China’s state-owned global news organization, Xinhua News Agency, has invited the Samoa Observer Newsmedia Group (SONG) to take part in its Global Awards for Excellence in Journalism initiative.

Launched by China’s Beijing-based World Media Summit Secretariat, “the awards are the first comprehensive news awards covering multiple media formats, including press, photography, video and integrated media,” Xinhua’s Suva Bureau Chief Correspondent, Philip Liu, says in his letter of invitation.

He explains: “The awards are designed to become an authoritative, credible and globally influential news showcase; they are open to news agencies, newspapers, TV stations and news websites around the world.

“The WMS Global Awards for Excellence honor the “TRUTH, OBJECTIVITY and EXCELLENCE” in journalism.”

They are intended “to encourage all people working in the media sector to keep honing their professional skills and pursue excellence, while inspiring media setups to work with the times in the spirit of innovation.”

Mr. Liu says participation “is free and winners will be given handsome prizes."

“We encourage you, your journalists and your media friends to participate,” Mr. Liu urges.

“We sincerely hope that as many media colleagues as possible from our Pacific region can participate in this event, so that more voices from this region will be heard, and excellence and professionalism of Pacific journalists will be recognized."

There are four categories:

•Awards for Public Welfare

1. Award for Exemplary News Teams in Developing Countries
This award commends media units or organizations in developing countries for their outstanding contribution to political, economic and cultural development, and to public services.

2. Award for Exemplary News Professionals in Developing Countries
This award commends media professionals in developing countries for their outstanding contribution to political, economic and cultural development, and to public services.

• Award for Media Innovation

3. This award is conferred upon the media team that has adopted innovative and creative perspectives, approaches or patterns. There is an emphasis upon taking a novel approach to traditional news practices, in terms of journalistic tools and techniques, products and services, market exploration, etc.

• Award for New Media Reporting

4. This award is conferred upon a distinguished example of news reporting that presents on new media terminals while exhibiting distinct features of new media or multimedia.

“The Secretariat will invite veteran and senior news practitioners from the Secretariat members and other world renowned media organizations, as well as experts and scholars from professional academic institutions, to act as judges,” Mr Liu’s letter says.

“They are to proceed with their work in line with prevailing international norms and with the principle of "equality and justice."

He says “the entries must have been published, released or broadcast by media organizations. Given these are the first Awards ever launched, the time frame within which entries must have been published extends by a year.”

Time frame for entry publication: Jan. 1,
2012 - Dec. 31, 2013.
Entry submission period: 00:00 GMT, Jul. 1,
2014 - 24:00 GMT, Sept. 30, 2014.

Winners announcement: November 2014.

The working language is English. There are no restrictions on the original language of the entry, but an English translation should be attached, based on which the reviews and judgment are made.

1. Registration

Entrants are required to register on the WMS official website (www.worldmediasummit.org) after providing the necessary personal information. Personal information is only for reference within the WMS Secretariat, and will not be supplied to any third party without entrants' approval. Entrants can log in at any time and submit new entries within the prescribed time for submission. They can also revise personal information and check entries’ status (such as "submitted").

2. Submission of Entries

Entries can be submitted at www.worldmediasummit.org. Please follow the online guidance to process your submission(s). You can click "save" to preserve unfinished entries. The entry will not be uploaded unless you click "submit." Once submitted, entries cannot be revised or altered.
Entry Rules

1. Eligible entrants refer to professional media practitioners working in authentic news agencies, newspapers, TV stations and Internet network institutions from all countries and regions. User-generated websites and social media, such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Wechat, micro-blogs and Wikis, are not included.

2. There is no entry fee.

3. Entries are submitted online. All entrants should register on the official website www.worldmediasummit.org before submitting entries. All information provided by the entrant must be genuine.

4. All submitted works should have been released, published or broadcast by relevant institutions. No entry can participate in any other international news award competitions before the winners of the WMS Global Awards for Excellence are announced in November this year.

5. Entrant must be the principal writer or one of the writers of the entries. For team awards, one entrant should be selected as a representative to undergo registration and entry submission.

6. English is the sole working language. Non-English entries should be accompanied by an English translation, based on which the reviews and judgment are made. Entrants are responsible for the credibility of the translation.

7. Entries should not cover sensitive issues such as disputed state sovereignty and religion, nor contain false speech and/or images, nor involve violence, pornography, bloodstained scene and/or other unhealthy conducts.
Entries which do not observe these rules and do not conform to the prerequisites and technical requirements will be disqualified.
If an awarded entry is found to have been involved in any of the above-mentioned misconducts, the WMS Secretariat will rescind its qualification and remove the entry from the WMS's official website.

8. Entrants should either be copyright holders or have been authorized by the copyright holder(s) to enter the contest.

It is the responsibility of the entrants to ensure there will be no controversies from a third party over the publication, reproduction or transmission of the entries submitted. Entrants will be wholly responsible for any legal liabilities initiated by a third party over an entry.

9. If entries have been previously questioned on their authenticity and justice, entrants should underline the parts questioned and provide a response.

10. The submission of entries indicates that WMS has been authorized to use them on various occasions without any payment. Entrants of awarded entries automatically authorize WMS to use them in various activities sponsored or organized by WMS without any payment. WMS retains the right to ask for more electronic data from entrants to meet the needs of future exhibitions and events promotion. WMS has the obligation to respect the signature rights of entrants and copyright holders.

11. The sign-in of entrants to the contest constitutes an agreement to adhere to the Entry Rules. No entry can be withdrawn for any reason once it enters the judging procedure.

12. Submitted entries will not be returned. The WMS secretariat holding the entries is in the position to dispose them after they have been used as per the rules.
Terms and Conditions

Upon sign-in to participate in the WMS Global Awards for Excellence, the entrants are deemed to have read and understood the Terms and Conditions and be in agreement with them.

1. Entrants agree and acknowledge that the WMS Secretariat has the right to obtain registration information and use it within necessary spheres.

2. The WMS Secretariat reserves the right to rescind an entry or disqualify the entrant unless entries conform to the following basic requirements:

A. Entries are submitted by eligible entrants;

B. Entrants are the copyright holder. If entrants are co-producers, they must all enter the contest. If one of the co-producers acts as the entrant, he or she owns the right of publication;

C. All personages appearing in and related to the entry agree to the submission;

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E. There is no infringement on others' copyright, rights of image, trademark, reputation and privacy and/or all other civil rights;

F. There is no commercial promotion in any form.

3. Entrants are obliged to resolve issues involving legal matters themselves and hold corresponding liabilities.

4. In case the WMS Secretariat perceives misconducts violating the basic requirements such as counterfeit and rights, it reserves the right to rescind the entry and disqualify the entrants. The WMS Secretariat also retains the right to rescind a winner's certificate while recovering any prizes given after the winners announcement.

5. Economic and reputation losses brought to the WMS Secretariat and any other side due to entrants' violation of the above-mentioned rules should be borne by the entrants.

6. To promote the ongoing event, the WMS Secretariat enjoys, though does not solely own, the right to use the entries upon their submission. It also enjoys the right to allow media organizations the world over to use the entries for reporting, including using them in the following circumstances and/or on the following occasions:

A. For the ongoing WMS Global News Award competition;

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The Director General of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, has stated there are no confirmed cases of the mosquito borne chikungunya virus in Samoa.

At a press conference held yesterday, the Leausa said while no laboratory tests had come back as yet to categorically confirm cases of the virus, there were 19 suspected, or clinically diagnosed, cases on island.

“So I think we need to clear that up,” he said.

According to Mosby's Medical Dictionary a clinical diagnosis is one made on the basis of knowledge obtained by medical history and physical examination alone, without benefit of laboratory tests or x-ray films.

Leausa said blood samples had been taken from the suspected cases and were sent overseas - to New Zealand, Tahiti and Noumea - for testing.

He said only once the results come back his Ministry could either confirm or deny a chikungunya outbreak.

If and when it is confirmed, Leausa said it would be the first time this virus has ever presented here. In saying this though, Leausa said his sector was highly suspicious of it being the chikungunya, with physicians making their clinical diagnoses based on a patients travel history and the symptoms they present with - such as a rash, fever and joint pain.

“But so far we are waiting for the lab to confirm and once we get a confirmation of that then we will get back to you,” he said.

“We have sent out specimens and we are still waiting on them. The turn around time for a specimen may take two to three weeks.”

He said his Ministry had screened all 19 suspected cases for all strains of dengue, all of which came back with a negative result.

Leausa said in the meantime the sector is doing all it can to prevent an outbreak.

“We started (preventative measures) before we were alerted to this case,” he said.

“We have done a lot of things. We have started our boarder control. We started our clean up at the ports of entry – especially Faleolo and Fagali’i airports.”

He said the main preventative measure was to spray to prevent the vectors, in this case mosquitoes, from spreading the virus.

The D.G. said his Ministry had advised the airlines that the spraying of planes would begin.

“In the event we feel that there is something going on or that we don’t then we will have to spray,” he said.

“So since last week we have started spraying all the flights from Pago on arrival.”

Leausa said the ports had also been sprayed, as had the area within the vicinity of the wharf.

“Even the boats we have done (sprayed),” he said.

“Today the team is going to the Satitoa Wharf because for the S.I.D.S. (conference) the boat trips form Pago will go to Aleipata so we sent a team there on Friday last week."

“And they have a campaign going on."

“Most of the school compounds in the town area we have sprayed and we have also looked at the areas where there are suspected cases."

“(Areas) like Vaimauga area we sprayed there because that was our index case from there and Vaimea area where we have four suspected cases.”

He said other preventative measures were to advise the public to help with the destruction of mosquito breeding grounds, especially rubbish.

“Those water retaining containers and debris that could encourage the breeding of these mosquitoes,” he said.

Looking now at hospital protocols, he said as the chikunguna virus was not as virulent as dengue fever, it is being treated depending on the severity of the case presented.

“As I said the chikungunya itself is not as fatal as the dengue and most people go there (to the hospital) because they are sick,” he said.

“Not very severely sick so what happens is that they get triaged depending on the severity of the presentation."

“So that is the protocol of it mind you it is not contagious in the sense that it can spread from person to person it is the mosquito that transmits it from person to person.”

He added that in a bid to prevent it from spreading, the Ministry had sprayed around the hospital twice now.

When asked if this potential outbreak worried him so close to S.I.D.S., the D.G. said his sector was taking a lot of extra precautions

“Before S.I.D.S. we are planning a mass events surveillance so with this case we have already started mobilising and are in the process of doing that so SPC and World Health Organisation are helping us do the mass gathering surveillance,” he said.

“So it is just not for chikungunya but for any other disease like diarrhoea and other bugs that causes diarrhoea."

“So we are doing the monitoring pre-S.I.D.S. and post- S.I.D.S.

“So we have that in place and we have people coming down to help us.”

Looking now to American Samoa, the D.G. said four samples had been tested in a laboratory and three out of the four cases had tested positive for the virus.

In an alert issued by Leausa’s counterpart, Director Motusa Tuileama Nua, he reports that the American Samoa Department of Health and the LBJ Hospital have confirmed Public Health chikungunya “chik” fever as the cause of the fever, rash and joint pains outbreak on Tutuila. There have been 343 recorded cases, with six patients hospitalized and no deaths, since July 1,2014. The American Samoa Director General also provides information for patients.

“If you develop fever, body aches with or without rash, check with a nurse or doctor,” the alert reads. ”Apply ice packs to your painful joints and rest them as much as possible Stay indoors in aircon, behind screens or under bednets while you are ill (if you get bit by mosquitos while you are ill, they will spread the disease to your family and neighbors).”

For people who are travelling the A.S.D.H. says: “Do not travel off-island if you are ill with fever and body aches. ”If you travel and become ill after you arrive, tell the doctor who sees you that you may have been exposed to chikungunya.”

In a bid to prevent the spread of illness the A.S.D.H. reports only the aedes mosquito spreads chikungunya.

“Almost all aedes mosquitos come from the following items that collect rain water,” the alert reads.

“Uncovered rain barrels, buckets, junk tires, junk appliances (such as refrigerators, washing machines), boats, equipment (and) plastic tarps. Prevent your family from getting chikungunya by covering rain barrels with a screen or cloth and eliminating these other items near your home, within 100 yards (about 30 metres) where mosquitos breed. ”Protect your family from getting mosquito bites by wearing long pants, socks and long sleeve shirts when you go outside (and) using mosquito repellent (with DEET) when you go outside.”

“For example, in capturing information about professionals in Samoa, we should be able to break down the information by age, sex, the different professions, why more men or women are in a particular profession, what are some factors that influence a male’s or female’s choice of profession and so on” – Malaefono Taua, of Samoa

Reliable information on the reality of men’s and women’s everyday life is critical in order to develop better policies and programmes that address the specific needs of both men and women.

In the Pacific region, many countries lack the capacity to produce statistics that show the different experiences and needs of men and women, resulting in policies that are not adequately addressing their needs.

Policy makers need to understand the different roles, rights and responsibilities of men and women in, for example, water resource management in a community in order to adequately address the community needs in a government water and sanitation policy.

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (S.P.C), in collaboration with other development partners, is working with Pacific Island countries (PICs) to address this lack of capacity.

At a regional workshop this week organised by SPC at the Novotel Hotel in Nadi, over 70 people – human rights focal officers and representatives of national statistics offices and women’s ministries from 13 countries of the region – are discussing how to improve the production and use of gender statistics and other relevant statistics for human rights reporting and to support effective policy development and monitoring at the country level.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Fiji Government Statistician, Epeli Waqavonovono, said that statistics are not complete if they do not reflect the realities of women and men’s lives.

“Statistics provide decision-makers with critical information on a range of topics from public health to politics to human rights,” he says.

“All these are areas in which women’s and men’s needs and experiences are frequently very different and if you do not gather information with these gender differences in mind, you are not seeing the full picture.”

“In addition, around the region, government ministries and divisions in charge of women’s affairs; other arms of government, such as those involved in reporting on human rights conventions and treaties; regional and international organisations; community-based and civil society organisations; funding agencies; and specific programmes working to support human rights and gender equality have all been asking for better statistics on gender at both national and regional levels.”

He recognised the limited capacity and resources in the region to do detailed analyses of gender from existing statistics, indicating that addressing these resource gaps would assist in fast-tracking improvements in gender statistics.

Both the usefulness and timeliness of the workshop were highlighted by Kyonori Tellames, Senior Planning Analyst at the Palau Bureau of Budget and Planning that was responsible for the design and implementation of Palau’s 2015 census.

“This workshop is timely for us because it will help us expand our questionnaire for the census next year to also capture gender-specific information. Traditionally, our data collection is focused on the number of people and the information is disaggregated by age and sex but I have come to realise this week that we need to look beyond the numbers and collect other crucial information that will inform us of the development issues on the ground,” Mr. Tellames said.

To Malaefono Taua, Assistant C.E.O of Samoa’s Census and Surveys under Samoa’s Bureau of Statistics, moving beyond collecting typical census statistics requires commitment right from the design phase of any survey and it entails asking further questions.

“For example, in capturing information about professionals in Samoa, we should be able to break down the information by age, sex, the different professions, why more men or women are in a particular profession, what are some factors that influence a male’s or female’s choice of profession and so on,” Malaefono said.

“This way we will be able to highlight the gaps and link the statistics to policy development.”

For John Ezra, Sector Analyst at Vanuatu’s Prime Minister’s Office, this workshop has provided the opportunity to see the links between statistics, monitoring of existing policies and development outcomes. ‘Statistics provide evidence and are the basis for action by government, so it is important that we strengthen our statistics to assist us in understanding the realities,’ he said.

Discussions this week are focused on how to measure various gender and human rights issues, such as work, time use, violence against women, health; building an understanding of the treaties and reporting systems; looking at data sources, gaps and capacity issues; and hearing about the experiences of countries in using and translating this information into better everyday operational and working experiences at national level.

The workshop is convened by SPC in partnership with the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, UNSD, ADB and the

European Union under the Pacific Island Forum Secretariat’s European Union Project.

“When it comes to nurturing the right culture, having respect for the past and providing a link to our Member Associations, Sarai’s appointment gives us a solid foundation for building for the future”

The former Football Federation Samoa Chief Executive Officer, Sarai Bareman has been appointed as the Oceania Football Confederation (O.F.C) Operations Manager.

Bareman, who filled the C.E.O role with Football Federation Samoa between 2011 and 2014, began her new role at the OFC last week. O.F.C General Secretary, Tai Nicholas highlighted Bareman’s unique insight and experience in successfully overseeing the re-emergence of football in Samoa following a period of normalisation.

“Sarai has been working diligently in re-establishing football in Samoa and can look back on her tenure there with pride and satisfaction, and the new role as OFC Operations Manager is a natural extension,” Mr. Nicholas says. “It’s also an important signal to have one of our Member Association CEO’s graduate to O.F.C’s ranks.

“When it comes to nurturing the right culture, having respect for the past and providing a link to our Member Associations, Sarai’s appointment gives us a solid foundation for building for the future.”

“Sarai joins an O.F.C setup that is on the verge of exciting times with work on the new Home of Football at Ngahue ongoing and a new tournament being rolled out in the OFC President’s Cup.”

Bareman says she is thrilled to join the O.F.C and, equipped with ten years’ experience in the banking and finance sector in New Zealand, she brings a wide range of skills to her new role.

“Football is my passion and I’m a huge supporter of the game in all its forms.”

“To be able to live and breathe the game on a daily basis is an amazing opportunity and I’m really looking forward to meeting and re-connecting with more people from around the Oceania football community,” Bareman says.

The O.F.C Finance Department has also appointed a new staff member with Danny Sze named as Finance Officer.

Today, Hana says her family are clinging on to hope. Doctors, she say, have told her that there is a possibility of replacing Lei’a’s failed kidney with a working one

In November last year, the life of 16-year-old, Lei’a Misa, of Nofoali’i changed forever. One minute she was a student undertaking her final exam to qualify for Year 12. She had her whole future ahead of her with big dreams to graduate from college and hopefully university later.

But then those dreams were crushed when she became unwell.

When she was taken to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital, she was told she could not leave the hospital in a hurry because she had a very serious medical condition.

The condition was a kidney problem and she had to give up her studies.

Since then, young Lei’a has to undergo dialysis treatment three days of the week. It takes four hours each time.

“I am the youngest at the dialysis unit,” she says.

“When I look around at the older patients, I see that many of them have fainted and have suffered some problems during dialysis.”

“But I have never gone through anything like that.”

Young Lei’a is extremely grateful.

“I thank God for his blessings. It is his love and guidance that continues to keep me going.”

But she also has a wish.

“I want a kidney to be able to live a normal life,” she says. “I want this so I don’t have to be on the machine (dialysis) all the time.”

Her mother, Hana Misa, says she was devastated when she was told about her daughter’s condition. Initially, Lei’a had refused to begin dialysis treatment.

“In her mind at the time was that dialysis meant death,” Hana says.

“But she later changed her mind when she suffered a near fatal attack and when she was readmitted to the hospital.”

Today, Hana says her family are clinging on to hope. Doctors, she say, have told her that there is a possibility of replacing Lei’a’s failed kidney with a working one.

“The problem is that the operation cannot be done in Samoa and we will have to wait for a while. So we are waiting and hoping.”

Meanwhile, the cost of dialysis treatment and getting to the hospital is burdening the family.

That’s why they have since approached the Samoa Victim Support Group for assistance so that Lei’a could continue to get treatment.

The problems are many. Lei’a’s father no longer works because of gout. The only money earner for the family is her son who is a fisherman. But even with him trying his best, it’s not enough for Lei’a.

The family needs at least for $50 every time they bring Lei’a to the hospital.

They don’t have a vehicle so that sometimes, Hana has to wheel her daughter to the road to catch at least two buses to the hospital.

“It’s very hard but we love Lei’a and we want to continue to give her a chance at life,” says Hana.

For Lei’a, she is extremely grateful for her brother whom she says works extremely hard to help her.

“I’m also aware of the possibility that one day he might not find anymore fish and I know what that could mean to me.”

Lei’a became emotional about the step that her parents have taken to admit to not having enough money to continue her treatment.

“It’s not easy when you make a public plea about needing help,” she says. “But I’m a strong believer in God and his mysterious ways.”

If you think you can make a difference in the life of Lei’a, please contact 7576601 or 27904.

LOOKING TO S.I.D.S: Education is one of the areas the Samoan delegation to the S.I.D.S Youth Forum will be advocating. The point was highlighted during a press conference held on Monday at the To’oa Salamasina Hall.

Lizbeth Cullity, Resident Representative United Nations, Seletuta Pita, A.C.E.O Division for Youth, MWCSD and Vice Chair of the SIDS Youth Forum Working Group, and Molly Homasi, representative of the Samoa National Youth Council fronted the press conference. \They are pictured here with Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson.

PR -  The SIDSTERS Youth Forum Campaign is being launched this week as part of the lead up to the S.I.D.S Youth Forum on 28 August 2014.

The launch of ‘S.I.D.S.T.E.R.S’ coincides with the United Nations SIDS Youth Global Day of Action which is centred on the theme, My World, My S.I.D.S.

S.I.D.S.T.E.R.S, which is a combination of the word youngsters and S.I.D.S, is an initiative of the Youth Forum Working Group, and young advocates who will be taking part in the Youth Forum.

“This campaign will create awareness of issues prioritized by young people across S.I.D.S, by harnessing the power of social media to bring these views together in a platform that is enjoyed by young people all over the world,” said Brianna Fruean, Lead Campaigner of S.I.D.S.T.E.R.S.

Over 200 young people are anticipated to take part in the S.I.D.S Youth Forum. The theme the Forum is “Towards A Legacy of Achievement, Versatility, and Opportunity through partnership and Unity (which stands for T.A.L.A.V.O.U.) for Sustainable Development.”

“This is a great opportunity for young people to feature their views online, and to take part in this exciting discussion,” said Lei’ataua Kuiniselani Elisara, Chair of the S.I.D.S Youth Forum Working Group and the C.E.O of the Ministry of Women

Community and Social Development (M.W.C.S.D).

The S.I.D.S.T.E.R.S campaign will go live tomorrow at 8:00am Samoan Time using the following social media names: Twitter Hashtag: #sidsters2014; Facebook Page; sidstersl Instagram: sids_stagra; and Wordpress: sidsters2014.

The priorities identified by S.I.D.S youth toward the September Conference include climate change, biodiversity, science, water, sustainable energy, technology, education, employment, entrepreneurship and health and social development for SIDS youth.

Canberra, (St Helens Star) 05 August 2014 - SAINTS’ Kiwi powerhouse Sia Solioa will join the NRL’s Canberra Raiders in 2015.

Soliola, who confirmed earlier in the year that he would be leaving Saints at the end of the season due to family reasons, will join the Australian club on a two-year deal.

The former Kiwi international, who also captained of the Samoan team at last year’s World Cup, joined the Saints in 2010 making a

Grand Final appearance in his first season.

In his five seasons with the club, the forward has become a firm fans’ favourite with his shuddering trademark big tackles and aggressive carries.

The 28-year-old has made 110 appearances and scored 29 tries in the red vee.

“Sia will be a real loss to the team,” said Saints Chief Executive Mike Rush.

“He is a very popular figure at the Saints both on and off the pitch and I have no doubt Canberra will benefit greatly from his experience and character.”

“Sia made it clear earlier in the season he wanted to leave Langtree Park for family reasons and naturally we respect his wishes.”

“We wish Sia and his family all the best for the future and we’re sure he will want to go out on a high, hopefully at the Grand Final in October.”

“I now have confidence that you have equipped yourselves with new skills and knowledge… the lives of people are in your hands” – Acting Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu

Local police officers allocated to escort V.I.P.'s – including many top government representatives – during S.I.D.S Conference will not be carrying guns.

The safety of their guests, however, will be their paramount concern. In fact, they are well prepared for any eventuality, including the worst-case scenario.

That’s the message from the Police, three weeks away from the much-anticipated Small Islands Developing States (S.I.D.S) Conference.

On Tuesday, the Police, with assistance from the Australian Federal Police, ended the Close Personal Protection (C.P.P.) Programme at Hotel Millennia. It was designed to train local police officers on how to transport and protect V.I.P. guests.

Twenty-six officers graduated with certificates.

Asked by the Samoa Observer if the officers would be armed, C.P.P. Course Manager, Shan Rice, said there was no need for it.

“Samoa is not a violent country,” he said. “So there is no need for guns in this case.”

But the officers, he said, would not be ignorant should something arise. Pointing out that the call for the use of firearms would have to come from the government of Samoa, Mr Rice assured that the officers are as prepared as they could be.

But what if a case of a terrorist threat arises?

Mr Rice assured that the police have planned for the “worst case scenario.”

What that plan is he would not discuss for security reasons.

As for the C.P.P., Mr Rice said: “We’re here to train the police to undertake certain duties up to a certain level.”

He added that “guns were not involved in the C.P.P. Training.”

Acting Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu, said the training was extremely important as part of Samoa’s preparations for S.I.D.S.

He thanked the Australian government through the Samoa and Australian Police Partnership for providing the technical support as well as the equipment.

Fauono also congratulated the participants.

“I now have confidence that you have equipped yourselves with new skills and knowledge that will assist you all in providing close protection and security during the conference.”

Fauono encouraged the participants to follow and put into practise what they had been taught.

He also reminded that the “lives of the people will be in your hands.”

Mr Rice agreed.

“Your V.I.P protection skills are in great demand for this conference so I wish you all the best.”

“Like any big organization, there are times when they are faced with issues due to the poor work performance of the workers. The most likely person the public looks at to blame is the head of the organisation even though he/she is not personally responsible. The Ministry of Police is no exception”

Diana Roma, the lawyer representing the suspended Commissioner of Police, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo, before a Commission on Inquiry looking into his performance, is steadfast.

She believes the allegations against her client have not been proven and therefore his services should not be terminated. The point was made yesterday during the last day of the Commission of Inquiry.

The Commission is chaired by the Ombudsman, Maiava Iulai Toma. The other members of the Commission are Gatoloai Tili Afamasaga and Su’a Tanielu Su’a. They are being assisted by lawyers, Sine Lafaiali’i-Koria and Sefo Ainu’u from the Office of the Attorney General.

Yesterday, the lawyers made their final submissions, wrapping up the three-week Inquiry.

“To conclude, the Commission may find at the end of the inquiry that there are short coming in the performance of the Commissioner but our submissions are that the Commissioner offered reasonable explanations towards the matters raised in light of the Tafaigata report which we submit does not amount to a breach of his duties,” Mrs Roma argued.

“We also submit that the complaints made during the previous inquiry are not necessarily representative or indicative of the public’s view of the Commissioner ability to perform his duties. Least it is forgotten that there are other duties that were well performed by the Commissioner for the good of the Ministry and the community as a whole.”

According to Mrs Roma, given the magnitude of the Ministry, “the Commissioner may at times delegate his authority to his subordinates. Like any big organization, there are times when they are faced with issues due to the poor work performance of the workers. The most likely person the public looks at to blame is the head of the organisation even though he/she is not personally responsible. The Ministry of Police is no exception.

“All in all, we respectfully submit that the allegations against the Commissioner does not amount to a breach of his duties or affect the confidence of the public in his abilities and therefore should not form the basis to terminate the Commissioner’s service.”

Mrs Lafaiali’i Koria disagreed. She argued that a number of allegations against the Commissioner were proven and that he failed to conduct his duty appropriately.

In the end, Chairman Maiava closed Inquiry, saying their report will be submitted to Cabinet next week.

Here is Lilomaiava’s lawyer’s submission in full:

INTRODUCTION / BACKGROUND

This Commission of Inquiry (COI) was a direct result of the COI for Tafaigata Prison. The later was prompted because of an anonymous ghost letter alleging misconduct by Police officers within the Tafaigata Prison.

The COI for Tafaigata heard from 144 witnesses consisting of police officers, prisoners, former prisoners and members of the public. The Commissioner through his counsel requested that he be cited as a party to the inquiry before it started since it was an inquiry into allegations of mismanagement and misadministration of the Tafaigata Prison and other related issues. The Commissioner has a right to hear allegation concerning him and be able to defend himself in person or through counsel. The COI noted this concern by the Commissioner but denied his request stating that the inquiry may not be able to fully discharge its duties if he was made a party.

However, he was given the chance to appear before the COI and give evidence in his defence if he was adversely affected by any evidence. We felt that this was not the same as most people say something that is often false if the person concerned is not present. This is especially true in cases where people hold grudges and are very bitter. The Commissioner was until at the very late stages of the inquiry cited as a party. The Commission completed its inquiry and submitted its report to Cabinet in February 2014.

Cabinet in its meeting of 6 May 2014 considered the report and found that there were matters that were not covered in the previous inquiry. It confirmed that a new COI be established under section 55 (4) of the Police Services Act 2009 to inquiry into the performance or capacity of the Commissioner. Section 55(4) states that “[b]efore a decision to terminate under subsection (1) an inquiry into the performance or capacity of the Commissioner…shall be undertaken: (b) as is otherwise determined by the Prime Minister, after consulting with the Attorney General, provided that, in the case of the Commissioner only, the Ombudsman is made an additional member of any Committee of Inquiry appointed by the Minister or the Prime Minister under this Act to consider any matter relating to the disciplining of the Commissioner”

The COI consists of the same members as the previous inquiry and their terms of reference (TOR) were to:

Inquire into the capacity and performance of the respective duties of the Commissioner of the Samoa Police Service, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo (the Commissioner”) by:

Inquiring into the conduct and performance of the Commissioner in light of the findings in the COI – Tafaigata Report February 2014; and

Inquiring into whether the conduct of the Commissioner in paragraph (a)(i) above breached the respective duties of the Commissioner; and

Inquiring into whether, in paragraph (a)(i) above, the Commissioner behaved in a manner likely to affect the confidence of the community in the respective abilities of the Commissioner

Report back to Cabinet within 4 weeks on matters relating to its findings in paragraph (a) above; and

Make recommendations to Cabinet based on its findings in paragraph (a) above, regarding the appropriate action to be taken by Cabinet with regards to the Commissioner.

Counsel Assisting in her opening submissions stated that they were relying on the report of the COI - Tafaigata and will not be calling any witnesses. However, they will be asking the Commissioner questions concerning issues or allegations from the report. Given that it was a new inquiry with new TOR our concern regarding the process was raised to the Commission. We submitted that a fresh process should be made to the inquiry by calling witnesses in the presence of the Commissioner and allowing him the opportunity to cross examine. The COI had heard evidence in the previous inquiry and was relying on that evidence in dealing with the present new inquiry. The risk in our respectful view was that in the previous inquiry, the Commissioner was not until at a very late stage made a party. The Commission noted our concern but continued as is. We also raised the concern that the Commissioner needs to be informed of particulars of allegations, if any, relating to breach of his duties and the diminished public confidence in him.

ALLEGATIONS / ISSUES
MATTERS RELATING TO TAFAIGATA PRISON

Absence / lack of regulations, Policies, Guidelines pursuant to the Prisons Act 1967 which governs the management of the Tafaigata Prison (p9 of Tafaigata Report)

Pa Sima – only the Commissioner can put someone in the pa sima, when in reality any officer can do this.

Weekend parole – no guidelines/policy in place regarding determination of how one is entitled to this (section 26 – the Commissioner may issue prison rles and general instructions for the guidance of the officers and members of the Service and prisoners provided such rules and instructions are consistent with the Act)

Treatment of prisoners – different treatment of prisoners – e.g. case of Semi Samau

Dalton case

The handling of the Dalton case

Action which followed after the death of Dalton

Action regarding the handling of mental patients by the Police

Officers at Tafaigata

Absence of a Contract of employment for former AC Tafaigata – how is the AC’s performance reviewed by the Commissioner as the head of the Police Service?

Interaction between Officers and Prisoners

Handling by the Commissioner of the prisoner’s project money as highlighted in the Auditors report 2012-2013

The problem with the lack of Officers at Tafaigata – what action was taken if any to curb this

Senior Officers drinking in compound such as the Superintendent at Tafaigata – what action was taken

MATTERS RELATING TO THE MAIN SERVICE

No contract for all the Assistant Commissioners

Professional Standard Unit (PSU) - a number of cases which have been left open, no action, irregularities in the way things handled by the PSU. Monitoring by the Commissioner of the work of the PSU as the head of the Police Service.

Examples;

Lotu tamaiti in lock up

“I’m glad that all my efforts and hard work have finally paid off. I want to acknowledge my family for their support and prayers. They have always been there for me and that is why I am where I am now” – Telei’ai Dr Lalotoa Mulitalo

A Samoan lawyer and lecturer, Telei’ai Dr Lalotoa Mulitalo, has made her family very proud.

Having recently graduated with a PhD in Law from Queensland University in Australia, Telei’ai says there is one person she wishes was around to celebrate with her.

That person is her father, the late Mulitalo Ropi Seumanutafa. He passed on in 2008.

“I only wished that my father was here to witness this moment,” she says.

The seventh of eight children of the late Mulitalo and Lalotoa Mulitalo, Telei’ai hails from the villages of Apia, Saoluafata, Lalomalava and Leulumoega.

During her graduation in Australia, however, Telei’ai was able to celebrate with her mother, Lalotoa. They were joined by many relatives and friends, including people who made the trip from Samoa for her special day.

What made the occasion even more special was the fact she received an Award of Excellence for her thesis.

“I’m so grateful that I’ve made it this far,” says Dr Mulitalo. “Having had the support of my family along the way really helped me a lot.”

Samoa’s newest doctor acknowledges the support of the New Zealand, Australia and the Samoan government.

Dr Mulitalo’s thesis focused on the development of laws that benefit the people of Samoa and the Pacific.

Her interest in the area follows more than fifteen years of having worked in the legal sector in Samoa.

“In my first five years (at the Office of the Attorney General), I worked in criminal prosecution, civil litigation and providing legal advice on complex matters involving the government,” she says.

Later, she spent another five years as the Parliamentary Counsel, responsible for the drafting and review of Parliament Bills and Regulations.

Before Dr Mulitalo joined the Office of the Attorney General, she worked for four years at the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration (Samoa).

She also worked at the Land and Titles Court (L.T.C).

Today, Dr Mulitalo says all those years prepared her for what she has achieved.

“I’m glad that all my efforts and hard work have finally paid off,” says Dr Mulitalo.

“I want to acknowledge my family for their support and prayers. They have always been there for me and that is why I am where I am now.”

Dr Mulitalo is currently a Lecturer at the University of the South Pacific Law School in Vanuatu.

But she might not be there for too long.

“I just want to come back home and do something for my country,” she says.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Rush pulled into Apia Harbor yesterday. The vessel is in the region for fisheries surveillance and enforcement.

Yesterday evening at the new beach on the Apia waterfront, the Coast Guard engaged in friendly races with local Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association (SOCA) clubs.

Today, the crewmembers will visit the Samoa Victim Support Group’s House of Hope to work on their garden.

Later this evening, the American Embassy in Apia will host the U.S. Independence Day celebration on board CGC Rush, which will be docked pier side at Matautu Wharf. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi is scheduled to speak at the event.

A wave of excitement swept across ANZ Bank Samoa this week, as they welcomed the Chief Executive Officer of ANZ, Mike Smith.

He was accompanied by ANZ C.E.O Pacific, Vishnu Mohan and ANZ Chief of Staff, Jo Mikleus on their 2014 Pacific Tour.

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While in Samoa, Mr. Smith took the time to meet with Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Mailielegaoi, who attended a special meeting with all the ANZ staff.

Mr. Smith also spoke with the ANZ Samoa leadership team and attended a customer cocktail function at Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa, where customers had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Smith and his wife, Maria, and learn of their personal and professional experiences.

Mr. Smith was very pleased to hear about the success of ANZ Samoa, with 47 percent of the total market share and the leading bank in Samoa.

He was equally pleased to hear of the achievements of ANZ goMoney, since its launch in June 2013. And how just last month ANZ goMoney’s Pacific transactions reached a staggering 1 million.

“Our investment in rolling out ANZ goMoney in Samoa has also helped to improve the lives of rural people and promote access to banking services,” said Mr. Smith.

ANZ Regional C.E.O, Mathew Fisher welcomed Mr. Smith.

“It is a great honor having Mike Smith visit us here in Samoa, growing the Pacific business is part of ANZ’s strategy to build a super regional bank,” he said.

“The consistent flow of ANZ senior leaders to Samoa further demonstrates ANZ’s commitment to Samoa that no other Bank can match.”

“There is no doubt in my mind that the connectivity within this region is going to drive global growth in the years to come. For Samoa this means providing great local service as well as unique connectivity for our customers across the region.”

ANZ is the oldest, largest and strongest bank in Samoa, present since 1959, and has been in the Pacific region for more than 130 years.

Two people have died as the Ministry of Health has raised the alarm about an outbreak of the Acute Fever and Rash (A.F.R.).

According to an alert issued yesterday, Chief Executive Officer, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri said there have been 21 recorded A.F.R. cases in Samoa as of 5 August.

He said all cases had common symptoms of fever, an itchy skin rash, joint pain and generalised body aches.

Leausa reports that four suspected cases were hospitalised at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital (T.T.M.H.).

“Three were children aged between 2-13 years, two females and one male, and one a man of 45 years who was admitted to the T.T.M.H. Intensive Care Unit (I.C.U.),” he said.

“There have been two deaths among those that presented with A.F.R. symptoms.

“Cases are mainly from around the Apia Urban Area (A.U.A.) and at least one case had a history of travel to and from American Samoa in the preceding weeks.”

Leausa reiterated that his Ministry was still awaiting Laboratory confirmation of the causative agent.

“But there is high suspicion of a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, similar to the outbreak in American Samoa,” he said.

“We continue to advise the public to be on HIGH ALERT and to take precautions from getting ill.

“We strongly advise to restrict Travel to American Samoa, or to other areas of Samoa if you are ill.”

In regards to Public Health the M.O.H advises the community to avoid mosquito bites by using proper clothing, mosquito repellents, mosquito bed-nets and house screens.

“Control Mosquito numbers by elimination of mosquito breeding sites both indoors and outdoors,” the alert advises.

“Clear drainages, stagnant water or any articles retaining water, which may become mosquito breeding grounds.

“Quickly seek medical advice, when experiencing any of the above symptoms.”

Leausa said his Ministry continues heightened surveillance and increased containment efforts such as vector control measures especially at the ports of entry for aircrafts and ships, school compounds, suspected cases homes and surrounding areas, as well as the T.T.M.H. area.

“Multi-sectoral collaboration with key Government Agencies continues to increase awareness of the outbreak, implement ‘source reduction’ for the vector control and expedite containment efforts,” he said.

“This is coupled by mass multi-media health education awareness programs.

“Assistance from our development partners S.P.C. (Secretariat of the Pacific Community) and W.H.O. (World Health Organisation) has also been sought for extra supplies and technical expertise to assist containment and management of the disease outbreak.”

The C.E.O. said for further information contact Ministry of Health at 68100.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, yesterday paid tribute to a scholar, historian and a pioneer, Aiono Dr. Fana’afi Le Tagaloa.

Tuilaepa told the media during his weekly media session that he had been informed about Aiono’s passing away yesterday.

Attempts to get a comment from the family last night were unsuccessful.

But Tuilaepa said the news about Aiono’s passing away came as a shock. Tuilaepa extended his condolences to Aiono’s husband, Le Tagaloa Pita, and their children.

In acknowledging her contribution to education in Samoa, Tuilaepa spoke highly of Aiono.

“Aiono had set many records for Samoa,” he said.

One of them was becoming the first Samoan to hold a PhD.

“She was also pioneer in many areas, especially in the area of gender balance and gender equality.”

Tuilaepa said Aiono inspired a generation of leaders who will go on to continue her legacy.

He also acknowledged Aiono as a former Member of Parliament and a former Director of Education.

“She is someone who is known for her involvement in promoting education for the children of Samoa.”

Born on 25 June 1932, Aiono* is an authority on Samoan culture and language.

She is one of the most educated female matai in the country with a PhD in educational philosophy and applied linguistics from the University of London.

Aiono has been instrumental in formulating and implementing bi-cultural and bi-lingual education in Samoa, in particular, during her tenure as Director of Education for the government as the country moved from colonial rule to political independence in the early 1960s.

She has held other senior positions in education in Samoa, including Professor of Samoan Studies at the National University of Samoa and principal of Samoa Teacher's College.

Her distinguished career includes politics and she is a former Member of Parliament, having first entered parliament at the 1985 general election under the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP).

In 1997, she founded the Indigenous University of Samoa (Le Iunivesite o le Amosa o Savavau). The university curriculum is taught in the Samoan language with qualifications in Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees.

She has published extensively about Samoan history, land rights, fa'amatai chiefly governance and fa'a Samoa socio-political issues, as well as the role of women and children in the Pacific Islands.

Her scholarly work and publications have been widely read and cited.

Aiono attended Malifa Primary before she went to attend intermediate and grammar schools in New Zealand. She later attended Ardmore Teachers' College in Auckland where she graduated in 1954.

She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1957. Her Master of Arts degree was completed at Victoria University of Wellington.

Her Master's thesis was titled The Pattern of Education and the Factors Influencing that Development in the New Zealand Dependencies in the Pacific.

Her outstanding academic achievements in New Zealand earned her the prestigious MacKintosh Travelling Scholarship, becoming the first Pacific Islander to do so.

The scholarship allowed her to study for her doctorate at the University of London, which she completed in 1960. Her doctoral dessertation was titled Bilingualism and its Socio-Economic and Philosophical Implications in a Society Forced to be Bilingual.

After completing her PhD in London, Aiono lectured at Victoria University in New Zealand for 4 years.

In 1965, she became the Principal of Samoa Teachers' College. She briefly held the position of Deputy Director of Education for the Samoan government before her appointment as Director, a position she held from December, 1968 until March, 1975.

From 1976 to 1981, she worked in the same role for the Congregational Christian Church in Samoa.

From 1982 - 1985, she was Vice Chancellor of the University of Samoa.

*Information obtained from wikipedia

In June, a mother of five walked into the Samoa Victim Support Group’s office seeking financial assistance to enable her eldest daughter to undergo medical treatment in New Zealand for a severe heart condition.

The mother’s plea for help was later featured in the Samoa Observer, which prompted the local community to lend a helping hand.

Through Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork of Island Rock, Tole’afoa Elon Betham of CMN Transport and Le Aute Gas, as well as remittance from Jane Falaniko of Australia, a total of $3,580.60 was collected.

This had enabled SVSG to pay for return airfares for the mother and daughter to attend to the child’s treatment at the Starship Hospital.

Balance of funds was paid out to the mother before their departure to assist with other necessities while in New Zealand.

In the meantime, members of the SVSG Auckland are looking out for this child and keeping us posted on her progress.

SVSG President Mrs. Lina Chang therefore acknowledges with gratitude and appreciation the support from Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, Toleafoa Elon Betham and Jane Falaniko that enabled this child to get the required medical treatment in New Zealand.

We Support. We Help. We Care.

We are Your Family, is SVSG’s motto that continues to encompass the whole of the community as part of this support service.

Miss Samoa, Susana Fanueli, took on the ‘ice challenge’ yesterday in a bid to raise awareness and funds for cancer patients.

In doing so, she apparently became the first, according to organisers, to have gone through 10 buckets of icy cold water since the challenge started.

Ms. Fanueli was joined by Manaia Events Inc. group members; Jackie Loheni, Lei’ataualesa Jerry Brunt, Leataataoletaeao Maria Blakelock and Tuifa’asisina Korina Seiuli Lee.

The group raised $5,077 for the cancer patients.

$3,000 of the amount was personally donated by Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s Family Restaurant, Tautolo Charlie Tautolo. McDonald’s is the official sponsor of this year’s Miss Samoa Pageant.

Leiataualesa said the challenge was also part of the build up to the Miss Samoa Pageant.

“This is our way of giving back to the community.”

The lawyers involved in the hearing of a 19-year-old girl accused over the death of two young men last year are scheduled to deliver their final submissions today.

This is the third week of Leslie Kohlhase’s trial.

Kohlhase faces four charges in relation to the deaths of Jessie Risale, 22, of Vaimoso and Thesaurus Heather, 20, of Tufuiopa.

She 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 and 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.

On Wednesday, Zach Meredith, 19, testified that he, the accused along with three others involved in the crash were drinking at his parent’s company, Le Well, prior to the incident.

He also testified the accused was “very drunk” because she was “talking a lot and giggling.”

Meredith told the Court that he had asked the accused three times for her car keys but she refused to hand them over. He said he was very concerned about her safety because she was “very drunk.”

The matter is resuming today at 9.30 with final submissions from the lawyers.

Kohlhase has yet to take the stand to give evidence.

Fathers from all over Samoa gathered at the To’oa Salamasina yesterday for the government’s official ceremony to commemorate their day coming up on Sunday.

Guided by the theme of protecting the environment for the future of the Pacific and to safeguard the world, fathers reminded about the important role they play in protecting the environment.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, spoke during the event and wished all the fathers of Samoa a happy Father’s day.

But unlike Mother’s day and White Sunday, many fathers say the event is “nothing big.” Not many of them are making any big plans.

Po’alaga Iosefa, 73-year-old from Lepa, says Father’s day is like any other day to him.

“It’s the usual preparations with my family on Sundays,” said Po’alaga. “The main goal is my family is well looked after but for Father’s day Sunday if we have pork, fish, talo and luau and koko Samoa that is more than enough… if we have ice cream for the kids then everyone is happy and I’m happy.”

Faletoa Sanele, 66-year-old of Saleaumua Aleipata, agrees. The father of seven says life is a gift and it must be enjoyed.

“Without God we wont wake up on the next day so his guidance is vital,” says Faletoa. “I don’t know what my wife has prepared but my daughter from Pagopago will be coming to spend Father’s day with us.

“To me that is all I want for father’s day, to have my children and their children together under one roof.”

Falefata Ailaulau, 70-year-old of Saleapaga says Father’s Day honours the role of fathers in families.

A group of third year Architect students from Auckland University is in the country.

They are here with team leader and Auckland University Lecturer, Fa’amatuainu Peseta Tone.

The former Manu Samoa lock tells the Samoa Observer that the purpose of their trip is for the students to come up with a design for the Museum to commemorate the Mau.

“I am an architect and I also teach part time at the University and so it was a personal project for me,” says Fa’amatuainu.

“Obviously I’m from Samoa so we want it to commemorate what happened in the past and so we chose the Old Germany Court House as the site.

“We wanted to teach the students that there is more about Samoa than just the green grass and the beautiful beaches. We want to teach what Samoa is about.”

Fa’amatuainu adds that another purpose for the trip is to immerse the students in different sites in Samoa.

“So we will be taking a tour to Poutasi and other sites to get more understanding and knowledge for the students.”

For many of the students, this is their first time in Samoa.

“They really like it here, and they are also learning about the tradition and the culture of Samoa.”

“This is a great opportunity for them to experience the life in Samoa and learn about it to help them with their project.”

Senior Lecturer of Auckland University, Bill McKay, says the trip is a good experience for the students to learn as much as they can about Samoa.

“We are only here for eight days and we hope the students will be able to learn a lot from Samoa and be able to put that experience into action when we go back,” he says.

The group is scheduled to return on Sunday.