recently capped Springbok Cornal Hendricks scored a second half hat trick in a little over one minute against the Cooks as the Blitzboks built momentum and caught the eye on day one.
Two tries from Collins Injera helped Kenya to their opening 28-0 win against the Cook Islands and they then recorded a 35-5 win against T&T in the second session to book their place in the medal knock-outs.

The Cooks beat Trinidad and Tobago 33-10 with James Raea scoring a hat-trick.

Pool C – Samoa, Wales, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia
With former captains Lolo Lui and Afa Aiono back in the side, Samoa scored three opening victories to guarantee themselves a place in the quarter finals as top seed from their pool. Early on they beat fellow Oceania side Papua New Guinea 33-14 and in the second session they eased to a 54-0 win against Malaysia before a late 19-12 victory over Wales.
Wales are also still in the hunt for medals on day two after a 52-0 win against Malaysia and a 29-7 win over PNG.
Earlier the Papua New Guineans bounced back from their opening defeat to beat Malaysia 36-7, Albert Levi scoring twice, and their try against Wales also brought the biggest cheer from the generous crowd.

Pool D – England, Australia, Sri Lanka, Uganda
2010 silver medalists Australia scored three wins in Pool D, crucially beating England in the pool decider in the day’s penultimate match, 15-7. Earlier the Wallaby Seven beat Sri Lanka 62-7 with to 27 points from Cameron Clark, and Uganda 43-5 with four tries for Greg Jeloudev.
England earlier won their first two matches to book their place in medal knock-outs. Dan Norton, captain Tom Mitchell, Phil Burgess and James Rodwell all scored two tries in a 57-0 win against Sri Lanka and they then beat Uganda 40-0. They did, though, lose captain Mitchell against Australia to an injury which may end his tournament.
Uganda scored a memorable 17-14 win against Sri Lanka in the penultimate tie of the pool.

Cup (medal) quarter-finals
New Zealand v Kenya
Australia v Wales
Samoa v England
South Africa v Scotland

Bowl quarter-finals
Canada v T&T
Uganda v Malaysia
PNG v Sri Lanka
Cook Islands v Barbados

Commonwealth Games Rugby Sevens - Roll of Honour
1998, Kuala Lumpur - New Zealand
2002, Manchester - New Zealand
2006, Melbourne - New Zealand
2010, Delhi - New Zealand

Stuff - Matching her boyfriend and becoming the third straight Samoan winner was icing on the cake for Isabella Moore at the Lexus Song Quest.

The 23-year-old soprano from West Auckland took out the competition of New Zealand's best young opera singers, two years after her partner Amitai Pati won the award.

Moore flew back from Wales for the event, having recently finished a Masters in Advanced Vocal Performance at the Wales International Academy of Voice.

She said it was overwhelming to take out the top prize - which includes a Study Scholarship of $15,000, and $10,000 cash.

"I was really happy with my performance and it was pretty nerve-wracking waiting to hear the name of the winner, but I'm absolutely thrilled."

In 2009 the contest was won by Samoan singer Aivale Cole, before Moore's partner Pati won in 2012.

Runner-up in this year's competition was fellow Samoan Baritone Benson Wilson, who scored a $10,000 study scholarship and $8000 cash.

Christian Thurston from Rotorua took out third place.

Head judge Kathryn Harries said the standard of opera singers in the final was of an exceptional standard - and it was close among all six finalists.

She said Moore stood out for the combination of vocal technique, expressiveness and her x-factor.

The Song Quest has helped launch the careers of some of New Zealand's leading opera stars including Dames Kiri Te Kanawa, Malvina Major and Jonathan Lemalu.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Series will be officially opened by the Patron of the Samoa Swimming Federation and the Minister for Tourism, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi

Samoa is being invaded this week by open water swimmers from all over the world for the third annual Samoa Swim Series (S.S.S) and Pacific Open Water Challenge (P.O.W.C) starting today.

In the final tally, 160 swimmers from New Zealand and Australia will contest the official Swim Series of three great swims in three days while twenty-two swimmers have signed up for the POWC.

The long distance P.O.W.C kicks off tomorrow with the 10km swim at Aggies Resort. This is followed the next day by the 5km swim from Saletele, Fagaloa Tai to Falefa.

Accompanying the 160 swimmers is a 50-strong group of non-swimming supporters.

Then on Wednesday afternoon, the Series will be officially opened by the Patron of the Samoa Swimming Federation and the Minister for Tourism, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi.

The Samoa Series is fast becoming a popular event for New Zealand swimmers. It is well marketed throughout the country during the NZ swim season. It is also starting to make inroads to the much bigger Australian swim market.

Samoa International Events director, Afoa Seti Afoa is also very pleased to have many of the Swimmers return for their third visit to Samoa in three years of the Series.

“In a few short years Samoa events such as the Swim Series and the Warrior Race are becoming very attractive events to the NZ market,” he said.

“There is a 40per cent repeat visits in this year’s intake. That is an amazing return for tourism and the country.

“Ninety-nine percent of that 40per cent had not been to Samoa previously before they attended their very first Samoa Swim Series in 2012.”

At the end of the Swim Series on Saturday many of the swimmers will head to Savaii for an extended holiday at Tanu Beach Fales in Manase.

The benefits of Samoan breadfruit were discussed at a presnetation given by Dr. Diane Ragone at the National University (N.U.S.) last week.

Dr. Ragone, the Director of the Hawaii-based Breadfruit Institute of the National Tropical Botanical Garden (N.T.B.G), held the seminar to discuss her work which deals with the conservation and documentation of breadfruit variety for the general public.

The work of the Breadfruit Institute, which includes education, an outreach program and looking at the health benefits of the fruit through the creative cooking and eating it were also looked at.
Dr. Ragone said that Samoa is really rich in breadfruit and in different breadfruit varieties.

“So I encourage people of Samoa to continue growing breadfruit,” she said.

“To use it more in their diet and also looking at the work that S.R.O.S. (Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa) is doing in economic development.

“All breadfruit varieties are all important- because it is a complex, fibre rich, starchy fruit and it’s (a) very nutritious mineral.

“It is more nutritious than rice, more nutritious than potato and far more nutritious than cassava.

“Breadfruit is high in complex carbohydrates, low in fat, cholesterol and gluten free.

“It has a moderate glycemic index compared to white potato, white rice, white bread and taro.”

A memorial service at sea will be held for a 17-year-old pilot from Indiana and his father, whose plane crashed during an around-the-world flight attempt in American Samoa last Wednesday.

American Samoa's Lieutenant Governor is expected to lead the 2 p.m. service today, which includes throwing a wreath at sea to remember Haris Suleman and his father, Babar. The service will be held at the site where searchers believe the plane may have gone down. Haris Suleman's body was recovered shortly after Wednesday’s crash. Crews are still searching for his father.

Haris Suleman had hoped to set the record for the fastest circumnavigation around the world in a single-engine airplane with the youngest pilot in command. His journey was also a fundraiser to help build schools in his father's native Pakistan. During the weekend, Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin wrote to Mark Dunkerley,

President and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, asking for the airline to offer complimentary round-trip airfares to the Suleman family and also appealed to the people of American Samoa who are booked on tomorrow’s flight, to give up a seat in order for a member of the Suleman family to escort the body of Haris back to Indiana.

Hours later Hawaiian Air responded to Faleomavaega’s request and assured that a seat has been reserved for a member of the Suleman family to accompany Haris home, Faleomavaega said in a press release late Friday.

The Congressman thanked Hawaiian Air President Dunkerley and Vice President Ann Bottecelli and their staff “for making this possible."

A memorial service at sea will be held for a 17-year-old pilot from Indiana and his father, whose plane crashed during an around-the-world flight attempt in American Samoa last Wednesday.

PR - A press conference held at the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (M.N.R.E) announced the partnership between Bluesky Samoa, M.E.S.C and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E) to bring about this year’s Bluesky Samoa Schools Science Fair.

The theme of this year’s Science Fair is “Living With Climate Change”.

The Fair will kick off on July 28th 2014, ending on the 26th of September, 2014 .

The Fair is part of efforts to empower the youth and to encourage the pursuit of knowledge through education. This is also an opportunity for Bluesky in the governments’ efforts through the education sector to highlight Science & Technology as an attractive career path for the youth to endeavor.

BlueSky’s Country Manager, Toleafoa Douglas Creevey, remarked that this sponsorship was very important to BlueSky as it is a way of ensuring that the young ‘Bluesky Scientists’ participating are given a chance to showcase their innovation and creativity through Science & Technological projects.

“BlueSky’s sponsorship for this year’s fair is valued at $30,000,” he said. “We believe this is money well spent in ensuring that through the Science Fair we can empower the future Bluesky Scientists to have a voice and a chance to show what they are made of at this year’s Science Fair. “There will also be an opportunity for the public to support the ‘Bluesky Scientists’ that will make the Bluesky National Final Science Fair by placing their votes for those nominated. More details to follow.”

The ‘Bluesky Scientists’ or students from secondary schools all across the country will be participating in the Science Fair which focuses solely on climate change and its effects on our islands and way of life. The theme of this year’s Science Fair ‘Living with climate change’ is a priority issue to be highlighted at this year’s UN SIDS Conference that Samoa will play host to for the first time.

Samoa hosted the Grom Games two weeks ago. The unique event brought the best U14 surfers to compete over 10 days on the big island.

They came from Australia, United States of America, Brazil and Hawai’i.

The competition was staged at Aganoa Beach Lodge in Savai’.i

“The event is unique in that it’s not just surfing,” says Keith Martin, of Aganoa Beach Lodge.

“It includes numerous challenges like climbing coconut trees, throwing coconuts in the blowhole to see who gets the highest, swim races, kayak races, beach sprints, push ups, table tennis and more challenges to find the fittest overall winner.” These photos taken by Keeghan Alexander Downes show just how beautiful Savai’i really is as a surfing destination.

“The WCPFC should now take firm action to reduce catches of bigeye and allow the stock to rebuild. While bigeye tuna is only 6per cent of the total regional tuna catch, it represents about 12per cent of the value of the catch…”

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (S.P.C) has released new assessments on the status of key regional tuna stocks – skipjack, yellowfin and bigeye tuna.

These show that skipjack and yellowfin remain in a reasonably healthy state, but bigeye, the mainstay of the tropical longline fishery, has now been reduced to less than 20per cent of its unfished stock size.

The assessments, along with over 40 scientific papers produced by S.P.C, are due to be presented at the 10th meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Scientific Committee, being held in Majuro, Marshall Islands, in early August.

Dr. John Hampton, the head of S.P.C’s Oceanic Fisheries Programme, which conducted the assessments, said the reduction of big eye is an issue.

“The reduction of bigeye now to below 20per cent of unfished levels is significant, because this is the limit that the WCPFC has decided represents an unacceptable risk to the stock,” he said.

“The WCPFC should now take firm action to reduce catches of bigeye and allow the stock to rebuild. While bigeye tuna is only 6per cent of the total regional tuna catch, it represents about 12per cent of the value of the catch, which was about USD 6.2 billion overall in 2013. It is an important species for several Pacific Island countries that have longline fisheries in their waters.”

Dr Shelton Harley, who coordinated the scientific team undertaking the assessments, noted: “These assessments were a huge analytical challenge incorporating over 60 years of fisheries and biological data for an area spanning from

Japan to Hawaii in the north and Tasmania to French Polynesia in the south. We had 40 computers running night and day for three months to complete the work.”

For the other species, skipjack and yellowfin tuna, the assessments were considerably brighter.

Skipjack, which accounted for 68per cent of the total tuna catch of 2.6 million tonnes in 2013, is estimated to remain at around 50per cent of unexploited levels, which is a desirable situation for the stock and the purse-seine fishery and reflects the management targets that have been discussed by WCPFC.

Yellowfin, which made up 21per cent of the tuna catch in 2013, has been reduced to about 38per cent of unexploited levels, still a reasonably comfortable situation for the stock.

Dr Harley further noted: “While skipjack and yellowfin populations are currently okay, catches are likely at their full potential.

There are more and more large fishing boats coming into the fishery, and if that continues we’ll see even these fairly healthy stocks fall to levels that may impact their biological health and the profitability of the fishery. Some urgent decisions are required on limits and their allocation.”

Sa’moana in Salamumu had the honour of showcasing the spirit of Samoa for Fun Travel TV from Australia.

Daniel Mendola, the C.E.O. of Clearwater Sports Resort Ltd who owns Sa’Moana, said the crew had been staying at his resort for a week, filming Samoa adventures and culture. According to its website, Fun Travel TV shares travel destinations throughout Queensland, Australia and the South Pacific online, via travel videos. “We will show you accommodation, tours, attractions, adventures and dining, so you can watch what it is like first and make sure you pick something you like,” the website reads.

“No use being disappointed on your holiday, we help you spend your money doing things you really want to do instead.

“Video shows you the ‘real’ experience.”

The site says there are three things that stand out when you visit Samoa. “Incredible unspoilt natural beauty, a strong cultural heritage and beautiful happy and friendly people,” it says.

“It is these things that draw you in to this country and have you not wanting to leave.” During their week on island, Miss Samoa performed for the Fun Travel crew last Thursday at Sa’moana’s weekly Fia Fia evening.

Samoa’s external debt is edging closer to distress levels with the amount the government owing creditors increasing by more than $68 million.

According to the Ministry of Finance’s (M.O.F.) Quarterly Economic Review (Q.E.R.) No. 63, the official government debt outstanding at the end of December in 2013/14 stood at $987.84 million, an increase of $68.03 million over the same period in the 2012/13 financial year.

“This amount is equivalent to 61.8 per cent of G.D.P. (Gross Domestic Product),” the Ministry reports.

“Multilateral and bilateral loans accounted for 58.5 per cent (or) $577.52 million and 41.5 per cent (or) $410.32 million, of disbursed outstanding debt (D.O.D.) respectively.

“Total debt servicing stood at $7.29 million for the December quarter of 2013/14, an increase of $0.27 million from the comparable quarter of the previous year, 2012/13.

“This was equivalent to 4.7 per cent of commodity and services exports.”

The Ministry says that in the year 2013, total debt servicing increased by $3.29 million over the previous year (2012) to stand at $33.74 million.

“This was equivalent to 6.2 per cent of commodity and services exports,” it says.

Turning now to the trade deficit, the M.O.F. reports that it widened by 12.9 per cent over the same quarter of the previous year, to stand at $182.73 million in the December quarter of the 2013/14 financial year.

“This was reflected in the increase of 11 per cent in imports of goods and a decline of 8.1 per cent in export earnings,” the Q.E.R. reads. “The current account balance turned around from a surplus of $25.30 million in the comparable quarter
of the previous year to a deficit of $9.30 million in the fourth quarter of 2013/14.

“This result was driven by the expansion in the merchandise trade deficit and the decline in the balance of trade in services during this period.

“The capital account fell by 30.1 per cent throughout this period.

“The overall balance of payments account has turned around from a deficit of $9.60 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year to a surplus of $0.40 million in the reviewing period.”

In the year 2013, the decline of exports by 22.5 per cent and the increase of imports by 6.5 per cent has led to the expansion of the merchandise trade deficit by 9.7 per cent over the previous year (2012), the Ministry reports.

“Furthermore, the decline in the deficit of goods, services and income resulted in a downward trend in the current account deficit by 25.4 per cent over the period,” the Review says.

“Though the capital account had declined throughout this period, the overall balance of payments account turned around from a deficit of $6.70 million in 2012 to a surplus of $8.20 million in the reporting year (2013).”

The Ministry also reports that while tourist arrivals increased by 0.2 per cent, tourism earnings declined by 3.3 per cent over the comparable quarter of the 2012/13 financial year. “On an annual basis, both tourism earnings and visitor arrivals declined by 7.0 per cent and 5.3 per cent respectively over the year 2012,” the M.O.F. says.

“This result was partly caused by the cyclone Evan damage to the tourism sector.

“Remittances recorded a decline of 4.7 per cent from the corresponding quarter of 2012/13 but for the year as a whole there was an increase of 2.3 per cent over 2012.

“For 2013 remittances were valued at $415.53 million.”

External debt climbs, the trade deficit widens and the tourism dollar drops the Ministry of Finance reports in its latest Quarterly Economic Review

Good news
Now for some good news, the Ministry says the level of economic activity in the Samoan economy continued to improve with an increase of 3.7 per cent in constant price G.D.P. in the December quarter of 2013/14 relative to the December quarter of the previous year (2012/13).

“This result was largely driven by the recovery in several sectors of the economy that were previously affected by cyclone Evan in December 2012,” the Q.E.R. reads.

“The agriculture sector was the leading industry with the largest contribution to economic growth followed by the construction industry.

“The total number of formal paid employment stood at 23,411 at end of December 203/14, an increase of 12.4 per cent from end December 2012/13.

“Employment in the secondary and tertiary industries increased by 6.7 per cent and 20.1 per cent respectively whilst the number employed in public administration declined by 0.3 per cent over this period.”

P.M. Tuilaepa on foreign debt
Earlier this month, the Office of the Press Secretariat issued a statement from Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, in response to growing concerns from his opponents about Samoa’s external debt.

According to Tuilaepa, when paying external debts, there are two important indicators you have to look at. They are foreign reserves and government revenue.

“Our foreign reserve balance which gravitates up to six months is very strong,” he said.

Though Samoa has debts of around $960 million, Tuilaepa says the government is only paying a small fraction annually because the country has been borrowing on soft terms.

“Our debt service ratio is therefore quite manageable. So there is nothing to be worried about.”

In 1980, the Prime Minister said, Samoa only had $15 million tala in external debts and “we had huge problems in paying because we ran out of reserves.”

“Everybody closed their doors to Samoa and we could not acquire any loans.” “So that is what I have been trying to explain to the Opposition, time and again. It is not the total sum of the debts that is important, it is what you are required to pay each year.

And your ability to pay them."

“Nearly all our external loans are at soft terms. Not only are we given very low interest rates – between one and two percent – but the duration of payment is over 20 years. Some other loans only require us to pay the interest for the first 5 to 10 years.”

Tuilaepa also addressed concerns about the debt-to-GDP ratio.

“GDP relates to the total income earned in the country,” said P.M Tuilaepa.

“Our GDP at the moment is approximately $1.6 billion. So if you calculate the debt-to-GDP percentage, you have the total debt as the numerator and the GDP as the denominator, multiplied by 100.

“If you want to improve that percentage, then you build up your denominator, the GDP. Or in simple words, you grow the economy.

“How do you do that? By fiercely engaging in all forms of national development. Establishing and pursuing international development partnerships, attracting foreign investment, building hotels, building IT and communications capabilities, building roads,

investing in energy delivery and generation, building airports, building wharves, stimulating business, promoting tourism, developing education so that we have smart, educated and employable young people and improving health service so that we have a strong and healthy population.

“At the same time, we have to safeguard the environment, particularly the soils and water supply as well as promoting our customs, values, traditions and material culture because that is our identity."

The Prime Minister says that many times Government’s vision and pursuit is misconstrued by the Opposition and the media. And in turn, the public and overseas observers tend to be misled.

“I really don’t blame them,” he said. “Because these are complicated issues that only those with a background in finance and development understand.”

A fugitive found in America and sent back to Samoa, accused of raping four students with special needs faces 16 charges in relation to the alleged incidents.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer yesterday, Assistant Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu said Vaiaoga Leatuvao, 37, of Sala’ilua Savai’i, is in Police custody.

“He has been charged with sixteen counts of sexual offences against him,” said Fauono.

“The charges are in relation to separate (alleged) incidents involving deaf girls.”

According to Fauono, Leatuvao was a sign language interpreter for one of the special needs schools in Upolu.

Fauono explained that the man was issued with a warrant of arrest when he failure to appear in the Supreme Court in July 2013.

“It wasn’t until then that the police found that he had left the country,” said Fauono.

Fauono said Leatuvao could face additional charges for failing to appear in Court last year.

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

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

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

He was sent back from Sea-Tac Airport, escorted by two United States government agents. Earlier this month, Attorney General, Aumua Ming Leung Wai, confirmed that Leatuvao had been wanted by the local authorities.

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

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

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

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

A human skeleton found at Gataivai, Savai’i, earlier this month will be examined by a pathologist to determine whom it belongs to.

The Police in Savai’i was notified about the discovery of the bones three weeks ago and questions have since been asked about whom the bones actually belong to.

Assistant Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu, told the Samoa Observer the Police have referred the matter to a pathologist to conduct the examination.

“We can’t positively identify anything without a pathologist’s expertise,” he said.

“So the investigation is still continuing until all of that is done.”

Fauono said Samoa doesn’t have its own experts in the field, which is why they are awaiting a pathologist from New Zealand. There are other similar cases that would also be looked into when a pathologist arrives.

Meanwhile, Fauono said it is suspected that the corpse belong to a male youth who went missing from the village last December.

He said, a woman who went collecting (lopa) beans made the discovery earlier this month.

“When she discovered the corpse, she looked up and saw an ie lavalava hanging from a tree,” said Fauono.

The skeleton was later brought to the National Hospital at Moto’otua.

A witness in the on-going trial of a 19-year-old girl accused over an incident that killed two young men last year told the Court yesterday the vehicle was swerving from side to side before it crashed and rolled over four times.

Vaifale Tamotu, 41, of Vailoa, Faleata also told the Court that the defendant, Leslie Kohlhase, was the driver of the vehicle.

The witness, who worked at the petrol station across the road from where the vehicle crashed, was giving evidence in the hearing of Kohlhase, who is accused over the deaths of Jessie Risale, 22, of Vaimoso and Thesaurus Heather, 20, of Tufuiopa.

Kohlhase has pleaded not guilty to two counts of manslaughter and two alternative charges of negligent driving causing death. Lawyer Lei’ataualesa Daryl Clarke is representing the defendant. He is assisted by lawyer, Leilani Tamati.

The prosecution team on the other hand consists of Precious Chang and Leone Su’a Mailo, of the Attorney General’s Office. The Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu is presiding over the assessor trial.
“She was on the side of the steering wheel,” said Mr. Tamotu, adding that a boy was sitting in the passenger’s seat.
Prior to Mr. Tomatu’s evidence, another witness, Fidel Urima, 21, was questioned by Lei’ataualesa about the second survivor of the crash.

He asked Mr. Urima whether he knew the name of the survivor to be Fa’atoia Tupu.

The witness responded yes.

The argument being pushed by the defense is that the 19-year-old girl was not the driver of the pick-up truck. Instead, they say that Fa’atoia was the driver.

The prosecution disagrees.

Lawyer Ms. Chang is arguing that the defendant was the driver and that she had caused the death of Mr. Risale and Mr. Heather. She said the defendant neglected her responsibility as a driver and a result; the two young men were killed.

Ms. Chang claimed that the defendant was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. She also claimed that she had knowingly, without considering the impact of her actions, got behind the wheel of her Toyota pick-up and drove recklessly causing the car to flip, killing two of her passengers.

She told the Court that on the night of Wednesday 20 November 2013, Kohlhase and a group of friends were drinking at Y-not club. Later that night, she met up with the deceased men at an after party held at Le Well.

Some time around 3am, the party disbursed and she took with her as passengers the three men. Their first stop was at Treasure Garden, where they dropped off one passenger.

Heading towards Vailoa, Ms. Chang said witnesses noticed that the vehicle was speeding excessively. It swerved to the side where it crashed.

The hearing continues.

Sources close to World Cup-winning All Black Isaia Toeava confirm he has been in contact with Samoan rugby officials but he declined to comment when contacted by ONE News.

TVNZ - A handful of former All Blacks have confirmed to ONE News they will make themselves available to represent Pacific Island nations at next year's World Cup in England.

A change in eligibility laws, put in place due to the inclusion of rugby sevens at the Olympics, will allow players who have played test rugby at any level for one nation, to represent another if they hold that nation's passport.

Providing they haven't played an international in 18 months, they can participate in the Sevens World Series or designated Regional Olympic Qualification Tournaments and become eligible to play for that same nation in all forms of rugby.

Former All Blacks Anthony Tuitavake, Sam Tuitupou and ex-Wallabies Mark Gerrard and Sitaleki Timani will lodge an application to play for Tonga under Regulation 8 in the IRB Handbook.

Former All Blacks Sevens representatives Alando Soakai, Lifeimi Mafi and Roy Kinikinilau are also on board for the Ikale Tahi while Tim Nanai-Williams has confirmed his intentions to play for Manu Samoa.

Sources close to World Cup-winning All Black Isaia Toeava confirm he has been in contact with Samoan rugby officials but he declined to comment when contacted by ONE News.

Tonga Rugby Union chairman Epi Taione said the revamped laws are being welcomed throughout the Pacific and expects more prominent players to switch their allegiance in the coming weeks.

He says a "hit list" has been put together with Wallabies great George Smith, whose mother is Tongan, a major target along with Chiefs prop Ben Tameifuna and former Australia A and Waratahs first-five Daniel Halangahu.

"So far it's been very positive from every single player so we're quite chuffed about the response we've had so far," said Taione.

Tuitavake, who plays for Montpellier in the French Top 14, said the changes are a hot topic among former internationals now playing in lucrative club competitions in Europe and Japan.

"Since hearing about this loophole that the IRB has made, us ex-New Zealand players that are playing abroad are very keen to switch," he said.

Other former All Blacks who could make the switch include Casey Laulala, Chris Masoe, Lelia Masaga and Mose Tuiali'i who are of

Samoan heritage while cousins Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu were born in Fiji.

While players may have trouble seeking a release from their respective clubs, Taione is hopeful most of his players will be available for the Oceania Regional Sevens Championships, which also count as an Olympic qualification event.

The new laws are unlikely to transform the Pacific Island nations into World Cup-winners overnight but it could increase the chances of more upsets such as those achieved by Samoa and Tonga against Australia and France in 2011.

"It's the biggest positive news in my time as a player and now as an administrator for Tonga," Taione said.

"We have been close but rugby is moving and we have to be on our toes and change with the times."

"These guys being available for us is huge news for Tongan rugby."

SHOVELS IN: Acting Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo and the Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama were among Cabinet Ministers who gathered in Savai’i last week for a very special occasion. It was the ground breaking ceremony for the Sataua Hospital. Fonotoe delivered the keynote address. The construction will start soon. Photo: Supplied.

Members of more than twenty families living on the road that connects Palisi to Sinamoga are calling on the government for help.

They are urging Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi and his government to please fix the road before somebody gets seriously hurt. 

Besides, they are tired of having to spend so much money on fixing their vehicles ruined by the monster potholes that dot the road from the bottom of the hill until the top.

The road (pictured right) has been so badly eroded by the rain; taxi drivers refuse to use it. Some smaller cars cannot get through. Nearby resident, Peni Ropeti, of Sinamoga, says they have had to put up with the poor condition of their road for months.

“It’s really bad when it rains,” he says. “Many families including us can’t drive up to our homes because of the flooding and the damaged road."

“I strongly urge the government to fix our road please. This is the only road to our house and we can’t avoid having to drive on it because we have to get home and this is the only way.”

According to Mr. Ropeti, the last time the road was tar-sealed was in 2010.

“The state of the road as you can see is the result of two things. It is the poor quality of workmanship by the company that fixed it and the result of heavy rain.”

Mr. Ropeti says the road has cost them a lot of money.

“Our cars are being fixed almost every month,” he says. “The road is so bad and multiple trips up here for us that live here can really cause damage to cars. It has cost us a great amount of money with fixing those cars.”

The father says some families have tried to bury the “huge potholes” with stones as they await government action.

“Taxi drivers drop off villagers down the bottom and are left to walk the distance to their homes. Some of them are elderly people and babies.”

Another resident, Popoa’i Fuimaono, supports Mr. Ropeti.

“The road is one problem and the broken cars are another,” she says.

“One of our cars is at the mechanic workshop and the other is following that one very soon. "

“So it would be very nice to have the roads fixed since it’s not only for us, it’s for others who use our road as a shortcut to get to the other side of Palisi.”

Mika Filo, from Sinamoga, shares the same concern.

The elderly father said many families living in the area have difficulty in holding family functions because of the road’s poor state.

“The road is so bad that some families who have fa’alavelave decide to park their cars down the bottom and walk up there,” he says.

“For our family, the road has become a daily problem with our cars needing monthly repairs. We have children that need to get picked up and dropped off and the same with those who work in our household."

“The road has become a daily problem for our family in terms of having to fix the cars and get new car parts…the only solution to all these problems is fixing the road.”

Attempts to get a comment from the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure as well as the Land Transport Authority yesterday were unsuccessful.