O le Aso Faraile na taulimaina ai e le E.F.K.S. i Nu’u masini komepiuta i se fesoasoani mai se tasi o alo ma tama fanau o Samoa i Ausetalia.

O lenei fesoasoani, na tauala mamao mai Ausetalia, o se meaalofa mai le Susuga Va’aaoao Salumalo Alofipo mo le Ekalesia Fa’alapotopotoga Kerisiano Samoa i Nu’u i le Aso Faraile e fesoasoani ai mo a’oa’oga a le fanau.

O le tau aofai o komepiuta e oo atu lea i le $10,000 tala Ausetalia, e tusa lea o le $20,000 tala Samoa. O loo galue nei o ia i le Ofisa o Aoga i totonu o Queensland ma avea o ia o se Pacific Island Liaison Officer.

O loo avea foi o ia ma Peresitene o le Faalapotopotoga o le AGAPE a le S.D.A. i totonu o lea atunuu.

“Na fesootai mai le afioga i a Lafaitele Fepuleai i a te au e faapea o le Ekalesia E.F.K.S i Nuu nei, o lo’o fia maua se fesoasoani mo komepiuta mo le faatinoina o aoaoga.”

“E ui lava o au o le sui o le Ekalesia Aso Fitu, ae peitai, e pei lava o le eklasia lava lenei na aoao ai au ma ua ou iloa ai faaopoopo le tasi i le tasi tutusa ma le lua. O se nofoaga na amata ai ona aoaoina au, faapea ai foi lau tautala, o lau tusitusi ma lau faitau tusi.

“E le mafai ona ou faagaloina.”

O le sui o le E.F.K.S. mai Nu’u, Pesetā Afoa Arasi Tiotio, na faailoa lona agaga fiafia mo lenei aulotu.

Na fai o ia ma sui o le Susuga i le Fa’afeagaiga i a Letaulau ma le faletua i a Tina Pesaleli faapea ai ma le ekalesia e tuuina atu ai se faafetai le auau mo mea uma lava ua foai mo le Ekalesia, ae le gata i lea, o masini komepiuta mo a matou fanau.”

“Na amataina a matou aoaoga i le tausaga na tea nei, ma ua matou vaaia le mana’omia tele e fanau o lea tulaga.”

“O lenei faamoemoe, e le na o le Ekalesia, o loo matala foi le faitotoa mo soo se tasi (fanau) e manao e auai ma manaomia la matou fesoasoani.”

“O lenei tulaga ua na o se amataga o la matou faigapaaga, ma le faamoemoe o le a tuuina atu le tele o nisi o talosaga mo le tausaga o lumana’i nei.”

“Mai le ta’ele o matou loto matou te fa’apea atu ai” “Fa’afetai, fa’afetai tele lava.”

O le Fa’afeagaiga i a Letaulau Pesaleli o le Ekalesia E.F.K.S. mai Nuu na taitai le sauniga ma faamanuia ai le fesoasoani.

Na fesiligia e se tamaitai galue ofo fua mai Ausetalia, Dr. Micaela Elphick, galuega fai a le To’omaga mo e Puapuagatia (S.V.S.G) i le vaetamaina o tamaiti.

Na fesiligia foi e Dr. Elphick, lea sa fa’aalu lona taimi i lea nofoaga, lea e mafai ona vaetama ai pepe. Ae le’i i ai Dr. Elphick i le nofoaga, fai mai sa ia talanoa atu i se isi foi tamaitai galue ofo fua, o lo’o faigaluega ai i lea nofoaga. Na ia fa’amatala lona le fiafia tele i le tulaga o lo’o i ai le nofoaga ma fai mai, e i ai taimi, e leai ai ni meaai, ma e fafaga nai pepe i le suati pe a leai ni apa-susu,” o Dr.Elphick lea. “E 24 itula e fai ai lea faiga.

Na ia fai mai, e tele lava ina leai ni napekini ma e mana’o o ia e fai ni siaki mo pepe ae peitai, e le faia lea tulaga. “Ae ina ua matou o’o atu ai i lea nofoaga, o le mea sa’o lava lea o lo’o tupu.” I le talanoa atu i le Samoa Observer, fai mai Dr. Elphick, ua ia o’o atu i lea tulaga ona e na te lagona, o lana matafaioi tonu lea o le lagā o lea fa’afitauli. “O le matuai le manuia lava, ao lea e latou te fa’alauiloaina mai mea lelei o lo’o latou faia,” o lana tala lea.

“Tilotilo i ai, ou te mautinoa o lo’o i ai tagata maualuluga ia o lo’o aofia ai i le faiga o ia tulaga fa’apea i le Victim Support.

“Ae o lea foi e i ai nisi fa’aletonu ogaoga.” Fai mai Dr. Elphick, ina ua fa’atoa ia asiasi atu i le nofoaga, na fai atu ai ia te ia ma isi o le au galulue ofo fua, e tatau ona feiloai atu i le Pelesitene o le SVSG, Lina Chang e uiga i lea fa’aletonu. “Ina ua matou o’o atu e va’ai ia(Lina), sa ia fai mai, e tatau ona matou malamalama, o le nofoaga e le o se galuega aloaia, o lona uiga e le o i ai se tupe fa’aagaga mo lea vaega i se tulaga e tatau ona i ai, ma o lona uiga, e le lava mea e fai ai pe fa’atino ai,” o Dr. Elphick lea. “Na ia matuai fa’amamafa mai lea tulaga.

Ou te le o mautinoa pe o se vaega o lena fa’amamafa, ona o lea ou te iloa, o lea e taumafai se tasi o le au galulue ofo fua, e fa’afeso’otai atu ia e ala atu i le i-meli e faitio atu i ai e uiga i le tulaga o lo’o tausia ai pepe i lea nofoaga.” Ina ua fesiligia mo se fa’amatalaga, na te’ena e le tamaitai o Chang, e na te le’i feiloai atu lava ia Dr. Elphick. I le te’ena o ia tu’uaiga, na ia fai mai foi e na te lei talanoa lava i le au galulue ofo fua. “E i ai le tagata lea e galue ofo fua o lo’o tausia i latou(pepe),” o le talanoa atu lea a le tamaitai o Chang i le Samoa Observer.

“O nisi tagata galue ofo fua, ia e o atu i tua, ae ou te le o va’ai i ai i a latou, e le o sa’u galuega lena.” I le vaiaso talu ai, na talosaga mai ai le tamaitai o Chang i le Samoa Observer ina ia tu’u atu se taimi i le SVSG e tali mai ai i ia tu’uaiga. Na ia ta’utino mai i se tali aloaia e tu’uina mai i le Aso Gafua, lea fa’atoa mavae atu. O lana tali i le fesiligi na tuuina atu ia te ia, o lo’o lomia atu i le itu tauagavale.

E tusa ai ma fa’amatalaga a Dr. Elphick, fai mai tamaitai o lo’o galulue i le nofoaga o se vaega o mafua’aga e le mafai ai ona latou maua ni napekini ma ni meaai i lea taimi, ona o lea e fa’atonutonu e le tamaitai o Chang sitepu uma o mea e tutupu. “Ma e le avanoa pe le mafai foi ona ia sainia ni siaki pe a latou manaomia,” o lana tala lea. “O lona uiga, e fai mai e fesili atu mo mea e mana’omia, ae e latou te fa’atali se’i saini e Lina siaki.”

Fai mai Dr. Elphick, o le mea muamua lava na ia mataua ina ua o’o atu i o, o le leai pea lava o ni vaega e mana’omia mo le nofoaga. “O lea na ou maua se feau tusitusia i la’u telefoni mai i le aso ananafi(aso o Ianuari 2014) mai i se tasi o le au faigaluega o lo’o i ai i o, talosaga mai pe mafai ona ona ou fa’atau atua ni apa susu ona e le lava apa susu e fafaga ai pepe,” o lana tala lea. “Ma o le mea masani lava lea.”

Na fa’aali atu e Dr. Elphick i le Samoa Observer lea feau tusitusia. E faitau fa’apea: “Micaela, fa’amolemole, o a’u, nani...fa’amalie atu ua ou fa’alavelave atu ia te outou, ae e mafai fa’amolemole ona tou fai atu ia Micaela, o lea e matuai ou mana’omia lava ni apa susu, susu i totonu o le pusa, ona e le o lava apa susu mo pepe.” Fai mai Dr. Elphick, e fa’atolu ona fafaga tamaiti i le aso. “O a latou aiga i le aoauli, e masani lava, o le alaisa ma si fasi saimini ma sina fasi a’ano manu fasi.

“Ou te iloa e maua a latou cereal i le taeao, o nisi taimi e maua ai a latou fuala’au aina mata i le aoauli, ae e mo’i lava, ae e le o se tulaga talafeagai lea o meaai mo se tamaititi o le matua lea.” Ina ua ia taunu’u atu, na matuai lagona lona le fiafia e uiga i le soifua maloloina o tamaiti o lo’o i ai i lea nofoaga. I le avea o ia ma se foma’i-manu, fai mai po’o le meaola po’o le tagata, e na te iloa lelei le tigaina o le ma’i pe a va’ai atu i ai.

“O se tasi tamaititi o lo’o iloa lelei le afaina o lona taliga ona o lea e tafe mai ai le alou i lona taliga,” o lana tala lea. “O se suavai sauna, o le avea o a’u ma fomai-manu, ou te iloa lelei le afaina pe a ou va’ai i ai pe o a’u o se fomai po’o se fomai-manu, ma o lea e matuai iloa lelei le tele o le sua sauna lea e tafe mai i fafo o lona taliga ma o lea e fa’ataio i le tiga. “Na i ai se aso na matuai leai ai lava se vai-fiva.

O se tasi o aso malolo a le malo, ia e leai ma se mea na mafai ona avatu i lea tamaititi.” Fai mai a ia, na ia alu i le aso na soso’o ai e fa’atau mai se vai-fiva, i le vave e gata ai lona mafai, ia mafai ai ona maua sina mapu seia o’o lava ina mafai ona ou avatu e va’ai se fomai.” O le fomai, o Leota Dr. Malaki Malaki. “O lona(Dr. Malaki) agalelei na sau ai e siaki ma tusi mai se tala-vai, ma togafiti ai le tamaititi,” o lana tala lea.

“Ina ua o’o atu Dr. Malaki i le nofoaga, na ia mataua e toeititi lava pepe uma e maua i le mageso.” Na fa’amaonia mai e Dr. Malaki ina ua fa’afeso’otai atu i ai mo se fa’amatalaga, lona va’ai i tamaiti. “E laiti tele i latou,” o lana saunoaga lea. “O nisi fa’atoa ta’i lima masina, o isi fa’atoa ta’i tasi tausaga, o lo’o i ai foi se pepe fa’atoa lua masina.

“Na fa’atasi lava ona ou o’o atu e va’ai pepe i lea nofoaga, o nisi e maua i le mageso, o nisi e afaina o latou taliga. “E tasi se tamaititi e ai se mea o lo’o fa’aletonu i lona tuasivi. Ia, ou te leiloa pe na siaki i latou, ae i le taimi na ou o’o atu ai i o e to’atele tamaiti na maua i le mageso ma fa’aletonu o latou taliga ma le fulu.

Fai mai Dr. Malaki, e na te leiloa pe na siaki nai nei tamaiti, ae le i o’o atu i ai lana asiasiga. O se tasi o tamaititi, ua le mafai ona saofai fa’alelei. “E mana’omia lava le va’ai o se fomai o tamaiti po’o se fomai o ponaivi,” o le tala lea o Dr. Malaki. E ese mai i fa’afitauli o le siaki fa’a-falemai, fai mai Dr. Malaki na fa’ateaia o ia i le tele o tamaiti e na o fasi ieie o lo’o lavalava ai. “E fa’alavalava pepe i fasi ieiei, ae le o ni napekini. Na o fasi ieie lava.

E i ai nisi e fai napekini, ae o le to’atele e na o fasi ieie lava. O le mea lena na ou va’ai i ai.” Na taua e Dr. Elphnick, mai i le tulaga na mafai ona ia aoao maia, e tele lava ni feuiuiaiga i le tala i le mea o lo’o tupu, ma i latou o lo’o gafa ma tulaga eseese o le tausia o tamaiti. Fai mai a ia, e to’alua ni tamaitai na galulue i le nofoaga, ma e eseese uma la tala na fai atu ia ia e uiga i le totogi o latou pe leai. “Ae peitai, na la fai mai ia au, e manino lelei o laua o tagata galulue ofo fua, e la te fa’ataeelea pepe pe a palapala, e la te fa’ainua vai falemai pe a maua ni vai, e la te fafagaina foi i latou.

“Ae e ma te sasaina foi pe a fa’alogotata- o le uiga o la’u tala, o aso uma i pepe ia, o le uiga o la’u tala, o latou uma i lalo o le lua tausaga, e sasa uma lava mo tulaga la ia e pei o le o tatala ie-fa’amalama e autilotilo ai i solo o lo’o i totonu o kapoti, po’o le fa’ataio i luga ona o le tiga o a’afiaga o latou taliga po’o tiga o nifo ua amata ona oso, e sasa ma toe ave tu’u i totonu o latou moega puipui.” Fai mai Dr. Elphick, e ese mai i ia tamaitai e to’alua, e i ai le au galulue ofo fua a le SVSG e galulue i po ma fa’aiuga o vaiaso. Na ia taua, na tu’uaia e le tamaitai galue ofo fua fa’apitoa, e leai ma se galuega a ia tamaitai o faia mo pepe.

“E leai ma ni galuega e latou te faia, e le fa’ainua vai a’o la e iloa e tatau ona fai, e latou te le suia napekini o nai pepe,” o Dr. Elphick lea. “Ia, a leaga auaga o pepe i le napekini, ma o lea na te’a uma i le vaiaso atoa ona o lea na i ai le au galulue ofo fua e fesoasoani i le suiga o napekini, e uma ane le fa’aiuga o le vaiaso ua toe maua ai foi, ona o lea na susu mai lava ma palapala i le fa’aiuga o le vaiaso.” Na fesiligia foi e Dr. Elphick le fa’a-tulafonoina o vaegā-tama o se vaega o galuega a le SVSG.

“O pepe uma nei, o lea e tausi mo le vaetamaina atu i fafo, ma ou te iloa o lou popolega lea e i ai, pe o se faiga fa’a-letulafono lena tulaga,” o lana tala lea. Fai mai a ia, e na te iloa, o so’o se ituaiga vaegā-tama lava i atunu’u i fafo, e matuai fa’amamafa lava i Samoa talu ai lava se fa’aletonu lea na a’afia ai se fa’alapotopotoga e fa’aautu i Amerika e igoa o le “Focus on Children”

“O lona uiga la i la’u matau atu i ai i le website a le To’omaga mo e Puapuagatia, o lea e fai mai o latou o se lala e gafa ma le fa’avaeina o feso’otaiga mai i aiga Samoa i tamaiti ia e vaetama atu i lalo o polokalame a le Focus on Children, o lona uiga, e manino lelei le i ai o lo latou so’otaga e ala atu i le Iunaite Setete i se isi itu po’o se isi tulaga fa’apena.,” o lana tala lea. “Ou te leiloa, pe ua aloaia lea nofoaga i o, e foliga mai e tele nai taumafaiga ia e tau fa’anana i lona tulaga ma mea uma e uiga i lea nofoaga.”

Fai mai Dr. Elphick ao ia iloa ai, o ia tamaiti o e na a’afia mai i sauaga ma faiga fa’a-mataifale, e foliga mai e matuai ogaoga lava ia tulaga ia te ia. “O se tasi o pepe na ave mo se vaegā-tama a Amerika, ao matou i ai i o- na avatu e se ulugali’i mai i Chicago,” o lana tala lea. “Ma o ia tonu lava lea na maua mai i se tama teine na fa’amalosia e le tama a lona tina (grandfather raping a granddaughter).

“O lena teneititi o lea e manino lelei sa nofo pea lava i le nofoaga, ma na i ai mo sina taimi ona e tatau ona lata i le lua tausaga o le pepe i le taimi na ave ai. O se tasi o le au galulue ofo fua na malaga fa’atasi atu ma tagata mai i le nofoaga e momoli atu le pepe, lea sa fa’aigoa ia Brett, i le ulugali’i, e le tau fesiligia le omai mai i le U.S. “E le’i va’ai muamua lava lea ulugali’i i le tamaititi ma e leai se taimi na tau fa’amasani ai. “E lei o’o mai lava lea ulugalii i le nofoaga e va’ai i le tamaititi ma iloa ai o ia, ae na avatu o ia i se faletalimalo ma tu’u atu i lima o tagata ese ma tu’uva’a ese atu ai ma lea ulugalii i se isi atunu’u.

“O lona uiga o le lalolagi atoa o lea tamaititi, ua matuai feua’i lava. O lona uiga, e tusa lava pe na aloaia atoa lea tulaga, ae e i ai fa’aletonu ogaoga o lea faiga.” Ina ua fesiligia mo se fa’amatalaga, na fa’amatala sa’o mai e le tamaitai o Chang lea mataupu o lo’o fesiligia. Ae peitai, na ia fai mai, o fa’amatalaga mai i le au galulue ofo fua, e le fa’avaea. “Ou te le’i talanoa i ni tagata galulue ofo fua, aemaise lava ou te lei talanoa i ni au galulue ofo fua i tulaga tau-vaetamaina,” o lana tala lea.

“O vaegā-tama o se mea e matou te le talanoa i ai ona e le o matou o se lala mo vaegā-tama ma o le mea lena o lea ou te mana’o e fa’amautinoa atu.” I le taimi o le fa’atalatalanoaga, na fa’amatala ai le tamaitai o Chang i se faifeau e suafa ia Ieremia, na ia vaetamaina se pepe. “E manaia pe a outou talanoa ia Ieremia pe afai e avanoa Ieremia ae le i malaga ese atu ai o ia,” o lana tala lea.

Fans of the Seattle Seahawks in Apia celebrated sweet success last night after their team crushed the Denver Broncos, 43- 8, at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, at Super Bowl XLVIII.

During the final, supporters of both teams who belong to the N.F.L Club Samoa gathered at the Island Bar and Grill at Matautu to watch. Club member, Cliff Bartley, said there is a huge N.F.L following in Samoa and yesterday’s gathering was an opportunity for everyone to get together.

“This is our usual grand final gathering for the Super Bowl,” said Mr. Bartley. “May the best team win!” According to Mr. Bartley, club members also had the opportunity to place small bets on the game so that “when it is all over, someone will win a little bit of money.”

“It’s just something to make the club more exciting,” he said. Mr. Bartley said there were a lot of Seahawks fans. “Unfortunately I’m a Bronco fan.”

When Mr. Bartley was interviewed, the Seahawks had already claimed a demanding lead. “I hope the Broncos could turn things around.”

BlueSky played a key role in yesterday’s gathering, bringing the game live through its Moana TV.

THE GAME In the end, Seahawkes won in overpowering fashion, punishing Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos 43-8. The Seahawks' relentless defence, the NFL's tightest, never let the five-time NFL Most Valuable Player get going, disarming the highest-scoring offense in league history.

Seattle (16-3) was too quick, too physical and just too good for Denver, and that was true in all areas. What was hyped as a classic matchup between an unstoppable offense and a miserly defence turned into a rout.

Punctuating Seattle's dominance were a 69-yard interception return touchdown by linebacker Malcolm Smith to make it 22- 0, and Percy Harvin's sensational 87-yard kickoff runback to open the second half. When the Seahawks, up by 29 points, forced a Denver punt early in the third quarter, the 12th Man and there were legions of them in MetLife Stadium began chanting "L-O-B, L-O-B." As in Legion of Boom, the Seahawks hardhitting defensive secondary line.

The loss by the Broncos again raised questions about Manning's ability to win the biggest games. He is 11 wins and 12 losses in the postseason, 1-2 in Super Bowls.

He never looked comfortable against a defence some will begin comparing to the 1985 Bears and 2000 Ravens other NFL champions who had runaway Super Bowl victories. Seattle forced four turnovers; Denver had 26 all season.

The Seahawks looked comfortable and at ease, and not just their defence, which lost All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman to an ankle injury in the fourth quarter.

Russell Wilson, who has an NFL-record 28 wins in his first two pro seasons, including playoffs, had a 23-yard TD pass to Jermaine Kearse late in the third quarter to make it 36-0.

Wilson also hit Doug Baldwin for a 10-yard score in the final period in what had become one of the most lopsided Super Bowls.

For the fifth time in six meetings between the NFL's No. 1 offense and defence, the D dominated. Only Denver in 1990, when it lost in the biggest romp in Super Bowl history, 55-10 against San Francisco, failed with the top defence.

The Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is calling for villages to be more willing to assist the government where schools are involved.

Tuilaepa’s comments were made last Thursday during his weekly press conference with Radio 2AP. His views were made in reference to the on-going situation faced by Sagaga College where land owners are demanding payment for their properties. Problems started in the aftermath of the 2009 tsunami, when coastal schools and students were identified as being at risk. Following government’s policy to relocate all schools inland for safety purposes, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C.) ruled the school should be moved.

The family that owned the land decided after being informed by the school committee of the relocation to give them the end of the 2013 school year before closing off the property. Unfortunately following issues with the new piece of that the school was to be relocated to, from Tuana’i to Afega, there was nowhere for students to start their classes for the 2014 school year.

As a result of claims that teachers were drinking and hosting parties at the Tuana’i property, the family closed off the land. And the family asked that the school make a payout for reusing their property.

Tuilaepa stepped in and gave a two-week ultimatum to Parliament (M.P.) for Sagaga Le Usoga, Muagututagata Peter Ah Him for his district to sort out their problems.

If not, the school would be closed down and the students allocated to other schools for their education, he said. Prior to Parliament’s two-week ultimatum, the family who owned the Tuana’i property the original site of the school, allowed the classes to go ahead. But they also gave the school a two-week ultimatum.

Whether the school has made any payments regarding the family’s proposal has yet to be confirmed. But Tuilaepa claims that the situation is for the school to continue operations on that piece of land and that it does so under the existing conditions. “ That condition is that the land continues to be the contribution of the village and the district for the school,“ said Tuilaepa.

“Remember the relationship at present is that the village has a contribution to give the land up for the school.”

The “government’s contribution is bringing in teachers and funding through organisations.”

These organisations already have contracts with the Government, he said. “

These organisations come to assist the poor but depend on the [school] committees to make requests.”

Donors that assist in funding development of schools do not go out searching for those that need assistance. Instead they remain where they are while school committees come forward to request assistance, he said.

“If no one comes, then they pack up and return overseas,” said Tuilaepa. The P.M. said if the situation turns sour, “roll up the mats and officially close down,” because “there are plenty of schools in Apia for education.

“These days villages should try to assist” the government, he said.

“The children are not those of people from overseas but their own so they should support the government.

“It is not a government flowing with oil and plenty of gold - it is a government that is searching for money to push for schools.”

Tuilaepa confirmed the family owning the property at Tuana’i have given an affirmation to continue their service to the government.

And “service to God to assist for life and eternity”.

The Opposition Party Leader, Palusalue Faapo II is concerned that the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) has made no urgent move to solve the foul stench causing discomfort to the residents of Taelefaga, Fagaloa.

Earlier this month, the Samoa Observer published an article titled “Mad about hydro stink” in its Thursday 6 February edition. Palusalue claims he can understand the concerns by the village.

“The village is right; this has been going on for far too long and it is not something new.”

He was even more concerned about the health of the villagers and for the surrounding marine environment of the village. In that publication in the Samoa Observer, the village’s High Chief, Leuta Sialaufau Valoaga said he has had enough of the “worst” smell from one of the country’s hydropower stations for the past ten years. He was also tired of the many “lies” about the problem from people working at E.P.C. Pollution from E.P.C ‘s hydropower was causing the village’s lagoon to turn brown and river rocks red with sediment, he said.

Following this report, the Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Manualesagalala Enokati Posala, the E.P.C. General Manager, Tologata G L Tagaloatele Tile Lei’a and the A.C.E.O, Taule’ale’a Aumalaga Tiotio visited the village.

This visit was also reported in this newspaper on 8 February Weekend Observer. Following that meeting, Leuta told this newspaper that the village will “completely demolish” the hydropower plant if government doesn’t adhere to their June deadline to fix the “hydro stink.

“Our position is very simple; we want the government to fix this hydropower plant so that the foul smell is completely eliminated.” Leuta claims his village doesn’t want money to compensate for the discomfort they have endured for so long.

An amount of $3,000 was gifted to the village from government when the Minister and his delegation visited. One of the options given as a solution by E.P.C. to the village was the installation of a large pipe that would come straight from the hydro plant into the ocean.

But the village chief was against the idea suggesting his concern for the marine life. “Villages on this part of the island rely on seafood for living so we don’t want that plan,” he said.

Leuta suggested instead that a pipeline be installed that returns the waste causing the smell “to Afulilo or somewhere instead of it being dumped to the ocean.”

Also during that visit, E.P.C. told the village that they were looking for some funding for the solution to the problem and that bank representatives would be visiting to get information from the hydro plan pollution. Palusalue claims love for the village. “Any M.P. when such crisis arises affecting the health and environment of his constituency, should strongly argue for the safety of his people.”

The M.P. for the Vaa-o-Fonoti constituency the Fagaloa District is Tialavea Fea Tionisio Seigafolava. He was not sought for a comment regarding the matter. But Palusalue confirms that if this is what was happening in his constituency of Safata, he would be adamant in taking the lead to find an immediately solution to the problem.

“E.P.C and government should already have considered this matter since it is a long term problem.”

The damage to the environment and these people’s health is enough to raise concerns, he said. Palusalue strongly believes that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment should already be on to the problem for a solution. On Saturday, Leuta confirmed a visit from bank representatives to their village. He couldn’t confirm what the bank wanted but said these people took photos of the hydro electric power plant, the pollution results and recordings as E.P.C. had promised.

The captain of Toa Samoa Residents Team, Teofilo Lepou known to many as Tucson, faced a far more challenging prospect than what he is used to on the league field on Friday, 7 February this year.

He promised to love and cherish for life his long term sweetheart, Aipopo Ellen Faaiuaso.

The ceremony was a family affair held at the Balmain Park Reserve, in Devonport, Auckland.

A night-long reception followed at McHugh’s also in Devonport. Guests came from Samoa and abroad according to Teofilo’s older sister.

The ceremony was conducted by EFKS’ Rev. Liuaána Featunaí. He told the newlyweds to keep in mind the importance of being in love with one another.

“Both must be blinded by love forever, neither by greed, nor jealousy neither anyone,” said Rev. Featunaí.

Both 27, the newlyweds plan to travel back and forth after their marriage to see their families and friends in Samoa and New Zealand.

Teofilo was amongst the five local players selected to play for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup held in Great Britain.

President of the Samoa Rugby League, Tagaloa Fouina Su’a travelled over especially to congratulate Lepou on his new challenge in life – as a married man.

Teofilo is the son of former Member of Parliament for Faleata East and Patron of Marist Sports Club, Lepou Petelo II and his wife Sina, nee Fepuleai.

He is currently working at the Central Bank of Samoa in the Vaults Division.

He hails from the villages of Lepea and Falealupo. The new Mrs Lepou is the Cabin Supervisor at Virgin Australia, NZ.

She was born and raised in Kelston, New Zealand.

She is the daughter of Fuimaono Pati Fa’aiuaso and Fa’ala’a Fuimaono of Falealili and Safai (Savaii).

The couple’s bridal party included: Bestman Ben Ah Tong and groomsmen Orion Keil and Tulele Masoe while the Maid of Honour was Alovale Fa’aiuaso, the bride’s sister and the bridesmaids were Deborah Fa’aiuaso and Fa’aniniva Fa’aiuaso.

The celebration of the couple’s new journey in life as husband and wife ended the next day on 8 February at Kelston with a traditional presentation by both families. This was followed by a closed banquet.

Athletes at the Senese Inclusive Education School received a welcome gift of sports gear from an American university last week.

The George Mason University in the United States of America donated 130 shirts, shorts, suits and sports shoes worth 5,000 tala. In May last year, the U.S. government sponsored a delegation of six athletes and coaches from Senese to participate in track and field games in Washington D.C. During that time, the delegation was able to visit George Mason University along with a number of other academic and cultural sites.

Speaking to the Charge D’Affaires of the American Embassy in Samoa, Peter J Ganser, he stated that this is the first time the George Mason University has donated to Senese School.

“This is a gift from this university in Virginia which the children had the opportunity to visit last year.

“I think everybody at the university was thrilled to have them there and they wanted to do something nice, so they offered some track uniforms so they can put them to good use especially when they go to the games in Australia this coming year,” he said.

“We like to give gifts to our friends and in this case, the fact that there are children who are disabled and are special, we wanted to recognize that.

“We look forward to them wearing these uniforms and who knows? Maybe one of these students will end up in George Mason University sometime in the future.”

“That’s one of the things I’m working towards here.

“The U.S. Embassy is providing some scholarships for students and those can be the academic superstars who want to have the opportunity to study and work in the United States.”

“George Mason is one of the top universities in Virginia and it’s also where I attended law school, so I am particularly pleased that I am able to be here today not only as the representative of the United States government, but also as an alumni of the George Mason University.

“I just want to hear from Senese and I’ll be following the students and the children as they compete in the games in Australia and I’ll look forward in to hearing about all the good things from them.”

This donation is just as much recognition of Senese’s outstanding sportsmanship at these events as it is a gift. We would not give these uniforms to just anyone, only true champions like Senese,” said Mr. Ganser.

The memorial service for the Managing Director of Samoa Water Authority, Ta’inau Moefaauo Taputoa Titimaea was held at the Methodist Church at Matafele on Saturday morning.

The Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and his Masiofo Filifilia Efi, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi , the Speaker of the House and Members of Parliament were present at the memorial service.

The Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi delivered a eulogy on behalf of the Head of State, Tui atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and Members of Parliament.

He spoke of the period Taputoa served the country as the Manager Director of Samoa Water Authority. Others also spoke of his life including personal memories from his wife, Ellen.

“Everybody is the same to Tainau it doesn’t matter whether it is a child or an adult all ages, he will talk with them and have a laugh with them, everybody to him was the same,” she said.

“Whenever somebody tells him something, he will always answer them with a smile. “On Saturday Tainau called me at Siusega to come with our children to Lufilufi.

On that day we had communion together, and for the first time ever we all knelt down and took Communion together.

“At 6 o’clock in the evening he told us to go back to Si’usega. As I was getting into the car he called my name and he said, “I love you and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“By 11 o’clock that same night we got the word that he has passed away even though we rushed him to the hospital, it was too late. “Without even thinking that his last words to me and my children were “ see you tomorrow”.

“No matter where Tainau went, he never failed to call every night to tell me and my children that he loved us and he has a very soft spot for me and my children.”

To our colleagues and donors and friends to the government of Samoa and the people of Samoa, if there is anything that my husband has done wrong, please forgive him.

“Please don’t cry but pray for me and my children because I know that no one is able to stay strong in times like this and in the future.

“We are very much honored and privilege to have him as an awesome father, awesome husband and the best friend I could have ever have asked for.

“If he has touched a corner of your heart, please let’s stand together and lift him up and may we forever cherish all the good memories. Ta’inau Moefa’auo Taputoa Titimaea was laid at rest at his residence at Si’usega.

He is survived by Ellen Loimataoapaula Fa’asisila Taputoa Lalomilo Titimaea and three children Titimaea and the twins, Faasisilailemalaeotuimalatu and Levaula.

The descendants of a Catholic Catechist gathered at the end of January this year to mark a very special get together – a family reunion.

The event was an opportunity for the children, and grandchildren of the late Reverend Mikaele Fa’ata’ape-upu-olefaleao FK and the late Etevise Mikaele Toluono [nee Asuao Tofaeono] to gather together to renew family ties.

The theme for week-long event was “Live your Catholic faith and know your roots”. The ninth child of the couple, Mulipola Tiufea Asuao Lupematasila Peato Mikaele said the get-together happened at the family’s residence at Manono uta where their parents are buried.

Mulipola said his father hails from the villages of Vailoa, Fa’ala Palauli, Vaimoso, Apolima, Manono, Matautu Falelatai, Siufaga Falelatai and Lepa. He was the son of Toluono Isaako and Savelina Lealaitagomoa from Siufaga, Falelatai.

His mother was from Vaiee Safata, Lotofaga, Matatufu Aleipata and Siumu. She was the daughter of the late Rev. Vitale Asuao Tofaeono FK of Siumu and Ana Tuiā Tupu from Vaiee and Lotofaga Aleipata. It was a week-long event full of activities from the beginning to the end, he said.

“The programme contained various activities such as a family tree presentation, Catholic history-faith and teaching presentations and sports activities which were conducted in groups.”

“Aiga ile Tai” captained by Lealaitagomoa Asuao Felise Mikaele, ‘Laumosooi’ captained by Taupaū Mata’afā Tuu’u Lafaele Mikaele and ‘U’amea aasa’ captained by Mulipola Asuao Tiufea Lupematasila Peato Mikaele.

“It was planned two years ago by our children with the helping hands of their parents in New Zealand and Australia in fundraising.”

Mulipola confirmed his parents had 14 children. Unfortunately only 11 were able to attend the get together. As children and grandchildren of the late Catholic Church Catechist, the event kicked off with the celebration of the Holy Mass at their home, followed by a traditional welcome ava ceremony.

“We are a devout Catholic family and always in our hearts - to follow our parents’ footsteps and teaching of the Church until the end of time,” said Mulipola.

“As such, the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass should always be the priority before anything else.”

Since the reunion programme started off with a Holy Mass, the family ended the special gathering with another thanksgiving Mass with gifts being presented for the Malotau Church.

It is the spiritual side of our being that is very important to us, he said. “It is a reminder to our children how to live the Catholic faith our parents had taught us.”

“Father Lui Sanele of the Malotau Parish in his homily said ‘Reunions are very important family events. It is for you and your children to get to know each othre; cousins, aunts, uncles, parents and great grandparents and to be informed of your roots’.”

Mulipola further quoted Fr Sanele’s sermon, “I have talked with Rev Deacon Kasiano Leaupepe and asked him about the late Rev Mikaele and Etevise’s service to the church and Deacon said, Mikaele and Etevise were committed to serving God through their provision of catechism to Catholics for so many years. Their faith and love of God was extraordinary, unimaginable and indescribable and they never gave up until God called them home”.

“You, the children and grand children are to think about it and discuss amongst yourselves during the course of your reunion. “Pray indefatigably to God for HIS Mercy, forgiveness amongst yourselves and guidance in your pilgrimage like what Mikaele and Etevise did.

You have to maintain that Catholic faith within the Mikaele family and follow their footsteps; Hear God’s calling within your hearts” Father Lui advised. A traditional “aliitaeao and usu fa’aaloalo” welcome ava ceremony followed for grandchildren to see and understand our tradition because about 80% of the grandchildren grew up overseas with some of them part palagi and part Maori.

They were very interested and many were asking us questions about the ava ceremony and other Samoan traditional preparations, Mulipola said. Preparation of traditional umu, ato weaving and family visits were amongst the other activities.

Finally, a beach picnic and a ‘round the island’ tour to wrapped up the reunion. For a family full of talents, some singing entertainments [live and karaoke] were also provided at the big party at the end of the reunion.

All agreed it was a success and the next reunion will be held in Auckland in December 2016. “We all look forward to meeting everyone and especially new grandchildren and new aufaipaolo in 2016,” Mulipola said.

Soaring above the deafening cheers of the crowd, thirty five dance crews took to the stage in early January vying to be Samoa’s Best Dance Crew in the 2014 Samoa’s Best Dance Crew (SBDC) Competition. The SBDC Dance Competition fuses dance genres from; Hip Hop, Salsa, Acrobatics, Samoan Siva, Polynesian dances, mime, clowning which are performed to music from these popular dance genres.

According to the CEO of Samoa Broadcasting Corporation Limited (SBCL) and founder of SBDC, Galumalemana Faiesea Matafeo … “the SBDC started in 2006 under the initial name of Go Hip Hop in response to the demand by young boys who had developed a keen interest in contemporary dance. Galumalemana continued … “We hoped to be able to develop these young men’s talents to a standard where they could compete internationally and be recognised at that level.”

Samoa Broadcasting will be showing the finals of 2014 SBDC competition at a film exhibition in Pape’ete Tahiti with the hope that it will inspire other small island countries television services to produce similar programmes that could eventuate into a regional competition.

SBCL is also sharing the video of SBDC finals 2014 on Fiji’s Sky Pacific service for the regional audience. For the 2014 Samoa’s Best Dance Crew Competition the teams were dancers ranged from thirteen years of age to their late twenties and numbers ranged from four to fifteen in each competing teams. Some dancers exhibited basic training in acrobatic skills while others showed no prior training at all.

Choreographic styles blended both traditional Samoan and island dances with western style modern dances. Most dance teams reflected that team members had all contributed various sequences of movements to the creation of their final pieces.

JUDGING CRITERIA Three Judges for the 2014 SBDC Competition were: Tuilagi Seiuli Allan Alo Va’ai (Former Artistic Director and Lecturer in the Performing Arts Program at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji (13 years) and President of the Samoa Arts Council; Letisia Schwenky (Director of Culture X Samoa Fitness Program and Entrepreneur), and Tuala Joe Ponifasio (Lawyer and trained Performing Artist).

The six main criterions were Creativity, Choreography, Technical Aspects, Costumes, Performance, and Musicality. The competition was open themed and for the purpose of this article these criteria will be briefly examined below. Creativity – There is abundance of creativity in the young people of Samoa and this was apparent in the originality of the performances.

An example was the winning team from Nofoali’i Dance Crew (NDC) with a conceptual performance portraying the Manu Samoa rugby team that triumphantly breaks into a vibrant celebration of dynamic choreography.

Some groups were consistent with their theme from the beginning, while others failed to maintain consistency. CHOREOGRAPHY – Each competing group showed clear indications of beginning, middle and end in their choreography.

This showed that the choreographers responsible for the creation of the pieces had basic understanding of what choreography is. The Renaissance Fraternity’s (Matafele) performance repeatedly showed dancers ripple movements effortlessly.

Choreographic tools were evident in the experienced groups who are confident and show the greater ability for experimentation. TECHNICAL ASPECT – Technicalities of dance included flips, lifts, technique of body movement, body alignment, posture, positions and so on. In dance, technique is vital to execute any sequence of expression or choreography more accurately regardless of its theme. Expertise, time and practise perfect these aspects of dance.

There were strong indicators throughout the competition that this was the least developed section in every dance group. COSTUMES - Costumes are the visual manifestation of the theme, time, effort and craft displayed by the dance groups. Additionally, the colours, design and the practicality and originality of the costumes contribute to the overall production. Almost every dance crew that competed took time to produce their costumes with care and planning. Some crews that failed to pay attention to this detail and this was obviously detrimental to their placing.

PERFORMANCE – Performance with confidence and sustained energy is crucial and projecting attitude and posture adds to the effectiveness of the whole ensemble. For some groups, lack of energy was largely due to lack of fitness. This affects the choreography and hence the overall projection of the piece. A single upcoming girl group called D4G rose to roaring cheers from the crowd as they took ownership of the stage with vivacity, power and grace in their performance. It was certainly a breath of fresh air to have a female element in the competition. MUSICALITY - All music for the competition was pre-recorded using existing music with sound effects. to enhance parts of the performances.

The relationship between music and how it is portrayed in dance is of vital importance as it sets the mood of every dance piece and depending on how skilful the dance choreographers and dancers are, the music may be complemented or at times compromised.

The dance groups in the competition seemed to exhibit some understanding of music genres and its balance in terms of compilation.

TRAINING: There is clearly a need for professional dance training as indicated from weak areas of the competition. This will inevitably avoid injuries in terms of difficult flips and lifts and will enhance the level of skills and knowledge of dancers in future competitions.

Choreography, musicality and performance also need work. Short workshops throughout the year leading up to the opening of the competition will undoubtedly elevate the level of the competition and heighten its standard to an international level.

STAGE: The venue for the competition was at the National University of Samoa Gymnasium. This venue was not conducive to the Performances on a number of levels; it was not a professional stage, the dimension of the stage were not big enough, and in the first heat the stage was not secured as each plate kept moving around which was dangerous for the dancers. As well the lighting was not used to the fullest advantage to enhance each performance as there were no lighting scripts or lighting directions for each performance.

The Samoa Best Dance Crew competition is a reflection of where our youth of Samoa is at this point in time given new technology, modernisation and globalisation. To examine their dance psyche is a closer step to hearing their struggles, aspirations and needs in the arts. Martha Graham, a world dance philosopher said … ‘the body says what words cannot’, and this clearly supports the need to factor into our curricula performance programmes that enable our young people to express themselves through dance.

As an Arts Educator, Artistic Director and Dancer as well as an advocate for the importance of Performing and Visual Arts Education in the Pacific region, I must commend and CONGRATULATE all the choreographers and dancers of this year’s SBDC 2014 for being bold enough to compete and tell their stories through this form of dance and music. From the Samoa Arts Council and the University of the South Pacific, Faculty of Arts, Law and Education perspective, we are happy to see this development take fruition in Samoa as it expresses the contemporary spirit of our young people and we look forward to seeing more of these kinds of artistic productions in the Arts take flight in Samoa as well as in the Pacific region.

*Tuilagi Seiuli Allan Alo Va’ai - President of the Samoa Arts Council & USP’s Pacifi c Outreach Co-ordinator for Polynesia.

“Justice has prevailed.”

That was Afu Faumuina Tutuila’s reaction when she spoke to the Samoa Observer.

Afu is the woman who took her village of Tanugamanono to Court on behalf of her family following their banishment, the destruction of their properties including the burning down of their homes.

Last month, the Court of Appeal dismissed the village’s appeal against paying damages of more than $800,000 for threatening to burn the family alive.

“I give glory and thanks to God because he is the door to justice that has resulted in today [day of ruling],” she said. Afu says the journey has been long and winding, resulting in many sleepless days and nights.

Throughout the time, Afu’s faith in God kept their family going. Yesterday, she thanked her parents, friends and her husband for being there to provide support.

Afu also acknowledged her in-laws, her brother Reverend Fereti Tutuila for providing spiritual guidance to calm her mind during such a testing period in her life. She is also thankful to the many in Samoa that provided support including her family, friends and acquaintances for their many prayers.

“Thank you to the judges that presided over our case that was before the court. I am at peace now that everything has been cleared as there have been many questions raised in relation to the matter.”

Afu was represented in court by lawyer, Luatuanu’u Tole’afoa Solomona.

She believes it was “God’s love that shone the light of knowledge on the matter for justice to prevail”.

“God has shown his justice and this has made our family happy.”

The decision stems from a legal action that materialised in 2010.

She said although it took a long time and that there were many challenges including those that tried to cloud the circumstances of the court case “God has responded in goodness”.

“What’s important is that people understand that this family [although it seems as if we are against the village and church], this is not the truth.

We are fighting for our rights and arguing for what’s just because there was no reason for this family to be penalised.” Afu claims they never did anything wrong.

And as time and the court has confirmed, they have always been right.

“A lot of time has been wasted and much has been lost but we have not wronged [anyone] as it has been confirmed [in court].”

What happened was “committing wrong to cover up what was unjust”.

The Court has ruled for the village leaders to pay $863,710 to Afu and her family.

Parliament’s Committee for Revenue and Expenditure has urged the government to stop senior public servants from wasting public funds in pimping their taxpayer-funded vehicles.

In fact, the Committee wants public servants to pay for any expensive decorations they have added to public vehicles, which they have charged on taxpayers.

The recommendation is made in the Report by the Revenue and Expenditure Committee to Parliament, in response to the tabling of the Supplementary Budget, last year.

Although the report does not identify how much public funds have been wasted by public servants on kitting their vehicles with the latest accessories, the recommendation is in line with criticism of such spending on things like expensive mag wheels, tinted windows, pull bars and other elaborate decorations.

“The Committee recommends the said Committee as appointed by Cabinet to decide on some Chief Executive Officers of government Ministries and Corporations in regard to the numerous unnecessary decorations that have wasted substantial amounts of government monies,” the report reads.

“The Committee is of the opinion that all C.E.Os should be required to repay the monies spent on the additional parts attached to their vehicles resulting from their failure to adhere to the policies of Government.”

A copy of the report has been obtained by the Samoa Observer.

Chaired by Papali’itele Niko Lee Hang, other members of the Public Accounts Committee include vice Chairman, Tafua Maluelue Tafua (H.R.P.P), Palusalue Fa’apo II (Tautua), Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi (Tautua), Tialavea Tionisio Seigafolava (H.R.P.P), Afualo Dr. Wood Salele (Tautua) and Taefu Lemi Taefu (H.R.P.P).

According to the Committee, in the course of its investigation, they “noted a lot of unnecessary expenses on items that were not required for activities and services.”

As a result, the Committee is “of the view that normal procedures and policies laid down should have been adhered so to be consistent with the decisions of Cabinet (F.K) 13(17) with regard to the use of all Government vehicles.”

The Cabinet order in question strictly forbids public servants from attaching “expensive decorations or additions that are not needed to any government vehicle inclusive.”

The conditions for the use of all Government Vehicles are as follows:

i) Registers should be kept listing all Government assets within all Ministries and Corporations.

ii) All Government licenses are to be attached to all vehicles inclusive of the vehicles on rental basis and those from Project Partners. No vehicle may access refuelling from Government’s pump without a government license attached to it.

iii) It is strictly forbidden to attach expensive decorations or additions that are not needed to any government vehicle inclusive of all vehicles allocated to the Government Ministries and Corporations as referred to below:-

• Tinted windows • Replacement of original tyres bought with the vehicle with stylish mag wheels);

• Change of stereo;

• Attachment of (tow bars and back fenders)

• Unnecessary attachment of decorative expensive side steps

• Replacement of original head lights with decorative lights.

The following is a translation of the Committee’s report, in particular its recommendation of how the Government could save money:

SAVINGS ON EXPENDITURE
The Committee in the course of its investigations has noted a lot of unnecessary expenses on items that were not required for activities and services. The Committee is of the view that normal procedures and policies laid down should have been adhered so to be consistent with the decisions of Cabinet (F.K) 13(17) with regard to the use of all Government vehicles and to comply with all conditions as detailed in the following Cabinet Decisions:-

Cabinet Decision -13(17)”

Use of Government vehicles.

“One (1) vehicle to be used by the Member of the Council of Deputies, Minister of Cabinet, Chief Justice and Members of the Court, President of the Land and Titles Court, Mr. Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Associate Ministers, Leader of the Opposition Party, Chief Executive Officers of Government Ministries/ Corporations for the execution of their respective duties and functions.

Special Posts

These vehicles are not for the use of children or by any of the family members except those listed above. May be used by Faletua/Alii with driving licenses for the following:

(i) Member of the Council of Deputies

(ii) Ministers of Cabinet

(iii) Chief Justice (iv) President of the Land and Titles Court

(v) Mr. Speaker

(vi) Leader of the Opposition Associate Ministers

i) Only the double cab type of pickup may be used by an Associate Minister and is fully funded through the Estimates of the Ministry, and not by the Corporation/Authority”

ii) That only the spouses of the Associate Ministers are allowed to drive the vehicles provided they possess driving licenses but children are strictly prohibited. Other Office Holders

i) For the Chief Executive Officers of the Government Ministries and Corporations, they are only entitled to use the double cab pickups

ii) The C.E.Os of the Government’s Ministries and Corporations neither their spouses nor their children are allowed to use the vehicles allocated to them at any time.

iii) For Assistant Executive Officers, their transport allowance is being attached to their salaries, which means they are not entitled to vehicles. Purchase of vehicles when term expires

i) A Minister may purchase for himself a vehicle that he once used when leaving the post of Minister and is no longer a Member of Parliament. Conditions for the use of all Government Vehicles i) Registers should be kept listing all Government assets within all Ministries and Corporations.

ii) All Government licenses are to be attached to all vehicles inclusive of the vehicles on rental basis and those from Project Partners. No vehicle may access refuelling from Government’s pump without a government license attached to it.

iii) It is strictly forbidden to attach expensive decorations or additions that are not needed to any government vehicle inclusive of all vehicles allocated to the Government Ministries and Corporations as referred to below:-

• Tinted windows

• Replacement of original tyres bought with the vehicle with stylish mag wheels);

• Change of stereo;

• Attachment of (tow bars and back fenders)

• Unnecessary attachment of decorative expensive side steps

• Replacement of original head lights with decorative lights.

The Committee has also noted that Cabinet through this FK (13) 17 had also approved the appointment of a Committee to cater for surveillance and compliance of this policy. The said Committee to comprise of the Ministry of Finance, Public Service Commission, Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Ministry of Police. The Ministry of Finance is to be Chairman of the Committee.

The Committee recommends the said Committee as appointed by Cabinet to decide on some Chief Executive Officers of Government Ministries and Corporations in regard to the numerous unnecessary decorations that have wasted substantial amounts of government monies.

The Committee is of the opinion that all C.E.Os should be required to repay the monies spent on the additional parts attached to their vehicles resulting from their failure to adhere to the policies of Government.

The Samoa Observer N.Z. Co. Ltd’s mobile phone service “Pasifika Mobile”, which aim is to “assist with fundraising activities” by Pacific churches around New Zealand, and other member organizations of Pacific communities, is under threat of being shut out of New Zealand’s biggest Pacific annual event, the Pasefika Festival.

This year the Pasifika Festival will be held on 8 and 9 March at Western Spring in Central Auckland. And last week the Samoa Observer was told by the festival’s Senior Advisor Commercial Partnerships, Sarah Leo Anderson, the paper would have to talk to two others “about media accreditation” and whether a “stall” would be available.

She advised though that there might be a problem with newspapers being involved in the festival since they were “rubbish.”

She said “whether or not you would be able to hand out newspapers at the event e.g., we must be mindful about rubbish on the park so you might not be able to hand out newspapers.”

Located at 333G East Tamaki Road in South Auckland, the Samoa Observer was established in 2007. It is the only Pacific newspaper with a permanent office in New Zealand complete with printing and darkroom facilities.

It publishes the weekly New Zealand Pacific and prints the monthly Niue Star, and late last year, it established its Pasifika Mobile service.

Word then that the paper may not be allowed to take part in the country’s biggest Pacific cultural event this year, the Pasefika Festival, is arguably a breach of the central concept on which the festival was established back in 1992.

According to the Pasifika Festival website, “the event came to life through a joint initiative venture in 1992 between the then Auckland City Council and the South Pacific Island Nations Development Association.

It said: “The festival aimed to bring Pacific Island communities closer together and to celebrate the richness and variety of their values, culture and lifestyles,”

It also said: “The village concept was introduced as a way of demonstrating each Pacific Island’s diversity - the village concept continues to be the core of the event to this day.”

And then “(in) 1993, the event incorporated a Pacific Island fashion show and theatre performances. Over 20,000 people attended in only the festival’s second year.

“Between 1995 and 2000 an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 people attended each year” with “representations from 11 Pacific Islands (i.e. Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Hawaii & Aotearoa.”

And “in 2001 a record number of people attended the festival - this included an opening night concert, showcasing the Pacific talent scheduled to perform on the festival day. This initiative won the Creative New Zealand’s Creative Places Award in 2001.

“Between 2002 and 2004, community stallholder numbers exceeded 300 for the first time. It’s estimated that over $1 million changed hands during the 2002 festival.”

The event’s website goes on to say “the Pasifika Festival is one of the biggest multi-cultural events in New Zealand, and a wonderful chance to connect with huge crowds, whether you’re a performer wanting to make it big or you’re fundraising for your community.”

That was then.

Today, the event’s organizers are uncertain as to “whether or not” to allow participation to the Samoa Observer which already has in place a working “mobile phone service”, which aim is to assist with fundraising activities by members of the Pacific communities, including Pacific churches around New Zealand.

Instead, the Samoa Observer has been told it may not be allowed to take part since “we must be mindful about rubbish on the park, so you might not be able to hand out newspapers.”

What about the big media networks who also produce newspapers, magazines and marketing fliers, which are clearly a big source of “rubbish” all over New Zealand today?

Are they also being discouraged from selling and handing out newspapers in the park since they are “rubbish”?

Perhaps someone should remind those who are running the Auckland City Council and the South Pacific Island Nations Development Association today, about why this festival was set up seventeen years ago.

Perhaps they should be told: “The festival (is) aimed (at bringing) Pacific Island communities closer together and to celebrate the richness and variety of their values, culture and lifestyles.”

In addition, they should be reminded that the festival was seen then as “a wonderful chance to connect with huge crowds, whether you’re a performer wanting to make it big or you’re fundraising for your community.”

The Asian Development Bank (A.D.B) will continue to play a prominent role in Pacific region transport infrastructure investment, while supporting efforts to expand capacity as well as institutional and policy reform, according to the organization’s latest Pacific Transport Update 2013.

The report shows that A.D.B’s pipeline of transport projects for 2014-2016 is projected to reach about $484 million, building on an existing portfolio of ongoing projects worth $1.8 billion.

“A.D.B’s transport strategy in the Pacific is focused on improving access to domestic and international markets, boosting linkages to health, education and other social services, and providing integrated networks for inclusive development,” said Robert Guild, A.D.B Pacific Department Director of Transport, Energy, and Natural Resources.

“Transport development that is inclusive and sustainable is critical to meeting the development challenges of the Pacific.”

The A.D.B report highlights the breadth of investments in land, sea, and air transport to support improved connectivity in the Pacific region.

It describes country-by-country pipelines of projects and technical assistance that governments have prioritized for A.D.B assistance.

The report also provides a summary of operations that includes 23 projects underway in 2013 in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu, as well as regional initiatives. Almost two-thirds of the financing of current operations is from A.D.B and more than one third from governments and development partners including Australia, New Zealand, European Union, World Bank and Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility.

Pacific Transport Update 2013 notes investment in transport is critical to addressing the vast distances and high production and market costs faced by remote and isolated Pacific communities.

Transport routes from the Pacific to overseas markets are among the world’s longest. A.D.B’s transport operations have increased significantly.

Of all the Pacific countries that feature in the report, Papua New Guinea receives the largest investment in civil aviation, road, port, border and community water projects.

Road projects in Timor-Leste also receive high levels of investment.

Solomon Islands is also a major beneficiary of funding to implement road, transport sector and domestic maritime projects.

The report says A.D.B operations in the Pacific also focus on the safety, security and maintenance of transport infrastructure as well as building climate resilient infrastructure.

Na talosagaina le Peresetene o le Toomaga o e Puapuagatia (S.V.S.G.) o Lina Chang mo sona finagalo faaalia e uiga i fesili na lagā ona o le aafia o le faalapotopotoga i vaegā-tama. Sa fesiligia foi o ia e uiga i le tulaga o se nofoaga o loo tausi ai tamaiti . O ana tali la nei ua lomia e pei lava ona tuuina mai.

Ua uma ona tuuina atu tali i au fesili o loo faaalia i lalo. O loo i ai ni fesili, ia ou te le o mautinoa lelei o latou uiga ma o le pogai lea ua ‘ou tuuina atu se ata otooto o le afuaga o ia mea jna ia e malamalama ai i le uiga moni o mataupu ua e lāgā.

Fesili: Ua ‘ou iloa o loo taulamua le S.V.S.G i le faagaoioiga o vaegā-tama i atunuu mamao. 1. E moni lea tulaga? Ona o se tagata galue ofo fua mai o loo i le nofoaga e le o fiafia ina ua e faamamafa ia te ia e lē o se galuega aloa’ia lea ma e leai ni tupe o tuuina atu i ai e tusa ai ma le faiga masani.

Lina Chang: O le faaupuga “o loo faagaoioia vaegā-tama i atunuu mamao” e fai sina lautele. O le a ‘ou tuuina atu sina talaaga puupuu e uiga i le galuega a le S.V.S.G e faamanino ai ma le faamoemoe o a tali ai lenei fesili.

O se tasi o mafuaga autu na faavae ai le S.V.S.G ia lagolago ia i latou ua afaina i soligatulafono, aemaise ai lava soligatulafono tau feusua’iga . I le tele o tausaga o le ata vaaia o galuega a le S.V.S.G.sa matua faalauteleina e tali atu a ii manaoga o le atunuu ma tagata lautele o le atunuu ia sa saili fesoasoani i le S.V.S.G i auala eseese. O se tasi o ia vaega o le tuuina atu lea o nofoaga mo tamaiti ua afaina i soligatulafono ma tamaiti o loo mana’omia se fesoasoani.

A ta toe foi la i lau fesili, e le o taulamua le S.V.S.G i ni vaega-tama mo atunuu mamao. Pau le mea o loo aafia ai le S.V.S.G o le tausiga ma le sailia o mea sili mo tamaiti ua lafoa’ina o loo i lalo o le fesoasoani a le nofoaga mo e puapuagatia. Afai e manatu se tasi o le aiga o tamaiti ua lafoa’iina ua talafeagai ona fai se vaegatama mo se latou tamaitiiti poo a latou fanau, ona faasino lea i lea tagata o le aiga i le taualumaga o vaegatama faale-tulafono. Fesili : Ua lesitalaina faale-tulafono outou e fai nei (vaega-tama)?

Lina Chang: E le tatau ona lesitalaina le S.V.S.G mo le faia o lea galuega ma matou te le o taulamua pe o faatinoina soo se vaega-tama mo atunuu mamao. Fesili: O maua ni tupe a le S.V.S. G mai ia vaega-tama? Lina Chang: Leai Fesili : Ua faailoa mai i le Samoa Observer e le o maua e nei tamaiti se vaaiga faa-fomai lelei. E moni? Lina Chang: E lē moni lea faaaliga.

O loo taumafai pea le S.V.S.G. e tuuina atu se tausiga talafeagai ma atoatoa mo tamaiti o ia nofoaga e ala i le faia ia mautinoa ua tofu ia fale mo lo latou pule i taimi uma faatasi ai ma tagata galulue fua ia ua tuuina atu e tusa ai ma le aofai o tamai o i totonu o ia nofoaga e aofia ai tausiga faa-fomai mo tamaiti. O aiga o loo lagolagoina le S.V.S.G o loo tuuina atu i ai nofoaga ta’itasi o ia nofoaga e tolu ma faatasi ai ma teine tausima’i pasi, latou te vaaia le tausiga o tamaiti i aso taitasi faatasi ai ma o latou mana’oga faa-foma’i.

Ua faafaigaluegaina e le S.V.S.G. se tamaitai tausima’e i totonu o le nofoaga autu mo le tuuina atu o togafitiga faa-foma’i i lea lava nofoaga mo tamaiti ma ia mautinoa ai o loo fai tui o tamaiti i le taimi e talafeagai ai. A mana’omia e tamaiti se foma’i, ona ave lea i le falema’i e fai siaki ma aumai a latou vailaau. O loo i ai foi se vaega o fomai o loo faavanoa o latou taimi e asiasi ai i taimi o loo i ia nofoaga, aemaise ai pepe o loo i le nofoaga o pepe.

E faaopoopo atu i lea tulaga, sa tuuina atu foi pepa i fofo Samoa mo fofo masani ia e masani aona fofo ai tamaiti a’o laiti. Fesili: Fai mai tagata o loo i ia nofoaga e le mafai ona latou aveina tamaiti i le falema’i, e ui lava ina e le o tapa e le falemai ni totogi mai le S.V.S.G. mo togafitiga faa-fomai ona o nei tamaiti e leai ni o latou igoa faai’u? E moni lea faamatalaga? Afai la o le tulaga lea, e faapefea lava ona vaetamaina i latou e aunoa ma ni igoa faai’u?

Lina Chang: O soo se tamaitiiti poo se tagata e ave e se sui o le S.V.S.G pe la te o faatasi i le falemai mo se siaki faa-foma’i- e tatau ona totogi totogi a le falema’i e pei o isi lava tagata o le atunuu e faaaogaina lea auaunaga mo tagata lautele. E leai se tuusaunoaga o le S.V.S.G. maile totogiina o totogi a le falemai.

Ae ui o lea. o loo agalelei ma tuuina mai e le N.H.S vailaau e leai se totogi mo tamaiti uma o loo matou tausia. Ae ui o lea, ina ia mafai ona avanoa vailaau mai le Fale Talavai o le NHS, o loo totogi pea e le S,V,S.G nei vailaau pe afai e mai tale talavai tua.

Mo nisi o tamaiti ua aumai i totonu o le nofoaga ona o loo manaomia se fale e nofo ai, e le o tele pe leai foi ni faamatalaga e uiga ia i latou. E le teena e le S.V.S.G se tamaitiiti o loo manaomia se fesoasoani, se fale e nofo ai poo se tausiga e tatau ai ona o le le lava o faamatalaga e uiga i sea tamaitiiti. E le o se tulaga masani lea i tamaiti ua lafoaiga e aumai i totonu e tagata o le atunuu e alolofa i ai.

E talia e le S.V.S.G. se tamaitiiti pe o soo se tagata o loo manaomia se fesoasoani ona saili lea ina ia maua mai soo se faamatalaga talafeagai e uiga i se tamaitiiti mai tagata o lona aiga pe mai se isi puna o faamatalaga. O le i ai la o faamatalaga talafeagai ma le lava atoatoa e uiga i se tagata o loo i lalo o le nofoaga e taua atele ma e faatino e le S.V.S.G le tausiga o lenei faamatalaga.

O le mea moni, afai o i ai se mana’oga mo ni togafitiga faa-foma’i mo soo se tamaitiiti o loo i totonu o nei nofoaga, ua noatia le S.V.S.G. ina ia tuuina atu lea togafitiga faa-fomai i lalo o soo se tulaga e o’o i ai, tusa lava pe o i le SVSG o latou igoa sa’o, aso fanau poo isi lava faamatalaga.

Ona o lea tulaga, o se pepa poo se tamaitiiti ua i ai sona igoa faai’u e le o se faafitauli lea mo se tamaitiiti ma’i o i lalo o la matou vaaiga lea e mana’omia le avea i le falema’i Fesili: Ua lagā foi nisi fesili e uiga i mea’ai ma napekini mo tamaiti ua vaetamaina. Fai mai le puna o a’u faamatalaga o taimi uma lava e motusia ai oloa ma mea e mana’omia e ia nofoaga ma ua tuua ai loa fafine e tausi pepe ae faamoemoe i e galulue fua e faatau mai ni formula, napekini ma vailaau. Aisea ua tupu ai lea tulaga?

Lina Chang: Ua i le S.V.S.G. faiga faatulagaina ua faata’oto ina ia mautinoa ai e faapea o soo se tamaitiiti o i totonu o ia nofoaga loo latou maua le tausiga talafeagai ma ia lava.

O le faia ia mautinoa o loo lava mea’ai ma isi lava mea e mana’omia e pei ona napekini, formula e taua tele mo le S V.S.G. Afai ua le lava soo se oloa a le nofoaga, ona lipoti atu lea e le tamaitai tausima’i pule i le ofisa autu ona toe faaopoopo lea ole tele o ia oloa.

A manana’o tagata galulue ofo fua mai e tuuina mai oloa i nei nofoaga, e matua talia ma le faaaloalo lo latou ma’au. Ua i ai amatou tusi lesitalaina i totonu o fata uma lava e mafai ai e tamaitai tausima’e pule ona lesitala soo se ituaiga o fesoasoani e maua mai tagata galulue fua ma isi lasva tagata alolofa e tuuina sa’o mai fesoasoani i nei nofoagqa.

Matou te mua’i taia le Tu-Tafa’itoa ma faapoi le Vai’ula, pe taia fo’i le Launiu ae faase’e i Muliava se’i faalanu Vai o N

O le Maota Tulutulu i Tao ma ua so’o lona Taiao- i Aiga ma latou Tama, Tama ma o latou Aiga, Tumua ma Pule, Itu’au ma Alataua, Aiga i le Tai ma le Vaa o Fonoti, ae tainane le Aufaigaluega Totofi a le Atua o Minisita o le Upu ma Sakalameta.

Tulou, tulou, tulouna lava. Ae avea ia o lenei taimi matou te faasilasila atu ai e faapea: O le aso Faraile 14 o Fepuari 2014 na tuuina mai ai e le Faamasinoga o Fanua ma Suafa lana faaiuga aloa’ia e uiga i le suafa “Leniu o Laulii” ma o le nofo ua tofia o le Afioga a Taliulu Vainiu Te’o.

O lea matou te momoli atu ai le faafetai tele i le Afioga i le Peresetene ma le Mamalu o le Faamasinoga o Fanua ma Suafa ona o lea galuega tele sa feagai ai.

E momoli atu foi le faafetai tele ma le faamalo i le tapuaiga o lo matou nuu o Laulii, suli uma o le Aiga, paolo ma gafa aemaise ai o le tapuaiga a Faafeagaiga Taulagi a lo matou nuu, ona o a latou talosaga ua a’e malo ai le faamoemoe sa tu’u atu i le Atua.

O ai foi ua afaina lona finagalo i upu felafoa’i faa-faamasinoga, o le tatalo –ia alofa faamagalo mai, ae tatou alo i luma mo se manuia o le aiga, nuu ma ekalesia. Ia alofagia e le Atua le nofo fou ua tofia ma ia maua le tofa e tausi ai lo tatou aiga e pei ona sau ai.

If you turn on the radio these days, you can easily stumble upon song lyrics that in no way matches the economical, cultural ambitions and traditions of Samoa.

“Do what you want, what you want with my body”- a sentence from the number 1 song on the Magik FM’s “Coca Cola top 10 hit list.”

These words are not exactly encouraging youth to follow the fa’asamoa values. But Tahere Siisiialafia does, though, not blame Western influences such as these for youth issues including unemployment, high crime rates, and increasing teen pregnancies. She blames the mindset of the youth.

“Some elders would say that we are losing spiritual values and becoming immoral because of Western influences; I disagree,” she says. “I would say that what has been missing is 'critical thinking’.”

This need for youth to thinking critically is clearly reflected in the statistics provided by the Samoa National Youth Policy from 2011-2015.

The numbers are alarming. There is Chlamydia prevalence rate of 40.9 per cent among the age category of 15-25. The 20-29 year age group makes up 43 per cent of those imprisoned by the District Court for 2005-2006.

Fifty per cent of people imprisoned by the Supreme Court in the same period are youth.

Looking to the future, Ms. Siisiialafia says that the only way to prevent these problems is for the youth of today to think critically.

“With critical thinking a young person develops the 'will' to do what is required to keep themselves properly informed,” she says.

Diving into the staggering numbers of the Samoa National Youth Policy from 2011-2015, this message seems very relevant.

According to the policy, only four per cent of women and seven per cent of men have comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and transmission.

Ms. Siisiialafia's theories might be a solution to this.

“Overall, it provides the young person with the keys to unlocking their own intellectual independence leading them to being empowered, willing and able to explore and solve problems themselves.”

When confronted with the fact that influences from Western culture such as the lyrics of the song “Do what you want” encourages attitudes and morals that may not coexist with traditional understanding of Fa'aSamoa, Ms. Siisiialafia explains how the fa’asamoa, just like society, is evolving.

“The world is evolving and so is Samoa, therefore, we may still be indebted to our traditional morals and values, but the Fa'aSamoa is also evolving.”

This, she says, explains how youth may for instance be dressed modernly, but still uphold their fa’asamoa values such as respecting their elders.

Thereby, Western culture may influence themes such as spiritual values and morals, but, according to Ms. Siisiialafia, it is up to the individual to decide how they take the influence.

“Either we resist the Western influences based on our strong spiritual morals and values, or we make well informed decisions and choices from critical thinking,” she says in conclusion, defining what could lead to the end of alarming rates in youth issues.

The Chamber of Commerce believes that Samoa needs large foreign investments and job creation right now in order to sustain private sector growth and development.

However, the Chamber’s Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O), Ane Moananu, recognizes that the government has an important role in facilitating these new investment opportunities, both local and in conjunction with overseas, ensuring that they are consistent with Samoa’s development priorities and laws. This is in light of recent comments made in Samoa Observer’s editions on Tuesday 11 and Friday 14 on issues relating to Samoa’s foreign investment regime.

In 2011, the Chamber had raised similar concerns, particularly on the gradual increase of foreign retail businesses, a sector where typically Samoans would be investing in.

Last Tuesday, the C.E.O of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L), Auelua Samuelu Enari, confirmed that the Ministry had taken action to address the growing number of complaints against foreign-owned retail businesses breaking the law.

While the Ministry’s monitoring and enforcement role seems to be at an all-time high, the Chamber’s C.E.O believes there is still a bit of work that needs to be done to enforce Samoa’s foreign investment regime. “We applaud the Government and their efforts in facilitating and monitoring new investments,” says Mrs. Moananu.

“However I believe there is a need to clarify and promote the role of the Foreign Investment Advisory Committee, to try and improve the quality of screening of new foreign investment proposals.”

The Chamber as a member of the Advisory Committee supports a transparent regime and policy that include minimum requirements for bringing foreign capital to Samoa, employing Samoan workers and demonstrating how the investment meets Samoa’s development priorities.

“We recognize the need for the Government to review the relationship between the foreign investment and immigration regimes and ensure that thorough character and background checks are undertaken before foreign investment approval and immigration clearance is granted.”

The Chamber C.E.O added that the private sector would welcome an investigation of why Samoa outranks other Pacific nations such as Vanuatu, Fiji and P.N.G in the World Bank’s Doing Business indicators, but those countries still seem to be able to attract more foreign investment and tourism development.

The outcome of such a study would help inform Samoa’s foreign investment policy.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C), Matafeo Tanielu Aiafi, is optimistic.

He feels that the threat of a strike made by teachers in Savai’i last week, has been averted.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Matafeo says the Ministry of Education is working with the Public Service Commission (P.S.C.) on a proposed pay rise, in response to the demands from the teachers.

However, it is not as straightforward as it appears.

Matafeo says that if “teachers want a pay rise, they need to do what M.E.S.C. is asking of them”. And what is that? Matafeo says teachers must up skill themselves and better the quality of their teaching.

The Chief Executive says he is confident that the teachers will not strike as reported, following a meeting of the Samoa National Teachers Association in Savai’i last Saturday.

During last weekend’s meeting in Savai’i, teachers threatened to go on strike if M.E.S.C. or the government didn’t give them the pay rise they sought.

“To me they shouldn’t go on strike because all the issues they raised are being addressed,” Matafeo says.

“(The) salary increase we are now working at it with P.S.C (Public Service Commission) to put through government for the next financial year.”

He claims that the three per cent already given to all public servants in last December’s Supplementary Budget had already been allotted to the teachers’ salaries.

“They are going to get that in the next pay, so the next phase would be the salary increase for teachers only,” he said.

“We have to do things phase by phase because we only have limited resources and the government has to look at other professions too.”

Matafeo says that at present, M.E.S.C is looking at improving the quality of the system “(That) is what we are focusing on, as well as the quality of teachers because we don’t want only a portion of our children to be academically intelligent,” he said.

“We are looking at the nation, the whole nation regardless of where they are from – whether from Savai’I, or from rural villages, we want them all to be well educated.”

Matafeo claims that students should be educated well enough to go through the whole education system. “We are focusing on the quality of teachers now so we need to push them for upgrade,” he said.

“That is to improve their quality of teaching the students, and for retired teachers to go through training just to upgrade their knowledge of the new changes.”

He said he had no problem with teachers asking for a pay rise.

“That’s okay you can ask for salary increases but at the same time these things need to be done so that the children get a good education,” he said.

“We don’t just increase salaries for the sake of increasing, there has to be targets”. And improving on the quality of teachers is a target that M.E.S.C. believes is necessary to create excellent products of well educated young people to run this nation. Matafeo said salary levels depend on what teaching qualifications a teacher has. So what you might be getting paid as a Diploma holder is different from what another teacher with a Bachelor earns.

“I don’t have the scale at the moment you can get that from Public Service Commission,” he said. Matafeo couldn’t name the year the last pay increase was made for teachers.

“I can’t recall, well this year and there is also the three per cent from government so that’s the salary increase.”

Matafeo said it did not matter how much increase the teachers are asking for.

“Because whether it’s a million they ask for they will never be satisfied and that’s a fact,” he said. He did say that if the pay increases for teachers – other professions such as nurses and the police should also be offered the same deal.

“The government does not look at one side they have to be fair to all professions,” said Matafeo. He said if the teachers did go ahead with the strike – he would be at a loss to understand why.

“Everyone is concerned when everyone goes on strike,” he said.

“But I totally believe no one is going on strike, because it’s part of change, and people will resist change.

“But we are educators we need to be strong, we need to push governments reforms to get the quality necessary so that that the children are academically intelligent.”

The Public Service Commission (P.S.C.) has issued a warning to an Assistant Chief Executive Officer (A.C.E.O) of the Ministry of Agriculture who had been suspended for crashing a government vehicle.

But the warning means that Misa Konelio Misa, A.C.E.O of Crops Division, is free to return to work. “I met with the P.S.C last Tuesday regarding the matter,” Misa told the Samoa Observer.

“We have sorted out everything and I started back last Wednesday.

“They have cleared me from everything else.”

Misa was placed on a threemonth suspension with full pay while the P.S.C. investigated his role in a car accident involving a government vehicle.

“Everything happens for a reason,” he said, adding that he has learnt his lesson.

He assured that he is keen to make up for loss time and work hard to improve the services provided by the Crops Division of the Ministry.

Asked for a comment, the Chairman of P.S.C, Tuu’u Dr. Ieti Taulealo, confirmed that they met with Misa last week where the decision was made for him to return to work.

The Chairman said there are three levels of disciplining the P.S.C considered.

First, there is a warning, followed by a suspension and then termination.

For Misa’s case, Tuu’u said the P.S.C decided to warn the A.C.E.O. He did not elaborate.

But the Chairman confirmed that Misa drove the vehicle during the accident but has since paid for the cost of the damages.

Tu’uu also confirmed that the Commission was not aware about the incident until a report from Treasury Division of the Ministry of Finance was submitted to them.

The incident had also been reported by the Samoa Observer prior. “It is why the Commission suspended Misa with full pay while we did our investigation,” said Tuu’u.

The Chairman reminded all public servants that with such matters, it’s important that the P.S.C is informed first and foremost since it is their role to investigate and deal with such matters.

Asked how he felt yesterday, Misa said he was pleased. He thanked his relatives, friends and colleagues for their prayers and support.