Just before they embarked on the fatal trip during the early hours of that morning, Mr. Tupu told the Court that Kohlhase “looked drunk.” He said she was extremely “chatty,” “loud” which indicated to him that she “she was drunk.”

A key 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 that the accused refused to hand them the keys of the car.

Fa’atoia Tupu, 21, of Sinamoga, was among the four people in the vehicle that crashed at Vailoa last year, killing Jessie Risale, 22, of Vaimoso and Thesaurus Heather, 20, of Tufuiopa.

Mr. Tupu yesterday gave evidence that the defendant, Leslie Kohlhase, was indeed the driver of the vehicle.

Kohlhase has pleaded not guilty to two counts of manslaughter and two alternative charges of negligent driving causing death.

She is represented by lawyers, Lei’ataualesa Daryl Clarke and Leilani Tamati.

The prosecution team 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.

Just before they embarked on the fatal trip during the early hours of that morning, Mr. Tupu told the Court that Kohlhase “looked drunk.” He said she was extremely “chatty,” “loud” which indicated to him that she “she was drunk.”

The witness told the Court about an after party at the Le Well complex where the defendant drank whisky, which was extremely strong. This was at the end of a night out at the Y-Not club where they had also been drinking.

At the after party, Mr. Tupu said they were told to leave after neighbours called the Police complaining about the noise.

Before they got on the truck, the witness testified that he and the late Mr. Risale had an argument with Kohlhase because she refused to hand over the keys of the vehicle to allow someone else to drive.

He said they knew she was very drunk.

“But she said no,” Mr. Tupu said. “It was like something funny to her when she was asked for the keys.”

The witness said they gave up.

So he and Mr. Risale jumped onto the back of the vehicle. Simon To’omalatai apparently hopped in at the front with Kohlhase. To’omalatai was dropped off at Treasure Garden.

When they left the Treasure Garden, the witness told the Court they thought they were heading home.

They didn't. Instead, Mr. Tupu said Kohlhase slowly drove through the red lights.

It was not until they reached Vaimoso when she started to speed up, speeding through the road humps.

“She didn’t go slow and she went over the humps where she should have slowed down,” he said.

Asked by Ms. Chang how he felt at the time, Mr. Tupu said his mind didn’t register anything then.

However, he recalled that the tray of the vehicle flipped up.

He said he and Mr. Risale tried tapping the side of the vehicle and calling out to Kohlhase to slow down but she did not.

When they reached Lepea, the witness said that’s when he started to “feel fear” because Kohlhase continued to pick up speed.

The witness broke down on the stand, saying he “felt scared.”

He said he and Mr. Risale had to hold on tight to the vehicle’s bars because Kohlhase was speeding.

The witness could not recall what Mr. Risale was doing because he was too busy trying to hold on tight.

At Vailoa, Mr. Tupu said the vehicle’s tray swung side ways before it spun out of control.

“She couldn’t control the car,” he said.

According to the witness, this was all he remembered because he fainted.

“When I came back to life, I found that half my body was laying on the grass and the other half was on the side of the road on the dusty part,” he said.

While he was struggling to get to where the vehicle was, he said he saw Mr. Risale’s body next to an electrical post. He appeared dead.

During Mr. Tupu’s evidence, a family member of one of the two deceased boys left the Court room with tears streaming down her face.

Inside the Court, other family members were also in tears.

The hearing continues.

“Yes the original date was said to be September but the Chinese guys here have ensured that we speed up everything so that we’ll be able to finish the work the month before”

Farmers braving the elements on the streets of Fugalei to sell their produce can finally see the end of the tunnel.

Nearly three years after they were told to leave, when the government decided to demolish the old market, there is reason to be optimistic today.

The completion of the Fugalei market is now a month away.

Officials told the Samoa Observer yesterday that the completion date has been brought forward to the end of August, as opposed to September.

The market, which has been reduced from a two-storey multi-million-tala building to a single dwelling open plan building, is being built by Chinese company, Qing Dao Construction.

No one from Qing Dao would speak on record yesterday.

But one of the officials on the site was happy to talk.

“Everything is pretty much done,” he said.

“As you can see, the market just needs a few more touches then it’s finished.”

The official said they are optimistic that the building will be ready for use by the end of next month.

“We are now working on tar sealing the road and the parking area so the only thing left now is the bus terminal,” he said

The official said there has been pressure “from the top” to finish the market before the Small Islands Developing States (S.I.D.S) conference in September.

“Yes the original date was said to be September but the Chinese guys here have ensured that we speed up everything so that we’ll be able to finish the work the month before.”

Asked why the project, which was supposed to have been completed in March, was delayed, the official admitted that there were many problems along the way.

“Not only did our supplies come all the way from China but the communication between the local workers and the Chinese was not easy,” he said.

“We couldn’t communicate well with each other and if we did, we’d use hand signs instead. So it slowed us a bit. There were also 'bureaucratic challenges' involving the government and politicians," he said.

Asked to elaborate, the official declined.

He, however, assured that the market has been built to “top international standards” because “we want to make sure it lasts for a very long time.”

The official added that they have decided to pull down the fence that blocked the public’s view because we want them to see that the market is nearly finished.

Lastly, he said: “Everyone is putting in twice the effort to finishing this market now."

“The government wants us to finish before the Small Island Developing States conference and that’s what we are doing.”

On Friday last week, Samasoni Nimarota (pictured) was told by his coach he was swimming the 10km race on Monday at Aggie’s Resort.

Not only that, he was also to double up the next day, Tuesday, to swim the 5km race from Saletele, Fagaloa Tai to Falefa.
Samasoni accepted the challenge.

In doing so, he did himself and his family proud, becoming the first Samoan to complete the Pacific Open Water Challenge double in two consecutive days.

His time for the 10km was 3hrs 50mins, and for the 5km race from Fagaloa he did 1hr 54mins 01 secs.

Samasoni was exhausted after the 10km but that did not stop him from turning up on Tuesday for the 5km swim.

This is a sign of a true Warrior spirit. It also points to the development of the sport of open water sea swimming in the last twelve months in Samoa.

The Pacific Open Water Challenge is for very serious long distance swimmers. The challenge is to complete a 10km and 5km swims in two days.

The Fagaloa Swim yesterday was one of the toughest swims so far. It was truly open water with heavy swells that made land sighting very difficult.

Twenty-six swimmers started the 5kms with four pulling out due to fatigue and rough seas.

The Pacific Open Water Challenge now done, the Samoa Swim Series officially starts on Thursday.

Samasoni and the long distance swimmers now have a rest day before the official Swim Series starts. The opening swim of the Series starts at Le Uaina Resort to finish at the Falls at Falefa.

“For over 37 years since 1977, it is the support and loyalty of the customers that have helped us throughout the journey B.S.L has taken” – Meilan Meredith

Business Systems Limited (B.S.L) opened doors to its Savai’i store yesterday, the ceremony started with the blessing of the new outlet by Father Mosese, of Don Bosco.

The opening was attended by local businesses, school principals and well-wishers of the B.S.L family.

“For over 37 years since 1977, it is the support and loyalty of the customers that have helped us throughout the journey B.S.L has taken,” Managing Director, Meilan

Meredith, said.

“B.S.L’s promise of quality service is now truly complete with the opening of the Savai’i store and the spacious customer parking at the Taufusi Store. We will continue providing great service, prices and products through both our stores.”

Simultaneously the change over to the new entrance aligning with the new spacious customer car park also took place at the Taufusi Super Store yesterday.

The customer’s convenience of ample parking and availability of products on the big island is the main objective B.S.L wants to achieve this year.

The Savai’i Store has the majority of products available in Apia and also serves the purpose of accessing the products and services in Apia through the Savai’i store.

All the promotions available in Apia are accessible by the people of Savai’i at the same prices as in Apia. On the opening day, customers in Savai’i as well as customers in Upolu are availing of Instapick wherein they are shopping and winning instantly.

The Permaset special is one of the favorites for customers who run small businesses of Elei printing.

Business Systems Ltd (BSL) established its business in 1977, this was an era when the office and school stationery needs were serviced by foreign owned outlets like Armstrong and Springhall, Morris Haedstorm and Burns Philp.

Since its inception B.S.L has evolved from a small outlet at the Taufusi three-corner to a supermarket style one stop super store at its current location at Taufusi in 2012 and has now opened its Savai’i store in 2014.

Pioneering the stationery retail business, B.S.L has revolutionized the office and school requirement sector by replacing the traditional stationer with the larger format stationery supermarket concept.

Customers can now conveniently purchase all their stationery, office needs like computer and computer peripherals, office furniture, educational resources and more under one roof.

B.S.L specializes in Office Stationery, Office Furniture, Electronics and Educational Resources from leading global brands like Croxley, Pelikan-Artline, Staedler, Read Pacific, Smart Kids, Curriculum Concepts, Beckett Books, Willy’s Steel,

Buro seating, HP products, IBM computers, Toshiba, Asus, Sony, Samsung, Permaset and many more.

“It’s very dangerous and it doesn’t matter who is at fault, the driver will always get charged so I just want to use this opportunity to warn all the drivers to be really careful”

The bus was still moving after a passenger had paid his fare and had indicated to the driver that he wanted to get off.

That’s what the police’s preliminary investigation has found in the case of a man killed after he fell from a bus and ended up under it, two weeks ago.

The incident happened at Vaitele.

Acting Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu, told the Samoa Observer yesterday that the driver of the bus has been charged with negligent driving causing death.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday 5 August.

According to Fauono, both the bus driver and the deceased man were at fault.

“From the police reports I’ve received, the bus was still moving while the deceased was trying to get off.”

“According to the passengers, the deceased man had already given his bus fare to the driver and yet the bus was still moving.”

Fauono also used the incident to issue a warning to other bus drivers.

“My advice to all bus drivers is to make sure the bus has stopped completely before the passenger gets out.”

“It is the bus driver’s responsibility to tell the passenger to wait until the bus stops.”

Fauono said although there are cases where some passengers are at fault, at the end of the day, it is always the bus drivers that are charged.

“It’s very dangerous and it doesn’t matter who is at fault, the driver will always get charged so I just want to use this opportunity to warn all the drivers to be really careful.”

The incident in question at Vaitele-tai instantly killed Alofa Alofaifo.

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.

“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.

“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 realised he had driven over someone.

Fauono said the driver brought the body of Alofa to the police station.

“Later, the bus driver and some of police officers took the man’s body to the Moto’otua hospital.”

PR - The Laumua o Punaoa Technical and Creative Centre and the Don Bosco Technical Centre hosted an official delegation in two separate ceremonies to receive the official handover of assistance provided under the Small Grant Scheme.

The Small Grant Scheme is a funding assistance under the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (T.V.E.T) – Support Programme to strengthen the delivery of quality technical and vocational education learning activities in Samoa.

The goals of the Small Grant Scheme is to improve quality of Non-Formal education activities, assist the non-government formal Post School Education and Training (PSET) Providers with the accreditation of their programmes by the SQA and improve access for people with disability or those vulnerable to poverty of opportunity for quality training and education.

This project is funded by the Australian government’s aid program to Samoa.

Deputy High Commissioner and Counselor Development, Rosemary McKay, emphasized that Australia’s funding of T.V.E.T is part of its overall investment in improving access to a quality education particularly in support of increasing employment opportunities for young Samoan men and women, inclusive of those with disabilities, through the provision of quality assured post-secondary training in areas of demand.

The Chief Executive Officer of the SQA, Fepuleai Sinapi Moli, also thanked the government of Australia and reiterated on the value of their assistance to strengthen the quality, relevance and accessibility of T.V.E.T learning programmes that will contribute significantly in the development of Samoa.

She also encouraged the Principals and their institutions to deliver the officially registered Samoa Qualifications.

The Principals of the two institutions also expressed their gratitude to the government of Australia for their valuable assistance that will be put into good use to strengthen the skills and capacity of their students and their lecturers.

The Small Grant Scheme has enabled the Laumua o Punaoa to purchase a variety of tools for its Welding and Fabrication programme. The Don Bosco Technical Centre applied for funding assistance to purchase tools for its Motor Mechanics and Metal Works and for its staff members to undertake the NUS Certificate of Assessment and Training course.

“The last few days have been an experience that I would not wish on anyone. It’s been terrible, harrowing for the family, they’re still in grave shock over what happened here, it’ll take a long time of grieving to over come this”

Nearly a hundred people gathered on a ferry Monday off the coast of American Samoa during a memorial service* honouring the Indiana teenager who died and his father who is missing after their plane crashed during an attempt to circumnavigate the world.

The body of 17-year-old Haris Suleman was found shortly after his plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday after leaving Pago Pago. U.S. Coast Guard officials on

Sunday said they were suspending the search for 58-year-old Babar Suleman.

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 also was a fundraiser to help build schools in his father’s native Pakistan.

“Such challenges of circumnavigating the world, an enormous contribution to build schools, are charities of those with great hearts, and unconditional love to society,”

American Samoa Lieutenant Governor, Lemanu Peleti Mauga, said during the memorial service.

“American Samoa shall remember the Suleman family in our prayers.”

Speaking at the memorial service, Nabel Raazi said the Sulemans are overwhelmed with the support provided by the American Samoa government and people. Cyrus, the oldest son of Barbar Suleman and brother of Haris, was also present.

“The last few days have been an experience that I would not wish on anyone,” Raazi said.

“It’s been terrible, harrowing for the family, they’re still in grave shock over what happened here, it’ll take a long time of grieving to over come this.

“We still have many unanswered questions that we need answers to bring closure to the family. We have the body of Haris Suleman, 17-year old boy who’s dream is to fly around the world.”

But their main concern and focus is to locate Babar Suleman, who is still missing.

“While hope is fading fast, we’re still hoping for a miracle from God to find him alive.”

“Ever since our arrival on island, a few days ago, we have received overwhelming support and help from the island authorities, and the Department of Homeland Security, Coast Guard, Visitors Bureau, Department of Public Safety-Marine

Patrol, Office of the Governor and Office of Congressman Falomavaega Eni Hunkin.”

“I hope that we will continue to receive the same cooperation from the American Samoa Authorities and the kindness of the people from American Samoa, that we already have received.”

“I also hope that the vital help that we need from the federal authorities from the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) will be forthcoming and it has been so far what we request from them is to respond.”

Lt. Governor Lemanu said the past few days has been tough on everyone.

“How does one express the amazing essence and spirit of Mr Babar Suleman and Haris Suleman with their selfless generosity, uncompromising belief in all that is good with their unwavering commitment to the country, families and friends?” he asked.

Lemanu said even the very best words, cannot pay tribute or truly capture the sense of loss.

“The loss is there, touchable and real within everyone, but Babar and Haris Suleman exemplified life, love and an irresponsible belief and faith in seeing the best in everything, even loss.”

“Today (Monday) we honour Babar and his son Haris by profoundly feeling and expressing our loss, but also by remembering them, as amazing citizens who have played a unique and special role in all our lives.”

“On behalf of the American Samoa Government and the people of American Samoa we will remember Barbar and his son Haris Suleman as great navigators and citizens foundation contributors.”

“Such challenges of circumnavigating the world, an enormous contribution to build schools are charities of those with great hearts and unconditional love for society.”

“American Samoa will remember you with all our special memories from all the days gone before that we were privileged to share with you and in all the tomorrows we will feel you gone in some ways but your presence ever near.”

Lemanu urged American Samoa residents to remember the Suleman families in their prayers.

*Information from Joyetter Luamanu of Samoa News and the Associated Press

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.

Sydney, (Independent News) 29 July 2014 - The Irish Independent understands that the New Zealand-born 27-year-old, who plies his trade with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and represented Samoa at international level, spent time in Dublin in recent weeks with a view to completing a move at the end of the season.

Te’o, who represented Queensland in the prestigious State of Origin clashes this season, is out of contract at the end of the current campaign and has stated his desire to leave.

His name was linked with the Pro12 champions in reports in the Australian media last month, while a number of French clubs were also believed to be interested in his signature.

O’Connor, a former Wallaby centre who has played both codes during his playing career, is believed to be a big fan of the hard-running, 6ft 2in, 16 and a half stone Aucklander who grew up playing union in his native country.

O’Driscoll’s retirement has left Leinster with a sizeable void in the outside centre channel and Casey Laulala’s departure from Munster allows the province to bring in a non-Irish qualified option under the IRFU’s rules.

Fergus McFadden wore the famous No 13 jersey during Ireland’s summer tour of Argentina, while Luke Fitzgerald is an option if he can overcome his recurring injury problems and Brendan Macken was the former Ireland captain’s provincial back-up last season.

No stranger to controversy, Te’o was yesterday cited for a dangerous tackle during his side’s win over Canberra.

Apia town will be under a musical buzz for two weeks of next month’s Teuila Festival and the S.I.D.S Conference as the local musicians will play a major role in creating the atmosphere and drawing the crowds for two weeks of these major events.

The musical genre will be from the cool traditional Samoan sounds of the Golden Ali’i’s to the jazzy sounds of Peta Siulepa and Jennifer Nilon to the cabaret style of

Fa’asavalu Dave Parker and the exciting Ma’ilo Ben Vai and the rock and original reggae sounds of YNot and Tama Uli.

These acts (and many more) will be on live from 2:00-4:00p.m. from 25 August to 6 September on the Main Stage in front of the Government Building.

The Samoa Islands Musicians Association Incorporated (S.I.M.A.I) was recently set up as a legal entity and is now working closely with the Organising Committees of these major events to provide a unique edge for the crowds and visiting delegates during the two weeks.

S.I.M.A.I met last Saturday where they were unanimous in delivering a high quality stage performance to add to the quality of the Government and the country’s overall efforts in hosting these unique events this year.

President and veteran musician, Muliaga Mamaia of the Golden Ali’is and S.I.M.A.I members have appointed a Special Committee to create and map out the details of their two week’s Live shows.

S.I.M.A.I is again meeting this weekend to go through the details of the show.

Vice President, Matagialalua Mac To’omalatai, of YNot who has been representing S.I.M.A.I in the main Organising Committee Meetings says there is a special request from the Chairman and Prime Minister to stage a lively and enjoyable show.

“Nothing sleepy, as it will be in the late afternoon,” says To’omalatai.

S.I.M.A.I is also opening the invitation to any musician to join the Organisation which has a process for membership.

S.I.M.A.I has a lot in store for this year. Not only to work together in promoting and developing the local music industry, they also have the Samoana Jazz & Arts Festival in November, which will be run jointly between American Samoa and Samoa.

The Samoana Jazz & Arts Festival has been set up to be a major annual music event for the two Samoa’s in the coming years.

The Festival Producer, Peta Siulepa, says the event is expected to bring to Samoa major jazz artists of Samoan origins and descent to show that Samoa really has a major contribution to jazz music since the late Mavis Rivers.

The Samoana Jazz & Arts Festival will be hosted in collaboration with S.I.M.A.I and the American Samoa Musicians Association.

One of S.I.M.A.I’s major objectives is to encourage original music and to hold workshops in various areas of the industry such as Songwriting, Stage Management, Sound and Lighting and to work with established organizations such as the

National University of Samoa and APRA in promoting and developing the Samoan music industry.

S.I.M.A.I will also be utilizing major names coming for its future events to run workshops and hands on sharing with local musicians. S.I.M.A.I’s Executive Committee includes Muliaga Mamaia - President; Matagialalua Mac To’omalatai - Vice President; Apulu Lance Polu – Secretary and Jennifer Nilon – Treasurer.

The twelve teams participating in Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 have arrived in France and are all set for kick-off in Paris today.

Under the opulence of the City Hall in Paris, and with an earlier photo call in the shadow of the iconic Eiffel Tower, #WRWC2014 was officially launched in the French capital.

New Zealand are in France to defend their title, which they claimed after a thrilling final against England in 2010.

Team captain Fiao’o Faamausili said: “We’re all here for the same reason, to win the World Cup.”

Now Samoa is part of the official photo

“There’s definitely pressure there but it’s how we deal with it, as a captain and as a team. We’ve told the girls not to think about what’s happened in the past, it’s about what happens now. We are taking each match as it comes and just enjoying it.”

England are hoping they will be lifting silverware at Stade Jean Bouin on August 17, and their captain Katy McLean thinks there is a great mood in the camp.

“You can’t help but look back to something like (Women’s Rugby World Cup) 2010 which was massive for the women’s Game but obviously the result wasn’t ideal for us. That was really tough but four years later you have to move on, you learn lessons, you play more Rugby and get better.”

“Now we’re here. It’s such a fantastic place to be in. France is such a Rugby nation and we’re involved in another World Cup, it’s fantastic.”

Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 runs from August 1 - 17 in Paris. The pool stages will be played at Marcoussis with Stade Jean Bouin hosting the semifinals and final.

Samoa is scheduled to play England today. More in Sports.

“People throw rubbish in the bush and the worse part of it is that this rubbish is non-degradable so it can stay there for three to five years."

A 14-year-old girl from Vaimauga has been “clinically diagnosed” with the virus known as chikungunya, spread by mosquitoes.

As a result, the Ministry of Health has raised the bar in its effort to ensure members of the public are protected.

Yesterday, Health authorities sprayed parts of the district of Vaimauga as part of its prevention efforts.

Further, the Director General of Health, Leausa Dr Take Naseri called an urgent meeting with health officials over the “potential case.”

According to Leausa, the girl was brought to the hospital on Tuesday night, when medical workers became suspicious.

“She had all the symptoms including the rash,” Leausa said.

The 14-year-old was apparently in American Samoa at the beginning of the month.

“We are waiting for confirmation (from the laboratory) but we are highly suspicious it’s the virus with its presentation and symptoms,” said Leausa.

“She had acute fever and rash and that called for an urgent meeting this morning (yesterday) with health officials to work together and work on safety and control alert.”

Asked if the girl is in a critical state, Leausa said no.

Last week after they issued the first alert about the Acute Fever and Rash (AFR), officials immediately began their prevention work by spraying the international ports at Fagali’i, Faleolo and the Matautu wharf.

Some schools were also sprayed to reduce the source of breeding for mosquitoes that spread the virus.

Yesterday, the Director General called on members of the public to work with Health officials to reduce the number breeding sites for mosquitoes. He explained that the virus is carried by a mosquito typed called, aedes albopictus. The mosquito type is found in Samoa.

“We are doing a screening on people who have travelled here from American Samoa,” he said.

“In the meantime, we need the public’s support to help with source reduction and support what our people are doing at the wharves and ports of entry in terms spraying."

“We used to block away the area where the aircrafts are sprayed in American Samoa but that cannot be trusted with passengers saying nothing like that is done there so we are spraying here.”

Leausa also stressed that the mosquito can breed on 10 to 15ml of water.

“People throw rubbish in the bush and the worse part of it is that this rubbish is non-degradable so it can stay there for three to five years."

“These are breeding sites for mosquitoes and we urge people to remove them.”

Leausa also cautioned the public to wear protected clothing and mosquito repellant.

According to Leausa, officials from American Samoa have confirmed the presence of the virus there. They have already had two severe cases and one person has already died from it.

Because of the proximity of the islands the Ministry of Health is calling the public to seek medical advice immediately when they experience symptoms.

Such as; “fever, skin rashes, joint pains, generalised body aches, headaches and other less common symptoms.”

Clinical cause and outcomes
- Acute symptoms typically resolved within 7-10 days
- Rare complications include
hepatitis, uveitis, bullous skin lesions, Guillain – Barre syndrome
- Person's at risk for severe disease include
older adults, 65 years and older, and
persons with
underlying medical conditions (e.g. hypertension diabetes,
or cardiovascular disease)
- Some patients might have relapse of
rheumatologic symptoms in the month
following acute illness
- Studies report variable
proportions of patients
with persistent joint pains for months to years
Chikungunya and dengue
- Chikungunya and
dengue viruses are transmitted by the same mosquitos
- The viruses can circulate in the same
area and cause
occasional co- infections in the same patient
- Chikungunya virus more likely to cause
high fever, severe polyarthralgia, arthritis, rash and lymphopenia, shock and deaths
- Patients with suspected
chikungunya should be
managed as dengue until dengue has been ruled out
- Proper clinical management of dengue reduces the
risk of medical complications and death
- Aspirin and other
NSAIDs can increase the risk of hemorrhage
in patients with dengue.

A man is in critical condition at the Moto’otua hospital after a freak accident on Wednesday.

The accident involved a bus, a truck and an excavator.

According to the Police, on Wednesday evening at Lauli’i, the Mafaufau Tasi Express bus from Falefa was heading home when a truck carrying an excavator passed by.

At a bend, the Police said the excavator fell from the truck and into the path of the bus.

Three passengers were injured and the bus driver is fighting for his life.

The Police claim that the truck, which was carrying the excavator, was at fault.

“The truck was speeding and when it got to the curve at Lauli’i, that’s when the excavator fell off and onto the other side of the road,” a Police officer at the scene told the Samoa Observer.

“The truck is an open deck Mitsubishi truck and the truck driver did not secure the excavator at the back of it."

“When the excavator fell off, it flew up in the air and landed on the other side of the road right on the curve at Lauli’i and that’s why the bus driver could not see it.”

The Police officer said the accident could have been worse.

“It was a good thing that the bus only had three passengers,” he said.

“It could’ve been a lot worse because the bus smashed into the excavator, spun off the road and took it down to where a small Samoan fale was where it finally stopped.”

The Officer told the Samoa Observer that the truck driver should have secured the excavator.

“The bus driver was lucky that the Samoan Fale was there otherwise the bus would have made its way straight down to the ocean."

“The three passengers were not badly injured but they were complaining about chest pains when they were taken to the hospital.”

As for the driver, the Officer said he is in the Intensive Care Unit.

“I’m disappointed not to have won the Gold medal today. However I'm really happy to have won the Silver medal here” – Ele Opeloge

The golden girl of Samoan weightlifting, Ele Opeloge, had to settle for a Silver medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games yesterday, falling short of the top prize by 9kgs.

Opeloge, who was the defending Commonwealth champion, couldn't quite match her Nigerian opponent, Maryam Usman, in the +75 kgs division.

Usman scored 125kgs in the snatch and 155kgs in the clean and jerk for a total of 280kgs at the Clyde Auditorium.

Opeloge on the other hand, who was injured heading into the competition, finished with a total of 271kgs from 120kgs in the snatch and 151kgs in the clean and jerk.

She made a made a last-ditch effort to win the Gold by attempting to lift 161kgs in the clean and jerk but failed.

“I’m disappointed not to have won the Gold medal today,” she said. “However I'm really happy to have won the Silver medal here in front of this great crowd whilst competing against some really tough competition.”

Opeloge said she gave the competition her all.

“My goal now is to go back home, train harder so I can hopefully win more Gold medals.”

Tracy Lambrechs of New Zealand won the Bronze medal after a total of 237kgs, from 101kgs in the snatch and 136kgs clean and jerk.

Ele Opeloge was not the only disappointing result for weightlifting yesterday.

Another defending Commonwealth champion, Faavae Faauliuli, finished 8th in the Men’s 105kgs division. Tovia Opeloge narrowly missed out on the medal, finishing 4th in the same division.

Iuniarra Sipaia, finished 5th in the women’s +75kgs division.

Other results Lawn Bowls – Alofa Adams and Sulami Asi in Women’s Pairs

Samoa 8 - South Africa 26 Athletics – Siologa Viliamu Sepa in 400m Hurdles heats (did not start) *Craig Lucas of the Reporters Academy contributed to this story

A key witness in the trial of a 19-year-old girl accused over an incident that killed two young men last year has maintained that he was not the driver.

Fa’atoia Tupu insisted yesterday that it was the accused, Leslie Kohlhase, who drove the vehicle on that morning when the crash happened at Vailoa.

Mr Tupu was recalled to the witness stand yesterday where defence lawyer, Lei’ataualesa Daryl Clarke, again questioned him about being the driver.

“It was you behind the vehicle wasn’t it?”

Leiataualesa asked to the witness.

“I am against this evidence.”

It was the second time Mr Tupu had given evidence in the hearing.

Yesterday, lawyer Leiataualesa asked the Court to recall Mr Tupu since they had new evidence that it was he, who drove the vehicle.

Chief Justice Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu granted the application despite the prosecution objecting.

Mr Tupu, 21, of Sinamoga, was among the four people in the vehicle that crashed at Vailoa, killing 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.

Her lawyer Lei’ataualesa is being assisted by Leilani Tamati.

The prosecution team consists of Precious Chang and Leone Su’a Mailo, of the Attorney General’s Office. Chief Justice, His Honour Patu is presiding over the assessor trial.

Two doctors also gave evidence yesterday. They were Dr Agape Amituana’i and Dr Salote Vaai.

Dr Amituana’i told the Court that when Kohlhase was brought to the hospital, she was “crying” and was “emotionally distressed.”

Smelling of alcohol, the doctor said she “was very upset and didn’t want to be touched by strangers.”

Dr Va’ai examined Mr Risale. She told the Court that Mr Risale had obtained severe injuries to his head and face. By the time he had arrived at the hospital, he had already lost a lot of blood. She confirmed that the deceased man had died as a result of trauma to the brain, causing internal bleeding.

The hearing, which is into its second week, continues.

The Pacific Islands has a new Secretary General. She is Dame Meg Taylor, of Papua New Guinea.

Dame Taylor takes over from outgoing Secretary, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, of Samoa, who completes his second term of office in October.

The new Secretary General was nominated by her country Papua New Guinea. She was chosen over competition from four other candidates including Kaliopate Tavola, of Fiji, Dr. Jimmie Rodgers, of the Solomon Islands, Tony de Brum, of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Fabian Nimea, of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

Dame Taylor is a lawyer by profession and former P.N.G Ambassador to the United States, who has worked with the World Bank group since 1999.

With regional organisations promoting transparency, there are a number of opaque elements to the process to outsiders, which is driven by the Pacific leaders themselves.

The process of selecting a new Secretary General is managed by the Forum chair, which rotates with each annual leaders meeting.

Outgoing Chair Christopher Loeak hosted last year’s meeting in the Marshall Islands and has been responsible for managing the process (the current Secretary-General and staff of the Forum Secretariat play no formal role in the process, but unsurprisingly have a keen interest in who will be their new boss!)

In the history of the regional organisation since the 1970s, there have been a number of unspoken agreements: while the best candidates step forward, past decisions have reflected an understanding that the position should rotate over time to reflect the vast, diverse membership of the region. The decades-long principle that only an islander should hold the top job (while Australians and New Zealanders might take the post of Deputy Secretary General) was abandoned a decade ago, when the Howard Government successfully promoted the candidacy of Australian diplomat Greg Urwin.

This year’s selection process was complicated by the late candidacy of RMI’s Tony de Brum – the other four candidates had met the official nomination deadline of 31 May, but Mr. de Brum only confirmed his much-discussed bid late in the piece.

According to the final communique of the 14t h Micronesian Presidents’ Summit, held in Pohnpei, FSM on 17-18 July 2014, RMI President Christopher Loeak, Palauan President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. and FSM President Emanuel Mori “agreed to support the candidature of Tony DeBrum, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, for the position of Secretary General of the PIF.”

All week, the corridors of the Pacific Islands Forum have been buzzing with debate over who will take over the crucial regional post.

Taylor, Rodgers and de Brum have been in Palau this week, meeting with officials and chatting with leaders and delegates.

With three Melanesian candidates and two Micronesians thrown into the mix, the disunity of sub-regional organisations is reflected in the debates.

Both Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands have large delegations in Palau, who have been holding a series of bilateral meetings with other member country delegations for bilateral discussions – outside observers may be forgiven for thinking that the issue of the top job came up in discussions (this week’s announcement by PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill of a 300 million Kina grant for Small Island States is a reflection of the largest island nation’s solidarity with smaller atoll countries).

With Fiji suspended from Forum meetings and activities since 2009, there was no government delegation in Koror to champion Kaliopate Tavola’s cause, although the Fijian statesman has extensive links through the region and a widely acknowledged expertise on trade issues.

The job is crucial not just for the Forum – the Secretary General acts as the Chair of the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP), which links the range of agencies for the region such as the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Forum Fisheries Agency, University of the South Pacific and other key inter-governmental organisations.

Outgoing Secretary General Tuiloma Neroni Slade also serves as Pacific Oceans Commissioner, with the regional Oceanscape Framework a backdrop to this week’s discussion on the future of the oceans.

The incoming chair will face key challenges – especially to integrate Fiji back into the Forum family. While Fiji has retained its Forum membership since the 2006 coup, the Bainimarama Government has been suspended from Forum meetings and activities – and the Fiji Prime Minister has suggested he is in no rush to re-join an organisation perceived as dominated by Canberra and Wellington.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, is among Pacific leaders who have warned that entire island nations will disappear under the waves unless action is taken to address climate change.

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) wrapped up its annual meeting in Palau with a call to action on global warming. The 15-nation regional grouping says there is no excuse not to act to curb climate change.

“We all know the causes of climate change, we know the solutions,” Tuilaepa told reporters after releasing a statement from the three-day meeting.

“All that is left is decisive action from leaders with the courage to do what needs to be done to save the world.”

Tuilaepa said Pacific island nations, some of which are barely one metre above sea level, were at the forefront of the climate change issue because it was a matter of survival for them.

“The reason for the very strong stance put forward by Pacific island countries is that we are the most vulnerable. Many of our states will disappear under the ocean if climate change is allowed to continue.”

The P.I.F also demanded an end to overfishing in the Pacific, largely by ‘distant water’ fleets from as far afield as Europe, saying sustainable development was needed in the world’s largest ocean.

“Leaders note with concern the rapid decline of tuna stocks and … [want to] urgently strengthen sustainable fisheries and management plans,’ the statement said.

The Pacific tuna industry is worth about $4 billion a year but relatively little of the money trickles back to forum countries.

Scientists say tuna stocks are dwindling quickly, with the southern bluefin variety down an estimated 96 per cent after decades of overfishing.

The forum announced it had appointed its first female secretary-general, lawyer and diplomat Meg Taylor of Papua New Guinea, who takes over from Samoa’s Tuiloma Neroni Slade.

“We look forward to showcasing Pacific photographers on the international stage at the upcoming S.I.D.S Conference (in Samoa)”

Visual arts convey a universal language with which to communicate with the world, and visual storytelling is a compelling way to explain dynamic issues such as gender equality.

Photographers from across the Pacific were invited to capture stories illustrating gender equality and women’s empowerment through the UN Women photo competition, and the results provided a unique glimpse into Pacific life.

The winners in the amateur and professional categories will receive Canon DSLR cameras and photography equipment.

Additionally, many of the shortlisted photographs will be showcased in an exhibition at the UN Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) being held in Apia later this month.

UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office, Officer-in-Charge, Dr. Rawwida Baksh, congratulated the winners and spoke of the huge talent that was exhibited from the Pacific.

“We were delighted to receive so many thought-provoking entries telling the varied stories of men and women in the Pacific,” Dr. Baksh said. “We look forward to showcasing Pacific photographers on the international stage at the upcoming S.I.D.S Conference (in Samoa).”

From August 23-September 4, UN Women will display a range of images highlighting gender equality and women’s empowerment at the UN Conference on Small Islands Developing States in Apia, Samoa.

The exhibition will feature 20 photographs and include a range of shortlisted entries from the competition, amongst others.

The photographs, which were submitted from eight Pacific Island countries, highlight women and men in positive, non-discriminatory roles.

Each image in the exhibition captures its own unique interpretation of gender equality through a photographic lens, resulting in a captivating display that offers us a unique snapshot of Pacific life.

THE WINNERS
Winner of the Amateur Category:
Jennifer Watson, Vanuatu
Runner up of the Amateur Category:
Audrey Pina Liti, Tonga

Winner of the Professional Category:
Bill Jaynes, Federated States of Micronesia
Runner up of the Professional Category:
Michael Moller, Samoa

“S.W.A’s financial performance this year did not improve from last year due to recovery works bought about by cyclone evan. Net loss increased by $0.7M from last year, to $5.5M this financial year”

Fees and allowances for the Directors of the Samoa Water Authority (S.W.A.) increased from $10,902 in 2012 to $93,105 in 2013.

This ninefold surge is reported in the Authority’s latest Annual Report. It comes in the wake of the Finance and Expenditure Committee (F.E.C.) stating in its recent report on the Main Estimates of Receipts and Payments of the Government of Samoa for the financial year ending June 30 2015, that the S.W.A. had been acting illegally with how it has been paying its directors.

The 2012-2013 Annual Report lists seven directors during this financial period.

They are Matatauali’itia Afa Lesa, who serves as the Director; Private Sector Board Members - Gaina Tino, Tiufea Rudolf Meredith, Amiatu Catherine C.L. Faolotoi and Papali’i Dr. Samuelu Petaia; and, Public Sector Board Members – Former

Ministry of Health C.E.O. Palanitina Toelupe and the late Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment C.E.O. Taule’ale’ausumai La’avasa Malua.

The members were appointed on 25 April 2012, for a term of three years.

According to the report: “Directors appointed from Government Corporations and Ministries do not get paid directors fees and meeting sitting allowances as per Cabinet Directive.”

Despite this, the S.W.A. Board managed to rack up quite a costly tally, with the Annual Report providing a basic breakdown of members’ costs.

Directors’ fees and allowances spiked from $2,600 tala in 2012 to $72,472 tala in 2013, overseas travel costs increased year-on-year from $0 tala to $1,292 and ‘other costs’ rose from $5,500 to $18,248 tala.

The report does not elaborate on what the “other costs” were.

What is notable is that while three out of the four listed costs showed a marked surge, meeting expenses for the board decreased from $2,802 tala in 2012 to $1,903 in 2013.

According to a source, the chairperson of a board is paid $6,800 per year in addition to $300 tala per board meeting, while private members are each paid $4,500 annually to sit on a board in addition to $250 tala per board meeting they attend.

In its report on the latest Budget estimates the F.E.C. noted that, the Authority continues to pay the Withholding Taxes of directors, which it says is illegal.

The Chairman of this Committee is, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang.

“The Authority confirmed that a sitting allowance of $250 was paid to each director for their presence at the late General Manager’s funeral, under the authority of the Acting General Manager,” the F.E.C. report reads.

“The Committee believes that it is illegal.”

The Acting C.E.O. at the time was, Tauiliili Ekiumeni Fauolo.

In addition to the increase in costs for the directors, the Authority itself posted an increased net loss of $778,428 tala from $4,739,601 in 2012 to $5,518,029 in 2013.

“S.W.A’s financial performance this year did not improve from last year due to recovery works brought about by Cyclone Evan,” the Authority’s Annual Report reads.

“Net loss increased by $0.7m from last year, to $5.5m this financial year.

“Operations and maintenance increased by more than $1m so that water supply could be provided 12 days after Cyclone Evan."

“S.W.A. will continue to operate at a loss whilst the tariff is low and whilst our N.R.W. (Non-Revenue Water) levels are high.”

N.R.W. is the difference between the water put into the system and amount the utility, in this case the S.W.A. charges consumers for the water.

The Works, Transport and Environment Committee’s report on S.W.A’s Annual Reports for the financial years ending 2010, 2011 and 2012, tabled in the House earlier this year, revealed the S.W.A.’s N.R.W., or “water loss” as the committee call it, sat at 66 per cent. This means for those years, only 34 per cent of the water that runs through S.W.A. pipes is charged for.

The latest Annual Report shows this figure has increased to 70 per cent – a fact which the Authority’s C.E.O., Seugamaalii Jammie Saena, addressed in a response to an email.

“The S.W.A. has an ongoing programme to replace suspected leaking mains and also to increase its metered customers base to deal with non-revenue water,” she says.

“We have an aggressive campaign to do this within our treated areas such as the Fuluasou, Alaoa and Malololelei treated supply areas."

“There is no accepted norm, we aim to reduce as much as we can within the given time and budget allocated by Government to decrease this volume, that’s why SWA’s tariff remains unchanged till a vast improvement is achieved.”

Despite there being no rule of thumb for acceptable levels of N.R.W., water specialists D.H.I. Solutions say the World Bank recommends that N.R.W. should be less than 25 per cent of the total water produced, while in many countries N.R.W. is up to 60 per cent.

“High levels of N.R.W. are detrimental to the financial viability of water utilities and pose an extra burden on paying customers,” the company reports.

According to Water Utility Infrastructure Management Globally, non-revenue water amounts to an average of 34 per cent of processed water worldwide.

“In other words, 34 per cent of the water that a utility has treated and pumped is not billed."

“The World Bank estimates that non-revenue water costs utilities $14 billion, annually."

“In the United States, reports have shown that the non-revenue water totals between 10 and 30 per cent.” In their Discussion Paper The Challenge of Reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in Developing Countries - written for three international groups including the World Bank Group, Bill Kingdom, Roland Liemberger and Philippe Marin say that N.R.W. is one of the major issues affecting water utilities in the developing world.

“High levels of N.R.W. reflect huge volumes of water being lost through leaks, not being invoiced to customers, or both."

“It seriously affects the financial viability of water utilities through lost revenues and increased operational costs."

“A high N.R.W. level is normally a surrogate for a poorly run water utility that lacks the governance, the autonomy, the accountability, and the technical and managerial skills necessary to provide reliable service to their population."

“The waste of resources resulting from high N.R.W. levels in developing countries is considerable."

“To illustrate this point, the study begins with a global overview of the situation and what it means in terms of foregone services to new consumers and the financial costs to utilities."

“In developing countries, about 45 million cubic meters are lost daily through water leakage in the distribution networks—enough to serve nearly 200 million people."

“Similarly, close to 30 million cubic meters are delivered every day to customers, but are not invoiced because of pilferage, employees’ corruption, and poor metering."

“All this directly affects the capacity of utilities in developing countries to become financially viable and fund necessary expansions of service, especially for the poor.”

The International Water Association says such losses may be caused through leaking and burst pipes, illegal connections and metering inaccuracies, for example.

“The imperative to effectively manage NRW is further heightened due to a rapidly growing and urbanised global population and the impacts of climate change which together put greater demand on scarce water resources,” it reports.

“Furthermore, reducing levels of NRW can contribute to attaining M.D.G. (Millennium Development Goal) target seven to reduce the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water.”

The 2012-2013 Annual Report states the Authority is working hard to get N.R.W. under control to reduce wastage, reduce the costs of production, improve billing and revenue collection and ensure more water is available to customers during the dry seasons.

“However, it needs to be recoginised that our N.R.W. reduction program could extend over five or more years before satisfactory levels are achieved,” the report reads.

“An N.R.W. specialist continues to assist us thorough these important first stages of our N.R.W. reduction program and it is planned that a J.I.C.A. Technical Cooperation Project will take over this key role by mid 2014.”

According to the report as N.R.W. comes under control and the Authority’s service improves, it is expected that tariffs will then be reviewed.

Turning now to S.W.A.’s return of investment, the Authority reports that it has steadily declined since the 2009-2010 end of financial year (see table 11 above).

“All figures are low and well below the Public Bodies benchmark of 7 per cent return on equity, which is clearly unrealistically high,” the report reads.

According to the report the total income amounted to $19.94 million, which came in slightly less than the 2012-2013 total income.

“The waste water service now accounts for about 15 per cent of total income,” it says.

“However, water supply sales revenue decreased by approximately $1.39 million from the previous year mainly because no household bills for Upolu Island were generated in December and January because of Cyclone Evan.

“Water services revenue of $11.1m, commercial customers account for 33 per cent, metered domestic customers account for 59 per cent and eight per cent comes from flat rate customers and other water services.

“The net loss for the year is $5.5 million tala compared with $4.7 million in 2011/2012, a slight increase loss of $778,428.

“Expenses increased for personnel, administration and operations and maintenance due to cyclone recovery work."

“Government reimbursed $1m under Grant."

“All figures still point to the need for S.W.A. to reduce N.R.W., improve revenue collection and review the existing water tariff regardless of the impact of natural disasters.”

In regards to its Cashflow Performance, the Authority’s receipts for the year in questions amounted to $25.5 million.

“A slight increase from last year, $25 million,” the Annual report reads.

“Payments also increased and amounted to $29.8 million due to capital works expenditures under budget support and cyclone recovery.”

Looking at cost recovery, the Report notes that the Authority has managed an annual cost recovery of 67 per cent.

“It should be noted that the current water supply tariff covers Operations and Maintenance only and also excludes and also excludes depreciation, wastewater on the other hand is full cost recovery.”

The Authority’s report on its cost efficiency that water sales decreased by nearly $1.39 million tala compared to the previous year. It again cites Cyclone Evan as a reason for this.

“Reciepts from bills increased during this period by $1.5 million due to more stringent efforts to collect water and wastewater bills."

“Figure 3 (see above) presents the water supply Collection Efficiency for domestic customers from July 2012 to June 2013."

“This is the ratio of water bill payments that is tied to receiving Budget Support funds from (the) European Union and (the) Government of Samoa."

“S.W.A. achieved an average Collection Efficiency of 78 per cent, compared with our target of 72 per cent – a satisfactory result.

“The overall Collection Efficiency for both commercial and domestic customers’ water supply for the financial year was 90 per cent."

“For wastewater alone we achieved a 94 per cent collection efficiency."

“Payments from new payment centres and agencies accounted for 11 per cent of revenue.”

For its Capital Works Program, the S.W.A. reports that Budget Support Financing from the European Union was provided in the amount of $8.366 million tala, on top of $4.07 million tala rolled over from 2011/12, to be expended by the end of June – a total of $12.436 million tala.

“Expenditure is monitored and reported in line with the Water for Life Sector Plan strategies."

“A total of 12.67 million tala was expended during the year on priority investments."

“Tables 12 and 13 (see above) present this expenditure relative to sector strategy and operations division (and) capacity building respectively."

“It is important to note that the improvements made in Key Performance Indicators as a measure of effectiveness of the capital works program.”
Seugamaali’i was sent a subsequent follow-up email with a number of questions regarding the Annual Report. However, they remained unanswered at the time of press.

The first round of the VEX Robotics Samoa Pilot Competition was held yesterday at the National University of Samoa (N.U.S).

The Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (S.A.M.E.) will launch a new Samoa-New Zealand Business Council this week.

The unveiling of the Council will take place at this year’s Buy Samoa Made Trade Show in Auckland and will complement the new permanent exhibition centre that will be officially opened this week.

S.A.M.E. President, Tagaloa Eddie Wilson, told the Sunday Samoan that the Council would have only one item on its agenda – to increase Samoan exports to New Zealand.

He said the body was something discussed at last year’s Trade Show.

“It was an idea that S.A.M.E. was looking at to strengthen the export market in New Zealand,” he said. “We sort of started it already at the Buy Samoa Made last year, so all the 28 companies that went last year are now part of this council or association including the

New Zealand counterparts we have.”

“It was decided at last year’s meeting that we were not going to copycat what all the other business associations were doing we looked at initially setting one goal and that is to increase and facilitate export of goods and services from Samoa, that is its one objective.”

“The association that we are looking at one of the tasks of having it established is so that we can monitor the export for Samoa and gives us a very good excuse to meet and see what is going on and what we can do to strengthen the exports.”

Tagaloa said in regards to the Council’s structure that there had been some suggestions offered up.

“We are looking at the Prime Minister (Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi) as the Patron and the Deputy Prime Minister (Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo) as Vice Patron,” he said.

The council will meet before the trade show to work out a few administrative issues,” said Tagaloa.

“So in addition to launching the exhibition centre we are also going to announce that there is such an association…to look after the interests of exports from Samoa,” he said.

Tagaloa said in regards to similar business organisations they would be invited to join the new council.

Looking towards this week’s show, Tagaloa said three new products would be introduced to New Zealand buyers.

He said the products are a new nonu wine from Talofa Spirits, Palusami from Krissi Co. Ltd of Savai’i coconut cream fame, and Samoan chocolates made by Wilex.

“We have a couple of other new products, but they are not quite ready yet,” Tagaloa said.

“So what we are going to do over the next 12 months, as with the exhibition (centre) there, if we have new Samoan products we are going to promote it, launch…and have them included there,” he said.

Tagaloa said the idea is with the exhibition centre was once it is set it up and there permanently it will be used to launch new Samoan products throughout the year.

“We are not going to see it go into dust,” he said.

“We are going to have continuous promotions and every time Samoa comes up with a new product or service the idea is to launch it include it there.”

“So that is the idea of that.”

He said if anyone had any new products they would like to expose to the New Zealand market to please contact S.A.M.E.

“We are currently also very open to taking any other Samoan (products),” he said.

“(So if) anybody that has a new product that they want to launch this is the opportunity for the exhibit in Auckland we will be very open for new products that come up.”

It appears that Apia’s brand new black sand beach has become a waterfront dumping ground.

The beach was conceived of by Government earlier this year as a part of a plan to beautify the capital in the lead up to the Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S.) conference, which is less than one month away.

Upon visiting the beach yesterday, the Samoa Observer found it littered with all manner of rubbish from cigarette butts, to broken glass to car tyres.

In fact, there was so much broken glass strewn along the beach that it would be unwise for beachgoers to walk along it without a decent pair of shoes on.

However, there was not only rubbish on the beach itself, trash had also accumulated underneath Vaisigano Bridge where the river meets the sea.

There, one can see plastic bottles, more broken glass, tins and other bits of unidentified garbage, all of it just sitting there waiting for the tide to rise so it can be washed out into the harbour.

But the crowning glory of this ‘beautiful’ site – a big mound of trash piled up on one of the stairways that lead down to the beach itself.

Bags and bags of it – in addition to a lot of green waste.

Earlier this year Tuilaepa said the development does not only involve the beautification of the beach but building shops and restaurants and lights that will illuminate the place like daytime at night.

“These are good plans (for the beautification of Apia) government is trying to make happen,” he said.

“Then Apia will be a beautiful place to see.”

However, not everyone was on board with the new beautification plans, with objections to the beach being raised in April this year by the Tautua Party leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II, Shadow Minister of Environment, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster as well as residents in the nearby area.

“Those who are not happy and that make noises, you all know that they make noises and then it dies away,” said Tuilaepa.

“Let the old men make noises - but many people have offered their congratulations for the beach.

“They do not to see nice things. All they see are problems and more problems.”

Tuilaepa said government, instead, should be congratulated for reviving the beach at “Beach” Road.

“And now we are recreating the old beach with a bit of ingenuity.

“A place where tourists and families can come down and enjoy. To swim and have afternoon picnics.

“And the Opposition does not want it? That’s because they are opposed to any positive development in this country.”