The OffsetISLANDS 2014, which involved an action and awareness campaign supported by the Samoa Observer, had been successful in showing how Samoa was minimizing carbon emissions through recycling and renewable energies

Agricultural and development leaders dug deep to help offset the carbon footprint caused by the Third International Conference on Small

Island Developing States (S.I.D.S) in Samoa.

Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community co-ordinator, Karen Mapusua, rallied delegates attending the Organic Islands event to plant trees at Faleata Reserve.

It was a move to offset the thousands of plane journeys, imported goods and huge spikes in energy for the S.I.D.S meeting.

“There’s people here from all over the world and we have created all sorts of environmental damage just getting here I think,” says Mapusua.

“And this is a way of trying to put back, planting some trees, offsetting some carbon, connecting into the soil and leaving a tree behind.”

She says trees and agroforestry systems are really essential and integral to organic agriculture and the planting was also in support of Women in Business Development’s carbon offset programme.

Delegates who got their hands dirty included International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements president Andre Leu, The Technical Centre of Agricultural and Rural Co-operation director Dr Michael Hailu, Oxfam NZ director Rachael

Le Mesurier, NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs first secretary development Michael Upton, Women in Business Development board members and Pacific Island Association of Non-Governmental Organisation representatives.

Women in Business Development executive director, Adimaimalaga Tafuna’i, says the OffsetISLANDS 2014, which involved an action and awareness campaign supported by the Samoa Observer, had been successful in showing how Samoa was minimizing carbon emissions through recycling and renewable energies.

“We produced more than 20 stories about carbon offsetting. We know we can still do better by planting more trees to stabilize our coastlines as well as stopping the practice of burning garden waste, which is something that has to be tackled at a village level.”

“To everyone that planted trees or composted to offset the SIDS meeting, we are extremely grateful.”

Mapusua says that around 40 trees were planted at Faleata. “I think everyone was really touched to be able to do that. So we’re supporting our partners and trying to walk the talk and contribute to conserving our environment.”

The tree-planting event was supported by the Samoa Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, which provided trees, staff and tools.

“It shouldn't be swept under the carpet. We want to pursue (this matter) to the end and do our duty” – Tu’u’u Anasi’i Leota

A group of Members of Parliament calling for justice to be served in relation to findings of “collusion” and “corrupt practises” in certain government bodies, by the Controller and Chief Auditor and backed by the Officers of Parliament Committee, continue to wait.

According to a member of the group and Siumu M.P, Tu’u’u Anasi’i Leota, they will not give up and are keenly waiting for the next Parliamentary session, when the government is expected to respond.
Parliament is schedule to reconvene early next month.

That’s when Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, is expected to table the government’s response to the Officers of Parliament Committee (O.P.C) findings on the Controller and Chief Auditor’s 2009 report.

During an interview with the Samoa Observer this week, Tu’u’u reminded that it is their duty to pursue the matter.

“We are still waiting for the government to respond,” Tu’u’u said.

The Associate Minister of Education, Sports and Culture said just because the government has taken a while to respond, it does not mean the issue should be forgotten.

“It shouldn't be swept under the carpet. We want to pursue (this matter) to the end and do our duty.”

Tu’u’u was not aware that the government has been given an extension by the Speaker of Parliament, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata’ivao, to table their response. 

While La’auli is overseas and could not be contacted for a comment, he is quoted by the Talamua Media as saying that the deadline for the government has been extended. The Speaker did not specify when the extension will end but he pointed out that it was done due to a request from the government.

Asked about this, Tu’u’u said Members of Parliament should have been informed about this.

“Such a change should be announced in Parliament, not outside (of the House),” said Tu’u’u.

The Samoa Observer was told that the delay is due to the Attorney General’s Office and the Audit Office.

Asked for a comment, the Controller and Chief Auditor, Fuimaono Camillo Afele, denied this.

“The report is that of the O.P.C based on the reports of the Audit Office,” he said, adding that the “responses should be that of the Executive Government."

“The Audit Office is outside of the Executive Government as far as the separation of the three branches is concerned.”

An email sent to the Attorney General Aumua Ming Leung Wai was not responded to at press time.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker Agafili Patisela Eteuati declined to comment on the extension. Asked yesterday, he said: “I cannot respond to that, I’m not in the office at the moment.”

Asked when he would be available, Agafili said he wouldn’t be as he was leaving the country.

Last month, the Associate Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang demanded 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 and they should be held accountable.

“I really want to bring these people to account and be brought to justice,” Papali’i told the Samoa Observer during a recent interview. “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 asked. “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.”

When Prime Minister Tuilaepa was asked about the delay in the government’s response, he said it was none of “your business.”

Tuilaepa said he doesn’t know “what they’re waiting for”.

“When it comes to meetings, whether it’s a rugby team, volleyball team, church, Parliament or the United Nations, there is always a set agenda. On the agenda is where all the issues for a meeting are listed.”

A 48-year-old Police officer has been suspended for refusing to take a breathalyzer test after he skidded off the road at Vaiusu last Saturday.

He narrowly missed a young boy who was on the road at the time of the incident.

The officer was under the influence of alcohol.

What’s more, he was travelling on a police motorbike he had taken from the Police headquarters without permission from the Police.

Confirmation of the incident and the suspension of the officer came from Assistant Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu, yesterday.

According to him the officer had taken off on a Police motorbike after attending an office party on the night of the incident.

“He was taken into custody and charged for refusing to take a breathalyzer test,” said Fauono. “Just because he is an officer does not stop us from doing our job.”

The officer was not injured and the motorbike was not damaged.

The officer is scheduled to appear in Court on 23 September.

BEING MENTORED: The Pacific Business Mentoring programme has completed a four day training for business. The training was conducted by Robyn Putt and Jon Brewerton from New Zealand and covered Business Planning, Business Finance and Customer Service. Nineteen participants from 17 various private sector companies attended the workshop.

Participants commented that the training was very helpful in strengthening their current business practices as well as identifying new methods that can be implemented within their businesses.

The programme also included a networking function hosted by the New Zealand High Commission which clients of the Pacific Business Mentoring Programme attended. The training programme is a fully funded New Zealand Aid Programme aimed to create employment and assist with economic development.

“The daily collection not being banked on a daily basis is really not a result of using cash to pay for some operating expenses as stated above” – Samoa Shipping Corporation

The Samoa Shipping Corporation (S.S.C.) has disputed the findings by the Controller and Chief Auditor, Fuimaono C.G. Afele.

In his 2011 report to the Legislative Assembly, Fuimaono noted a number of issues concerning the S.S.C during a spot check that was carried out by his office during the reporting period.

“The Corporation used daily collection to pay for some operating expenses that resulted in the daily collection not being banked on a daily basis,” the report reads.

“There were no supporting documents for some payments totalling $964 that were made from revenue collection.

“(Also), the internal control procedures for monitoring payments were not properly implemented by the Accounts section.”

In response to these issues, the Corporation said it wanted the Audit office to provide more details of some of the issues raised, and only then would it “furnish” a full explanation.

“The daily collection not being banked on a daily basis is really not a result of using cash to pay for some operating expenses as stated above,” the S.S.C. responded.

“This matter has been discussed during annual audits and we maintained that due to the amounts of passenger fares and freight refunds being paid out of cash plus the normal petty cash payments like the vessels food provisions and the time taken for the reimbursement cheque to be processed is the actual cause of the one day delay.

“A full detailed explanation can be furnished if more details are provided, like the voucher and cheque numbers.

“Some petty cash payments are made to vendors that do not issue invoices and receipts which is one reason for the absence of supporting documents.

“As stated…above we will furnish a full detailed explanation if more information is provided.”

The report is republished in full below:

Samoa Shipping Corporation 


Date of Spot Check: 2 August 2010

Summary of audit findings:

There was a lack of controls on monitoring tickets for “Rock da Boat” cruises. Tickets were printed out by the IT personnel and were manually numbered by the officer in charge.

The Corporation used daily collection to pay for some operating expenses that resulted in the daily collection not being banked on a daily basis.

There were no supporting documents for some payments totaling $964 that were made from revenue collection.

The internal control procedures for monitoring payments were not properly implemented by the Accounts section.

The Corporation responded as follows: 


●  The decision to print tickets in house in the initial stage of this service was to save costs and the control was the use of the logo. The tickets were manually numbered and recorded in register and the tickets were collected and matched against the register when presented during boarding. Audit recommendations have been considered and the tickets are now pre-numbered and printed at a local printing company;

● The daily collection not being banked on a daily basis is really not a result of using cash to pay for some operating expenses as stated above. This matter has been discussed during annual audits and we maintained that due to the amounts of passenger fares and freight refunds being paid out of cash plus the normal petty cash payments like the vessels food provisions and the time taken for the reimbursement cheque to be processed is the actual cause of the one day delay;

● A full detailed explanation can be furnished if more details are provided; like the voucher and cheque numbers. Some petty cash payments are made to vendors that do not issue invoices and receipts which is one reason for the absence of supporting documents;

● As stated in 3 above we will furnish a full detailed explanation if more information is provided.

Samoa and the United Nations Development Programme (U.N.D.P) yesterday signed a new project, worth US$1million (T$2.3m) to step up efforts to meet obligations under the Rio Conventions on biodiversity, climate change and desertification.

The “Capacity for Implementing Rio Conventions in Samoa” project will mainstream the Conventions into national development plans and strengthen the legislative and regulatory instruments that govern them.

The Global Environment Facility (G.E.F) funds the project with support from the Government of Samoa and U.N.D.P.

“The project will strengthen capacities to develop policy and legislation related to the Rio conventions,” said Anne Rasmussen, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E), the implementing partner of the project.

“Increasing public awareness regarding these conventions is a key priority for the Government of Samoa”.

The project will develop knowledge and skillsets and engage key stakeholders as partners and collaborators. These stakeholders will be actively involved in the review of tools and mechanisms to better deliver the Rio Convention obligations. Stakeholders will also be involved in the review of environmental legal instruments, policies and frameworks to mainstream the Rio Conventions into national and sector specific strategies.

The signing of the new project comes shortly after Samoa hosted the highly successful conference on Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S) where biodiversity and climate change were some of the key topics.

“As underscored by Samoa and many other island states during the Small Island Developing states conference, climate change adaptation and mitigation is crucial for SIDS countries,” said Lizbeth Cullity, the U.N.D.P Resident Representative to Samoa.

“Through improved understanding, use and enforcement of the obligations of the Rio conventions by communities, citizens, political leaders, public and private sector representatives, Samoa takes an important step forward with this project.”

Because of the wide range of laws, strategies, frameworks and policies governing the environmental sector, there is a need to streamline the available tools to achieve more effective implementation and enforcement of the Convention objectives.

“We are looking forward to a joint effort by all stakeholders to meet Samoa’s obligations to the Rio Conventions,” said Peseta Noumea Simi, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance.

“By raising public awareness, building partnerships and amending current environmental legal instruments where appropriate, this project will enable Samoa to reach the outcomes listed the Rio conventions, protect our biodiversity and prepare and adapt to climate change.”

Seven eye specialists from Fiji are in Samoa to make a difference, thanks to assistance from the Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand.

And since the beginning of the week, hundreds of patients have been flocking to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital to take advantage of the services available. The team is in the country for a week.

The services are being provided free of charge.

For patient, Tulua Fale Molia, from Lutuanu’u, the visit from the group is a god-send.

“The service provided is great,” said Tulua. “It is worth a trip to the hospital for. I had problems with my eyesight but now I have been checked and have been given some medication.

“I feel much better. My advice to all the patients is to keep staying on the medication, they are working.”
Tautala Tolia, of Fa’ato’ia, was equally excited.

“My retinas remained detached but I kept believing and thanking the Lord for my healing through this team from New Zealand.”

“I kept declaring, “As Jesus is, so am I in this world, and I also prayed and believing for a good report. With the help of this team, I have been healed.”

The Fred Hollows Foundation carries on the work of a very special New Zealander, the late Professor Fred Hollows (1929-1993). Fred was an internationally acclaimed eye surgeon and social justice activist who championed the right of all people to high quality and affordable eye care.

The Fred Hollows Foundation was established in Sydney, Australia, on 3 September 1992, just five months before Professor Fred Hollows passed away.

In New Zealand, as of 2011, the Foundation trained 44 Pacific eye health workers, restored sight to 6,886 people, screened and treated 6,357 people at its diabetes eye clinic in Fiji, held 14 surgical outreaches in remote communities in the Pacific Islands, and dispensed spectacles to more than 7,069 patients.

The children cared for at the Samoa Victim Support Group’s shelter facilities are once again receiving treatment from Dr. Toby Hall .

He is a Chiropractor and provider of treatment for back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain and sports and injury for Lotus Chiropractic in Wellington New Zealand.

As part of his support for the children survivors of violence and sexual abuse under the Shelter’s care, Toby, as he is known among the children, is back to offer his help.

Dr. Hall’s volunteer service for Victim Support includes week-long visits four times a year.

With a majority of these children having endured abuse in the homes at such young ages, Dr. Hall’s volunteer service is always looked forward to with anticipation and a welcome support for the children.

President Lina Chang is grateful for the continued support from Dr. Hall and the Victim Support’s association with Lotus Chiropractic of Wellington New Zealand.

“The reason we went to Swains is because it’s pristine, it’s uninhabited and pretty much untouched. Its coral reefs are amazing.”

The voyaging canoes Hokulea and Hikianalia are on the move again.

They left Swains Island on Sunday and are heading back to Pago Pago in American Samoa, bringing to a close the part of the journey that begins to delve into caring for the Earth’s oceans.

“It’s like opening a new chapter on our three-year educational campaign on protection of the world’s oceans,” said navigator Nainoa Thompson.

Weather prevented the canoes from going to Tokelau and the Phoenix Islands, both of which are challenged by climate change.

But they did get to to tiny Swains Island, north of Samoa. The tracking map shows three days of movement as Swains is poor in safe mooring spots, but it is rich in biodiversity.

“The reason we went to Swains is because it’s pristine, it’s uninhabited and pretty much untouched. Its coral reefs are amazing.”

The canoes also went to Swains at the request of the Samoan community.

At one time it was inhabited, with a 100-year, family-owned copra, or dried coconut industry.

When they heard Hokulea and Hikianalia was coming, the family returned to aloha the canoes.

“They brought up family members from Seattle, San Diego, Miami, Hawaii, Samoa, all came together just to go to Swains. Some of them who are in their 60s right now, and haven’t been back to Swains since they left when they were seven years old.”

Thompson says the family is committed to protecting Swains and Hokulea can help by telling its story.

A crew member decided to stay, Henk Rogers of Blue Planet Foundation, which works on creative ways to get Hawaii sustainable.

“He stayed with the family in Swains to help them envision how they can look at sustainability, primarily from the area of energy.”

Hokule’a and Hikianalia end this leg of the voyage in American Samoa today.

The voting booth for New Zealand citizens on holiday or living in Samoa located at the New Zealand High Commission closes today at 4.30pm.

Deputy High Commissioner, Sophie Vickers said the booth at the High Commission is open to New Zealand citizens every election. 

This time round, it has been opened since 3 September, allowing kiwis in Samoa to cast their votes.

The New Zealand election will be held tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Ms. Vickers is urging New Zealanders in Samoa who want to cast their votes to “come in early so there is no huge rush.”

Asked how many people have come in to vote in Apia so far, she said “it is not like a huge amount but it is pretty consistent.” 

The voters consist of “a mixture of people on holiday and people living here.” 

The Samoa Observer caught up with one of them yesterday.

Brother Brian Stanaway was at the Office to cast his vote.

“I am happy to vote and it’s my duty,” he said. 

The kiwi is working in Samoa as a teacher at St. Joseph’s College.

Brother Brian says that as a teacher, he feels it is his responsibility and duty to explain the importance of voting to his students, making them understand the process. 

Although he didn’t say whom he voted for, his message to other New Zealanders in Samoa is simple.

“Come in and cast your vote.”s equal" pitch.

New Zealand's election campaign has been bitter and bizarre, unable to shake off the long shadows cast by an internet mogul and a blogger.

Opinion polls suggest Prime Minister To’osavili John Key's National Party may cling to power tomorrow, after the real polls close on Saturday night, but it will be close.

If To’osavili prevails for the centre-right, he will have overcome allegations of government dirty tricks - based on the hacked emails of burly blogger Cameron Slater, aka Whale Oil, that resulted in Justice Minister Judith Collins being forced to resign from cabinet.

And a feud with German giant Kim Dotcom meant To’osavili, 53 and a fellow self-made multimillionaire, had to spend much of this week batting away claims that the nation's GCSB spy agency is engaged in mass surveillance of its citizens.

Mr. Dotcom, who is fighting extradition to the US to face internet piracy charges, hosted an event in Auckland on Monday featuring WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and US National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden (both via video link), as well as US investigative journalist Glenn Greenwald to assert the spying allegations.

To’osavili retorted that the public was sick of hearing allegations from "a bunch of foreigners" trying to influence the election.

"On Saturday we go to the polls and very, very few people are going to vote on the basis of the nonsense being parroted on Monday night," he said.

Mr. Dotcom, who formed his own Internet Party to contest the election, had spruiked Monday's extravaganza as a bombshell to show

To’osavili had lied about not knowing of his existence until a day before his mansion - in To’osavili’s electorate north of Auckland - was raided on behalf of the FBI in 2012.

The "bomb" didn't go off.

It was an email purporting to be from one Hollywood chief executive to another in 2010, implicating To’osavili in a plot to grant NZ residency to the then Hong Kong-based Mr. Dotcom so he could be extradited to the US.

Warner Brothers, whose boss supposedly sent the email, said it was a fake.

But genuine emails previously released to media show NZ's other spy agency, the SIS, had blocked Mr. Dotcom's residency application before being advised of "political pressure".

The intrigue emanating from Slater's hacked emails includes:

• Indications To’osavili’s office used its knowledge of secret SIS documents to tip off Mr. Slater to attack the Labour Party's leader in the 2011 election campaign

• Ms. Collins emailing Mr. Slater information about a public servant who then received death threats on the Whale Oil site.

• A suggestion that Ms. Collins undermined the Serious Fraud Office's boss when she was minister in charge of the S.F.O.

She quit as minister over the latter allegation, vowing to clear her name.

With so many sideshows, including National being sued for copyright breach in using one of rapper Eminem's tunes in its advertising, parties have struggled to push their policies to the public.

National has largely campaigned on economic performance, restoring the nation's coffers from the double whammy of the global financial crisis and Christchurch earthquakes. It has the budget back on the brink of a modest surplus and holds out the prospect of modest tax cuts in 2017 (another election year).

The main opposition party, Labour, promises to introduce a capital gains tax and raise taxes for higher-income earners.

Along with the third-ranked Greens, Labour says the country's economic improvement hasn't trickled down to ordinary Kiwis and has flowed more from cows' udders than any lever-pulling inside parliament.

Latest polls show support for National at about the 47 per cent level it took power with in 2011, alongside its ACT, United Future and Maori Party partners.

Labour's support has dropped since David Cunliffe took over as leader a year ago to about 25 per cent, but if support for the Greens and Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters' NZ First Party holds up, 51-year-old Mr. Cunliffe could end up as prime minister.

Vaovasa, now 69, has decided previous knife-edge elections, doing deals that led to him being finance minister under National and then foreign minister under Labour.

Colleagues of the late Ualetenese Papali’i Taimalelagi Saumani paid tribute to his contribution to Samoa last night during a farewell service for the President of the Journalists Association of (Western) Samoa (J.A.W.S).

Held at his family home at Fa’atoia, the service was attended by government workers, members of the media as well as Uale’s relatives and friends.

Uale was working for the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as the Press Secretary when he passed away.

His colleagues remembered Uale as someone whom they look to, to calm a storm. They also recalled a man who was not afraid to give honest advice.

“When it comes to the Prime Minister he was not afraid to tell him what he believes should be done,” a colleague recalled.

Among the speakers was Press Secretariat Officer, Asenati Tauasolo Semu, who joked that she was Uale’s tea lady.

Mrs. Semu said Uale was a funny man who would often scold her if she didn't make his coffee right.

On a serious note, she said that if there is one thing she remembers about her boss, it was his love of music.

“He loves playing his ukulele,” she said.

“Sometimes when I’m doing work, he will tell me to drop everything I’m doing and go get his ukulele…he treated us like his children and when he tells us off, he is also challenging us.”

Journalist Aigaifetu Leiataualesa also spoke about Uale’s talents.

In her eulogy, she remembered Uale from when he was a teacher at the Malua Theological College.

She said he was not only a family member but Uale was someone who would come to her for advice about family and music.

The Manu Samoa Sevens team will not compete in the Kenya Sevens tournament this year over fears of the deadly ebola virus.

Speaking to the media yesterday, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, who is also the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, said the players’ safety is the Union’s priority.

Given reports about the virus escalating in that part of the world, the Union has decided not to send the team.

“The team was stopped (from participating in the Kenya Sevens) last week,” said the Tuilaepa.

“There is always another day.

“Someone might go and get infected and might pass it on and killing us…I told them that there is always another day.”

So far, ebola has killed 2,461 people in West Africa.

The accused was escorted back by two United States government agents.

A fugitive found in the United States of America and sent back to Samoa, accused of raping four students with special needs, has pleaded not guilty to 23 charges against him.

Vaiaoga Leatuvao entered the plea in the Supreme Court.

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

The defendant’s lawyer, Te’o Richard Fa’aiuaso, submitted an application for his client to be released on bail.

His Honour Chief Justice Patu rejected the application.

Precious Chang was the lawyer for Attorney General’s office.

The hearing has been adjourned until 26th January 2015.

Meanwhile, Mr. Leatuvao, 37, will remain in custody at the Tafa’igata Prison.

He was sent back to Samoa from the United States of America when he failed to appear before the Court to face the multiple sex offences.

The accused was escorted back by two United States government agents.

According to information provided by the United States government, Leatuvao, went to America on a six-month visitor's visa in September 2012.

In July 2013, the Samoan government charged Leatuvao with raping four female students at a Samoan school for disabled children.

A schizophrenic man who burnt the national flag was discharged in the District Court on Wednesday.

Fa’atuai Paepae, of Safata, pleaded not guilty to a charge of burning the flag in front of the government building in April 2012.

In Court, a medical report confirmed that Paepae suffers from schizophrenia. The condition is a mental disorder often characterized by abnormal social behavior and failure to recognize what is real.

According to the experts, common symptoms include false beliefs, unclear or confused thinking, auditory hallucinations, reduced social engagement and emotional expression, and inactivity.

District Court Judge, her Honour Mata Tuatagaloa presided over the matter.

On Wednesday, the Police asked the Court for the charge to be withdrawn because of the defendant’s state of mind. Prosecuting was

Richard Ah Ching also referred to the medical report, saying the man had refused to take his medication.

Judge Tuatagaloa accepted the application.

But she warned Paepae.

“Fa’atuai we will not proceed with the matter today as I have discussed with the police to have it withdrawn because you have a mental disorder,” she said.

“But the next time you are brought in, you won’t be given a second chance.”

On 12th April 2012, Paepae walked up to the flagpole in front of the government building. He pulled it down, lit it up and then raised it again.

Chikungunya has hit the village of Leauva’a the hardest with the Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) reporting more than 460 people presenting with the virus nation wide.

In the latest alert, the Director General of Health Leausa Dr Take Naseri reports that his Ministry continues to observe the situation.

He said most of the cases recorded were young people under the age of 35 years, with the majority of these patients being under four years of age.

“The Chikungunya (CHIKV) outbreak in Samoa continues to be monitored by the M.O.H.,” Leausa said.

“So far, presentation of the main signs and symptoms of those affected, have largely been mild with acute fever and rash, and joint pains."

“This report includes further test results of samples taken in August, whereby the Lab has confirmed 42 of 115 samples, 36 per cent, as CHIKV infection."

“As of July 21 to September 7, 2014, there is now a cumulative total of 461 cases of suspected and confirmed Chikungunya cases.”

Leausa reports the most affected areas continue to be the densely populated Apia Urban Area (A.U.A.) and North West Upolu (N.W.U.).

“By now many more cases are being reported from outer lying areas in Savaii and rural Upolu,” he said.

“(The) attack rate for Samoa is currently at 2.5 per 1,000.”

According to the World Health Organisation (W.H.O), an attack rate is defined as the proportion of those who became ill after a specified exposure.
So when looking at the distribution of Chickungunya cases by districts, Leauva’a, in Gagaemauga 1, has the highest attack rate per 1,000 (see above table).

While 112 cases have been reported to the Ministry in Faleata East and Vaimauga West has presented with 104 cases to date, with their large populations of 12,630 and 24,105 their attack rate is much lower.

According to the Ministry, with 16 recorded cases and a population of on 1,404, Leauva’a has a much higher attack rate of 11.4 per 1,000.

Looking now to Public Health measures, Leausa said they were ongoing and include vector control by source reduction, that is chemical spraying and continued clean up.

“(The) multi-media campaign messages and health promotion and awareness programs on Chikungunya and source reduction (continues),” he said.

“(There is also) continued surveillance and reporting.”

Leausa advises the public to seek medical consultation if very ill. 


For further information contact Ministry of Health at 68100.

“Justin Timberlake is #1 entertainer in the world, and by nominating the Common Kings to tour with JT is an honour. Seventeen shows in Australia and New Zealand are sold out”

Legendary musician, Faanana Jerome Grey, is thrilled that one of his sons is set to share the stage with Justin Timberlake, a man regarded as the number 1 entertainer in the world.

Fa’anana’s delight comes following the announcement by Sony Music New Zealand that Common Kings has been conformed as the support act for the Timberlake shows in October .

Fa’anana’s son, Taumata Grey, is the guitarist in the group. Other members are Lui Kirmaua, bassist, JR Maliga, lead singer and Jerome Taito, drummer.

In an email to the Samoa Observer, Fa’anana said Common Kings has come a long way.

“I’m just a proud father, knowing my son Taumata and his fellow musicians have come along way to enter the US mainstream,” he said.

“Justin Timberlake is #1 entertainer in the world, and by nominating the Common Kings to tour with JT is an honour. Seventeen shows in

Australia and New Zealand are sold out.”

Speaking about his son, Fa’anana said Taumata loves Samoa.

“This is his home island where he started singing in the 9:15 choir at Mulivai with the rest of my kids.”

“University of Irvine California was where he majored music, and he has become a great songwriter/vocalist, and guitarist.”

There is a very strong Pacific influence in the group.

“JR Maliga is the lead singer, his mother is Hawaiian and father from Aunuu American Samoa. Jerome Taito is the drummer, and he hails from Tonga. Last but least is Ivan Kirimau the bassist and he is from Fiji.”

Their sound reflects their roots and also their diverse upbringing – with the group producing phenomenal pop hits reflecting their love of rock, reggae, and R&B influences.

Getting to share the same stage as chart-topping star Justin Timberlake is another impressive achievement in what is quickly becoming a sizable list of successes for the band including opening slots for mega recording artists such as Brian

McKnight, Fergie, and UB40.

Three young lawyers were admitted to the bar yesterday morning during a ceremony held in the Supreme Court before the Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu.

The lawyers were Taulesulu Matau Matafeo, of Vaiusu-uta, Lagafuaina Fa'aiuga Tavita, of Sinamoga and Posesione Abarquiz Toma of Vaimoso.

Chief Justice Patu welcomed the new legal eagles to the fraternity and encouraged them to keep learning.

He stressed that the time they studied to get to where they are today was only the beginning of a journey to learn about the ins and outs of the law.

Yesterday’s ceremony was well attended by relatives, friends and supporters of the trio.

The Chief Justice said that in one year or so, their law degrees will no longer matter. What each of them does as lawyers instead will depend on how much they want to improve.

“It depends on commitment, perseverance and good character,” he said.

“Your days as legal students are over [but] your education as lawyers must continue.”

Quoting the President of the Samoa Law Society, Mareva Betham Annandale, he reiterated that “‘one who graduated yesterday and stops learning today will be uneducated tomorrow.’”

Lastly, Chief Justice Patu reminded them to “be humble and don’t forget your beginnings.”

Chikungunya has hit the village of Leauva’a the hardest with the Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) reporting more than 460 people presenting with the virus nation wide.

In the latest alert, the Director General of Health Leausa Dr Take Naseri reports that his Ministry continues to observe the situation.

He said most of the cases recorded were young people under the age of 35 years, with the majority of these patients being under four years of age.

“The Chikungunya (CHIKV) outbreak in Samoa continues to be monitored by the M.O.H.,” Leausa said.

“So far, presentation of the main signs and symptoms of those affected, have largely been mild with acute fever and rash, and joint pains."

“This report includes further test results of samples taken in August, whereby the Lab has confirmed 42 of 115 samples, 36 per cent, as CHIKV infection."“As of July 21 to September 7, 2014, there is now a cumulative total of 461 cases of suspected and confirmed Chikungunya cases.”

Leausa reports the most affected areas continue to be the densely populated Apia Urban Area (A.U.A.) and North West Upolu (N.W.U.).

“By now many more cases are being reported from outer lying areas in Savaii and rural Upolu,” he said.

“(The) attack rate for Samoa is currently at 2.5 per 1,000.”

According to the World Health Organisation (W.H.O), an attack rate is defined as the proportion of those who became ill after a specified exposure.

So when looking at the distribution of Chickungunya cases by districts, Leauva’a, in Gagaemauga 1, has the highest attack rate per 1,000 (see above table).

While 112 cases have been reported to the Ministry in Faleata East and Vaimauga West has presented with 104 cases to date, with their large populations of 12,630 and 24,105 their attack rate is much lower.

According to the Ministry, with 16 recorded cases and a population of on 1,404, Leauva’a has a much higher attack rate of 11.4 per 1,000.

Looking now to Public Health measures, Leausa said they were ongoing and include vector control by source reduction, that is chemical spraying and continued clean up.

“(The) multi-media campaign messages and health promotion and awareness programs on Chikungunya and source reduction (continues),” he said.

“(There is also) continued surveillance and reporting.”

Leausa advises the public to seek medical consultation if very ill.

For further information contact Ministry of Health at 68100.

A fugitive found in the United States of America and sent back to Samoa, accused of raping four students with special needs, has pleaded not guilty to 23 charges against him.

Vaiaoga Leatuvao entered the plea in the Supreme Court.

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

The defendant’s lawyer, Te’o Richard Fa’aiuaso, submitted an application for his client to be released on bail.

His Honour Chief Justice Patu rejected the application.

Precious Chang was the lawyer for Attorney General’s office.

The hearing has been adjourned until 26th January 2015.

Meanwhile, Mr. Leatuvao, 37, will remain in custody at the Tafa’igata Prison.

He was sent back to Samoa from the United States of America when he failed to appear before the Court to face the multiple sex offences

The accused was escorted back by two United States government agents.

According to information provided by the United States government, Leatuvao, went to America on a six-month visitor's visa in September 2012.

In July 2013, the Samoan government charged Leatuvao with raping four female students at a Samoan school for disabled children.