“I asked him– why don’t you go and live with your wife and children in the United States? He said to, this is the only time I get to serve the Prime Minister and I want to serve him well”

Ualetenese Papali’i Taimalelagi Tofilau was an “academic achiever” who lived and enjoyed life. He was also a man who had a passion for music.

That’s how his sister, Lagipuao Papali’i, described him during an interview with the Sunday Samoan yesterday, ahead of Uale’s burial in Savai’i this week.

Uale, who had served as the President of the Journalists Association of [Western] Samoa, as well as being the Press Secretary, passed away last Monday.

He was 61.

Through tears, Ms. Papali’i said her brother’s death is “a big loss to our family”.

“Uale was an academic achiever who up until his death was never tired of learning,” she said. “He loved learning and reading. He had a very sharp mind in all aspects of life, whether it be religion or political.”

Ms. Papali’i fondly remembers the exchanges she used to have with her brother.

“I would often say to him that I think you have chosen the wrong field in theology, you should have been a politician or a lawyer,” she said.

Uale is an ordained Reverend of the E.F.K.S church who taught at the Malua Theological College.

Away from the Bible, Ms. Papali’i said her brother was loyal to his employer, the government.

“Uale was a hundred per cent committed to his calling, in his position as the Press Secretary.”

So much so he refused to leave Samoa.

“I asked him– why don’t you go and live with your wife and children in the United States? He said to me, this is the only time I get to serve the Prime Minister and I want to serve him well.”

Ms. Papali’i said her brother had plans that when he stopped serving the government, he would return to America.

Uale was also someone who doesn’t do things in “half measures.”

“He would do things whole heartedly,” said his sister. “And he never panicked, regardless of whether something was urgent or not. I can’t remember ever seeing him panic.”

Music was in his blood.

“Most of my brothers are musicians including Uale. Their talents came from our grandfather who was a composer with the Alii and Faipule choir of Leulumoega.

“I still remember here in Nafanua, I would be sleeping, it's 3am and would I hear him singing from his room, strumming the mandolin and singing loudly like it was broad day light until he becomes tired.

“Often when I come to visit him and it’s time to return, I would hop into his car and on the seats I would see his music instruments; guitar mandolin and a set of pool [billiard] cues. He loved his music that much.”

Uale was also a family man, who loved every member of his family unconditionally.

“He was a giving and a very generous person but if you got on his bad side, God help you.”

Uale hails from the villages of Sapapali’i, Leulumoega, Lalomalava, Salelologa and Iva. He is survived by three children and wife Malaetuua.

He has three grandchildren.

Uale was educated in various primary schools in Savai’i while growing up.

He attended Leulumoega-fou College and later moved to Avele College before joining the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa’s Malua Theological College.

After completing his studies at Malua, he was awarded a scholarship to the Pacific Theological College in Fiji where he obtained a Bachelor of Divinity.

Uale then received another scholarship that took him to Boston Massachusetts in the United States. He attended Yale University where he later graduated with a Masters of Divinity.

"After his success from Yale University, he returned to Samoa where he served as lecturer at Malua Theological College,” said Ms. Papali’i.

He was then moved to Matautu Falelatai to serve as parish minister for the congregation there.

Sometime later, he started work with the Legislative Assembly as a translator before moving to the Savali and finally becoming the Press Secretary.

Uale will be buried at Sapapali’i Savai’i next to his parents; Papali’i Taimalelagi Sa’umani and Vaimataiva.

The Alo Paopao Regatta Festival, kicking off tomorrow, is more than just an event. It’s about boosting the country’s economy, drawing tourists to get a taste of what Samoa has to offer to the world

But that’s not all. It is also about reviving our culture and traditions, some of which have been forgotten.

That’s why a group of dedicated and committed people have come together under a banner to establish the Alo Paopao Regatta festival.

The one-week event is a fun and vibrant celebration of Samoan culture coupled with days of fun in the sun, music and arts, paying homage to Samoan people and their customs.

Director of the Alo Paopao Festival, Jay Ah Fook, said the Association is trying to recapture what they did back in 1994 for the World Sprints, held in Samoa.

“We want to get back to that level where we can bring over 1,000 people who will pay for their accommodations, fares and food benefitting the community as a whole,” he said.

“On top of that, we get a boost as far as the standards of padding in Samoa is concern.”

Another unique feature of the event is the carving of the paopao canoes.

“We are trying to revive our tradition of carving paopao canoes,” he said. “It is something that is almost gone from our traditions.

“So we are building canoes this year. We are actually going to have boat builders build boats during the week.”

Mr. Ah Fook said about 10 paopao will be carved throughout the week.

“There is a ritual done before cutting the trees down and another before we start to carve,” he said. “This is something that many in Samoa don’t know about.

“So it’s a taste of how things were done in the past. That’s what we want to offer.”

As for the competition, the teams from Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific islands have started to arrive. Some of them have asked for traditional blessings of their gear before they get into the water.

“So even though the canoes are modern, the culture dates back to the time of our ancestors.”

Mr. Ah Fook said part of his research into finding out more about the ritual of building paopao led him to the Head of State, his Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi who gave him some pointers.

This year’s festival has attracted 15 international teams from Australia, New Zealand and Tonga.

Registrations for the Festival kicks off today with the official opening tomorrow.

WHAT IS ALO PAOPAO

The Alo Paopao Regatta Festival is an all inclusive celebration of Samoan Culture, Outrigging, Music and Arts.

This Festival pays homage to our People and our Customs in a big way, by immersing our participants in celebrations of competitive outrigging, we bring light to the humble beginnings of the alo paopao.

We are focused on growing this sport here in Samoa, so take part in the Alo Paopao, and your participation will lend itself to our campaign of improving the quality and popularity of competitive outrigger canoe in Samoa.

As well as cementing Samoa as a paddling destination. The future potential of competitive outrigging in Samoa is boundless, due to our climate and coastal environments creating the ideal arena. Our waterscape provides us with all manner of ocean conditions, a fact, we local paddlers are well aware of. It’s about time we share this gem!

There are 15 international teams competing this year. From Australia, New Zealand and Tonga. One of those teams is the Vaka Manu, who were the 2013 Sprint World Champions.

This is a total of 110 competitive paddlers, plus their family members and supporters.

There will be a range of ages participating, from as young as U16 Junior Manukau OCC, right up to our Senior Master Women’s, Currumbin Alley Catfish.

We are also hosting the band Three Houses Down, who are very popular, with a 80,000 strong fan club, plus entertainment every night for our guests, such as the Mahealanis Beach Wear Fashion Show, Lalomanu Beach Party, Alo Paopao

Pubcrawl and the Finale Concert featuring Three Houses Down.

We are a growing festival centered around our international regatta, we have grown exponentially from last year, and see ourselves becoming a “must do” paddling event in the Pacific.

The annual Insel Fehmarn Food and Wine Fair yesterday attracted a large crowd to the Hotel’s compound at Moto’otua.

A colourful displays of delicious food and culture was on show by the various businesses that set up stalls at the event.

“Since the mid 19th century, the average increase in the temperature of the earth’s surface has been 0.85 degree centigrade.

There was something for everybody, including the children.

Local favourites like Roko’s Restaurant, Izzy’s and Caroline’s Kitchen offered up a treat for the visitors.

There was also plenty to choose from for people wanting a taste from other countries ranging from Fiji, Thailand and Germany to India.

Organised by Insel Fehmarn, the idea is to create an event to showcase the various restaurants found in Samoa and to give people a taste of what is available.

It is a family affair where people come together for one day to sample an excellent range of food as well as enjoy the entertainment offered such as dancing and beautiful music. Here are some of the images from the event.

There will be drums, family reunions, an insane amount of roast pork, incredible pride and emotion but, when the final whistle goes on July 8 next year, the story can't stop.

The All Blacks' test in Apia next year is world rugby's biggest legacy opportunity of the professional age.

Forget World Cups and Lions tours. Forget Junior World Championships and Olympic sevens - the All Blacks playing in the Pacific Islands creates the chance for administrators to finally start putting right a significant number of historic wrongs.

The neglect and exploitation of the island sides can come to an end. The developed world can hopefully stop seeing Samoa, Tonga and Fiji as a supply of cheap but fantastically skilled labour.

It has been take, take, take. Once the All Blacks leave, it has to be give, give, give.

That's not to say the occasion itself can't be revelled in or the test shouldn't be a massive celebration of the enormous contribution the islands, and Samoa in particular, have made to the world game.

The current All Black squad has a major Samoan presence - Charlie Faumuina, Keven Mealamu, Patrick Tuipulotu, Steve Luatua, Jerome Kaino, Ma'a Nonu and Julian Savea.

They will all want to play - as will, most likely, Sonny Bill Williams.

"I think it would be great to be involved in that game," says Luatua. "I come from a family with strong Samoan heritage. My grandparents are still over there so to play in front of them would be pretty special.

"I am yet to do that so, if I could be involved, it would be special. I'd like to take the whole family across ... if funds suffice."

But the test can't be an exercise in box-ticking. It can't be a memorable day and nothing more. Samoa and the Islands deserve better.

It's not imperative the All Blacks return to Apia any time soon after next year. It would be nice to think they will, but the reality of finances and scheduling make that unlikely.

What is imperative is other major nations follow suit. The longer it takes for any other leading nation to play in the islands, the more the All Blacks test will look like a stunt, a PR initiative designed to stop a growing wave of public energy venting about why it hadn't happened already.

Given that England's best player is not only Samoan but is also called Manusamoa, they should be thinking about playing in Apia. Australia have a growing Pacific influence and the Wallabies reflect that. They also need to put something back.

Playing in the islands is not just about validation and acknowledgement, or providing a basis of inspiration for the next generation, it's also about, to some extent, putting financial balance into a system that currently has none.

Rugby has an archaic system of financial distribution where the host nation covers the costs of their opponent's travel and accommodation in return for keeping the gate receipts. For Tier One nations, this works out about fair over the course of a season.

For Samoa and other Tier Two nations, however, their real costs aren't fully met when they take on a Tier One nation. They still have to pay their players, and there are no reciprocal tests in the islands.

More importantly, though, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji need access to a meaningful annual competition and a regular, challenging fixture list. One-off tests against the big boys are great, but the certainty of being part of something permanent that could attract broadcast and sponsorship dollars will have more enduring value.

Just as important will be the need to provide legions of children who will be inspired by the All Black test with a means to get involved. Domestic rugby in Samoa is not in great shape, say those who know the set-up.

"The test is going to be a fantastic celebration of Polynesian rugby, of Samoan rugby and of the contribution of all the Pacific Islands, but it also has to be more than that," says International Rugby Players Association boss Rob Nichol.

"The overwhelming message coming from the players is they want this to lead to something meaningful. It has to have a bigger picture and that is around participation rates, domestic competition structures, up-skilling coaches and, from an administrative view, making a fresh start. There really has to be a significant legacy programme."

There are big claims about the efforts and investment being pumped into the islands. The IRB trumpet they have pumped in $7 million since 2007 and, while that is commendable, it's also questionable how much has been achieved.

All that money is yet to have much of an impact in terms of building lasting structures and providing improved resources that lead to sustained growth.

None of it, or at least hardly any of it, has found its way into the best players' pockets, either. Playing for Samoa is still a labour of love. Match payments are often no more than $1000 for a three-week campaign and it's economy class all the way.

On top of that, there's the minefield of Pacific Island players gaining release from their clubs to play for their respective countries. The IRB threatening to be really cross with those clubs that don't abide by the rules hasn't been much of a deterrent so far. Intimidation, insinuation, threats and downright lies are all used against islanders and it has often been a tough choice for eligible players to commit to Samoa.

All of this needs to be fixed and the test next year is the catalyst to bring the issues to light. The All Blacks going to Apia is a chance to begin the process of transforming the island nations into cohesive, well-organised and well-resourced units.

All Blacks hope to pick Island players

The All Blacks will look to pick players with island heritage when they take on Samoa in Apia next year.

Senior All Blacks played a major role in securing the historic July 8 test and want to be sensitive to the emotion of the fixture and legacy potential.

Their hands may be tied as any players involved in the Super Rugby final a few days earlier won't be available and they also have to be conscious of preparing for the World Cup and winning the test.

But if they feel they can make selections that will allow them to achieve their own goals and the bigger aim of celebrating the contribution of the Pacific Islands, then they will.

The Samoan influence in the current squad is strong, as it has been for the better part of the past two decades.

Some of the best All Blacks of the past 20 years have either been born in Samoa or held strong links to it: Va'aiga Tuigamala, Michael Jones, Frank Bunce, Tana Umaga, Ma'a Nonu, Jerome Kaino, Julian Savea and Sonny Bill Williams to name a few. There have also been significant contributions from men with Tongan and Fijian heritage: Jonah Lomu, Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi said laws are already in place to guide how government vehicles are to be used. He said the Cabinet Directive highlighting the appropriate use of government vehicles, which had been leaked and published by the Samoa Observer, was nothing new

The Samoa Ports Authority’s double cab pick-up truck crashed by the Authority’s Minister’s son earlier this year is being used by the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (M.W.T.I).

The confirmation came from the General Manager of S.P.A, Tufuga Tagaloa Tufuga, in response to questions from the Samoa Observer.

The General Manager was asked to confirm claims by the Minister of M.W.T.I, Manu’alesagalala Enokati Posala, that the damage caused to the vehicle when it was crashed by his son have been paid for by him and his family.

General Manager Tufuga did not deny or confirm the claim.

However, in an email to the Samoa Observer, he said the Authority’s management is addressing the issues.

“The delay in response to your questions is due to (the) process with Insurance Company (NPI/ National Pacific Insurance) which handles insurance covers for our fleet,” said Tufuga.

“I have been advised that S.P.A’s claim for the vehicle in question is successful…”

Asked to clarify, Tufuga said like any vehicle insurance claim, if it is successful, that means the Insurance company pays the cost for repairs.

“S.P.A as the insured has submitted a claim under its insurance policy and the insurer is satisfied (in) its assessment and decided to cover (the) cost as to damages.”

Tufuga was also questioned about why the vehicle was carrying a private number plate.

“When I took up office, the vehicle had already been assigned a private number (plate) under instructions by the previous management,” he said. “Our current reforms are addressing a number of issues inclusive of points raised by you.”

Asked for a comment, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi said laws are already in place to guide how government vehicles are to be used.

He said the Cabinet Directive highlighting the appropriate use of government vehicles, which had been leaked and published by the Samoa Observer, was nothing new.

“That’s why I was shocked when I saw the headline in the Observer,” he said, adding that the newspaper attempted to make it look new when it was not.

“I guess it’s something to try and grab people to buy it (the newspaper) but the policies are old.”

The Prime Minister said public servants at times forget these rules but it is good to be reminded now and then.

Told that the Cabinet directive clearly points out that Ministers’ children are not allowed to drive these vehicles and that a Minister is only entitled to the use of one S.U.V, Tuilaepa agreed.

“That’s true,” he said.

He then said he was not fully aware about the background of the case involving the Minister of Works but pointed out that “there are standard policies” in place to deal with such cases.

During a previous interview with the Minister, Manu’alesagalala defended his son and wife in the incident involving the pickup truck.

He said his wife was in the vehicle assisting his son and the family had paid for the damages. He also admitted that he uses the S.O.E vehicle as well as the Ministerial S.U.V.

Rugby players playing in Samoa may yet get the chance to play Super Rugby thanks to a new bid being pushed by a Samoan company.

A Super rugby bid by the Pacific Dragons, to be based in Singapore, has the Samoa Rugby Union excited. The Dragons is being promoted by businessman Eric Series who also owns the company running the Samoa Artesian Water.

Chief executives of the three core nations: New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa are meeting this week in Sydney to evaluate bids from Singapore and Japan to join super rugby when it expands to an 18-team competition in 2016.

Singapore has focus on building their team around players from the Pacific region, including Samoa.

Prime Minister and Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi is excited about the possibilities.

“We will have another avenue for our boys, our rugby players to compete,” he said.

“It would help enormously in improving the international competitiveness of our players.”

Former All Blacks and Manu Samoa player, Tiumalumanaia Dylan Mika told the Samoa Observer that it would be a wonderful opportunity for Samoan players to be part of Super Rugby.

“It’s going to strengthen our Manu Samoa players when they get the opportunity to play week in and week out,” he said.

“Funding is done from overseas that’s going to be involving Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and also Asia.”

A number of credible legends of the game are behind the concept.

“Tana Umaga has been involved in it, and we’ve had other players,” said Tiumalu.

“We have Seilala Mapusua and the Tuilagi brothers, those who have been playing in Hong Kong in the tens.”

The bid may be the one chance Super Rugby has to challenge the strong push by the National Rugby League in pursuing Pacific players.

Such a surge by the NRL includes the Pacific strategy that was launched last month in Samoa by NRL C.E.O, David Smith and Sonny Bill Williams.

“Structure transformation is the shift of resources from agriculture to industries. Higher productivity to lower productivity sectors is the essence of economic growth and employment generation”

Small countries like Samoa are being encouraged to invest more in manufacturing as a way to tackle a number of its economic problems.

The call comes from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (U.N.I.D.O) Director of Research and Statistics Branch, Dr. Ludovico Alcorta.

The top official was in Samoa for the S.I.D.S conference, which attracted more than 4,000 delegates to the country.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Dr. Alcorta says investing in manufacturing as a way to develop and promote exports is extremely vital.

“Structure transformation is the shift of resources from agriculture to industries,” he said.

“Higher productivity to lower productivity sectors is the essence of economic growth and employment generation.”

According to the U.N.I.D.O Director, employment generation happens when resources are appropriately used and turned into better opportunities. That’s what generates economic growth.

“Manufacturing industries bring more opportunities for rapid growth than any other sector, especially for low developing countries,” he said.

There are some exceptions but in large, that is true.

“It provides additional opportunities for growth than other sectors because you are moving people for money from low productivity to high productivity [areas].”

When people are moved for money from low productivity to high productivity people produce more, therefore that enriches a country, he said.

“Secondly as people produce more per head, that allows them to have higher wages.

“At the same time, it saves more money and that helps the whole economy because you can consume more and invest more and thirdly manufacturing as a lot of sharing of skills and languages.”

Dr. Alcorta said that as people learn from one factory and move to another factory, they take with them the skills learnt and they would use it for life.

“This creates better linkages.”

For example, he said while fish processing companies buy fish, they bring other enormous opportunities such as insurance and a number of additional economic activities.

“It buys more than other sectors and so generates more economic growth.”

Students at the Aigafesilafa’i Parish pre-school in Vaitele-fou are returning to their classrooms today to find that they have been given a new paint job.

The project is courtesy of the Samoa Returnees’ Charitable Trust (SRCT), whose membership spent last Saturday toiling in the hot weather to ensure the rooms will be ready today.

Vernon J. Mackenzie, the Trust’s Senior Returnees Officer, said giving the school a new paint job was their way to giving back to the community.

“This is the second phase of the programme that we launched last year at Mapuifagalele,” said Mr. Mackenzie. “It’s a programme that is being developed as we go along. Our members are delighted to be able to do this for the school.”

The Trust is made up of reformed prisoners who perform community service.

“Many of our members have been doing a lot of hard work for the community and we also did some work during the S.I.D.S. for the New Zealand High Commission because they also supported us.

“We believe that these programmes are a part of the returnees’ rehabilitation and reintegration back into the mainstream as per the Trust’s main objective.”

He said that helping and getting them back to the community would bring light into their lives and help them in their journey.

“We are actually a pilot programme for the region. At the end of the day, everyone deserves a second chance. These members who were in prisons before, I am glad to say, most of them are now born-again Christians.”

The Trust is a product of the Law and Justice sector’s Criminal Deportees Taskforce set up in 2010 to address issues related to deportees.

“We initiate programmes that keep our members active and busy, complemented by our office that facilitates a healthy environment to give the returnees’ every available opportunity to be successful and ensure they do not return to a life of crime to survive.”

“The main objective of our Trust is to try and help out these returnees from different countries such as New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

“This is part of the reintegration and rehabilitation programs here in Samoa,” said Mr. Mackenzie.

The project aims to address the social and personal disadvantages faced by deportees and to help in the resettlement process.

Mr. Mackenzie said part of their service is that they introduce them to members of the trust who have been through the deportation experience.

“We are networking with returnees who have successfully reintegrated back into Samoan society. We also help them settle into a new environment, reconnect with relatives and access support systems in their respective villages.”

“Our Trust is also does counseling especially when a returnee arrives to Samoa.”

Mr. Mackenzie said they are still encouraging the returnees to register under the programme so that they can get help.

“There are only sixty registered members but there are actually more than two hundreds in Savai’i and Upolu.”

“We are still open to any returnee who wants to register under the Trust.”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi yesterday wished 15 international teams taking part in the Alo Paopao Regatta Festival all the best.

Speaking during the opening ceremony held on the beach in Apia, the Prime Minister also advised them to always aim for the stars.

The opening ceremony was attended by paddlers, supporters and visitors who are in the country for the Festival.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa welcomed everyone to Samoa, saying that Samoa is privileged to host such an occasion.

He was particularly pleased about the efforts to revive paddling in Samoa, saying our people and the water have a very natural connection and this festival is one of the ways to strengthen that connection.

The Prime Minister said the people of Samoa – as well as Pacific countries – are navigators.

“As a sport, my advice as I would give to any other sport in Samoa, is that you must be dedicated, practice in training makes perfect and you should always aim for the stars.”

“I wish you all the best in the competition.”

Director of the Alo Paopao Festival, Jay Ah Fook, acknowledged Prime Minister Tuilaepa’s presence.

During the opening, the ava ceremony was held on the water.

There are 15 international teams competing this year from Australia, New Zealand and Tonga.

One of those teams is the Vaka Manu, who were the 2013 World Sprint Champions.

There will be a range of ages participating, from as young as U16 Junior Manukau OCC, right up to our Senior Master Women’s, Currumbin Alley Catfish.

This year promises to be bigger and better for Samoa's 3rd Annual International Outrigging Regatta.

The primary aim of the competition is to enhance the profile of this sport in the country as well as increase the level of competition for athletes and supporters.

Additionally, its festival component seeks to promote comradeship and fun among competitors and supporters.

By encouraging the involvement of indigenous artists and performers, organizers have also sought to reinforce and enhance the competition’s unique “Pacifica” identity.

More Photos: http://goo.gl/7YS5Q8 

“Right now, I’m sitting in the dark not knowing what is happening. I have not been formally informed by the government. I feel sad because everyone is talking about my termination and yet I’m not aware of it” – Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo

Former Police Commissioner, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo, has yet to be officially informed about Cabinet’s decision to terminate his services.

Made two weeks ago, the decision was relayed to the media last Thursday by Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, who said that Lilomaiava has been made to “retire.”

It was only when he pressed to explain the use of the word “retire” when he explained that Lilomaiava’s services as the Police Commissioner have been terminated.

He said the position will soon be advertised.

But someone in Cabinet has forgotten to inform Lilomaiava.

Asked for a comment yesterday, Lilomaiava said all he has heard is what has been said in the media.

“Right now, I’m sitting in the dark not knowing what is happening,” he told the Samoa Observer. “I have not been formally informed by the government.”

Lilomaiava said his treatment has left him bitter and sad, especially after a long suspension.

“I feel sad because everyone is talking about my termination and yet I’m not aware of it.”

The Commissioner said he will write to the government to find out if they in fact have made a decision.

Lilomaiava was the subject of a second Commission of Inquiry into his performance, in particular the running of the Tafa’igata prison.

While the Assistant Commissioner of Prison Sala Seaga Uili decided to resign ahead of the second Inquiry, Lilomaiava fought on. He maintained his innocence.

Like the first Inquiry, the second Inquiry was chaired by the Ombudsman, Maiava Iulai Toma.

Diana Roma, Lilomaiava’s lawyer before the Inquiry, argued that the allegations against her client had not been proven and therefore his services should not be terminated.

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

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

The Office of the Attorney General will not appeal against the ruling of the Supreme Court in the hearing of Leslie Kohlhase.

This is in relation to an incident that killed two young men at Vailoa, last year.

Attorney General, Aumua Ming Leung Wai, confirmed this yesterday in an email to the Samoa Observer.

“After our review of the file, we will not be appealing the case.”

Aumua did not explain the reasons behind their decision.

Last month, Aumua said his office was reviewing the outcome of the hearing.

It followed the decision by four assessors in August who found that the 19-year-old Kohlhase was not guilty of two charges of manslaughter and two alternative charges of negligent driving causing death.

The incident that happened at Vailoa last year caused the deaths of Jessie Risale, 22 of Vaimoso and Thesaurus Heather, 20, of Tufuiopa.

Lawyer Lei’ataualesa Daryl Clarke and Unasa Leilani Tamati represented Kohlhase. Leiataualesa argued that Kohlhase was not the driver of the vehicle.

Precious Chang and Leone Su’a Mailo were the lawyers for the A.G’s office.

They disagreed with defendant and disputed her claim.

Chief Justice his Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatru Sapolu presided over the matter.

Don’t give up on your dreams

She might not have won the Miss Samoa but one of the more popular contestants during this year’s pageant, Monica Schwenke, has a message for everyone.

Do not give up on your dreams. For her, one of her dreams was realised when she took part in the pageant held two weeks ago.

As a young girl, she used to dress up and parade in her family’s living room, pretending to be a model strutting her stuff down the catwalk.

Then this year, she was asked to be a contestant in the pageant where she was sponsored by Le Spa o le La Lelei o Samoa.

“I’m a strong believer in God and I’m also a very strong believer in never giving up on your dreams.”

Ms. Schwenke says the pageant taught her many valuable lessons.

“I have always wanted to be in the Miss Samoa and thought if I didn’t enter now it would be never,” she says. She acknowledges the support from relatives, friends, local supporters and many others who have made her dream become true.

During the pageant, Ms. Schwenke won the best traditional wear and the best sarong awards.

“The experience has been a life changing one for me – it’s something I will never forget,” she says, adding that the highlight for her were the pre-pageant activities where they visited the Samoa Victim Support Group, Little Sisters of the Poor and the Tupua Tamasese Meaole

Hospital at Moto’otua.
Further, she says the relationships made with the contestants will remain with her forever. “I gained 10 other sisters including Susana Fanueli. I am thankful to them for being a part of my journey as well as Manaia Events for bringing us together through this event.”

She also offers her biggest congratulations to the Miss Samoa Latafale Auva’a.

“I wish her all the best and congratulations I know this is a great year for her and her family.”

Ms. Schwenke is based in Australia. There, she offers her help at Matavai Culture Arts School run by her brother, Fred and former Miss Samoa and Miss South Pacific, Maryjane McKibbin- Schwenke.

She also acknowledges her mother, Rita for her support and love for her and bringing her up to be the young woman she is today.

“This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the help of so many people,” she says.

“There’s the Culture x Samoa Team, Culture X Australia, Culture X New Zealand, hair dressers; Yvette and Joel and family, Millie Ah Kuoi, Pou Rassmussen, Lucia and Kalolo, Ake, Raymond and Isadora Betham, Ernest and Hanalei Betham, Kevin and Sia Kohlhase, Cedric and Brenda Meredith, Ken and Lagi Schwenke, Janine Ruta from Australia, Louisa and Christina, Derick and Sophia Lei Sam, my nephews and nieces, friends and family and supporters who gave her the heart to finish what she started. I also want to especially thank my brother Ben and wife Leti Schwenke.”

So what’s the future for her?

She says she is spending time with family in Samoa where she will continue to embrace her Samoan culture until she returns to Australia.

PR - The College of Law New Zealand says farewell to its latest intake of Samoan law graduates after another successful preadmission programme.

The College delivers the Samoan pre-admission training as part of an initiative with the Attorney General of Samoa, Aumua Ming Leung Wai, allowing recently graduated law students to complete their training with a mixture of online and onsite training.

The onsite component, delivered in Auckland, lasts for just over four weeks and sees the students being taught by eminent practitioners skills such as negotiation, interviewing and advocacy in preparation for their admission to the Bar in Samoa.

The College of Law New Zealand is the leading provider of training for admission to legal practice in New Zealand and is a provider of skills-based CPD programs for practising lawyers.

These include seminars in negotiation, interviewing, court practice, legal practice management, tax practice and resilience for lawyers.

Georgina Lui and Simon Fruean showcased the latest HD light trucks in the Hyundai range during Monday night’s Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry Members’ Meeting at the Hyundai and Ford offices.

Hyundai is the fastest growing automotive company by brand since 2005, and features a range of three light trucks that are perfect for small businesses on the go.

Mr. Fruean showed the assembled members video testimonial from a range of impressed local customers who own the light trucks.

Featuring five and six-speed, turbo-charged engines, the light trucks are capable of heavy work with their four to five tonne capacity.

Speaking to a well-attended gathering, Mrs. Lui introduced the new range as, “ one of the up and coming ranges that are great for the small and medium business owner.”

Mr. Fruean indicated the trucks were highly customisable to be anything, from a dump-truck to a flat-bed.

The Catholic Media Network, Upu Mana Catholic Television, is $45,000 better off today thanks to the angelic voices of opera stars who made last week’s Opera Under the Stars a huge success.

Coupled with the hard work by the concert’s organisers, fans and supporters are already looking forward to the next event.

Yesterday at Mulinu’u, the money was presented to Monsignor Etuale Etuale by the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepulea’i.

Mr. Bainimarama has also tried to heal the racial divisions which have blighted the former British colony since independence in 1970.

Monsieur Etuale thanked the organising committee and acknowledged the assistance, saying it will go a long way to improve the services provided by the station to all the Catholics in Samoa.

At the moment, he said the station only has one good camera and with the money, they will look to buy new cameras.

“The service provided by the station could be better and this is why we requested for financial assistance from you,” Monsignor Etuale told the Committee.

Faleomavaega said the concert’s organisers were pleased to be able to help improve the station.

The initial fundraising idea behind this year’s Opera Under the Stars event was for the renovations to the St. Therese Retreat and Resort.

However, when a request came from the church for Upu Mana television, they decided to donate to the station.

Faleomavaega expressed thanks to all the sponsors, supporters and individuals who made the event possible. He also thanked the stars including Daphne Collins, Isabella Moore, Taunoa Filimoehala, Juan Kim, Benson Wilson and Derek Wendt.

A member of the committee, Kereti Ah Liki, said they were extremely happy to be able to give to the church.

The driver for the Speaker of Parliament, Fa’atau Lealofi Polata’ivao, appeared in the District Court yesterday.

His appearance before District Court Judge, her Honour Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala, was in relation to a hit and run incident at Vailoa which led to the death of an Australia-based Samoan during the week of the S.I.D.S conference.

During his brief appearance, Prosecutor Inspector Rosalia Matamu made two applications.

“The first application is if the matter could be adjourned for two weeks without plea while police finalise their charges,” the Court was told.

“Second, I ask to have the defendant held in custody because of the seriousness of the charges against him."

“This also takes into consideration a request from his family to hold him there because of their fear of any dispute (between the families).”

Judge Tafaoimalo granted both applications.

“The matter is adjourned until 30th September without plea for police to finalise the charges.”

Assistant Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu, said the vehicle Polataivao drove that night belongs to the Speaker of Parliament,

La’auli Leuatea Polata’ivao.

Fiji might be going to the polls today after eight long years but some Fijians in Samoa are not optimistic about the likely outcome.

“I think this election is just a waste of time,” said Elisapeta Waga. “Everything is just compromised and it’s supposed to be an easy election.”

Ms. Waga is a student studying agriculture at the University of the South Pacific’s Alafua campus.

“Some of the students here haven’t received any form for the elections,” she said. “What makes it worse is that we heard that they are automatically voting for Bainimarama. That’s not how elections are suppose to work.”

Ms. Waga said this shows that there is no transparency and accountability in the running of the election.

Asked who she will be voting for, Ms. Waga said it is definitely not Frank Bainimarama. “I’m voting for the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA)."

Alesi Yame, another student at U.S.P, backs Ms. Waga.“I hope that this election is going to be a fair one,” she said. “I’m voting for

Bainimarama because I wasn’t given any choice. I guess we just have to wait and see who will win this election.”

Another student, who did not want to reveal his identity, said Bainimarama has done a lot for Fiji. “That’s why I’m voting for Bainimarama,” he said. “First of all, for people like us who have been living in Fiji for all our lives, we know that he (Bainimarama) has done so much for the country."

“He gave free education for all schools, and also free bus fares for all the students from primary up to secondary."

“He had put some improvements in our country compared to the past years and that’s the most important thing. So I fully support him.”

Prominent businessman and the owner of Radio Polynesia Limited, Maposua Rudolf Keil, took time off from his busy schedule to visit the House of Hope Shelter during the weekend.

His visit was inspired after he listened to a radio programme on Friday morning where the hosts on Talofa FM highlighted the issue of domestic violence and its impact on young children.

For Maposua, the issue was not new as it is often talked about.

However, something sparked inside of him, pushing him to visit the House of Hope.

“I always encourage my employees to keep talking about the issue of domestic violence,” Maposua told the Samoa Observer.

“So I made the effort to go and finally visit the place where the children have been staying.”

Maposua was teary at the sight of the young children.

“After seeing these children, I am out of words (to describe my feelings),” he said.

A grandfather with multiple grandchildren – some the same age as the survivors of sexual crimes at the House of Hope – Maposua said he was amazed at how many children are affected by the issue. “My heart cried out when I saw the children because I cannot imagine what these children have gone through,” he said. Asked what he would say to people who dismiss the plight of such children, Maposua encouraged them to visit the House of Hope.

“They will never feel it until they see it with their own eyes,” he said.

“It was the same as me. I never really thought much about it until I decided to go up and can tell you from now on that I will do everything that I can to help out in the shelter.”

The businessman also said the government should prioritise the shelter and the children living there.

“This should be the government’s first priority because they always say that the children are the future of the country, so prove it,” he said.

“Help the children in every way they can and make sure they (children) are okay.”

President of S.V.S.G, Lina Chang, thanked Maposua for visiting.

“You have no idea what today means to these children,” Ms. Chang said abut Maposua’s visit.

“They have been through so much; they have been hurt, emotionally affected because of what they have been through."

“However, your presence here made them realize that there are people out there who care for them so thank you very much."

When Maposua was about to leave, he made a donation to the Home, promising that it would not be his last visit and donation.

PR - The Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G) Sydney Juniors are the winners of the Arts for School Holiday Activities Category.

The award was presented to them last Thursday during the South West Sydney Pacific Awards 2014.

The Juniors are the S.V.S.G Sydney youth group who actively raise awareness in the Sydney community of the work of S.V.S.G as well as on social issues affecting other youths.

Their work mirrors that of the S.V.S.G Juniors in Samoa, focusing on support for the youth, community services and empowerment programs.

The award recognizes the work in which the S.V.S.G Sydney Juniors have been doing in the Sydney community, specifically, their 16

Days of Activism Campaign for 2013 referred to as ‘A Warriors Promise’.

President, Lina Chang congratulates the S.V.S.G Sydney Juniors for this achievement as well as the Directors of S.V.S.G Sydney for supporting the Juniors in their programs.

Kyocera New Zealand has reinforced its partnership with Samoa Stationery and Books (S.S.A.B) to ensure the people of Samoa get the best they deserve when it comes to the use of the company’s products.

This week, Kyocera and S.S.A.B have joined forces to conduct a training for all government ministries and their customers about the use of Kyocera products as well as to know where to go if they need help.

Held at Togafu’afu’a, the training is being conducted by Kyocera representatives from New Zealand, Duncan Glynn and Keith Gulliver.

The Managing Director of S.S.A.B, Fiti Leung Wai, said this is the second time Kyocera has conducted a training in Samoa. The first was held in 2012.

“So every two years they come to do training to enlarge the knowledge and the understanding of all S.S.A.B’s consumers,” she said.

“The whole purpose of this training is for customer awareness and to strengthen the partnership between Samoa Stationery and Books and the consumers and for them to directly engage with our Kyocera partners in New Zealand.”

The trainings are vital for both customers and S.S.A.B.

“The most important thing is customer awareness,” said Mrs. Leung Wai.

“It strengthens their partnership with Kyocera to talk directly to the consumers using the product or platform to identify the expectation and advice in terms on how to improve their services.”

“This is a good opportunity for them to also directly give feedback to our partners in New Zealand.”

Asked about the possibility of the trainings being conducted by locals in the future, Mrs. Leung Wai was optimistic.

“At the moment, our I.T guys George and Sipili can do these trainings,” she said. “However we still want these guys from overseas to conduct the training so that they can show us if they have new products.”

“Another reason is that our I.T guys are really busy with setting up these new products in our customers’ offices so they wouldn’t have the time to do the training.”

General Manager of Kyocera New Zealand, Duncan Glynn, said the company is pleased to be able to do business in Samoa, especially with such reliable partners as S.S.A.B.