A young woman dubbed the people’s champion by viewers and supporters of the popular SQB TV One Star Search, Emme To’oala Eteru, has big dreams.

Having won the contest last Saturday, Emme, who is a Police Officer by profession, wants to continue her career as a musician.

Winning Season 11 of Star Search, where she had to fend off a strong challenge from two other finalists, Sa’ia Shadai Sola from Faleula and Anastasia Muagututi’a, of Sale’aula; is a step in the right direction.

For the 23-year-old daughter of To’oala and Matalasi Eteru, of Faga, Asau and Samauga, singing has always been in her blood.

“I loved singing,” she says. “It’s a God given talent to myself and I want to use it wisely, to reach out and share happy moments with other people.”

Emme says her church upbringing as well as stints with her father’s band, The Eterus, helped her to become confident in front of big audiences.

“I have been heavily involved in Sunday school from a very young age at C.C.C.S., Faga Savai’i.

The church and family were the places that built myself up as a star.”

But Emme has not placed all her eggs in one basket. A computer graduate from the National University of Samoa, she says music makes her happy.

“Singing is something you can share,” she says. “It doesn’t wear out or get broken, you can take it anywhere and it doesn’t cost a dime.

“I encouraged anyone who wants to become a star, you can do it when you believe in yourself.”

Further, Emme believes that songs carry history, traditions and blood ties.

“Singing creates a strong sense of joy and belonging in children; belonging to a family, a community, a culture and a country.

“If music can bring joy and beauty into our lives so easily, why shouldn’t we all sing...anyone can do it.”

Star Search Producer, Tole’afoa Pili Afamasaga-Asiata, says Emme has been a popular choice since Season 11 started. And he’s not surprised that she has won.

About the programme, the Producer says they had introduced a few new ideas to make watching the programme even more interesting.

One of them were homecoming visits where the three finalists returned to their villages to be welcomed by supporters, families and their entire communities.

“The success of this season’s Search was driven by the community involvement as well as the hard work of everyone in the studio, outside the studio and our partners.

“I would like to acknowledge all the associate sponsors and prize sponsors for lending a helping hand to help realise the raw singing and music talents of the local youth here in Samoa.”

Emme won the People’s Choice award as well as winning the top prize. She also won $6,000 cash plus prizes valued at more than $20,000. The runners up received $2,000 and complimentary prizes valued at more than $10,000 each.

The finalists also received return tickets to New Zealand, courtesy of sponsors. Chan Mow Company Limited was the main sponsor.

A pledge by political leaders two years ago to accelerate efforts toward closing the gender gap in the Pacific Islands has been boosted with the announcement that three women will take the helm of the regional intergovernmental organisation, the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, headquartered in Suva, Fiji.

At this year’s Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ summit in Palau, former Papua New Guinean diplomat and World Bank official, Dame Meg Taylor, was named the new secretary-general, taking over this year from the outgoing Tuiloma Neroni Slade. Taylor, who will hold the post for three years, joins two female deputy secretaries-generals, Cristelle Pratt and Andie Fong Toy.

The appointment is a significant breakthrough for women in the upper echelons of governance. According to Pratt, the Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration made at the 2012 leaders’ summit in the Cook Islands has galvanised leadership action on the issue.

“A positive change has been the indirect creation of a peer review process on gender at the highest level,” Pratt told IPS, adding that gender equality is “slowly gaining traction at the central policy making level”, as high up as the prime minister’s office in some Forum countries.

Raising the status of women in the Pacific Islands is an immense challenge, given that the region has the lowest level of female political representation in the world at three percent, compared to the global average of 20 percent.

Furthermore, violence against women is endemic and they are poorly represented in formal employment. Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a gender inequality index of 0.617 and Tonga 0.462, in contrast to the most gender equal nation of Norway at 0.065.

The declaration is a sign of greater recognition by the male political elite of the critical role women have to play in achieving better human development outcomes across the region.

National leaders have committed to reforms, such as adopting enabling measures for women’s participation in governance and decision-making at all levels, improving their access to employment and better pay, and supporting female entrepreneurs with financial services and training. They have also promised to deliver improved legislative protection against gender-based violence and support services to women who have suffered abuse.

“What is significant about the declaration is that leaders have taken it on board as a priority and I believe our leader took it seriously and followed it through with a law change in Samoa,” Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Samoa’s Minister of Justice and veteran female parliamentarian, told IPS.

Last year a law was passed in Samoa reserving 10 per cent, or five of a total of 49 seats in parliament for women.

“It is a significant step in that it provides a floor as opposed to a ceiling and there will never be less than five women in any future parliament,” she continued.

“It is important that women are in parliament to be seen and heard and to serve as evidence that it can be done.”

Women’s low political representation ranges from two percent in the Solomon Islands to 8.7 percent in Kiribati, with no female political representation at all in the Federated States of Micronesia and Vanuatu, with populations of 103,000 and 247,000 respectively.

Contributing factors include entrenched expectations of a woman’s place in the domestic sphere, low endorsement from political parties and the greater difficulties women have in accessing funding and resources for election campaigning.

There has been incremental progress in other countries with last year witnessing the first female elected into the parliament of Nauru -the smallest state in the South Pacific - in three decades, and three women winning seats in the Cook Islands national election this July.

Women’s participation in local level governance received a boost in Tuvalu after the government passed a law requiring female representation in local councils.

Blandine Boulekone, president of the Vanuatu National Council of Women, noted that women gained five of a total of 17 seats in the Municipal Elections held in the capital, Port Vila, in January.

Gender parity in education, necessary for improving women’s status in all areas of life, has, according to national statistics, been achieved in most Pacific Island states, except PNG, Tonga and Solomon Islands, with girls outperforming boys at the secondary level in Samoa and Fiji.

Nevertheless, the Pacific Islands Forum reported last year that a higher education for young women does not necessarily lead to better employment outcomes due to gender barriers in labour markets, with most countries reporting less than 50 percent of women in non-agricultural waged jobs.

Last year Samoa passed legislation against sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, while similar draft legislation is being developed in Kiribati, Vanuatu and Tonga.

Pratt also claims there has been good progress with the enactment of domestic violence legislation in Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati and Solomon Islands.

Last year domestic violence also became a criminal offence in PNG following the passing of the Family Protection Bill.

Sixty to 75 percent of women in the region experience family and intimate partner violence.

Their vulnerability is exacerbated by early marriage, the practice of bride price, low levels of financial independence and women’s inadequate access to justice systems.

However, Shamima Ali, coordinator of the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, commented, “As practitioners on the ground, we can say that while all these policies and legislations look great on paper, the implementation is another matter.”

“One also needs to invest financially to ensure new legislation and policies are effective.”

Fiji has had a domestic violence decree since 2009, but Ali said, “While most magistrates and judges deal well and follow the new decrees, there are many who still display traditional entrenched views regarding rape and domestic violence and often injustice is meted out to survivors, particularly for ‘sex crimes.”

Law enforcement is a great challenge, too, especially in rural communities. “Women, girls and children in rural and maritime areas have little recourse to justice for crimes of violence committed against them due to lack of police presence and resources in these areas,” she said.

Pratt agrees that the road to real change in the lives of ordinary Pacific women is a long one.

“The declaration is still new and there is a need for more awareness, advocacy and accountability toward meeting the goals,” she emphasised.

Seiuli Dwayne Johnson’s mother, Ata, has been released from the hospital following a massive head-on collision with a drunk driver, People.com reports.

Ata Johnson was all smiles leaving a Florida hospital in a wheelchair pushed by her famous son.

The Rock posted a picture of the happy moment to his Instagram account with a positive message.

“Banged up, but she’s a tough one and will make a full recovery,” he wrote.

“Grateful to see her smile. And thank you guys for all the prayers, love and well wishes.”

Ata Johnson and the actor’s cousin Lina Fanene were victims of a car crash after a drunk driver ran two red lights in an effort to escape police.

The woman driving the vehicle was charged with a DUI. Despite her ordeal, Mrs. Johnson holds no grudges against the driver who nearly killed her.

“As much as I’d like to lay the Samoan smackdown on the drunk driver that crashed into us, I’ve already forgiven her,” she tells TMZ.

“By the grace of God and my big heavy strong car, we are alive today to hug our loved ones once again.”

The 2014 Samoa International Events Warrior Race today is set to bring Apia to a standstill.

In its second year, the race has attracted elite triathletes from New Zealand and Australia.

Yesterday, the Associate Minister of Tourism, Tafua Maluelue Tafua, welcomed them to Samoa. He was speaking during the official launch of the race at the Samoa Tourism Authority Fale in Apia

“We are delighted to serve as the home ground for this event,” Tafua said.

“To win the title of Samoa Warrior is one of great prestige, as that is only given to the best of our country.”

The Associate Minister also acknowledged the Race’s Organiser, Afoa Seti Afoa. “Coordinated multi-sport events are very new to us and we are grateful to Seti Afoa, supporters and sponsors of these events,” said Tafua.

Referring to the sports facilities available in Samoa, the Associate Minister said: “The government built such infrastructure with talented people like Afoa Seti in mind.” He added that the government is confident more similar events will follow in the future.

The Associate Minister also said he has been reliably informed “the course is very cruel.” And it is. The Warrior Race / Half Iron distance involves a 2km swim, 90km bike and 21km run.

Champion, Graham O’Grady, is back to defend his title.

“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 go do while training in the NZ winter,” he said earlier this week.

Among an impressive line up in the men’s race are Sam Betten and Ollie Whistler, of Australia.

Also returning are Auckland proathletes 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.

Latafale Auva’a, will be among 10 contestants vying for the Miss Samoa title this year. To be held on 6th September in front of the government building, the Samoa Tourism Authority yesterday confirmed the contestants.

Contestants include Miss Polynesian Shipping Line, Josephine Mafoa, Miss Thomsen’s Bridal Couture, Faalagilagi Vaifale Tuisalega Farani, Miss Le Spa Lelalelei o Samoa, Monica Giselle Sene Schwenke, Miss Moataga Enterprises, Afioga Tu’utasio Aiga Jessica Taulaga, Miss Samoa Australia, Tusipepa Sandra Lilomaiava, Miss Veronica’s, Tili Lafaele, Miss Lavashe Couture, Monica Tuaimau Evans, Miss SuperKidz Samoa Foundation, Fa’ailoga Leagiagi Leota and Miss My Tiara’s Boutique, Cheyenne Faapaia Maiava. 

Members of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S) at Vini Fou celebrated the dedication of their renovated church building yesterday.

At the cost of $384,316.69, the project was carried out by Head Carpenter, Seumanutafa Alatina Aeau, who is a member of the church.

A lay preacher and senior member of the church, A’eau Dr. Peniamina Leavai said yesterday was the culmination of many months of hard work and years of prayers.

He said there were many challenges along the way but those challenges are now a thing of the past because they have overcome with the project completed.

The renovation work took eight months.

According to A’eau, the discussion to renovate the building started in 2009. It wasn't until December last year that the work started.

“We feel so blessed and thankful that members of the church were able to work together to complete the project,” A’eau said. “We would like to acknowledge the hand and the grace of God that has made this project possible. We are also extremely grateful to everyone who helped out.”

Reverend Fuifui Te’evale said the project was funded by members of the church with assistance from friends and relatives.

“The church was also able to raise some money from activities such as raffles, bingo and the church ‘tausala’,” said Rev. Te’evale.

The congregation is made up of 19 families, including Reverend Fuifui and his wife, Roberta Te’evale.

For Carpenter Seumanutafa, yesterday’s opening was a dream come true.

“This church building was made possible because of God,” he said.

“We didn’t use any machines throughout the project, from the foundation to the roof. All the work was done by man power.”

Guests at yesterday’s opening included the Speaker of Parliament, La’auli Leuatea Polata’ivao, several Members of Parliament including the leader of the Opposition, Palusalue Fa’apo II and the leadership of C.C.C.S.

"I hope this report will say to the Samoa Government it's time we moved on. Admit what happened to this human being, he wasn't supposed to be in jail, he committed no crime"

Christine Wilson, the mother of Hans Dalton who was killed inside Tafaigata Prison has praised the Commission of Inquiry findings into the Police and the Tafa’igata Prison.

The Commission has highlighted a culture of corruption and abuse, with inmates including two New Zealanders, treated like animals.

Both men had mental illnesses and died in Tafai'gata Prison. The report has labelled the prison overcrowded and that prisoners are beaten, abused and fed from buckets.

Ms Wilson told TVNZ that for her "it looks like a very welcome light for the people particularly of Samoa".

Dalton was found dead in his cell on Boxing Day in 2012. He was upside down in a barrel of water after being badly beaten.

His family is suing the government for failing to care for him.

"I hope this report will say to the Samoa Government it's time we moved on. Admit what happened to this human being, he wasn't supposed to be in jail, he committed no crime."

In 2009 conditions in the prison were so bad 41 prisoners hijacked a bus hoping to drive to Parliament to beg the Prime Minister for help, but things did not improve.

Prison Chief Executive, Taitosaua Winterstein, says "just because they are in prison they do retain some rights so they are not in there as slaves or such".

Taito says whatever comes out of the report he will address. But at this stage he hasn't even seen a copy of the findings which have been in Government hands since April.

A third woman could be heading to Parliament on Tuesday if the provisional count for the Gagaifomauaga No.1 by-election yesterday stands

That woman is the former head of Radio 2AP, Faimalotoa Kika Iemaima Stowers, who polled 268 votes when the provisional count, ended last night.

Faimalotoa, a Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P) candidate, was the only female among five candidates who contested the seat left vacant by the passing away of former M.P., Tu’iloa Anitele’a.

According to results provided to the Weekend Observer, Faimalotoa is ahead of another H.R.P.P candidate, Lavea Natoe Ieti, by 36 votes. He secured 232.

Third is Taito Vaea Muese, who secured 198 votes.

Former Cabinet Minister, Gaiga Aukusitino landed 185.

The Tautua Party’s only candidate, Lavea Peseta Nafoi, managed 101 votes.

There is only one special vote.

Gagaifomauaga No.1 has a roll of 1,164 compared to the main roll in 2011 which was 1,013. About 152 people did not cast their votes yesterday.

Deputy Registrar, Daryl Mapu, said there were four informal votes.

“Their votes weren’t properly done,” he said.

During an interview with the Electoral Commissioner, Papali’i Malietau Malietoa, he said the official results would be announced on Monday afternoon.

According to Papali’I the turn up from voters was good and “a lot of voters turned out to cast their votes”.

There were eight polling booths set up in different parts of Upolu and Savai’i. Two of them were mobile booths with one stationed at Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital at Tuasivi and another at Tupua Tamasese Meaole hospital at Moto’otua.

Leulumoega Fou College continued to rule athletics in Samoa with a dominant display at Apia Park yesterday during the 2014 Champ of Champs athletics meet.

In the boys’ competition, Leulumoega scored a clean sweep taking out the juniors, intermediate and senior divisions with ease.

In the girls’ competition, Leulumoega also took out the intermediate division while Nu’uausala College secured the juniors and seniors titles. Hundreds of students from all over Samoa attended the event yesterday.

The President of Samoa’s Principal Association, Siakisone Taleni, said the event was hugely successful despite the last minute preparations.

“The Champ of Champs (C.O.C) was almost cancelled due to preparations for the Youth Commonwealth Games next year,” said Mr Taleni.

“We were told that the Apia Park wouldn't be available during the time of the C.O.C. So we took the matter to the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture and that’s where the decision was made to hold the competition.”

In hindsight, Mr Taleni said they are glad the competition was cancelled.

“This year’s event has been amazing because all schools really brought their best athletes out."

“And as we’ve seen with the results, it's the schools out in the rural areas and some from Savai’i that have really stood out today.”

The Champ of Champs, Mr Taleni said, is also not necessarily about inter-school rivalry.

“It’s a day for everyone to have fun and so it was good to see some schools cheering together and having fun at the same time."

“It’s something we have hardly seen over the years.”

Mr Taleni was also particularly impressed about the absence of the usual violence that associated with the competition.

“There have been no fights, no arguing,” he said. “Everyone seems to be very excited and that is something that we want to acknowledge and thank all the schools for, especially the teachers and the principals. They have really done their work.”

Asked about some of the challenges for this year, Mr Taleni said one of the most interesting ones was finding that some students were over aged for the divisions they had entered.

“But it’s a small problem in the big scheme of things,” he said. “The main thing is that everyone had fun and they enjoyed themselves.”

With a smile despite the fatigue of yet another day of dialysis treatment, the brave Lei’a Misa, together with her parents, visited the Samoa Victim Support Group’s (S.V.S.G) office this week.

They wanted to say “thank you Samoa for caring, for sharing and for feeling together with her the pain she is going through.”

At the same time, her mother received $700 from local and international donors for young Lei’a.

Like all the cases of young children where mothers and fathers require support, each individual case touches the heart. Lei’a is no exception.

Her bravery is reflected by her being optimistic and wishing for a normal life.

With a sick father and an older brother fishing to financially support the family and her dialysis treatment, Lei’a firmly believes in God’s love.

When Lei’a called on to the community for help through her story featured in the Samoa Observer, S.V.S.G extended this call to the international community, and the response, as always, has been positive.

“We had a donor from New Zealand whose grandfather went through the same treatment as Lei’a but has since passed away. Through financially donating NZ$100 for Lei’a's treatment, she is hoping that it will give her strength to get back to her normal life,” the President of S.V.S.G, Lina Chang, said.

“Locally, we have a Good Samaritan who unselfishly offered to donate one of her kidneys so that Lei’a can have a normal life."

“Because S.V.S.G do not know these things, we have referred this offer to the local practitioners for confirmation."

“The National Kidney Foundation had waived the $10 fee for Lei’a's daily dialysis treatment."

“After reading Lei’a's story, one of her aunties is now transporting her to and from home to the hospital for her treatment."

“Two other fathers have called in wanting to assist with transporting Lei’a for her treatment, however, with this being taken care of, they have opted to assist with her daily needs."

“Another anonymous donor has pledged to donate $100 every week for Lei’a's living expenses and S.V.S.G has received his first donation."

“To the local paddlers who were touched by Lei’a's story and organized the ‘Fun Fundraise Paddle for Lei’a’, your faith and belief mirrored that of Lei’a's, and you surely did make a difference in her life through the proceeds from your fundraising."

“This is what Samoa Victim Support is all about. It brings our people together to build our society and to help one another, and we are thankful knowing that we are not alone. Thank you for being a blessing to each other Samoa.”

Quick Glance at the help
• A donor from New Zealand donated NZ$100
• One Good Samaritan has offered a kidney
• The National Kidney Foundation has waived $10 dialysis fee
• An aunty is now transporting her to and from hospital
• Two fathers had offered to transport her
• Anonymous donor has pledged to donate $100 every week
• Outriggers donated $1,010

WELCOME TO SAMOA: Superstar Sonny Bill Williams touched down at Faleolo during the early hours of this morning where he was greeted by these fans. He is here to promote Rugby League to the local schools and communities. 

Their programme for today is as follows:
09:30am: Schools Arrive - LDS Pesega College - Fields
9:45am: Commence skills clinic with Sonny Bill Williams
10:30am: Commence official ceremony to launch NRL Pacific Strategy - LDS Pesega College Hall.
12.00pm: Town reception – Samoa Tourism Village

(We invite everyone to come down and meet and greet SBW in person and NRL CEO Dave Smith)
12.40pm: Press Conference – STA Stage or Fale
4.00pm: Coaching Session hosted by Tim Sheens (Kangaroos Coach) – Toa Samoa Resident players - Apia Park

“I.L.O is committed to ensuring a fair participation of young people at the S.I.D.S Youth Forum and we have selected these individuals based on their advocacy work in their communities and within the areas of education, employment and entrepreneurship”

The International Labour Organization (I.L.O) has named seven young people to take part in the Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S) Youth Forum to take place on the 28th of August 2014 in Apia, Samoa.

Four of them are Samoan. They are:
• Molly Homasi from the Samoa National Youth Council
• Brianna Fruean from Future Rush
• Fa’atino Utumapu from Nuanua o le Alofa
• Neil Tiatia a young Savaii migrant worker

From the Pacific region, they are Tahere Siisiialafia as the Pacific representative to the Major Groups Children and Youth, Ruci Senikula from the Pacific Disability Forum and technically supporting Harry James Olikwailafa, the Pacific representative to the Commonwealth Youth Council.

“I.L.O is committed to ensuring a fair participation of young people at the S.I.D.S Youth Forum and we have selected these individuals based on their advocacy work in their communities and within the areas of education, employment and entrepreneurship,” said David Lamotte, Director of I.L.O Office for Pacific Islands.

The I.L.O youth representatives will join over 200 young people from S.I.D.S to discuss the priority issues for young people in the sustainable development agenda.

The theme for the Youth Forum is Towards A Legacy of Achievement, Versatility, and Opportunity through partnership and Unity (which stands for T.A.L.A.V.O.U.) for Sustainable Development.

“We had a donor from New Zealand whose grandfather went through the same treatment as Lei’a but has since passed away.

Through financially donating NZ$100 for Lei’a's treatment, she is hoping that it will give her strength to get back to her normal life,” the President of S.V.S.G, Lina Chang, said.

Education and training are key drivers of social and economic development, while access to education in the Pacific is improving, there remain challenges in making sure that no one is left behind and that the curricula is relevant and prepares all students for their working life.

“A number of decent work challenges face the Pacific region, which include high rates of unemployment and under-employment, particularly amongst youth. Creating better awareness of these issues through SIDS is an important opportunity for young people,” Lamotte said.

The sponsorship of young people compliments I.L.O’s support in other areas of the S.I.D.S Conference, including Samoan youth artists and young entrepreneurs.

I.L.O in partnership with the Division for Youth of the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development is also assisting the S.I.D.S Youth Forum by providing technical and audio-visual support.

With a smile despite the fatigue of yet another day of dialysis treatment, the brave Lei’a Misa, together with her parents, visited the Samoa Victim Support Group’s (S.V.S.G) office this week.

They wanted to say “thank you Samoa for caring, for sharing and for feeling together with her the pain she is going through.”

At the same time, her mother received $700 from local and international donors for young Lei’a.

Like all the cases of young children where mothers and fathers require support, each individual case touches the heart. Lei’a is no exception.

Her bravery is reflected by her being optimistic and wishing for a normal life.

With a sick father and an older brother fishing to financially support the family and her dialysis treatment, Lei’a firmly believes in God’s love.

When Lei’a called on to the community for help through her story featured in the Samoa Observer, S.V.S.G extended this call to the international community, and the response, as always, has been positive.

“We had a donor from New Zealand whose grandfather went through the same treatment as Lei’a but has since passed away. Through financially donating NZ$100 for Lei’a's treatment, she is hoping that it will give her strength to get back to her normal life,” the President of S.V.S.G, Lina Chang, said.

“Locally, we have a Good Samaritan who unselfishly offered to donate one of her kidneys so that Lei’a can have a normal life."

“Because S.V.S.G do not know these things, we have referred this offer to the local practitioners for confirmation."

“The National Kidney Foundation had waived the $10 fee for Lei’a's daily dialysis treatment."

“After reading Lei’a's story, one of her aunties is now transporting her to and from home to the hospital for her treatment."

“Two other fathers have called in wanting to assist with transporting Lei’a for her treatment, however, with this being taken care of, they have opted to assist with her daily needs."

“Another anonymous donor has pledged to donate $100 every week for Lei’a's living expenses and S.V.S.G has received his first donation."

“To the local paddlers who were touched by Lei’a's story and organized the ‘Fun Fundraise Paddle for Lei’a’, your faith and belief mirrored that of Lei’a's, and you surely did make a difference in her life through the proceeds from your fundraising."

“This is what Samoa Victim Support is all about. It brings our people together to build our society and to help one another, and we are thankful knowing that we are not alone. Thank you for being a blessing to each other Samoa.”

The Associate Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang, is not giving up.

He is demanding that justice be served against public servants whom the Controller and Chief Auditor, Fuimaono Camillo Afele, and a Parliamentary Committee have found to have “defrauded” taxpayers through “collusion” and acts of “corrupt practises.”

According to Papali’i, their actions cost taxpayers millions of tala. They should be held accountable.

The call comes days away from Tuesday’s Parliament session. It is during this session where the Government is expected to respond to the Officers of Parliament Committee (O.P.C) findings on the Controller and Chief Auditor’s 2009 report to Parliament. Papali’i is a member of O.P.C. He is also the Chairman of the Finance and Expenditure Committee (F.E.C).

“I really want to bring these people to account and be brought to justice,” Papali’i tells the Sunday Samoan. “I mean it is millions, we are talking about millions."

“(It is) not $100 for a public servant to go to jail just for defrauding a hundred bucks.”

The matter, since the reports from Chief Auditor and the O.P.C surfaced, has taken too long.

“So where is the justice?” Papali’i asks. “I don't like that. To me it is not fair, my conscience is not right if they keep on doing that. So I have to fight for that.”

The Individual Voters’ Member said the collusion to defraud public funds started when the former Finance Minister, Faumuina Tiatia

Liuga, took over the Samoa Land Corporation Portfolio.

“Well that is proven in our investigation and we have evidence,” he said. “We are still waiting for the government’s reply to our recommendations.”

“If they fail to accommodate our (recommendations) then we will go one more step.”

While he did not say what that step was, Papali’i has in the past said that if the Government does not adopt the F.E.C’s recommendations, they will take the matter to Court.

Papali’i did say though, that his Committee made a recommendation against those accused of collusion and defrauding public monies.

“Well I don’t know, we only recommended to take them to court give the evidence,” he said. “That is why we never recommended to give it to a Commission of Inquiry, because we know, we have got the evidence. There is nothing to be investigated, we have enough evidence to prove that they concluded to defraud public funds.”

“So from that evidence then you can look at the general picture of the damage done and it is how they operated.”

During the interview Papali’i also responded to comments made in the media by the S.L.C C.E.O., Afoa Arasi Tiotio, where she claimed that she had a clean conscience.

“I don’t like what she is saying that she has a clean conscience and she reckons that the word corrupt I use is much too harsh for her,” he said. “(But) what else but corrupt?”

He then spoke directly of the evidence the F.E.C. had collected “that is corrupt and it is daytime corruption.”

“They know what they were doing yet they did it knowing very well it was not right. That is the worse corrupt offence that anyone can do is to know that it is wrong and still do it.”

“She signed an insurance policy knowing very well it is not valid.”

Papali’i also claimed that selling land “at a price that is not competitive to what public has been buying it for is “corrupt.”

For these reasons, Papali’i again emphasised Afoa must leave her post at the S.L.C. now.

“She has to be terminated – what else is there to be proven?” he asked. “The parliamentary committee has proven the Auditors’ findings so what needs to be proven again.”

“She has done enough damage, so sack her.”

Another point Papali’i raised, both in Parliament and again in the interview in regards to this matter, was about the fairness of punishment that is handed out to public servants.

“Once they are implicated in corrupt practices they should be suspended,” he said. “And then give them a chance to defend whether they are right or wrong and when the allegations are proven correct then they should be terminated.”

An example he used to illustrate his point was the suspension process of Police Commissioner, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo.

“It is over a year now he has been getting full pay, he has been getting use of the vehicle,” Papali’i said. “And then if he doesn't prove himself innocent then all this money is lost down the drain for nothing.

“He never did anything worthwhile for the Police Force when he was suspended.”

He said he then related this suspension to Afoa’s situation and asked the government: “Why don't you be consistent in doing these things?

“She has been implicated in a lot of corrupt things proven from the Auditor’s report and proven by the Parliamentary Select Committee. And yet nothing is done. Where is the fairness?”

Papali’i said Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi did respond to this query, saying the Government have policies in place to deal such matters.

“Well if these are the policies, then I think they are the wrong policies you need to change them,” he said. “It is not right.”

“She has done enough damage, so sack her.”

Another point Papali’i raised, both in Parliament and again in the interview in regards to this matter, was about the fairness of punishment that is handed out to public servants.

“Once they are implicated in corrupt practices they should be suspended,” he said. “And then give them a chance to defend whether they are right or wrong and when the allegations are proven correct then they should be terminated.”

An example he used to illustrate his point was the suspension process of Police Commissioner, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo.

“It is over a year now he has been getting full pay, he has been getting use of the vehicle,” Papali’i said. “And then if he doesn't prove himself innocent then all this money is lost down the drain for nothing.”

“He never did anything worthwhile for the Police Force when he was suspended.”

He said he then related this suspension to Afoa’s situation and asked the government: “Why don't you be consistent in doing these things?”

“She has been implicated in a lot of corrupt things proven from the Auditor’s report and proven by the Parliamentary Select Committee. And yet nothing is done. Where is the fairness?”

Papali’i said Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi did respond to this query, saying the Government have policies in place to deal with such matters.

“Well if these are the policies, then I think they are the wrong policies you need to change them,” he said. “It is not right.”

“She was a perfect gift from God. No one is perfect but from how we perceived her as a person, she was a shining star, a gift perfectly created by God” – Rev. Elder Tautiaga Senara

Aiono Suamamataia Dr. Fanaafi Le Tagaloa was the perfect “gift from God” for Samoa and the world.

That’s how the Chairman of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S), Reverend Elder Tautiaga Senara, summed up her life yesterday.

Describing her as a “woman of honour,” Rev. Senara was at the service at Fasito’o-uta.

A former Member of Parliament and a pioneer in many areas, Aiono was accorded a state funeral in recognition of her service to Samoa.

Acting Head of State, Tuimaleali’ifano Sualauvi Va’aletoa II, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, Deputy Prime Minister Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, Speaker of Parliament, La’auli Leuatea Polata’ivao, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament and who’s who of Samoa were present at the funeral. Born on 25 June 1932, Aiono passed away last week at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital at Moto’otua.

“She was a perfect gift from God,” said Rev. Senara. “No one is perfect but from how we perceived her as a person, she was a shining star, a gift perfectly created by God.”

Rev. Senara said Aiono achieved many things but he especially acknowledged Aiono’s contribution in setting up the first Indigenous

University in Samoa, Le Iunivesite o le Amosa o Savavau.

The Chairman of that University and the Chairman of the National Council of Churches, Deacon Leaupepe Kasiano paid tribute to a historian and a woman who made a difference in the lives of many.

Leaupepe reminded the crowd about Aiono’s slogan, which was something along the lines of if you want to be smart; you have to know yourself first.

He also stressed that Aiono was a strong believer in the Bible principle that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of God.

“Aiono was a quiet chief,” he said, adding that she was intelligent and was well-versed with Samoa, the Samoan language and the culture.

Speaking on behalf of Aiono’s children, Taefusi Semisi Aiono Le Tagaloa remembered his mother as a woman of many talents.

“We were all the same to her,” he said. “She likes sewing our school uniforms and church clothes."

“Even when she was busy, at night she would sew our clothes and I would wake up in the morning having new church clothes.”

Her eldest son also spoke about his mother’s love of nature.

“She didn’t like it when we cut down trees,” he said. “She loves animals…whenever she finds a puppy on the road she would bring it home to care for it.”

Aiono was also remembered by her son as someone who insisted on teaching the Samoan language to her children.

Her husband, Le Tagaloa Dr. Pitapola Alailima said he first met his wife in May 1960. He recalled that he was asked to meet with female scholars from around the world and Aiono was one of them.

Le Tagaloa said when he made the decision to marry Aiono, “I went looking for the perfect ring”.

They got married in 1975, the same year when the title Le Tagaloa was bestowed upon Pitapola.

“Next year in June will be our 40th anniversary,” he said. “That will be the day when I will say goodbye to her.”

Le Tagaloa said he was taken to New Zealand earlier this year for an operation where Aiono was there to care for him.

“Now I’m still alive but she has left me.”

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa praised Aiono for her many achievements.

Tuilaepa said the former M.P had set many records and she became the first Samoan to hold a PhD from the University of London in 12th July, 1960.

“Fanaafi has proven the adage that the ladies row of thatch was complete (E au le inailau a Tamatai),” he said. “She was a pioneer in many areas and known for her role in leading gender balance.”

In 1985, Aiono was elected as the M.P for the Aana Alofi No.1 constituency.

A recent memory of Aiono, Tuilaepa said is the annual fund from the government for education worth $6million. He said he always tries to make her laugh and she rarely does.

“I would call out for Aiono to take the cheque for Amosa,” said Tuilaepa. “Later I would hear her murmuring something saying it’s not Amosa it’s Amosā.”

Yesterday, relatives wore red hibiscus to commemorate Aiono and her love for the flower. Aiono is known for always wearing a large red hibiscus sei wherever she went.

Her children, grandchildren and husband Le Tagaloa also sang a farewell song for her before she was laid to rest.

“The Authority managed to earn a surplus of $1,963 from its first year of operation. “It received a grant from the Government of $2,579,654, which was its main source of income”

In its first year operating as a Public Body, the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (S.F.E.S.A.) turned a profit the Chief Auditor reports.

In his 2011 report to the Legislative Assembly, Fuimaono C.G. Afele, says not only did the Authority manage to make money at the end of the 2009 financial year, it made enough to meet its fiscal obligations.

“This is the first year of the Authority operating as a Public Beneficial Body under the Public Bodies (Performance and Accountability) Act 2001,” his report reads.

“The Authority managed to earn a surplus of $1,963 from its first year of operation. “It received a grant from the Government of $2,579,654, which was its main source of income.”

“The main operating costs were personnel costs and administrative expenses.”

The Auditor reports that the Authority’s financial position as at year’s end, was stable which indicated the Authority’s ability to pay its immediate obligations with its current assets.

“The Authority did not have a subsidiary ledger for revenues, expenditures and accounts receivable,” Fuimaono reports.

However he did note a couple of issues such as the posting of receipts and payments to the general ledger.

“(It) was not checked and monitored to ensure that postings on the system were accurate and complete,” the report reads.

“Fixed assets register was not properly maintained and posting of fixed assets to the general ledger was incomplete.”

“The Authority should review its V.A.G.S.T. status with the Ministry for Revenue considering the Authority’s status as a Public Beneficial Body.”

S.F.E.S.A. responded to Fuimaono, addressing most of the issues he flagged.

The report reads in full below:

--------------------------------
Financial year: 30 June 2009

Audit opinion:
 Unqualified

Auditor:
 Audit Office

Summary of audit findings:

This is the first year of the Authority operating as a Public Beneficial Body under the Public Bodies (Performance and Accountability) Act 2001. The following were some of the matters discovered during the audit.

1. The Authority managed to earn a surplus of $1,963 from its first year of operation. It received a grant from the Government of $2,579,654 which was its main source of income. The main operating costs were personnel costs and administrative expenses.

2. The Authority’s financial position as at year end was stable which indicated the Authority’s ability to pay its immediate obligations with its current assets.

3. The Authority did not have a subsidiary ledger for revenues, expenditures and accounts receivable.

4. Posting of receipts and payments to the general ledger was not checked and monitored to ensure that postings on the system were accurate and complete.

5. Fixed assets register was not properly maintained and posting of fixed assets to the general ledger was incomplete.

6. The Authority should review its VAGST status with the Ministry for Revenue considering the Authority’s status as a Public Beneficial Body.

7. There was no Capitalization Policy that determined items to be capitalized and to ensure consistency in accounting for such payments.

8. There was no Internal Audit Unit within the Authority. This unit would assist in strengthening the Authority’s internal controls and procedures for managing its operations at the different locations namely Faleata and Salelologa.

9. The Authority responded as follows:

• In relation to 1 and 2, we concur with the findings stated;

• Issue 3 - This issue has been addressed and will be put in place for reconciliations;

• Issue 4 - We have addressed this issue by putting in place a network and allow the system to have multiple users for monitoring actions to ensure accuracy of data input;

• Issue 5 - We have now addressed this issue by re-documenting the asset register for accuracy of the following years’ assets;

• Issue 6 - We have now addressed the findings with the Ministry for Revenue;

• Issue 7 - The issue has now been addressed in conjunction with the Fixed Assets 
Register;

• Issue 8 - This will be considered as an important aspect for the Authority to implement.

The Plan formulates a structured approach to improving the quality and standards of visitor accommodation and attractions and for developing new activities to broaden the appeal of Samoa in key markets

A strategy which successfully positions Samoa as the Pacific’s most attractive holiday destination has the potential to create 1,700 new jobs and inject $550 million into the economy by 2019.

That’s according to the Samoa Tourism Sector Plan 2014-2019.

The Samoa Tourism Sector Plan 2014-2019 was launched by Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, during a ceremony at the Samoa Cultural Village Fale.

The Plan outlines various key aspects of the tourism industry, which continues to emerge as the major engine of economic growth for Samoa.

It outlines goals, targets and actions to meet the challenges and opportunities facing the sector over the next five years.

The Plan formulates a structured approach to improving the quality and standards of visitor accommodation and attractions and for developing new activities to broaden the appeal of Samoa in key markets.

This approach, it says, would be supported by investment in infrastructure and improvements to air access.

The Plan establishes a clear framework for the development of tourism in Samoa for the next five years. It recognizes the multi-faceted nature of tourism.

It outlines a process for taking a cross sector approach to tackling challenges within the industry and coordinating development between government agencies, the private sector and local communities.

The Plan has been funded by New Zealand Aid through the Samoa Tourism Support Programme.

“A key challenge to achieving peace and positive development in any country or region lies in how to allow the many different voices that come together – to live, worship and sing together – to do so not in unison but in harmony”

Achieving peace and positive human development are both aspirational and necessary goals for humanity. They are lodestars in our search for what is real and for what matters in life.

In the developing Pacific there is a strong and persistent belief in the spiritual elements of peace and human development. The indigenous peoples and cultures of the Pacific continue to find meaning, identity and solace in our spiritual

heritages. These heritages continue to inform our sense of wellbeing as individuals, communities, and nations, and our sense of belonging to the region and the world.

In the indigenous reference of Samoa the essence of peace for humans lies not in finding the absence of war or violence. It lies in finding harmony: harmony within oneself, with one’s fellow men, with the cosmos, and the environment.

Where these harmonies exist it can be said that one is in harmony with God: that you are with God and God is with you.

In the indigenous Pacific the ocean is considered family.

In fact the ocean is for some of us an important founding ancestor and so an important part of our genealogies, our creation mythologies, our mana and tapu, our spirituality, connectivity and existence on this earth.

The recently passed Palau Declaration on ‘The Ocean’ points out that the Pacific Ocean “is the lifeblood of our economies and societies and is crucial to global climatic and environmental stability. It is the fabric of unity upon which we have woven individual and collective relationships and agreements on sustainable development, now and into the future. The Ocean is our Life and our Future.”

The negative impact of climate changes to the Pacific region cannot be understated. In 2009 and 2012 Samoa experienced two natural disasters – first a tsunami which took over 100 lives, then followed cyclone Evan which destroyed homes and livelihoods.

According to IPCC findings small island countries “are the most vulnerable countries of the world to the adverse impacts of climate change” and that the Pacific is “one of the world’s most vulnerable regions when it comes to a risk of disaster due to climate change, particularly several of the low-lying coral islands”. Efforts to protect and develop the human, economic and environmental resources of

Pacific Island countries must seriously take this reality into account.

In ancient Samoa, protocols were developed to ensure that the environment was preserved long enough for it to replenish itself. During times of re-growth certain trees and plants were prohibited from being cut or picked. These protocols and the tapu or sanctions associated with them provided sustainable conservation strategies that dictated what man could take from the environment, when and how much.

Such strategies prioritised need over profit. In this context the taking of natural resources was never to go beyond what nature herself could not sustain in terms of natural re-growth. Tasks associated with fishing, planting, harvesting and building were therefore coordinated in accordance with predetermined cosmic and environmental timings.

Here the harmony between man and the environment is most pronounced. Current strategies for addressing climate change impacts in the Pacific are returning to the wisdom of our ancient systems of sustainable environmental resource management.

All human development projects involve a search for harmony. Harmony achieved not through begrudging compromise or temporary underhanded political tactics or manoeuvrings but through genuine selfless and collective willingness to be truly inclusive and balanced.

In Samoan indigenous leadership, it is the job of the leader, the matai or chief, to always search for balance between the wisdom of the long view (tofā mamao) and the wisdom of the deep view (fa’autaga loloto). The search for balance between these wisdoms is eternal and akin to our search for peace. In Samoan we call this search the tofā sa’ili. There is much need in modern Pacific societies, indeed in the world, for tofā sa’ili.

Pacific Island countries have enjoyed varying degrees of political stability. In 1962 Samoa was the first Pacific Island nation to achieve independence from colonial rule. We have since enjoyed considerable political stability. The non-violent legacy of our Mau independence movements serve as poignant reminders that peace can be achieved and sustained through peaceful means.

Christianity has had a profound impact on Pacific Island countries since its introduction to the region during the 18th and 19th centuries. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of Samoan people declared in the last census an affiliation to one or more

Christian denominations. The Christian Church was instrumental in creating written Samoan.

Today the Christian Church works closely with Pacific states and traditional authority structures to achieve and maintain peace and positive human development within and across Pacific communities.

To be effective the project of peace and human development in the Pacific must recognise that there exists today an intimate, even if at times tense or contradictory, relationship between indigenous and introduced religious belief systems.

The ways in which these belief systems come together affects social, political and economic stability. In short, it affects not only the peaceful running of a country, but its soul.

A key challenge to achieving peace and positive development in any country or region lies in how to allow the many different voices that come together – to live, worship and sing together – to do so not in unison but in harmony.

In Pacific societies today power and status are more often than not given to men and men with money and modern educational qualifications. Hearing and respecting the voices of the disadvantaged or vulnerable groups within society(for example, our children, women, disabled, mentally unwell, and/or poor), is not easy, especially if it undermines the voice of those in power.

In the 1980s Samoa is reported to have held some of the highest youth suicide rates in the world. Thankfully this is no longer the case. Today we have growing trends of disproportionately high numbers of violent crimes committed against females, especially poor and uneducated females, and committed by young men. These statistical trends have given rise to the establishment of state, faith-based and/or NGO supported services, such as Victim Support and Youthline. It has also generated a need for better information on both the problems and possible solutions.

Achieving peace and human development in this context therefore means not only addressing the needs of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged within our societies, but also first admitting that they do exist. It also means that everyone – young and old, male and female, rich and poor – has a responsibility to ensure that when they or another comes into strife, that they know they can seek help and actually do. This requires a society willing to give help and to give without expecting anything in return.

Rev Moon has said that “True love is a heart that gives and gives and wants to continue giving. True love is a love that forgets it already gave love and gives love again”. This idea of enduring love and selfless giving reminds me of the oft quoted Samoan proverb: “E leai se gaumata’u na o le gaualofa”: what you do out of hate will not survive, what you do out of love will live forever.

In this proverb true love and selfless giving plays out in an intense drama between a powerful ancient Samoan warlord and the family of his daughter’s husband and their unborn child. In this story the father seeks revenge against his daughter’s in-laws. The only thing that is able to placate his anger is the self-realisation that despite all the hate he had for his enemies, his love for his daughter and unborn grandchild was stronger.

Peace and positive human development comes from that place deep within us where true love and selfless giving flows. Moon’s vision of a river of love that flows and connects humanity, breaking down barriers and bringing peace and positive development to the world is a vision that resonates across cultures and so is worthy of our full support.

God bless.

‘You never know,’ he says

Sonny Bill Williams yesterday answered the multi-millio n-tala question for Samoa.

Would he ever pull on Samoa’s blue jersey – whether it’s the Manu Samoa or Toa Samoa?

Responding to a very passionately worded question from the crowd at a press conference yesterday about whether or not he would play for the Toa or Manu Samoa – Sonny Bill just smiled and “you sound a bit…like my old man”.

“My old man is always asking me when am I going to play for the Toa Samoa,” he said.

“But you know, I think everyone in this room can understand that I am a proud New Zealander as well, I am proud of being from New Zealand."

“I am also proud of being from Samoa so you know you never know."

“I would love to put on the blue jersey one day but at this stage of my career I am vying obviously to play for the Kiwis or the All Blacks."

“I don’t want to say that and disrespect anyone in this room today disrespect any of my Samoan brothers or sisters, because I am the first to jump up and say that I am a proud Samoan.”

Once that elephant had been led out of the room the league legend showed some passion himself when he spoke of one part of his heritage, that he believes made him the sportsman he is today.

“Obviously I wouldn’t be the player of the sportsman that I am today without my Polynesian background,” he said.

“That fire, that Samoan fire, that you see in the sportsman that represent Samoa come with, that is in all of us."

“I don't know if it was from the fasi's (hidings) that I used to get from my old man when I was young but I have always had that throughout my career and I will always be thankful for having that."

“I guess that is why you see my tattoos."

“I am a bit embarrassed that I can’t speak Samoan but I tend to show how proud I am just by acknowledging and through tattoos and saying that I am a proud Samoan.”

Earlier in the day, Sonny Bill had a skills clinic with some local school children. So did he see any potential out there on the field?

“It was great fun this morning in the rain just running around with the kids,” he said.

“I think you just have to look at the statistics in the NRL at the moment 40 per cent that is a telling number of players that are from the…islands.

“It is awesome to see Dave Smith (National Rugby League Commission C.E.O.) get behind us and open up some more avenues for aspiring kids that want to make a living out of…a successful living out of this you know not just for themselves but for their families open up here in Samoa in Fiji and in Tonga.

“Hopefully in the future there will be more programs put in place but at this stage it is a great initiative from the N.R.L.”

Did the great man have any advice for those who wanted to follow in his footsteps?

“Hard work and determination,” he said without hesitation.

“You know anything is possible, 40 is a telling number like I said, and if I can make it some of the kids can.

“You know cause I didn’t come from much, I came from pretty much nothing.

“You know I wasn't the smartest at school either I will admit to that.

“But what I did do I was determined and I was hardworking in my trade and that was footy.”

Police have confirmed the death of a 44-year-old male from Salepoua’e Sale’imoa

According to Assistant Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu, the man died in a car accident in Tuana’i last week.
“The deceased was heading to Sale’imoa on early Sunday morning when he lost control of the vehicle,” Fauono said.
“(He then) crashed into a rock fence next to the Methodist Church at Tuana’i.”

Reports say a local villager took the driver to hospital, but it was too late and he did not survive.
The Assistant Commissioner said that alcohol was not a factor in the accident, that the deceased most probably fell asleep at the wheel.
Jeffery Paulo, who saw the crash, said the car veered to the side of the road before flipping over and crashing.