PR - Four Gold, three Silver and five Bronze medals was the haul from the Oceania Athletics Area Championships held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands recently according to Athletics Samoa Coach, Faleomavaega Vaovai Tupu.

In addition to the medals, three new national records were set by some of the members of the team of five athletes.

Despite this success, Faleomavaega was not totally satisfied.

“There should have been more medals but Athletics Samoa is facing financial problems and we were unable to send the other ten athletes. Eight of them have the potential and are under 18,” he said.

However, Faleomavaega agreed there was much to look forward to for his athletes in the year ahead.

“We will continue training for the NZ/Australian 2014/2015 athletics season starting in November through to March/April 2015 plus the

New Zealand and Australian National Championships.”

Other targets for the athletes, he said, are the Oceania championships in Cairns in June 2015, the Pacific Games in Papua New

Guinea in July 2015 and the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa in September 2015.

Remember Lei’a Misa? Samoa’s youngest dialysis patient?

We featured her plight last week where her and her mother called for help so she could continue receiving dialysis treatment.

Last weekend, the Samoa Outrigger Association gathered at Mulinu’u to fundraise for young Lei’a. Yesterday, members of the

Association visited Lei’a’s family at Matautu to present $1,010 they raised last Saturday.

The family members were in tears upon receiving the money.

Johnwilliam Sala, the President of the Laumei Outrigger Canoe Club, wrote a piece titled “The girl that touched the hearts of rugged men.”

It is published here in full:

On the Samoa Observer’s edition of Wednesday 6th August 2014, it featured a special plea by a young soul for help titled “Lei’a needs your help”

We are a few guys who lead normal lives and have regular jobs during the day and in the evening we meet up at Mulinu’u for Outrigger Canoe Paddling, as a hobby/sport as the Laumei Outrigger Canoe Club.

Serendipity dictates that one would find themselves at the right place at the right time in our Heavenly Father’s grand plan; and it was just this that one of the boys happen to stumble on this particular article.

He was moved by it and brought that particular page of the newspaper to our usual Wednesday post-training relaxation routine with a few cold beers. We all shared the sentiment of which “Fun Fundraise Paddle for Lei’a” was born. We are rugged guys that are usually unorganized but equipped only with faith and the belief that maybe this small gesture can make (even the slightest) difference to one’s life.

Friday 8th August 2014 an open invitation email was sent out to all other clubs in Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association of what these few bleak men hope to do on Saturday 9th August 2014 afternoon.

Even with the extreme short notice, the attendance and support observed on Saturday’s “Fun-Fundraise Paddle for Lei’a” was tremendous and all the paddlers were avid supporters to the cause.

Despite prior commitments as it was Father’s Day weekend, they made sacrifices so they could come and take-part.

It was encouraged that all clubs and their members register any form of amount for the day’s event of which all the registration would be donated to young Lei’a.

We collected $1,010 through various registrations from $5 per junior paddler even up to $50 from the supporters including a special pledge from Praise-the-Lord Charity Group.

The fun fundraise paddle consisted of two races.

Race 1 was from Mulinu’u to Taumeasina and Race 2 the return back to the peninsula. All categories joined up and took part in one go, Team Nafanua Open Mens, Team Nafanua Open Womens, Team Nafanua Social Mix, Team Laumei &

Team Aliyah Open Men Mix, Team Laumei Junior Boys, Team Tautai Open Mens, Team Vaai-Lau-Foe.

The feedback from all the paddlers that attended was astonishing and they are very happy to be a part of Lei’as life. Instead of an ice-challenge, we all simply picked up our paddles, manned our canoes and did a paddling challenge!

Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association features a special type of sport of Outrigger Canoeing, commonly known as “Alo va’a or Alo Paopao”. We take-part in this activity and sport in remembrance of our ancestors whom navigated throughout the Pacific in canoes.

Samoa was affectionately called the Navigator Islands by the explorers because of our sea-faring capabilities in canoes. We welcome anyone and everyone to join Outrigger Canoe paddling in the 6 Local clubs; Aliyah OC Club, Tautai OC

Club, Nafanua OC Club, Vaai-lau-foe OC Club, Pualele OC Club and Laumei OC Club that form Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association. The annual Savai’i Crossing hosted by Pualele OC Club featured all local and visiting clubs a chance to paddle to-and-from Savaii on the last Saturday of May as a charity event for Samoa Cancer Society.

All clubs are also gearing up for Va’ai-Lau-Foe’s Sprint Regatta this coming Saturday that precedes one of the most anticipated event in Outrigger Canoe Paddling calendar; Nafanua OC Club hosting the International Alo Paopao Regatta &

Festival 2014 in September. The sport also has many sponsors and key personnel that always assist in keeping the sport alive and hope to acknowledge all their hard work and encouragement for further success in the sport.

Tuatagaloa Joe Annadale of Sinalei Resort, Jay & Tasi of M & J Ah Fook & Ynot, AJ & Krissy of Samoa Beverage Company & Farmer-Joe, Konrad & Beulah of SMI, Moana & La’auli of Bluebird Transport, Management of Digicel Samoa, Billy &

Rosaline of Milennia Hotel Bar & Restaurant, Management of Bluesky Samoa, Letoa Wenzel Keil of HJ Keil Co. Ltd, Management of Samoa Observer, Management of Sunrise Restaurant.

As a paddling community we hope to share with you the plea by young Lei’a for any form of assistance to her and her family. Every time Lei’a can get her dialysis treatment her life is extended, be part of her life.

We also offer in our prayers Lei’a, her family and all those in need around Samoa and the World that they be blessed and find comfort in their lives.

With great affection – a few rugged men.

Health expects situation to get worse before it gets better noting 77 new suspected cases

The Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) yesterday confirmed Chickungunya as the virus that has been plaguing Samoa for the past few weeks.

During a press conference, Health’s Director General (D.G.), Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, said his department was bracing for an even bigger outbreak.

He said the situation is likely get worse before it will get better.

“I think we are building up to that level where we are going to see more cases,” he said. “And we are hoping with what we are doing now, in trying to control and contain, we hope we are heading in the right direction to combat this so that we wont see many (more) cases.

“But like with any outbreak, we expect to see more cases now."

“And the fact that we are not immune to the virus so we are expecting more cases.”

Leausa said 96 people had so far presented with symptoms congruent with chikungunya.

“Gender-wise I think they are about the same number of females to males – 52 females and 44 males (have presented),” he said.

“(With) age groups involved are usually the younger age groups.”

He said the first case presented to the health sector late last month.

“On the 24th that was the first suspicious case on the 24th of July,” he said.

“And slowly we are seeing at the beginning of August an increase in the number of cases (see graph below)."

“So we are bracing for an outbreak.”

He said the M.O.H. received confirmation that it was chikungunya last Saturday with lab results coming through from the 20 specimens that were sent off with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (S.P.C.).

“Of the 20 specimens we sent off island they came back eight of those specimens were positive for chikungunya and 12 were presumed negative,” he said.

“Now know this is chikungunya for definite. We now have a viral infectious outbreak in our country.”

Leausa said while 12 of the tests returned a negative result, he believes further testing beyond the Rapid Tests conducted by the S.P.C., which according to the World Health Organisation are used for preliminary for where screening test results are required, will yield more positives to be returned on the specimens.

He said the S.P.C. also tested for dengue fever, the zika virus and leptospirosis, all of which came back negative.

What this confirmation means however, is that the Acute Fever and Rash (A.F.R.) that people were being clinically diagnosed now has a laboratory confirmed causality – the chikungunya virus.

Looking now to the two deaths that were reported by the Ministry recently, the D.G. said one was a 45-year-old male who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (I.C.U.) at the national hospital, and the other was a 14-year-old female.

He said while the M.O.H. thought that the deaths could be related to current outbreak, he said the laboratory tests could link neither death directly to chikungunya, with the 45-year-old male suffering from other medical conditions.

“The 45-year-old’s test was negative (for chikungunya) and the 14-year-old’s was inconclusive,” he said. “We cannot say for sure that the cause of (his) death is chikungunya due to the other pre conditions (he suffered)."

“With The 14-year-old we cannot link (her death) to the (test) results yet."

“So we are looking at it again. We expect the results of the further tests soon.”

He said he knew of no other patients that had been admitted to the I.C.U. with similar symptoms.

Leausa said in a bid to contain the outbreak the M.O.H. had moved into contain and control mode.

“We are expecting more and more people will be sick so what we are doing now is containment and control,” he said.

“We are trying as much (as possible) to contain the disease in certain areas and also control."

“In the sense to control the number of people who will be infected and also control the process of the infection when people come to the hospital."

“We are also looking at source reduction (of the mosquito breeding grounds) so the reduction of the mosquito population is really important now.”

He said the Ministry was also working with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (M.N.R.E.) and the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (M.W.C.S.D.) in conducting a mass clean up campaign around the town area.

“Especially around schools, if you go around the school compounds there is a lot of rubbish a lot of plastics…where all the mosquitos can breed,” he said.

Leausa said before the laboratory confirmation of chikungunya, the Ministry was focussing on targeted areas in regards to preventing the spread of the virus.

Now, with this confirmation he said they are casting a much wider preventative net, especially in the more densely populated areas.

“We are (also) doing the spraying,” said the D.G.

“We are also hoping that we can train some people to help with the spraying because we don’t have enough workers to do the spraying so we can teach them and then we can give them the chemicals."

“The W.H.O. has also offered their help with the chemicals and everything they have also offered some mosquito nets so we will look at that.”

He said in addition to this the M.O.H. was enforcing its surveillance and reporting so they can keep abreast of what is happening.

“So this is also good for our preparations (for the Small Island Developing States – S.I.D.S. conference),” he said.

In regards to S.I.D.S., when asked if it was being considered whether or not to restrict people coming to Samoa from the neighbouring American Samoa, Leausa said it would be very difficult to restrict such travel.

“We have given travel advice that if they are sick then please don't come here,” he said.

“We cannot force them to stop coming here, maybe that (can be) done at another level of government.”

“But we are trying to restrict the movement from Upolu to Savai’i.”

“So that it does not spread to Savai’i because there is no international port in Savai’i. where you can’t get a direct flight from Pago or direct boat from Pago to Savai’i.”

He added several parents had approached the Ministry for travel advice regarding their children who were due to compete in a tennis tournament in the territory.

Upon receiving the advice, the parents decided not to let their children attend the competition.

Finally, Leausa said he wants to reassure the public that the Ministry with the support of the government is doing everything they can.

“We are soliciting help from our development partners especially from the W.H.O. and the S.P.C.,” he said.

“And we are also asking the public to help us with source reduction to clean up and minimise the breeding sites for mosquitoes.”

He urges the public not to panic.

“This is why we wanted to update you we also want to reassure the public of what we are doing and also educate the public with the knowledge of what is happening,” he said.

“That we can all work together to help (prevent the further spread of) this disease.”

Seabreeze Resort has been announced as the overall winner of this year’s Samoa/New Zealand Friendship Week Restaurant Challenge.

The announcement was made by the New Zealand High Commissioner, Jackie Frizelle, during the Challenge’s prize giving held at Letava yesterday evening.

“This year there were once again some stunning entries,” Ms. Frizelle said. “All the judges were impressed by the variety and imagination that went into creating each of the dishes."

“The quality on offer shows that Samoan cuisine is becoming more creative all the time. (And) based on customer feedback and our panel of expert judges, Seabreeze Resort is this year’s winner.”

Ms. Frizelle congratulated the owners of Seabreeze, Wendy and Chris Booth and their team.

“I look forward to seeing the winning dish on their menu for some time to come,” she said.

“I would also like to congratulate Scalini’s Reataurant on winning the Best Modern Samoan Style for the third year running, Le

Manumea Hotel for Best Innovation and Skill, Orator Hotel for Best Atmosphere, Ambience and Service Kaisa Loleni at Saletoga Sands for winning Individual Star Performer.”

Friendship Week was first established in 2012 to celebrate the special relationship Samoa and New Zealand have developed over the years.

“One thing our countries share is a love of good food,” Ms. Frizelle said.

The competition this year was sponsored by Air New Zealand, Digicel Samoa, Samoa Observer, Samoa Tourism Authority and Villa Maria.

The winners
• Overall winner (sponsored by Air New Zealand): Seabreeze Resort
• Best Modern Samoan Style winner (sponsored by Samoa Tourism Authority): Le Manumea Hotel
• Best Atmosphere/Ambience/Service (sponsored by Digicel): Kaisa Lokeni, Saletoga Sands

Mulching makes for better produce and better prices at the market, according to local Solosolo farmer Amituana’i Pulepule.

 Amituna’i runs a certified organic farm and grows vegetables and fruit for the Women in Business Development Farm to Table, Organic baskets and Dried Banana programmes. 

“I mainly use grass clippings and large leaves that I cut up and I can see the benefits through healthy, large vegetables that help me get good prices from my customers,” says Amituana’i. 

His process of mulching also means he does not have to water his garden as often because the mulch holds water and then releases it slowly. It also reduces water evaporation from his soil because the mulch keeps the soil cooler.

Also mulch decays, it puts nutrients back into the soil that improve the soil.

The process also helps to draw and hold carbon into the soil, which is known as carbon sequestration.

“If you want people to develop and achieve empowerment, it is in education where you will gain the most benefit” – Minister Magele Mauiliu Magele

 PR - The Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Magele Mauiliu Magale, chaired the Plenary Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Education Conference to discuss the Post-2015 priorities in Bangkok, Thailand. 

In his final remarks, Magele reiterated the importance of education, saying “Education is placed at the heart of the global development agenda and of course at the heart of National development.”

“The post-2015 education agenda should be clearly defined, aspirational, transformative, balanced and holistic, and an integral part of the broader international framework.”

The conference was the first regional meeting in preparation for the World Education Forum 2015 that will be held in Incheon,

Republic of Korea in May 2015.

The conference focused on the “Education for All Goals” which was conducted in two segments.

The first segment was the Regional Dialogue on EFA and Beyond.

During this segment, Ministers and high level Officials of Ministries of Education and development partners reviewed EFA progress and discussed issues, challenges and priorities for education post-2015, which fed into the draft outcome document adopted by Ministers on the last day of the conference. The second segment was the Ministerial Forum on Education Beyond 2015. There was also a ministerial roundtable discussion and the presentation and adoption of the

Outcome document of the Conference.

“Through these discussions and debates, I hope that we will be able to convert the targets into concrete actions. If you want people to develop and achieve empowerment, it is in education where you will gain the most benefit,” said Magele.

The Minister also highlighted Samoa’s commitment and value of education at all levels from early childhood development to post secondary education.

This is reflected by the Samoan government prioritizing education with an investment of 20 per cent of its annual budget for the future of Education in Samoa.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture, Matafeo Falanaipupu Aiafi, accompanied the Minister to the conference, held in Bangkok, Thailand from the 6-8th August 2014.

"How could the pitiful cries of an ill, for all intents and purposes, totally trapped human being yearning aloud desperately for the comfort of his wife and children, not be heard in the midst of assembled police manpower poised in readiness supposedly, to keep the community safe?"

TVNZ - The lawyer for the family of a mentally ill Auckland man who was killed in a Samoan prison wants to know what the Samoan government is going to do about prison cruelty.

Hans Dalton, 28, was found dead in a water barrel at Tafa'igata prison, outside Apia, on Christmas Day 2012 after his "pitiful cries" for his family were ignored by officers.

A report of a commission of inquiry chaired by Samoa's ombudsman Maiava Iulai Toma has found that none of the prison officers could be bothered to help.

Police initially declared Mr Dalton's death a suicide. Another prisoner was later charged with murder but he was found not guilty. Mr

Dalton's family in Auckland are suing the Samoan Government.

The family lawyer, Olinda Woodroffe, has told ONE News she's pleased that the Prime Minister of Samoa has accepted the report.

"I would like to see the small print of what will follow from the acceptance by the government of this report because it was long overdue," she said.

"Many people have suffered, many lives have [been] lost that we don't know about or buried, and we know it's been done," she said.

Mr. Dalton had been on holiday in Samoa but was caught in a hurricane and lost access to medication.

On Christmas Day, Samoa Police sent him to the prison at Tafa'igata where he was thrown into a punishment cell. Prison officers failed to give him any help.

The Ombudsman said Mr Dalton screamed loudly and shook the bars and punched the concrete walls, screaming and occasionally swearing throughout the night.

He was "heard to call out 'Lisa', his wife's name to the deaf world around him".

Maiava asked why senior officers did not help Mr Dalton.

"How could the pitiful cries of an ill, for all intents and purposes, totally trapped human being yearning aloud desperately for the comfort of his wife and children, not be heard in the midst of assembled police manpower poised in readiness supposedly, to keep the community safe?"

At 7.15 am the next morning he was found dead, with his head down in a large drum half full of water in the prison cell.

“Its great going into the event knowing what to expect with the heat so this year I am doing plenty of indoor workouts and having lots of saunas, there is not to much else I can do while training in the NZ winter”

Apia will come to a standstill for the second time in two weeks, this time for the 2014 Samoa International Events Warrior Race.

Samoa is set to host our second Warrior / Half Ironman race with elite triathletes from New Zealand and Australia starting to arrive today to contest the Warrior Title on Saturday.

Leading the elites is Taupo triathlete Graham O’Grady who returns to defend his 2013 title. He is joined in the men’s race by

Australian pros Sam Betten (Brisbane) and Ollie Whistler (NSW).

Also returning to Samoa for the second year in a row are Auckland pro-athletes Stephen Farrell, Kerry Weeks and Jared Bowden.

The women’s field is led by Sarah Crowley of Brisbane.

Crowley finished third in last year’s Women’s race and is favourite to take out her first Samoan title.

She is joined in the Women’s pro-field by two kiwis Julia Grant and Jo Carrel, who returns for her second Warrior Race.

The Warrior Race / Half Iron distance involves a 2km swim, 90km bike and 21km run.

O’Grady told Samoa International Events that he was looking forward to returning to Samoa.

“I had such a great experience last year in Samoa that I couldn’t wait to return, and also with winning the inaugural race I want to come back and defend the title.”

O’Grady’s experience of Samoa last year gives him the edge over Betten and Whistler who are racing here for the first time.

He is also cautious about his Aussie competitors.

“Its great going into the event knowing what to expect with the heat so this year I am doing plenty of indoor workouts and having lots of saunas, there is not to much else I can go do while training in the NZ winter.”

“Those Ozzy’s are pretty handy at triathlon! With the heat you can’t rule out anyone in the field. Last year the run was so tough that I was worried about Sam (Warriner, women’s champion in 2013) catching me.”

Lining up in the Age Groups category are many of the New Zealanders and Australians returning for more of the atmosphere that made the first Samoa event last year very special. In that race the villages in Anoama’a East and West with a few Vaimauga villages such as Lauli’i went all out to support the Warrior Race.

The village support is there again this time with decorations and crowd support on race day.

SIE have also introduced a shorter race named Beat the Heat that has attracted a few more competitors this year. Beat the Heat is a 63km race with a 1km swim, 52km bike ride (to Falefa return) and a 10km run.

Samoa International Events director, Seti Afoa, explains that SIE needed to introduce a shorter distance in order to attract a few more people from overseas to the Event.

Conference participants are being told there will be only one hard-copy set of official documents per delegation and that they should consider electronic access before further printing documents

Samoa is actively reducing the amount of paper that will be used at the Third International Conference of Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S) meeting in September.

Women in Business Development Inc Executive Director, Adimaimalaga Tafuna’i, welcomed the green approach to the conference.

“The government has been working hard to put these measures in place. We hope that through the Offset ISLANDS 2014 campaign we can start to highlight what the conference organisers, the country and the region have been doing to mitigate climate change and offset carbon emissions.”

Conference participants are being told there will be only one hard-copy set of official documents per delegation and that they should consider electronic access before further printing documents.

In a document named Guide For Participants: Making your own contribution to the sustainability of the S.I.D.S conference, participants are urged to use their tablets and portable devices as the main way to access conference documentation.

To assist with this, the entire conference zone will be a WIFI hotspot, which was installed by Fiji company, Global Gossip Group of Companies.

Using the internet, participants will be able to access the daily journal, side-event schedule, electronic brochures, information note for participants, and electronic conference documentation.

All pre-conference and in session documentation will be uploaded on www.sids2014.org.

There will be no circulation of statements in hard copy.

Instead, participants are encouraged to share their statements with the UN secretariat for posting on the conference website.

Delegations are encouraged to bring twenty hard copies of their statements to facilitate the work of interpreters.

Participants are strongly urged to limit the amount of print materials to be shipped to the conference venue and to make arrangements for donating remaining publications, books and other print materials to relevant local institutions.

The Associate Minister of the Ministry of the Prime Minister, Peseta Vaifou Tevaga, has been charged with a trafficrelated offense.

Assistant Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu, told the Samoa Observer yesterday that Peseta has been charged under the Breathalyzer Act following an accident during the weekend.

The Assistant Commissioner said Peseta was one of two drivers involved in the accident at Maluafou last Friday night.

“He came with the other person that was involved in the accident to our Headquarter on that night,” said Fauono.

“They came to report the matter and a police officer suspected that Peseta was drunk as he could smell alcohol on him.

“He took the Breathalyzer test and the officer confirmed that he had gone beyond the limit and shouldn’t be driving the car.”

Asked to explain what the charge is, Fauono said under the Breathalyzer Act, the Associate Minister has been charged for drink driving. The Police also suspect that this what may have caused the accident.

The Commissioner added that the Associate Minister was driving a government vehicle with the number plate, MPMC006.

“It is possible that he might face additional charges,” said Fauono, adding that “no one was injured.”

“I think the matter has been resolved between the parties.”

It was not possible to get a comment from Peseta yesterday.

This is not the first time Peseta has been charged for a traffic-related incident.

Several years ago, the M.P. for Fa’asaleleaga No. 4 faced a negligent driving causing death charge.

Peseta is scheduled to appear in Court on 19 August, the same day Parliament is scheduled to reconvene next week.

TVNZ - Sonny Bill Williams is flying to Samoa this weekend to launch the National Rugby League's (N.R.L) new Pacific Strategy plan.

N.R.L Chief Executive David Smith said that Williams and Jaryd Hayne have helped increase popularity of the game into an area that historically has been a predominantly rugby stronghold.

Dual code superstar Williams, who was part of the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup-winning squad in 2011 and helped the Sydney Roosters win the N.R.L premiership last year, is a huge name in Samoa, the birthplace of his father.

TVNZ - Sonny Bill Williams is flying to Samoa this weekend to launch the National Rugby League's (N.R.L) new Pacific Strategy plan.

N.R.L Chief Executive David Smith said that Williams and Jaryd Hayne have helped increase popularity of the game into an area that historically has been a predominantly rugby stronghold.

Dual code superstar Williams, who was part of the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup-winning squad in 2011 and helped the Sydney Roosters win the N.R.L premiership last year, is a huge name in Samoa, the birthplace of his father.

Williams, who is recovering from a broken thumb, will fly to Samoa to kick-start the program while Hayne is due to fly to Fiji later this year once Parramatta finish their season.

"We've been thinking for a while how we might develop the game," Smith said.

"Nearly 40 per cent of our players are from the islands so I think it's important to recognise that and the development potential there is important for the game."

"I think it's very possible that we could see a team from the islands in the World Cup final in 2017."

Meanwhile, Williams' comeback has been delayed and he is now expected to back just before playoffs at the start of next month.

But one is thing is for sure. The former All Black, who is returning to the Chiefs next season, will be watching the big Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney this weekend, one way or another.

"The Wallabies are in some form. It's going to be a good match. I'll have to record that one," he said.

The Associate Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang, has called on the government to stop wasting public money being spent by government officials on accessorising their taxpayerfunded cars.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, the Individual Voters’ Member says he has been pushing for a policy that no government vehicles should be accessorised in any manner.

“If you see the C.E.O vehicles they are all tinted windows, mag wheels and chrome bumpers,” he said. “I am sick of it. They are just spending money for nothing when they only need the wheels.”

What’s more, Papali’i said the government is “paying for the fuel as well” which means more taxpayers’ money being wasted. “So they are getting free fuel and I have been pushing for this to change.”

He said now the government has realised what is going on it was working on some regulations to ensure that all public servants adhere to the rules.

But it appears that Papali’i is not the only Member of Parliament who is sick of this abuse of public monies.

In the Finance and Expenditure Committee’s (F.E.C.) latest report on Main Estimates of Receipts and Payments of the Government of Samoa for the Financial Year Ending June 30 2015, the Cabinet directive on vehicles was reprinted in full.

Papali’i is the Chairman of the Committee.

Tafua Maluelue Tafua is the Deputy Chairman while members include Palusalue Fa’apo II, Lealaileupule Rimoni Aiafi, Afualo Dr. Wood Salele, Tialavea Fea Seigafolava and Taefu Lemi Taefu.

“The Committee throughout its scrutiny noted its concern of the abuse of Government vehicles by Public Officials causing unnecessary expenditures,” the report reads.

“This is one of the most pressing issues which Government should consider as a priority to reduce spending.

“The Committee confirmed that a Cabinet Directive has already been issued (F.K.) 13(17) which clearly outlined all the requirements and conditions with regards to all Government vehicles.”

The Committee then republishes this Directive, the Operation of Government Vehicles, in full as follows:

“The Council of Deputies, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary, President of the Land & Titles Court, Speaker of the House, Associate Ministers, Leader of the Opposition, Chief Executive Officers of all Government Ministries and Corporations are entitled to one Government vehicle for the operation of their service. “The operation of these vehicles by a child/children or a family relative except those mentioned above.

“The following Senior Government Official’s Spouses may operate these vehicles only if they produce valid driver’s license, Council of Deputies, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Justice, President of the Land & Titles Court, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Leader of the Opposition. “All Associate Ministers are entitle to operate double-cab pickups for their use, and maintenance of such vehicle is funded under the budget of the Ministry or Corporation which the Associate Minister is affiliated to.

“Only the Spouses of Associate Ministers are allowed to drive if they have valid driver's license, but their children are not allowed to drive these vehicles.”

In regards to all other Government Officials, the Directive reads that all Chief Executive Officers of Government Ministries and Corporations are entitle to standard double cab pickups.

“Spouses and children of all Departmental Heads are not entitle to drive allocated Government vehicles at all times,” according to the report.

“For Assistant Chief Executive Officers, transport allowances have been allocated as part of their basic salaries.

“This implies that they are not entitled to Government vehicles". The Directive states that the Minister may buy to own the specific vehicle, which he/she used during his/her time in office when the Parliamentary Term expires or when he/she is not re-elected into Parliament.

It also states that to ensure efficient maintenance of Government Asset register for all Departmental vehicles.

“To ensure Departmental number plates are attached to all Government vehicles for which they are registered to,” it reads.

“No Departmental car is allowed to use the Government Bowser unless a Government licensed plate has already ben installed. ”All Government vehicles are prohibited from any additional accessories such as the following window tint, replacement of ordinary wheels to stylish mag wheels, upgrading car stereos, installing chrome tow bars and back fenders which are unnecessary, installing side steps, installing of stylish chrome lights, installing chrome silver grill.”

The F.E.C. confirmed as part of Cabinet Directive already been issued F.K. (13)17, a Committee was also appointed to monitor these vehicle policies which include the Ministry of Finance, the Public Service Commission, the Land Transport Authority and the Ministry of Police.

“The Ministry of Finance will preside as Chairperson of the Monitoring Committee,” the F.E.C.’s report reads.

“The Committee strongly recommends the appointed Monitoring Committee to give stern warnings to all Government Officials (C.E.O.s) to consider Government vehicles policies and Cabinet Directive, and it should be their responsibility to pay for their vehicle accessories cost.

“The Committee also recommends that Senior Government Officials should lead by example and take good care of these expensive public assets.”

“There was no documented policy to regulate payments made from the petty cash and the limit of payments that could be made from the petty cash. There was no independent review of the internal auditor’s reports to strengthen any matters considered in these reports”.

The Samoa Ports Authority received a mixed report card from the Controller and Chief Auditor in his 2011 report to the Legislative Assembly.

In his report, Fuimaono C.G. Afele assessed the Authority for the financial years ending June 30 in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

For 2009 he reports the Authority’s financial performance declined with a 16 per cent decrease in net profit from $104,205 in the prior year to $87,039 in the current financial year.

“The decrease in net profit was due mainly to a decrease in total income by 11 per cent,” it reads.

Other issues he noted for the year were the Authority’s financial position showed that the Authority was not able to pay its short- term obligations with its short-term assets.

“The status of the recoverability of an income tax refund of $441,966 disclosed in the financial statements was not fully assured,” Fuimaono reports.

“V.A.G.S.T. account and V.A.G.S.T. returns were not reconciled properly.

“There was no documented policy to regulate payments made from the petty cash and the limit of payments that could be made from the petty cash.

“There was no independent review of the internal auditor’s reports to strengthen any matters considered in these reports.

“Furthermore the internal auditor’s reports were not discussed in the Board of Directors’ meetings.”

The Authority did take the time to respond to the issues flagged by the auditor.

“Income for year 2009 was duly affected from sand earning due to development work at Aleipata Wharf,” the Authority says.

“The dredge was shifted to Aleipata for the purpose of deepening and widening of the channel and basin.

“There was also no community service provided during the period.

“This kind of revenue is not steady and was never included in the Authority’s anticipated revenue, only if there was an application and approval from Cabinet, then, S.P.A. is liable to provide this service and accrual of revenue is booked.

“The Insurance claim that was collected in financial year 2008 was one of the reasons why 2008 revenue was higher than 2009.”

In regards to the Authority not being able to pay its short term obligations, S.P.A. said this was mainly due to operational cash that were used to fund some of the unforeseen cost due to the project being under estimated.

“At the same time creditors were accumulated due to the demand for materials needed to furnish the project,” according to the report.

“Also note the increase in fixed assets at the end of the period.

“The C.C.A. report in 2006 accounts stated that SPA is not liable to pay income tax. “There is a letter from the Attorney General’s Office to support the issue.

“S.P.A. is currently in progress of filing a return for reimbursement.”

Looking now to the 2010 Financial Year, Fuimaono reports the Authority’s financial performance improved with an increase in net profit from $87,039 in the prior year, to $205,553 in the current financial year.

“This was due to an increase in revenue from the Apia Marina, salvage income as well as Government assistance for operations affected by the tsunami,” his report reads.

Despite this increase, the Chief Auditor reported to Parliament that again the Authority’s financial position showed that the Authority was not able to pay its short- term obligations with its short-term assets.

“V.A.G.S.T. was not reconciled properly to supporting documents and returns filed with the Ministry for Revenue,” he reports.

“There was also no assessment by the Ministry for Revenue to confirm any V.A.G.S.T. liability that the Authority may be obligated to pay.

“Withholding taxes on directors’ allowances were not deducted from the gross allowance before payment was made to the directors.

“As a result the Authority will bear this additional cost. Furthermore the Authority had not paid any tax due to the Ministry for Revenue regarding withholding tax.

“There were travel allowances paid to the General Manager that were not approved by Cabinet.”

In response the Authority said that when using the quick ratio, the Authority has the surplus to meet its bank overdraft, creditors and V.A.G.S.T. payable.

“All reconciliations are in place for future sighting and proper procedures are in place, providing that all directors are earning primary income,” the Authority says.

“Therefore, S.P.A. needs a list from the Treasury (M.O.F.) of S.P.A. appointed directors with their tax filing status.”

The report is republished in full below:

Samoa Ports Authority Financial year: 30 June 2009 Audit opinion: Unqualified Auditor: Audit Office Summary of audit findings:

1. The Authority’s financial performance declined with a 16% decrease in net profit from $104,205 in the prior year to $87,039 in the current financial year. The decrease in net profit was due mainly to a decrease in total income by 11%.

There was a reduction in income from interest, sand, equipment hire and Community Service Obligation (CSO) reimbursement.

2. The Authority’s financial position showed that the Authority was not able to pay its short- term obligations with its short-term assets.

3. The status of the recoverability of an income tax refund of $441,966 disclosed in the financial statements was not fully assured.

4. VAGST account and VAGST returns were not reconciled properly.

5. There was no documented policy to regulate payments made from the petty cash and the limit of payments that could be made from the petty cash.

6. Internal control procedures for processing payments were not implemented properly. This resulted in either missing vouchers, incomplete supporting documents for payments or some payments not certified by the proper authorising officer.

7. Personal files for some employees were not updated to reflect the current status and salary rate of the employees.

8. There was no independent review of the internal auditor’s reports to strengthen any matters considered in these reports. Furthermore the internal auditor’s reports were not discussed in the Board of Directors’ meetings.

9. The Authority responded as follows: Issue 1 - Income for year 2009 was duly affected from sand earning due to development work at Aleipata wharf. The dredge was shifted to Aleipata for the purpose of deepening and widening of the channel and basin. There was also no community service provided during the period.

This kind of revenue is not steady and was never included in the Authority’s anticipated revenue, only if there was an application and approval from Cabinet, then, SPA is liable to provide this service and accrual of revenue is booked. The Insurance claim that was collected in financial year 2008 was one of the reasons why 2008 revenue was higher than 2009;

• Issue 2 - This was mainly due to operational cash that were used to fund some of the unforeseen cost due to the project being under estimated. At the same time creditors were accumulated due to the demand for materials needed to furnish the project. Also note the increase in fixed assets at the end of the period;

• Issue 3 - The CCA report in 2006 accounts stated that SPA is not liable to pay income tax. There is a letter from the Attorney General’s Office to support the issue. SPA is currently in progress of filing a return for reimbursement;

• Issue 4 - Noted and reconciliation were done after the audit period;

• Issue 5 - Due to the nature of SPA portfolio, the petty cash was used to fund payments of materials and services that were urgently needed at the time;

• Issues 7 and 8 - Noted, and improvement procedures were implemented accordingly.

Financial year: 30 June 2010 Audit opinion: Unqualified Auditor: Audit Office Summary of audit findings:

1. The Authority’s financial performance improved with an increase in net profit from $87,039 in the prior year, to $205,553 in the current financial year. This was due to an increase in revenue from the Apia Marina, salvage income as well as Government assistance for operations affected by the tsunami.

2. The Authority’s financial position showed that the Authority was not able to pay its short- term obligations with its short-term assets.

3. VAGST was not reconciled properly to supporting documents and returns filed with the Ministry for Revenue. There was also no assessment by the Ministry for Revenue to confirm any VAGST liability that the Authority may be obligated to pay.

4. Withholding taxes on directors’ allowances were not deducted from the gross allowance before payment was made to the directors. As a result the Authority will bear this additional cost. Furthermore the Authority had not paid any tax due to the Ministry for Revenue regarding withholding tax.

5. There were travel allowances paid to the General Manager that were not approved by Cabinet. 6. Daily collections were sometimes used to pay for office expenses instead of being banked intact.

7. The following matters were discovered relating to the preparation and processing of the payroll:

• Payroll officer ceased deductions without proper authorization from the relevant financial institution entitled to this payment;

• Management did not check the payroll before and after processing;

• Supporting documents for payroll deductions were not filed properly;

• Leave cards were not updated;

• Changes to salary rates and allowance entitlements were effected without prior approval by the Board of Directors;

• Other important documents that confirm the legal employment status of employees were missing from the personal files.

8. There were no formal policies and procedures to regulate payments made from the petty cash. As a result any payment of any amount was paid through petty cash. It was discovered that petty cash was used in one instance to purchase liquor. This in effect breached the Cabinet Directive FK(52) 92 which prohibited the purchase of liquor using Government funds.

9. The following weaknesses were noted in the processing of payments:

Payment procedures documented in the Authority’s manual were not fully complied with;

Supporting documents and payment vouchers were missing for some payments. 10. The Authority responded as follows:

• Issue 1 – Noted;

• Issue 2 - When using the quick ratio, the Authority has the surplus to meet its bank overdraft, creditors and VAGST payable;

• Issue 3 - Noted, all reconciliations are in place for future sighting;

• Issue 4 - Proper procedures are in place. Providing that all directors are earning primary income. Therefore, SPA needs a list from the Treasury (MOF) of SPA appointed directors with their tax filing status;

• Issue 5 - Noted and proper procedures are in place;

• Issue 6 - The mentioned issue was elaborated to the senior staffs and proper procedures are in place;

• Issue 7 - raised regarding Preparation and Processing of Payroll:

• Sub-issue 1 - This was done on very rare occasions by the Payroll Officer, on compassionate ground, when requested by employees. She has since been instructed to ensure that this does not reoccur and that deductions only be ceased upon receipt of proper authorization from financial institutions concerned;

• Sub-issue 2 - Checks have been carried out on the payroll;

• Sub-issue 3 - These are in order, issues raised however, are noted;

• Sub-issue 4 - This is due to shortage of staff at the time.

Efforts have since been taken to update all leave records;

• Sub-issue 5 - This was done at the discretion of the former General Manager based on 5% for a single increment and 10% for double increment;

• Sub-issue 6 -

Comments noted. Employment of new staff is now looked at more closely to ensure proper procedures are complied with and that all paperwork is in order.

• Issue 8 - Guidelines for the petty cash use are now being looked at. Liquor purchased, as mentioned was for a consultant working at the Slipway at the time;

• Issue 9 - Weaknesses noted in the processing of payments:

Sub-issue 1 - In many circumstances, goods acquired were urgently needed, hence, proper procedures were not complied with.

Point raised is, however, taken into consideration for action, under normal circumstances and wherever possible; Sub-issue 2 - Noted for action.

Westpac Samoa has presented, Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, with the first Manu Samoa Visa Debit Card.

The card was presented by the General Manager of Westpac Samoa, Cameron Penfold, recently. In doing so, the Bank has honoured a promise it made in June this year when it hosted a cocktail function to celebrate the test match between Samoa and Tonga.

The Manu Samoa Visa Debit Card recognises the achievements of Samoa’s national rugby team.

Mr. Penfold said Westpac is proud to launch the new Card and show its support for the national rugby team by naming the card in its honour.

“Samoa is a country that holds a great deal of national pride, and because of this, we’re proud to align the launch of Westpac Samoa’s new Visa Debit Card with the nation’s great rugby team,” he said.

“We’re excited about the launch of this new product, as we see value in its ability to make life easier through convenient banking and ease of transactions for our customers.

“To add to our excitement, we’re honoured to be presenting the Prime Minister, with the first ever Manu Samoa Visa Debit Card.” The Card adds to Westpac’s existing Visa Debit Card and Handycard products, with a low annual fee of $70.

Fifty cent of this fee is going directly towards supporting the Manu Samoa Team.

“We’re passionate about our people, and we know the Samoa community will support our decision to back our great Manu Samoa team in their quest for sporting glory.

“We hope that our new Visa Card will both make banking more convenient for our customers and highlight the emphasis we put on helping our communities to prosper and grow,” Mr. Penfold said.

Tuilaepa, on behalf of S.R.U thanked Westpac Samoa for this great new initiative.

He commended Westpac for its innovative co-branding and partnering with Samoa Rugby Union via its fixed fee per co- branded Manu Samoa Visa Debit Card.

The ultimate goal, if appropriate systems could be designed, is for Westpac to consider in the future making the co-branded Manu Samoa Visa Debit Card not only more accessible by the Manu Samoa global fans and supporters.

Something to think about if the holder of the Manu Samoa Visa Debit card would like to seek new ways to provide more financial support for Samoan rugby.

The Manu Samoa Visa Debit card will adhere to the same principles as that of the Handycard.

A Westpac Manu Samoa Visa Debit Card is accepted worldwide. It can be used at 30 million merchants and 1.4 million ATMs where Visa is accepted.

“I don't accept the verdict. Let God be the judge of this matter”

Tears were aplenty in and outside the Supreme Court late yesterday evening where 19-year-old, Leslie Kohlhase, was found not guilty of four charges against her.

The verdict, delivered by four assessors after less than two hours of deliberation, was greeted by sighs of relief by Kohlhase, her legal team and supporters.

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

The crash at Vailoa last year, which led to the charges against her, caused the deaths of Jessie Risale, 22, of Vaimoso and Thesaurus Heather, 20, of Tufuiopa.

Last evening, all four assessors were convinced that she was not the driver of the vehicle that morning. In doing so, they found her not guilty of all the charges.

The verdict followed two days of final submissions by lawyers.

Kohlhase was represented by Lei’ataualesa Daryl Clarke and Unasa Leilani Tamati. They are up against the prosecution team made up 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, presided.

The prosecution claimed that they had proven beyond reasonable doubt that Kohlhase indeed drove the vehicle that crashed and killed the two young men last year.

Further, they argued that it had established quite clearly that the accused drove recklessly, endangering the lives of people in the car.

But Leiataualesa disagreed. He reiterated that Kohlhase did not drive the vehicle when it crashed.

Kohlhase’s lawyer said evidence throughout the past three weeks had proven that her client was not the driver when the crash happened.

In the end, the assessors agreed with Lei’ataualesa.

Chief Justice Patu later dismissed all the charges against the defendant.

Neither Lei’ataua, nor his client or any of her relatives would speak to the media after yesterday’s verdict.

Outside the Court room, however, the mother of the late Thesaurus Schuster Heather, May Heather, was in tears.

“I don't accept the verdict,” she said. “This is really not fair for our families. There is still no justice.”

Ms. Heather said she understood that the assessors could have found the defendant not guilty of some of the charges but to have acquitted her of all the charges was simply unacceptable.

“So I’m very disappointed with the verdict.”

Asked if they would appeal, she said they would have to think about it.

For now though, she said: “Let God be the judge of this matter.”

Three people died after committing suicide during the Father’s Day weekend.

The grim news was confirmed by the Assistant Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu yesterday.

“I don't accept the verdict. Let God be the judge of this matter”

The first casualty was a 50-year-old male found by his sister’s children at his home at Nofoali’i.

He took his life on Sunday.

“His sister’s children went to visit him at his house but instead they found him dead,” said Fauono.

Another suicide death was reported from Lalomalava Savai’i.

According to the Assistant Commissioner, the man was 43-years-old. He attempted to commit suicide on Monday.

“They found him and took him to the Tuasivi Hospital on Monday afternoon.

However he passed away on Tuesday evening.” Fauono said the doctors confirmed that the deceased mad had epilepsy and was “mentally ill.”

The third suicide case on the weekend was a 56-year-old male from Tuana’i.

“The deceased man had a stroke and his family told the police that he always talked about how he was tired of the life he lived because he could not do anything due to his condition.”

Fauono said the Police are investigating all three cases.

Asked about the difference between the number of suicides this year, compared to last year, Fauono said he did not have the statistics.

“What I can say, is that the number of suicide cases has increased,” he said.

“The Ministry of Police advises all families that it is important to have family time and talk to everyone whether they are okay and if there is anything that’s bothering them.

“With last week’s cases, two of the suicide victims have health problems. So I advise the parents and also the families to look after their relatives who have health problems and talk to them.”

Help is available in Samoa for people contemplating suicide. If you know anyone who might need help, please encourage them to call Fa’ataua o le Ola’s lifeline that can be dialled for free from anywhere in Samoa. The number is 0800-LIFE or 0800-5433.

Organic agriculture is being highlighted during the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S).

“I don't accept the verdict. Let God be the judge of this matter”

A side event entitled “Organic Islands - Role and Potential of Organic Agriculture for sustainable development” has been announced by the Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community for September 4.

Among the speakers are Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, who is also the head of the Pacific High Level Organic Group and the Samoa Organic Advisory Group, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements president Andre Leu, Women in Business Development Inc executive director Adimaimalaga Tafuna’i, Chef and author Robert Oliver, and Cicia principal Isikeli KariKaritu.

The event will showcase learning from the Pacific to demonstrate the potential for organic agriculture partnerships to provide for sustainable economic development while also addressing other themes of the conference including climate change, biodiversity, and social development.

Innovative case studies and lessons learned from organic agriculture initiatives in the Pacific Island region that can be applied across S.I.D.S regions will be shared.

From the farm to the table, then back to farm – that’s a new programme in the making that will take food waste from Samoa’s hotels and turn it into compost for farmers.

The programme, which is still being designed, comes on the back of an audit on how hotels were managing their waste. The audit was performed by Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).

SPREP Hazardous Waste Management Adviser, Dr. Frank Griffin, says the composting programme is a great example of turning waste into a value-added product.

“The composting programme will also help take the pressure off the Tafaigata Landfill, which was built in the late 1990s, and, while it was predicted that the first section would take 12 years to fill – it took six.”

Women in Business Development Inc executive director, Adimaimalaga Tafuna’i says the organisation was thrilled with the approach taken by the environmental agencies.

“We have always been a keen advocate of large-scale composting as a way to help our farmers produce better crops and as a way to protect our soils from floods and droughts.

“By working with hoteliers, we can now develop a consistent supply that will complement our garden waste.”

This week the three environmental agencies distributed bins to 23 hoteliers to help them separate their waste. Each hotelier was also invited to contact Women in Business Development to join the compost pilot.

The hotels were also given guidance on what type of green waste Women in Business Development could process such as: all cooked or raw organic waste including coffee grounds and tea bags, and egg shells but not meat products including bones, oils and fats, which should be put in the designated rubbish bin.

Vaea Hotel owner Dean Johnston says he welcomes the composting programme and proposed the collection of larger green waste such as hedge clippings.

“I would also like to see something done about public littering. Everyday, especially when school is in, we have to collect all the rubbish that children are throwing on the ground,” says Johnston. “It’s about education.”

“You also see people throwing rubbish out of taxis and buses. There should be fines for that.”

MNRE and SPREP both offered to assist hoteliers develop waste management plans.

Samoa will farewell pioneer, scholar and historian, Aiono Dr. Fana’afi Le Tagaloa, today when she will be laid to rest.

Aiono passed away last week at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital at Moto’otua.

One of her children told the Samoa Observer yesterday that Aiono will have her final service on Saturday at her family home at Fasito’o.

“Her body will be taken to Fasito’o on Friday for the family service,” the Samoa Observer was told.

Last week, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi paid tribute to the late Aiono.

Tuilaepa spoke highly of her many successes, including being the first Samoan to hold a PhD.

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

Aiono was a former Member of Parliament and a former Director of Education. She is known for her role in promoting education for the children of Samoa.

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 Un iversity 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.

“If we can educate Samoan school children about nutrition and healthy lifestyles - and throw in some football skills as well - it will be a great outcome” – Sonny Bill Williams

Sonny Bill Williams is looking forward to his trip to Samoa at the end of the week.

As his second stint as a National Rugby League player draws to an amicable close, the code’s governing body will be using him in a promotional role in Samoa before he returns to New Zealand rugby.

Williams said he was looking forward to contributing to the Samoa excursion before re-joining the Roosters bid for back-to-back titles.

“I don’t think there is anything better than knowing you helped change someone’s life for the better,” he said.

“If we can educate Samoan school children about nutrition and healthy lifestyles - and throw in some football skills as well - it will be a great outcome.”

In stark contrast to his controversial mid-season exit from the Bulldogs in 2008, Williams will be on excellent terms with his club when leaving for the Chiefs and All Blacks - though not necessarily in that order - at the end of the Sydney Roosters’ premiership defence.

Currently sidelined with a thumb injury that will prevent him playing the Warriors in Auckland on Sunday week, Williams is coming to Samoa on Sunday alongside NRL chief executive, David Smith, to implement a new Pacific strategy.

Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens would also take part in the three-day mission while test, New South Wales and Parramatta star Jarryd Hayne and other players with a Fijian background would visit there later this year. The strategy was designed to strengthen league in the region and build stronger ties between the NRL and local businesses and communities in Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea.

Smith, who said about 37 per cent of current NRL players originated form the Pacific Islands, said the delegations would include meetings with government officials, football clinics plus education and health programmes for children.

Inevitably, Williams was also asked about his future and he offered a glimmer of hope to league fans - and officials - that would like him to return to the game once his New Zealand Rugby Union contract expired at the end of 2016.

“This is my last year at the Roosters ... for now,” the 29-year-old said, teasing: “Anything is possible.”

He was also coy about whether he would be available for the All Blacks end of year tour to the UK via a test with the United States in Chicago on November 2.

“My full focus is on the Roosters,” he said, though he would record Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup test at ANZ Stadium because it coincided with the Roosters’ clash with the Wests Tigers.

“Hopefully the boys get up. The Wallabies are in some good form so it’s going to be a good match.”

The following is a press release issued by the NRL yesterday.

“The NRL today launched its Pacific Strategy aimed at strengthening Rugby League and building stronger business and community ties in the Pacific Islands.

NRL CEO, Mr Dave Smith, said the Pacific Islands – Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and Papua New Guinea – would play a crucial part in the game’s future.

And he said there was enormous potential to develop closer ties with government and business connections in the Pacific and build closer community relations through Rugby League.

Mr Smith will be joined by Roosters star Sonny Bill Williams and Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens in Samoa next week as part of the Pacific Strategy launch.

Jarryd Hayne will visit Fiji with other NRL stars later this year to promote the strategy.

The visits will involve everything from meetings with government and business officials through to football clinics and education programs for children.

Mr Smith said the Pacific Nations had the potential to become powerhouses of the game. He said about 37 per cent of NRL players already come from the Pacific Islands.

“The interest in our game in Samoa is incredible, especially now that they have qualified for the Four Nations tournament at the end of the year,” he said.

“And, with the next World Cup in 2017, there is no reason one of the Pacific nations cannot make the finals of our biggest international event.

“We saw Mal Meninga coaching the Papua New Guinea Kumuls for the last World Cup and we have seen the PNG Hunters perform incredibly well in the Queensland Cup.

“So the game is on the rise in the Pacific and the timing is perfect to build our relationships on and off the field.”

Mr Smith said the Pacific Strategy would focus on:

• Game development • Player welfare • Commercial and corporate opportunities • Supporting education, social and community outcomes • Strengthening the Rugby League bodies in each nation to build the international game Mr Smith said one of the great aspects of the program was that it enabled NRL stars like Sonny Bill Williams and Jarryd Hayne to give something back to their homelands.

The players will combine skills clinics with educational programs aimed at teaching children how to eat well and lead healthy lifestyles.

Tim Sheens, who has coached some of Australia’s finest players will also conduct coaching clinics and classes for children.

Mr Smith said the NRL already had 12 staff in Papua New Guinea who would teach life skills to about 50,000 students in 80 schools over the next three years.

“We are looking to engage up to 10,000 students in Samoa and Fiji through the NRL’s literacy and anti-bullying programs which will replicate our current “League for Life” Program in PNG.

“At the same time we want to help young people in Fiji, PNG, Samoa and Tonga develop their rugby league careers by expanding the pathways already in place which enable them to play in local competitions and, ultimately, their national teams.”

Sonny Bill said he was looking forward to working with the Samoan children and communities to help improve their lifestyles.

“I don’t think there is anything better than knowing you helped change someone’s life for the better,” he said.

“So if we can educate Samoan school children about nutrition and healthy lifestyles – and throw in some football skills as well – it will be a great outcome.”