“This is something we are passionate about, to prove that the low decile number our school has is only a number. There are a lot of good things that’s happening in Manurewa High School. We have everything we need here at the school”

A young Samoan female with roots in Salelologa Savai’i is among the brightest sparks at Manurewa High School in South Auckland, New Zealand.

Milefoti Fonoia is part of a group from the school called Black Bulb Co., which has recently won what’s called the Dragons Den business award. Other group members include Wilson Lesa, Roniella Sebastian and Naota Atiana.

The group earned the accolade with their presentation of a delicious gourmet called the Black Garlic Aioli – a product they describe as a “dark horse in the market that is jokey-ed by our passion for food diversity.”

The Dragons Den is a Youth Enterprise Scheme (YES) challenge aimed at school students to have a taste of a career in business. They create a company, set up roles and appoint individuals, develop, manufacture or import, market and sell the product.

“Our target market is only to the high end cuisine users because we’ve taken the high end cuisine ingredients used at the high-end restaurants,” said Ms. Fonoia.

“We are a small company from a low decile school from south Auckland. It was an eye-opening competing against other schools who are high-deciled – for us it was all about motivation to be the best against those high deciled schools.”

Manurewa High School is one of the largest multi-cultural schools in New Zealand.

The decile 2 high school in the south of Auckland has been the nurturing place for a stars such as former All Blacks hard man Mark Cooksley, Counties Manukau and Chiefs rugby star Tim Nanai-Williams, Canterbury rugby league star Greg

Eastwood as well as TV newsreader Wendy Petrie.

Manurewa, through the group, is back in the limelight.

Members of Black Bulb acknowledge the school, their teachers and the community for their success. They say they want to share with the achievement with the people of south Auckland, especially as the final was at the Vodafone Events

Centre in Manukau City – their home turf.

“To win it in front of our community was awesome,” said Mele Lo’manu, a very close friend of Ms. Fonoia.

“This is something we are passionate about, to prove that the low decile number our school has is only a number. There are a lot of good things that’s happening in Manurewa High School. We have everything we need here at the school.”

Ms. Fonoia is planning to study at Otago University next year, although her parents may have something to say about that. Her parents are and had been her staunch supporters during the Dragons Den competition, their continuous support and encouragements is something she is very grateful for.

Next in line for the Black Bulb Co. is the regional competition to showcase their product, then the nationals in Wellington.

Ms. Lo’amanu described her friend as very committed and passionate about her goals, academically and the business venture.

“She is a determined girl, a great friend with a bright future. For us, growing up in south Auckland with the negative perceptions can be hard but we’ve found it a great place to live – there is no other place greater than south Auckland,” said

Ms Lo’amanu.

“Manurewa High may be a decile two school but it doesn’t affect our learning skills. All in all, a lot of our students are of good stock and high achievers. These four students in the Black Bulb Co. not only want to achieve for south Auckland, they want to achieve for New Zealand and beyond.”

Ms. Fonoia, whose favourite All Black is Julian Savea along with the South Sydney rugby league club, hails from the village of Salelologa.

After a period in Australia, her family moved back and chose south Auckland to be their home base. It’s a decision that had worked quite well for her.

Manurewa High School and Ms. Fonoia, along with her three friends who entered the Dragons Den, had been good for each other.

BATTLING FIRE: A raging fire at this property in the heart of the Vaitele industrial zone yesterday evening brought fear to nearby businesses and residents.

They could only watch on as the Fire and Emergency Service Authority (F.E.S.A) battled to bring the blaze under control. They were still hosing it down at nightfall. What caused the fire could not be determined at press time. No one was injured but the property was completely gutted.

Radio Polynesia celebrated its 25th birthday yesterday at its Savalalo office.

For the Owner and businessman, Maposua Rudolf Keil, it was a time to reflect on the station’s journey from its humble beginnings when it first opened on 30 September 1989, at Mauga o Fiamoe.

Acting Prime Minister, Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau, congratulated Maposua and his staff, noting that Radio Polynesia only started with one station.

“After twenty five years, Radio Polynesia has now five stations,” said Tuisuga.

“I acknowledge the hard work that Maposua has put in his business and today we have witnessed the blessings that he received after years of hard work and sweat, and having been criticized by so many people as he was trying to build his business.

“Therefore, thank you for the great service in entertaining the country through this magnificent radio station.”

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Maposua said the journey has not been easy.

“I was called ‘stupid’ by some of my friends because I had no experience in starting a business like this and that I had never worked in a radio station,” he said. “However, this was something that I have always wanted to achieve. I have always dreamt of owning a radio station and so I did, but it wasn’t easy.”

Radio Polynesia started with six employees. Fast forward to today, it employs 25 people.

“It’s something that I will always and forever thank God for,” he said. “If it wasn’t for his kindness and love, I wouldn’t be able to come this far and achieve so much".

In 2000, the station relocated from Mauga Fiamoe to Savalalo, where it is still serving and entertaining thousands of Samoans.

Asked why it relocated, Maposua said the radiofrequency (RF Radiation) was affecting his health and his doctor, Professor Harvey White, advised him to move from the area.

Yesterday, Maposua acknowledged his son, Maposua Corey Keil and wife Olga Keil for their dedication to make the station work.

Maposua also thanked the former Prime Minister, the late Tofilau Eti Alesana and his government for giving him the opportunity to open a radio station that has only grown from strength to strength since 1989.

“…maintaining our way of life or fa’asamoa while meeting demands for change and development is challenging and to have a programme such as the Pacific Parliamentary Partnership is an initiative that encourages proper processes and support so that the Samoan Parliament effectively represent her people”

A 13 members delegation from the Parliament of Samoa including staff of the Legislative Assembly, has returned home after a three-day meeting with members of the Tasmania Parliament last week.

Led by the Speaker of the House, La’auli Polata’ivao Schmidt, the visit is part of the Samoa Parliamentary Support Project, under the twinning programme known as Pacific Parliamentary Partnerships, which started in 2000.

Samoa a relatively safe, and prosperous country with a stable government and intact traditional way of life, hasn’t suffered the political and economic upheavals that typically draw the attention of the international community.

However, as Samoa continues to grow, so too are the countries challenges.

Samoa’s opposition party whip, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, said “maintaining our way of life or fa’asamoa while meeting demands for change and development is challenging, and to have a programme such as the Pacific Parliamentary Partnership is an initiative that encourages proper processes and support, so that the Samoan Parliament effectively represents her people.”

Speaker La’auli, who also heads the Samoa Legislative Assembly said, funding and structural constraints have made the services needed to support the operations of a truly representative parliament unavailable, having such programme in place would enable Samoa to tackle these challenges and improve the Samoa Legislative Assembly’s operations.

Clerk of the Samoan Legislative Assembly, Fepulea’i Ropati, said one key outcome of the program has been the establishment of the community outreach office, which aims to foster greater engagement between the parliament and the community.

He said it encourages participation and allows people to voice their concerns and opinions on matters pertaining to parliament. He said is also creates connections between people and their representatives.

Fundamental to the programme is the need to increase the number of women in the Samoa Parliament.

Previously there were only two female members of the parliament, but this number has increase to three recently with the election of Faimalotoa Kika Stowers, from the constituency of Gagaifomauga No. 1.

Faimalotoa who is part of the delegation, says increasing the participation of women in public life is one of the challenges for Samoa, however, changes are occurring and her hope is that the number of women in parliament will increase to five or more in the future.

Funded by AUSAID and coordinated by the United Nations Development Programme (U.N.D.P), the Samoa Parliamentary Support Project is administered by the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, while Australian, and Tasmanian

Parliament provides technical expertise assistance.

During a function hosted by the Tasmania Parliament for the delegation, Speaker of the House, Elise Archer commended the initiative saying the relationship between the two parliaments provides key opportunities for Samoa to learn from the

Australian experience, and also for Australia and Tasmania participants to better understand the challenges each other face.

The University of Tasmania (U.T.A.S) is also involved in this initiative in assisting with the training and development needs of the Legislative Assembly staff.

Deputy Dean and Associate Professor of the U.T.A.S Law School, Rick Snell spoke about the Samoan graduates of U.T.A.S and the valuable contribution they make to Samoan public life.

His hope is that more Samoan students will come to U.T.A.S to study law. Professor Snell also mentioned the valuable contribution made by Tasmanian Justice Slicer who served as a judge in Samoa from 2011 until 2014. The delegation returned last weekend.

“Our concern is the outcome will destroy the relationships between members of the family. If that happens in this generation, I am confident it could carry on to the next generation. So for the stability and harmony of your family, (I) have urged the lawyers to try mediation”

– Chief Justice Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu

The Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asu’e Falefatu Sapolu, has urged parties involved in a dispute over the transfer of a piece of land at Tuloto, Apia, to mediate.

The recommendation by his Honour Patu was made to the parties on Tuesday before the Supreme Court, when the civil claim was heard.

The complainant is the family of 70-year-old Maria Kolotita Kirita Pune. They claim that the transfer of the freehold land to its current owners; Samoa Stationery and Books, in a mortgagee sale, violated the law.

They allege that a caveat, which had been in place over the land, was illegally removed to allow the sale, since the Supreme Court had yet to deliver a decision in a case heard in 2003 over the piece of land in question.

The other parties in the matter are Mrs. Pune’s relative's, Molio’o T. Vaeluaga, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E), Samoa Stationery and Books (S.S.A.B) and Samoa Breweries.

Mrs. Pune was represented by lawyer, Leuluaiali’i Olinda Woodroffe, Lei’ataualesa Daryl Clarke acted for S.S.A.B while Donald Kerslake was present for M.N.R.E.

When the matter was called, Chief Justice Patu summoned the lawyers to his chamber. Some time later when they returned, he made an announcement.

“I have been discussing your case with your counsels - and others involved in this matter in chambers and I have urged and suggested to your counsels and other counsels for yourselves and the children of Molio’o T. Vaeluaga to enter into mediation, to try and resolve things yourselves,” His Honour Patu said.

The Chief Justice told Mrs. Pune that since she is the sister of Molilo’o, it makes his children her nieces and nephews.

“(They) are your flesh and bones,” he said. “The concern of the Court is with litigation, there will always be a winner and a loser."

“Our concern is that the outcome will destroy the relationships between members of the family. If that happens in this generation, I am confident it would carry on to the next generation."

“So for the stability and harmony of your family, (I) have urged the lawyers to try mediation.”

Outside the Court, lawyer Leuluaiali’i said her client does not believe that all aspects of their complaint could be addressed through mediation.

She said that while the dispute between the relatives could perhaps be smoothed over during the process, there were bigger issues at stake and matters of law that the Court must address.

For example, Leuluaiali’i claimed that her client is bitterly disappointed about the process through which the land was taken over where abuse of power is alleged to have been involved.

Mrs. Pune is also angry about the manner with which her family’s home that had been on the land was “bulldozed,” “demolished” and how the graves of her parents were dug up and removed “disrespectfully.”

Apart from that, Leuluaiali’i declined to discuss what happened in chamber.

She said she will be talking to her client to see if they will be willing to accept the recommendation from his Honour Chief Justice Patu for the parties to head to mediation.

It could not be ascertained when the next hearing will be.

The driver for the Speaker of Parliament, Fa’atau Lealofi Polataivao, accused of negligent driving causing death, has pleaded guilty to the charge against him.

Polata’ivao was charged in relation to a hit and run incident at Vaigaga during the S.I.D.S Conference in September.

The incident killed an Australia-based Samoan who came to help build his family’s home.

On Tuesday, the 37-year-old, who did not have a lawyer, appeared before District Court Judge, Her Honour Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren.

He pleaded guilty to negligent driving causing death and failing to report the incident to the police.

According to the summary of facts, the defendant on 3 September was driving a Toyota Hilux with the number plate 19334 when he hit Vincent Niu.

The deceased, 48-year-old, was on his way to the shop when he was hit.

The Prosecutor, Inspector Rosalia Matamua, made an application for bail.

Judge Tafaoimalo, however, denied the application. She sought reassurance from the Police if the defendant would be safe if he is released on bail.

The matter has been adjourned until 17 October for sentencing.

The Gaualofa is back in the water and is ready to set sail again.

This time, the vessel’s first mission is to lend its voice and support to a group from the Pacific sailing to Sydney for the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Parks Congress 2014.

The conference is scheduled to take place from November 12 until 19.

The Gaualofa will be accompanied there by Marumaru Atua from the Cook Islands as well as the Uto Ni Yalo from Fiji.

The Marumaru arrived in Samoa last weekend and together with the Gaualofa, are scheduled to set sail for Fiji.

Representative of the Samoa Voyaging Society, Leilua Ame Sene-Tanielu said the trip is part of the Mua Voyage.

“This Voyage, called “Mua”, aims to raise awareness of the Pacific and our commitment to conservation through our heritage and culture,” said a statement from the Society.

“The va’a will be the symbol of this commitment and one-ness of the Pacific people. The Mua Voyage is being coordinated by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) with support from the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).”

Leilua said Gaualofa would spend up to 10 days in Fiji getting some additional work done to make her and the other va’a ready for the sail to Sydney.

Gaualofa is crewed mostly by Samoans.

The vessel is supported by the government of Samoa through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture.

Other supporters include the Samoa Tourism Authority, South Pacific Cladding, China, United States of America, Japan, the Apia Yacht Club, Samoa Ports Authority and the Ministry of Revenue.

“It happened very slowly and for a long time, so people had a lot of time to pack their things and move away. Most of the journey was on foot because it wasn’t like nowadays with so many cars” - Fa’aso’otauloa, of Saleaula

It happened more than a century ago, but the stories passed down by ancestors are as vivid as the day when Mount Matavanu first came into existence.

“When the eruption occurred, it didn’t just explode once, the lava flowed for six years,” Elina Faaso’otauloa, of Saleaula village, recounted.

“Afterward, there was nothing, no trees, from here all the way to the sea.”

Today, Saleaula is a community of about 600 people on the northeast coast of Savai’i, the largest island in Samoa, which is located northeast of Fiji and near the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Known for its unspoiled rainforests and coastlines, it is also home to about 43,000 people, or a quarter of the country’s population, who mainly live by agriculture and fishing.

Now as you approach the village along the coastal road the view changes from palm-tree lined beaches to a barren blackened land that extends to the white-capped ocean waves on the horizon.

There was no warning in August, 1905, when the earth parted and molten magma burst into the sky. Soon a crater formed and lava spilled over the rim, spreading to the north through a deep river valley to a flat coastal plain and eventually into the sea.

For over half a decade the lava flowed until it covered 76 square kilometers comprising farmland, five villages, a lagoon and coral reefs off the coast.

Yet miraculously, no one died.

“It happened very slowly and for a long time, so people had a lot of time to pack their things and move away. Most of the journey was on foot because it wasn’t like nowadays with so many cars,” Fa’asootauloa explained.

Many believe villagers’ lives were protected by ancestral spirits, but those who saw their homes buried left Savai’i and never returned, eventually resettling on nearby Upolu Island in Salamumu and some cases Leauva’a.

For the past 40 years, the Lava Fields ecotourism site has been managed by the Saleaula Women’s Committee and with a small admission fee visitors are guided on a tour of the main sights, a ruined church and the Virgin’s Grave.

The former village church is now surrounded by a shaded oasis created by trees that have re-grown through cracks in the hardened ground.

But the sun now penetrates the interior, as the roof, which collapsed, is buried under a rock-like formation of lava, its swirling movement frozen in time.

Further along the tour path, a gaping hole in the lava field reveals an unmarked grave framed with brightly colored vegetation.

“In Samoa graves are kept near the family’s house, so this area had houses before and there were graves all over the place. All of them are covered now by the lava, but this one was saved,” my guide said.

The grave, which contains the remains of a daughter of a former village high chief, is an enigma because the lava flowed around, but never covered it. “In those times an unmarried woman was a very important lady in the village. We don’t

know the reason why she died, but she died unmarried and pure, and that is why she is called a virgin,” Fa’asootauloa said.

“We believe she was saved in God’s heaven.”

Then, without a sign, the eruption stopped in 1911, but it was another 70 years before people returned to live in the affected area. The new residents have come from further along the coast where rising seas, not lava, have threatened their homes. For them, the rock-like ground is safer than the disappearing coastline believed to be caused by climate change. Preserving and communicating the stories of Mount Matavanu’s eruption is also a way for rural families to earn a sustainable income. Lava field earnings have helped fund a new school building, housing and roads in Saleaula.

This is also the case for Matai’a Su’e and his family in the next village of Sato’alepai, which can be reached by a walk along the coastal road.

In the 1990s, they started developing an attraction where visitors can interact with green sea turtles, a species commonly found in Samoan waters. Now more than 20 turtles live in the large pool they have constructed in a wetlands area.

“We usually buy them from fishermen in the district, as they often catch them in fishing nets,” Sosefina, Matai’a Su’e’s daughter, explained.

“There are people who use their shells to make jewelry to sell at the market, so that’s why we bring them here and feed them for a year. When they become bigger we release them back to the ocean,” she continued.

From a thatched hut by the side of the pool, visitors can feed the turtles, which are herbivores, with slices of pawpaw and taro leaves, and more closely experience their gentle nature by swimming alongside them in the water.

Green turtles, named after the color of their cartilage and fat, mostly inhabit tropical waters and are known for long ocean migrations between hatching and feeding grounds of up to 4,000 kilometers. In Samoa, sea turtles are traditionally called i’a sa, or sacred fish, and are believed to guide lost fishermen to land, according to local stories.

However, their worldwide survival is threatened by over-exploitation for their skin, shells and eggs, as well as marine pollution, habitat loss and boat injuries. Thus, green turtles are now classified as endangered on the International Union for

Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

The “Swimming with Turtles” sight is not part of a conservation program and the family receives no external funding and support, but their modest earnings have been used to gradually enlarge the turtle pool and basic visitor facilities.

In a small way, Sosefina hopes that they are encouraging people to appreciate these special sea creatures and providing fishermen with incentive to save some from the market trade.

Christian Wengler, of Christchurch, New Zealand, is the early leader of the Ford Samoa Cycle Race after Day 1 of the Tour, yesterday.

Wengler won both stages on Day 1, the first being from Apia to Lalomanu and the second being from Lalomanu to Apia.

Both victories were in convincing style. 

The day started off on Beach Road at the Town Clock, which has become the landmark for cycling in Samoa.

After a photo session at the landmark at 6am, the riders then headed east towards the sunrise.

That was stunning scenery along the waterfront all the way to Le Mafa Pass.

The early start was marred by two punctures within the first 20km, to Bluesky rider Dave Leng. It cost him any chance of staying with the Kiwi from Christchurch.

Wengler went on to win Stage 1 of the day by five minutes over Elia Lasa.

Leng recovered with borrowed wheels to finish second in Stage 2 with Lasa third.

Liali'aalefao Daniel Afoa, who finished third in Stage 1, had his turn to sustain a puncture which meant he finished Stage 2 on the back of the Ford Race ute.

Day 2 today also has two stages with Stage 1 starting at 1pm from the Town Clock to Mulifanua via Aleisa.

Stage 2 of Day 2 is Salelologa to Manase.

Top 3 after Day 1
(Total time) 124kms
Christian Wengler, 4hrs 10mins 46secs
Dave Leng, 4:25:23
Elia Lasa, 4:43:37

“Vanuatu has very tender beef but we all know that in Samoa, regardless of whether the cattle is a baby, the meat is still tough. Why is this? Are we feeding them the correct grass? Is it because of the way they are being looked after by the farmers?” – Parliament told

The Head of the Livestock division within the Ministry of Agriculture says a new legislation before Parliament will introduce controls around the slaughter of animals.

The legislation is the Slaughter and Meat Supply Bill 2014, which proposes to set up a Slaughter House to certify meats for commercial use.

Leota Laumata told Radio New Zealand International that Samoa’s self-reliance on breeding its own cattle from imported livestock is currently threatened by the uncontrolled slaughter of animals to be sold or used for occasions such as funerals and traditional events.

Leota says the proposed legislation -- awaiting its third reading -- will also control meat processing to ensure food safety standards in Samoa.

Meanwhile, a second shipment of more than one hundred tropical sheep is due to arrive from Fiji next month, which is hoped to increase the number of locally-bred animals that can be sold to farmers.

When the legislation was discussed in Parliament earlier this year, Members of the House agreed that local steaks are tough. At the time, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, proposed a very simple solution if local cattle farmers want their steaks to be tender.

“The two most important things to do are to keep your cattle peaceful and select the appropriate grass to feed it with,” he said.

“Let’s remember that steaks are muscles. Now, think of the cattle as an athlete.

When an athlete trains too much, the muscles bulge out.

“The cattle is like that. If you keep the cattle peaceful and feed it with good grass, when it comes the time to slaughter it, the steak will be tender.”

The Minister was speaking during the second reading of the Bill.

The Bill also proposes to introduce two Mobile Units to help farmers around the country slaughter their animals.

During the debate, Falealili M.P., Tusa Misi Tupuola, raised a couple of questions.

“Our constituency has a lot of cattle farms but when I look at the bill and its implementation, there is only one Slaughter House and two mobile units,” he said.

“Please consider a plan appropriate for cattle farmers at Falealili and other constituencies in rural areas, so that their animals are slaughtered and the meat is preserved for its intended purposes.”

Tusa then drew attention to the Slaughter House’s opening hours.

“On Sunday and national holidays, I notice that the office to certify meat will not be opened,” he said.

“Let’s consider that there are many different events held on Sundays in Samoa.

“There are also many special occasions during national holidays. It could create tension between villages and the Ministry. I’m talking about funerals and weddings...”

Tusa also raised the issue about the quality of beef in Samoa.

“Vanuatu has very tender beef but we all know that in Samoa, regardless of whether the cattle is a baby, the meat is still tough,” he said.

“Why is this? Are we feeding them the correct grass? Is it because of the way they are being looked after by the farmers?”

Tusa told Parliament that many M.P.’s like their steaks “juicy and medium rare.”

“When we go to restaurants, most of us like our juicy and medium rare types but often when it is served, it is quite tough. Is the Ministry looking at ways to improve this?”

Salega M.P., Afualo Dr. Wood Salele said the Bill is long overdue. If it becomes law, it would assure consumers that the meat is safe.

“The reality now is that a lot of hotels are using imported meat from New Zealand,” he said. “Is this not the opportunity to use our own meat?

Tourists should be able to sample our beef in Samoa.”

Le Mamea admitted that “a lot of our meat is tough.”

But we are not the only country. The Minister said he has just returned from Mongolia where the beef was equally tough because the cattle there “are wild.” In contrast, beef in Israel is excellent and yet they are not grazed with grass.

“In fact there’s no grass but the meat is tender and the milk is wonderful.” The Minister said the difference is that “they are very well taught” as “oppose to ours where you spend all day chasing them down with a horse.”

As for Vanuatu beef, the Minister said: “Vanuatu has very good programmes for feeding and looking after their cattle farms.”

Speaker of the House, La’auli Leuatea Polata’ivao, said it is the chef’s job to ensure the steak is tender.

“Any meat that’s tough, it means the chef is not qualified to cook it,” he said. The Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau also joined the debate.

“That’s one of the roles of the slaughterhouse,” he said about making the beef tender.

“The house is where the animal will settle before it is slaughtered. The usual practice is that the cattle is rested for a day to allow it to settle.”

He added: “With most meats, the best time to consume it is between one year and a half and three years. In Samoa, he said “we care for them for so many years before they are used so by the time we get to them, we find that the meat is inappropriate because they were not meant to be for the market.”

Earlier, Faleata West M.P., Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, questioned the inclusion of the word “humane” in the bill.

“Humane, is not human,” Minister Le Mamea responded. “They’re different things. “You remember when some people slaughter an animal; you can hear it screaming as a result of the pain. That’s what you call inhumane.

“When it’s humane, it’s a quick ending without the agonising pain.”

Wear a sei pua or wear a pink ribbon to remember our loved ones lost to cancer and give thanks for those who have been treated and recovered.

This is the message from Lei’ataualesa Daryl Clarke, President of Samoa Cancer Society as Samoa marks “Pinktober” today.

“Every family in Samoa has been touched by cancer,” said Lei’ataualesa. “We ask people to buy a sei pua and wear a pink ribbon to support the work of the Samoa Cancer Society.”

Sei Pua Day is an annual event when the society sets up a stall opposite the ANZ Bank on Beach Road. Volunteers will be there selling sei pua, BBQ food and handing out pink ribbons.

Staff will be on hand to explain how the society can help cancer sufferers and their families, the general public, and health professionals.

Volunteers will be in the city streets selling trays of pua and ribbons.

Businesses have been asked to support this day by displaying the Sei Pua Collection Tin and sei pua, and asking for donations from staff and customers. “The Pua is our symbol of hope in the fight against cancer.”

Cancer is still the second most common cause of death in Samoa. The aim of the society is to reduce the number of people who develop cancer, and ensure those affected by cancer have the best possible quality of life.

Medical information and palliative care support services are available at the society’s National Cancer Resource Centre, in Moto’otua. “Our registered nurses are available to provide information and support for people, and their families, who suffer from cancer.” Samoa Cancer Society Executive Officer, Shelley Burich said. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and offers support and advice free of charge.

The centre has a selection of reading materials covering different types of cancers that focus on prevention and caring for those suffering from cancer. Other resources include books, brochures, posters, research papers, and DVDs of real life stories of people who have lived through the ordeal of cancer, its diagnosis, and treatment.

Mrs. Burich added that the Society provides talks and workshops on cancer awareness to village communities, schools, churches, workplaces and service organisations as part of its outreach education programme.

If you would like to know more about the Samoa Cancer Society call the centre 23984, email the staff at SamoaCancer@samoaonline.ws or visit the Sei Pua Day stall opposite ANZ Bank on Beach Road, 9am – 2pm Friday 3rd October.

Almost two years after a mysterious fire completely destroyed the Samoa Independent Seventh Day Adventist (S.I.S.D.A.C) building in Apia, a new multi-million-tala home for the church is rising from the ashes.

Today at Saleufi, a $15million state-of-the-art Roman-styled pillar structure is slowly taking shape.

Expected to be completed by the end of this year, the building is being constructed by Chinese Construction Company, Qing Dao.

S.I.S.D.A.C Samoa Director, Pastor Liutana Vaotu’ua, told the Samoa Observer they are making good progress on the construction.

Apart from some issues with the weather, everything else is running smoothly, he said.

The project consists of two buildings; the sanctuary and a three-storey administration building to house all staff of S.I.S.D.A.C.

“The project speaks for itself and when it’s completed – it could very well depend on the construction company – we are hoping this would be at the end of the year in December,” said Ps. Vaotu’ua.

In relation to the cost of the project, the Pastor said they are trying to keep it under the $15million range.

A task necessary since this is the allocated budget for it, he said.

The building will also have office spaces the church plans to offer to the public.

Also part of the plan is a wellness centre, Christian bookshop and stationery store.

Suicide numbers in Samoa increased by two last week after two girls, 19-year-old and 23-year-old, took their own lives.

The suicide deaths were confirmed by Acting Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu.

The first female was found by her sister in the shower of their home at Malie. She was immediately taken to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital.

“But she passed away on Friday evening.”

Fauono said the deceased female became angry at her mother for telling her to do the washing. She was a student at Wesley College.

Another suicide death was reported from Lalomanu. Fauono said the 23-year-old comes from Sa’asa’ai Savai’i and Lalovaea.

She took her life on Sunday.

“The deceased and her husband had a dispute so it resulted in the 23-year-old woman taking her life.

“Her husband found her and took her to Lalomanu District hospital but it was too late.”

Help for people who are contemplating suicide is available in Samoa. If you know anyone who might need this help, please call Fa’ataua Le Ola’s Lifeline on 800-5433. It’s free.

Policies and regulations are put in place for a very important reason – to discipline and control.

This is the response from the Acting Police Commissioner, Fauono Talalelei Tapu, to a complaint from a member of the community who says his nephew, who is a prisoner at Tafa’igata, should be allowed to go home for the weekends.

Malavai Ainu’u, 35, claims his 15-year-old nephew, Sam, has been away from home too long.

He couldn’t confirm the reason why Sam was sent to prison but claims he has been there for seven months now.

“It could be for marijuana or breaking and entering,” Mr. Ainu’u said. “He used to come home for the weekends but for the past two Sundays, he hasn’t been permitted to.”

So he is questioning the Police as to why some prisoners are allowed out on the weekends while others are not.

Mr. Ainu’u is angry that after speaking to the head of the Tafa’igata prison, he was promised Sam would be out last weekend.

“Then the other prisoners came home but not my nephew.”

Mr. Ainu’u also confirmed that he was told Sam had breached some policies at the prison.

“I was told that he disobeyed some rules pertaining to the choir which he is a member of.”

“But how long is a punishment? I am sure the first Sunday he wasn’t allowed home was enough to pay for his breaking the rules.”

Mr. Ainuu also believes that “his disobedience with the choir rules should be laid aside because I want to see my nephew”.

But Fauono disagrees.

“If he [Sam] has breached one of the guidelines this must be the reason.”

He pointed out that Tafa’igata Prison now has its own Commissioner who oversees everything that happens there.

“I understand that they have their rules and regulations that are there as guidelines to ensure that prisoners obey them.”

He said if this is what is happening to Mr. Ainu’u’s nephew then perhaps it is due to his breaching one of these guidelines.

Fauono added that these guidelines are there to ensure prisoners are disciplined.

Further, Fauono said “he has broken the law and that is why he is in there. If he didn’t break the law, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. Now he is in there, and he’s broken the law again with regards to his being there.”

Members of the public are warned. With the dry spell continuing as part of the dry season, the risk of fire for homes, businesses and the forest is extremely high.

The warning comes from the Deputy Commissioner of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (F.E.S.A), Va’asiliega Ioane Iosefa, who is urging everyone to be cautious. It follows a mysterious fire that completely gutted a property at Vaitele earlier this week. While F.E.S.A was alerted quickly, they could not stop the blaze from destroying the G.M.A compound.

The fire left the owners of neighbouring properties fearful, especially with the properties containing heavy machinery and countless vehicles.

The investigation is continuing to determine what caused the fire.

Meanwhile, Va’asiliega says you can protect your property, business and loved ones by taking extra precautions, knowing that Samoa is in the middle of its dry season, which will continue for a few more weeks.

“I call upon all the members of our community to work together to avoid situations where lives could be put at risk,” Va’asiliega said. “We all know that the ground is extremely dry and things can very quickly catch fire if we are not careful.”

Va’asiliega said F.E.S.A has been inundated with calls from different areas of the country for help.

"But most of it has to do with carelessness,” he said.

“People do not pay attention to what they are doing - whether it’s a simple thing like discarding a burning cigarette into a pile of dried leaves, or whether it's putting clothes or other things too close to any source of heat.”

One of the issues F.E.S.A is confronted with regularly is the close proximity of homes. This is especially common in and on the outskirts of the Apia Township where people have relocated to freehold land.

Asked if F.E.S.A is prepared to deal with fires that spread from one building to the next, Va’asiliega said while it is not ideal, they would do the best they can.

“The thing is – some lands are quarter so they [families] build their houses according to the space of the available property. And in some cases, their homes border on the next family’s home.”

These decisions, he said, do not take into account the fire risk.

“It’s important that our people are aware about these things,” he said.

“We can never be too sure.”

Va’asiliega said F.E.S.A is planning to up their awareness programmes to warn people about the risk of fires, and telling them how they can avoid such situations.

“The idea is that people should be aware about what they can do to prevent fires and what they also need to do during an emergency.

“These programmes are excellent tools for the community to prepare themselves.

“Our focus is to assist and encourage everyone to know about fire safety because these things can happen at any time and it’s important for people to know what they can do.”

While Va’asiliega did not have statistics, he confirmed that the number of fires this year has increased from last year.

Some safety tips about fire safety • Do not discard cigarettes from moving vehicles; use ashtrays. With the conditions we have now, lit cigarettes do cause fires and can be disastrous in times of drought and high fire risk.

• Avoid cooking outdoors during this drought season. If you do cook, never leave barbeque grills unattended.

Place your grill on concrete or your driveway away from your home or any structures. If using charcoal or wood, make sure that the fire has been extinguished by soaking it with a garden hose before disposing of the coals.

• During this time, do not burn household trash in barrels.

• Check lawnmowers and farm equipment for properly working spark arresters.

• Mow lawn at least 30-50 feet away from your house and water to create defensible space.

• Cut back or remove any dry and dead landscaping plants or bushes around your home. Clear leaves from your roof and gutters; rake them away from the sides of your home.

• Move anything that will burn far away from structures, items like firewood, compost piles, brush piles, etc.

• Practice fire safety with your family.

• Plan escape routes away from your home by car and foot. Have a meeting place with your family.

Afa Ah Loo believes in designing dreams.
But don’t be fooled by this lofty ideal. This up and coming young designer has spent years on menial jobs in the fashion industry and has gone from buttonholes to bridal dresses to get to where he is now and where he plans to go in the future.

This is his story.

How did your interest in
fashion start?

I went to school here in Pesega, my mother was sewing and she taught me some, but she didn’t really teach me a lot. I was interested in how things were put together – how sleeves are attached and the very intricate details. When I was at school here, I had worked part time at Cecelia’s Fashions and I did button holes and worked at Lokostyle for a short time but I never designed anything. Working in those places, I knew I wanted to be in the fashion industry.

The move to Hawaii

When I left school, I went to University Preparatory Year then I went to Uni in Hawaii. When I was there, I wanted to study Interior Designing but they didn’t offer it. My original thing was to become an interior designer but they didn’t offer that or any designing course whatsoever so instead I took Political Science!
But then my passion was always in fashion so while I was there I did some side jobs – students were asking me. They had clubs and they have this Culture Night so they asked me to do uniforms. So I’d design and sew all their uniforms, some groups would be 40 or so people so that would be 40 puletasi’s. The Samoan club is the biggest club they had there. When I was doing those side jobs, I learned a lot. At that stage, people were just coming to me for simple stuff but it was a good stepping stone for me to get where I am now. I was in Hawaii for two and a half years.

Mission in Utah

Then I came back to Samoa and later went on my mission to Utah and while I was on it, I also did some stuff, people who were going to be baptized, they wanted to be in a new, all-white dress, but they would ask about getting something made and I was able to do that for them. I would say, “Hey, I know how to design and sew a little bit, do you want me to help you out?” So even on my mission I was able to design and sew.

Back in Samoa

Then I came home and that was when it really started – in 2010. I started off doing simple things like the uniforms for the Special Olympics and the Digicel Medical Outreach uniforms for two or three years. Then a friend of mine approached me to design a puletasi for his niece who was running for Miss Samoa so I helped design that.

The wedding dress

Then I went back to Utah in 2012 and this lady who I had never met before, asked if I could design a wedding dress. She had heard about me from a friend. Her wedding was in a month and so I designed her dress. When I did that wedding dress I got hooked into making elegant evening wear, formal wear.
I returned to Samoa in 2013 and began designing for special occasions, balls etc
I started taking photos and putting them on Facebook

Multi talented
I was invited to go to Mangere to show my line and to sing as well. I had won Samoan Idol in the duet category and I had also put some of my designs on Facebook
I only had four weeks, to the show which was from 25th August to the 30th.

There were 12 garments. I went there and made them there. A week after I was invited, my mum passed away so the two weeks after that it was my mum’s funeral and try to get sponsorship because I couldn’t do it on my own

I went to Apia Concrete Products that morning and that same evening, they called and said they were happy to sponsor me. I am so grateful to them; I couldn’t have done that without them. That show was the highlight. The show started Monday – that was the opening.

Every day was dedicated to an art form – poetry, animation, dancing etc. I was the only one from Samoa. All the other artists were from New Zealand.

Amioga Samoa
I’ve got to tell you my mum (see photo top right) was the inspiration behind this line I showed in Mangere. The line is called ‘Amioga Samoa’. Amioga is my mum’s name but ‘amioga’ means samoan attitude and behaviours. It fits into what I’m trying to do.

Polynesian Showoff

The show itself was called ‘Polynesian Showoff’ and was organized by Three USOs, Pinnacle and Taro Pages. It was the inaugural show and they hope it will become an annual event. So I sang on Tuesday – I was the finale of the evening and I sang a Samoan song and some jazz because I’m more into jazz and R & B.

I had told the organizers I needed models from there. I needed 13 girls and at least 3 boys but when I got there they only had six girls – so I ended up getting my nieces to come and model and the guys, well they were all my cousins!

Saturday night there were shoe designers, t shirt designers, another had mainly a street wear and the others showed prints. There was a Niuean, a Tongan, a Cook Islander, a Fijian and then there was me and also several Samoans living in N. Z.

People had seen my designs coming in and I was just in casual gear – a t shirt. So they were saying, “So you’re the guy who designed this? So you design and get someone else to it sew for you? And I’m saying “No I do both. So I first showed my traditional wear I wanted people to know I was from Samoa.

When the show started, people were surprised. They were saying, “Oh, something different.”
There were no prints, it was elegant, vintage looking. After the traditional gear, I had my boys come out in a business look ie faitaga, almost kilt like. People have said to me, “Can you design something where I can go overseas and wear it to my business meetings so I’m in the modern world, but I’m Samoan.”

They are different. Some have a contrasting back pockets, some have pockets in the front.

At the end I had the men come out in their casual ie faitaga without their shirts on so it was a crowd pleaser and would get the women going. They did, they loved it.
When I came out people were surprised to see the designer behind the clothes. That was such a highlight. Knowing that my mum was there …

Changes and inspiration
I was sewing during the day and enjoying the shows at night. I designed, cut and sewed but the thing is when I’m sewing, when I cut it, I take away some of the things I had in the original design, I change things, I get inspired as I go. A lot of people ask me how do I get my ideas? I also get inspiration from music. When I’m designing traditional wear I’ll listen to traditional songs and when I’m doing more fun and casual stuff I listen to that kind of music.

Samoa in the fashion world
I want to show the world that Samoa’s got style, we’re not just stuck in the leaves or the prints. I wanted to say we have taste, elegance and sophisticated looks. When I talked to people they’re like “So you’re from Samoa; that’s very interesting”. Fashion designers from Samoa are usually women or fa’afafines and I don’t fit into either of those categories.
At the moment, I’m working from home but I’m looking to get a show space.
In the future I want to just design and get others to sew. So that way, I can just perfect the design.

Other designers
A designer I admire is Vera Wang who specializes in wedding gowns – I love how she does the draping. I read a quote from designer Ralph Lauren said, “I don’t design clothes, I design dreams.” With wedding dresses, that’s the girl’s dream, the spotlight is on her, it’s her most vulnerable time.
It’s also a big risk doing a wedding gown because if you get it wrong people would say to the bride, “Who designed that?”
But at the same time, I want to be with that person in her special moment, to be able to say to her, “Hey I was able to make your dreams come true.”

Commitment to the
spectrum of fashion
Now I want to put all my efforts into my designs. I’m saying, “I’m here, I mean business and I’m not going anywhere. And you’d better remember my name because I’m going to be around for quite a while in the industry.”
I’m not limited to formal wear, I also do costume designs. For a recent wedding the theme for the bride’s hen’s night was Disney characters and I designed a Snow White costume. I had worked extra hours when I was at university and made costumes including tuigas. For the 2007 South Pacific Games here in Samoa Pesega School told the story of people sailing from island to island and I did the costumes for that week-long show. However my passion is for designing wedding gowns and formal wear, traditional wear and puletasis.

my future
My fashion label is Afa and you can find me on Instagram at com/afa.
From now, I want to be able to live here but go overseas to take part in fashion shows in Fiji, New Zealand, Australia and the United States.
I would die a happy man if I could see a celebrity wearing one of my designs. I’m determined to live my dream. It might take years, but I’ve got this far and I know I can make it.

“…the Police had serious concerns about the girl returning home because they considered her mother and step father were not protective of her, in that they knew Vaa was sexually abusing her, took no steps to prevent it and indeed counselled the girl not to speak of it”

The Family Court has granted custody and guardianship of a 5-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted by her mother’s elderly uncle to the Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G).

The decision was handed down by her Honour, Judge Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren, before the girl’s parents and family members in the Family Court.

The verdict follows an application that sought a protection order for the benefit of the girl against her uncle; Asotasi Va’a Falealili, her stepfather; Sofara Finau and mother Fetu Tavita.

The application for an interim protection order was filed by S.V.S.G on behalf of the girl pursuant to section 5 of the Family Safety Act 2013.

The girl’s name cannot be published following a suppression order from Judge Tafaoimalo. Permission, however, was granted for the publication of the names of Asotasi (Va’a), Finau and Tavita.

During the hearing, all the respondents, who did not have a lawyer, opposed the order.

The Court heard that S.V.S.G became involved as a result of the girl having been brought to them by the Police for shelter on 17 October 2013.

It was the same day Va’a appeared in the Supreme Court on a charge of indecent assault in relation to the girl. It was reduced to common assault to which he pleaded guilty. He was ultimately sentenced to time already served of 10 weeks imprisonment.

“Following Va’a’s appearance on 17 October 2013, the Police had serious concerns about the girl returning home because they considered her mother and step father were not protective of her, in that they knew Vaa was sexually abusing her, took no steps to prevent it and indeed counselled the girl not to speak of it,” Judge Tafaoimalo’s ruling says.

“Although there is no formal application before the Court concerning the custody of the girl, section 3 of the Infants Ordinance 1961 (the Ordinance) says that where in any proceeding in any Court the custody or upbringing of a child is in question, the Court shall regard the welfare of the child as the first and paramount importance.

“Essentially this case is also one concerning the custody of the girl. Under section 4(2) of the Ordinance if it appears to the Court that the parents of a child are unfit to have custody and upbringing of the child, the Court may appoint some other person to be its guardian and may make such order regarding its custody and upbringing and the right to access of either parent to such child as the Court seems fit.

“Section 16 of the Ordinance allows the Court to make an order for the committal of any child living in an environment detrimental to its physical or moral well-being, to the care of a Child Welfare Officer. There has never been a Child Welfare

Officer appointed but by default SVSG has filled this important role. There is no question that S.V.S.G has taken care of many children and it is an organisation which is vital in Samoa where there are no child protection shelters.

“However it is equally important that once S.V.S.G have the custody of any child, they apply to the Court for guardianship orders, unless they have the consent of the natural parents of the child.

“Given that the custody of the girl is at issue, it is important for the court to ascertain her views and that should be done in a safe environment which will not be intimidating. I decided that I should speak to the girl in chambers in the presence of two court registrars.”

In her ruling, Judge Tafaoimalo said the girl was living in an environment that posed more threat to her moral- wellbeing.

“Given the findings I am satisfied on a balance of probabilities that a protection order is necessary for the protection of [the girl] against all Respondents.”

The uncle was found to have sexually and physically abused the girl and as a result intimidated her.

“I am satisfied that he poses an ongoing risk to victim given what I believe he did to the girl given what I believe he did to girl, his history of sexual offending and her fear of him. The girl must be protected from Va’a should never be allowed her again. The girl cannot go back to the home which Vaa shares with her parents.

“I consider that Sofara has intimidated her into not telling anyone about what Va’a had done to her. This amounts to an act of domestic violence. There is a risk that Sofara will continue to intimidate the girl in trying to protect Va’a. The girl is not safe with Sofara, and as such Sofara should not be allowed near the victim again.

“Fetu’s case is not as straight forward. Her love for her daughter cannot be doubted. But she has stood by and allowed Va’a and Sofara to dictate what has eventuated up to this point in time. There is no doubt that despite all this, victim loves her mother.

“Whilst I believe that allowing the girl to go back to her mother will pose a risk to the victim, because she lives with Va’a and Sofara, Fetu should be able to see her daughter in a controlled environment, without Va’a and Sofara and within the safety of S.V.S.G.

“S.V.S.G is currently the safest environment for the girl. She enjoys and is happy with her friends. She likes Lina is comfortable and S.V.S.G shelter provides her with stability. SVSG are the proper guardians for the victim at this time as Fetu and Sofara are unfit to make decisions which are her best interests.”

Lastly, Judge Tafaoimalo said she would review the interim order for custody and guardianship in three months.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E) has declared what it calls a “metrological drought,” calling on members of the public to conserve water.

The declaration was made in a statement issued by the Samoa Meteorology Division during the weekend.

The warning follows an equally important warning from the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (F.E.S.A) asking members of the public to be extremely careful given the continuing dry conditions that could lead to forest fires.

Some rainfall fell on Saturday and Sunday but it was nowhere near enough.

“In light of this, the public is advised to conserve, store and manage water in a sustainable manner. It is also highly recommended for the public to refrain from open burning of rubbish in grass or forest areas during this time”

In a statement, M.N.R.E said there has been a lack of decent rainfall over certain areas in the country. These areas include the central and south east of Upolu and east Savai’i.

“Over the course of the last few months, the Samoa Climate Early Warning System (C.L.E.W.S) has observed rainfall over the country to be generally lower than average,” the statement said.

“A meteorological drought is the first of the four levels of severity or drought definitions. Meteorological drought is defined usually on the basis of the degree of dryness (in comparison to some “normal” or average amount) and the duration of the dry period. The reduced rainfall levels over the country are associated with the current dry season, and compounded by the current phase of the El Nino Southern Oscillation.

“In our view and assessment of the most recent rainfall observational data, we are satisfied that the north and central region of Upolu (from Saoluafata, Apia to Faleolo) and eastern region of Savai’i (from Maota, Tuasivi to Vaipouli) are now declared to be under a Meteorological Drought (refer Figure 1).

“Other areas that includes the south (Safata and Siumu) and south east of Upolu (Falealili and Aleipata) still enjoy isolated rainfall and therefore bordering to drought thresholds but not yet in drought.

“These windward areas are more prone to extended dry conditions, and if current dry run continues for few more months, it is likely these areas and/or all of Samoa, will also enter into drought territory.

"The advanced climate early warning and forecasts issued to the public to support improved resilience to climate impacts; back in May 2014 anticipating this drought event has allowed for better preparedness across many sectors here in Samoa. Drought impacts in neighbouring Pacific Island countries without any climate early warning system are more profound and severe."

The Met Office says the likely impacts of a meteorological drought will include;

• likely failure of certain weed and grass species due to precipitation deficiency,

• reduced ground water recharge

• reduced surface water flow and water availability

• increase risk of forest and bush fires, increase surface dryness (dusty) due to increased evaporation and transpiration

• greater sunshine exposure due to less cloud cover

“In light of this, the public is advised to conserve, store and manage water in a sustainable manner. It is also highly recommended for the public to refrain from open burning of rubbish in grass or forest areas during this time. Concerned agencies and ministries are hereby advised to take measures to mitigate the potential impacts of this phenomenon.”

Additional Information

Meteorological drought is defined usually on the basis of the degree of dryness (in comparison to some “normal” or average amount) and the duration of the dry period. Meteorological drought is the first of four levels of severity or definitions.

The more severe drought definitions are Agricultural Drought, Hydrological Drought and Socio-economic Drought.

Agricultural Drought

Agricultural drought links various characteristics of meteorological (or hydrological) drought to agricultural impacts, focusing on precipitation shortages, differences between actual and potential evapotranspiration, soil water deficits, reduced groundwater or reservoir levels, and so forth.

Hydrological Drought

Hydrological drought is associated with the effects of periods of precipitation (including snowfall) shortfalls on surface or subsurface water supply (i.e., streamflow, reservoir and lake levels, groundwater). The frequency and severity of hydrological drought is often defined on a watershed or river basin scale. Although all droughts originate with a deficiency of precipitation, hydrologists are more concerned with how this deficiency plays out through the hydrologic system.

Hydrological droughts are usually out of phase with or lag the occurrence of meteorological and agricultural droughts. It takes longer for precipitation deficiencies to show up in components of the hydrological system such as soil moisture, streamflow, and groundwater and reservoir levels. As a result, these impacts are out of phase with impacts in other economic sectors.

Socioeconomic Drought

Socioeconomic definitions of drought associate the supply and demand of some economic good with elements of meteorological, hydrological, and agricultural drought. It differs from the aforementioned types of drought because its occurrence depends on the time and space processes of supply and demand to identify or classify droughts. The supply of many economic goods, such as water, forage, food grains, fish, and hydroelectric power, depends on weather.

Because of the natural variability of climate, water supply is ample in some years but unable to meet human and environmental needs in other years. Socioeconomic drought occurs when the demand for an economic good exceeds supply as a result of a weather-related shortfall in water supply.

Temukisa Stowers-Cole can really do with some help.

And you might just be the person who could help her.

Mrs. Cole, who is based in Wanganui, New Zealand, with her husband and two boys, is in Samoa in search of the truth about her mother.

For her 55-years of existence, she says she has hadno clue about her mother and which village in Samoa she comes.

“So the reason why I’m here is to find my identity,” she told the Samoa Observer. “I want to know where I was born because I was told by so many people that I was born on the streets in Samoa.

“All I know is that my mother is Samoan. I’m not too sure who my father is. I just want the truth about my mother and I would like to know who my grandmother is.”

Mrs. Cole believes there are seven siblings their mother adopted out to different families.

“I was living with the Ah Fook family at the time and there I met my sister who later adopted me,” she says. “My sister and her husband took me to New Zealand. Later on, she (sister) was separated from her husband but her new boyfriend moved into our house.”

At the tender age of 8, Mrs. Cole recalls that she was sexually and physically abused and she was “hardly at school.”

“One day, this little boy who just stayed across the road told his teacher about my situation and the teacher contacted the Social Welfare.

So at the age of 9, I became a property of the state of New Zealand.”

Living as an orphan has been very hard and lonely because she never fitted in anywhere, she said.

“There was always something missing in my life,” she says.

“After years of searching, I found little information about my mother and so JIGSAW (Family Services Incorporated) helped me track down my mother and I found out that she was living in New Zealand at the time.

“One day I went and saw my mother for the first time. I had so many questions that I needed to ask her.

“[But] to my surprise she wasn’t happy to see me, she denied the fact that she was Samoan and I was her daughter. That broke my heart because to me it means that I still have to keep searching for the truth.”

Having arrived in Samoa last week, Mrs. Cole says this is her final attempt at putting together the pieces of her life that are missing.

“I’m tired,” she sayidabout the search for her identity. “This will be my last hope, if I still have no answers then I will give up and live with the fact that I came from nowhere.”

Mrs. Cole was somewhat emotional when she spoke about being Samoan.

“What I’d really love is to be proud to be a Samoan woman despite of what I have been through at a young age. I have learned to forgive and forget about my past and just focus on my children and my family.

“There must be something here in Samoa that belongs to me; I was born here for crying out loud.

“Is it so easy for Samoan people to have children and then chuck them away overseas to nothing?

“It’s not fair.”

With tears rolling down her cheeks, Mrs. Cole says that in a person’s life, he/she deserves to have a father and a mother.

“In my case, I would love to have one,” she says. “I have met so many people who have two sets of parents, they have their real parents and then there are the in laws when they get married, but as for me, I would love to just have one.

“This is my last search then I will give up.

“I would like to know whether I was born in the hospital or on the street according to some people. Am I registered in Samoa or not?

“I would like to know how many siblings my mother has, and especially if I have any siblings living in Samoa.”

If you know anything about Temukisa Stowers-Cole or if you know anyone that might have the answers for her questions, please contact the Samoa Victim Support Group on 27904/7576601

The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa at Nu’u opened a Study Centre on Saturday.

Funded by the Civil Society Support Programme, the study centre is geared towards developing young members of the community there so they will be better equipped for studies in schools.

A member of the church committee, Peseta Arasi Tiotio, said the project cost $90,000.

“It has been a challenging project for the congregation,” she said.

“However we made it and so all the glory and honour be unto God because without Him, we wouldn’t have been able to complete this project.”

Education, Peseta said, is extremely important.

“And this study centre exists to help the children with their school studies and also the young ones who were not able to complete school.”

The Centre comes fully resourced,vwith computers and other materials.

A representative of the Civil Society Support Programme, Fonoti Ferron Fruen, congratulated the church for completing their project.

“This project was a request from the church to us to have a study centre for the children,” he said.

“The church asked for $160,000 however we approved the $90,000 because the office offered to give 90 per cent and the 10 per cent is for the church to put in.

“So congratulations to you all for completing this project and may the Lord pour his blessings upon you all.”