The Hollywood story of the season came to a heart-warming conclusion as Russell Crowe’s South Sydney Rabbitohs ended their 43-year premiership drought with an emotion charged NRL grand final victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs on Sunday night.

The Rabbitohs seized the day on their first grand final appearance since 1971, to fulfil their fairy tale destiny in front of an 83,833-strong ANZ Stadium crowd.

Souths dominated the opening half but had only six points to their name at the break thanks to an Alex Johnston four-pointer and Adam Reynolds penalty goal. Canterbury hit back in the second-half with a Tony Williams try but the comeback was short-lived, as a converted try to George Burgess and a second penalty restored the Rabbitohs lead before they stormed home with late scores to Kirisome Auva’a, Reynolds and Greg Inglis.

After temperatures climbed towards 34 degrees throughout the afternoon to make it the hottest grand final day in history, play sizzled from the kick-off, with Rabbitohs enforcer and Clive Churchill medal winner Sam Burgess fracturing his cheekbone on the first run of the night after clashing heads with fellow Englishman and Bulldogs co-captain James Graham.

Terrific cover defence and the video referee denied the Rabbitohs early tries but Johnston eventually opened the scoring after 20 minutes when Luke Keary, alternating between five-eighth and hooker to compensate for the loss of suspended rake Issac Luke, ducked down a short side to create a three on two overlap. Reynolds missed the attempted goal but redeemed himself with a penalty goal three minutes later.

Souths’ pack were winning the forward battle to leave Canterbury struggling for territory while Reynolds was relentless in pressuring

Canterbury’s back three of Sam Perrett, Corey Thompson and Josh Morris, with kicks along the ground and in the air, yet the six-point margin remained at the break.

A Canterbury mistake off the kick-off gave Souths the perfect start to the second-half but the Bulldogs remained in the fight and sniffed an opening when centre Dylan Walker lost possession.

Canterbury worked it into position before Josh Reynolds threaded a grubber through for Williams to collect and score, with halfback Trent Hodkinson’s conversion levelling things up.

The momentum looked to be shifting but the Rabbitohs powered back in front when Burgess busted through four defenders to score under the bar, with Reynolds’ goal restoring their six point lead.

A shoulder charge from Graham saw Adam Reynolds awarded a shot at goal which skewed wide but he nailed his next shot moments later, after Aidan Tolman was penalised for holding on.

Canterbury’s hopes were extinguished when Auva’a touched down off an Inglis kick, before Reynolds and Inglis capped the scoring to spark jubilant scenes of celebrations.

SOUTH SYDNEY - 30 (K Auva’a G Burgess G Inglis A Johnston A Reynolds tries A Reynolds 5 goals).
CANTERBURY - 6 (T Williams try T Hodkinson goal).

“I don't take this report lightly because it caused a lot of controversy in Parliament. During one of the sessions, we were up all night and we sat until 4 in the morning. It also resulted in the resignation of a Minister” – Speaker of Parliament La’auli Leuatea Polata’ivao

The Speaker of Parliament, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata’ivao, yesterday defended the extension he has granted the government to respond to the Controller and Chief Auditor’s report as well as the Officers of Parliament Committee (O.P.C) report.

Whereas Chief Auditor Fuimano Camillo Afele’s report highlighted a number of alleged corruption cases in the running of certain government bodies, the O.P.C’s report confirmed instances of “corrupt practises” and “collusion (among public servants) to defraud.”

Chaired by the Associate Minister of Education, Muagututagata Peter Ah Him, the Committee called on Parliament to take legal action against the public servants implicated.

When the O.P.C report was tabled in Parliament at the beginning of the year, the government, according to the law, had 90 days to respond.

That period expired in August.

Yesterday, Speaker La’auli told the Samoa Observer he has granted the government an “indefinite deadline” to respond.

Asked why and if this this was legal, La’auli was circumspect.

“I don't take this report lightly because it caused a lot of controversy in Parliament,” he said. “During one of the sessions, we were up all night and we sat until 4 in the morning. It also resulted in the resignation of a Minister.

“So I am giving the government time so that they will have a full explanation (about the contents of the report).”

The Minister he is referring to is the former Minister of Finance, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga. He resigned through tears during the early morning session that La’auli is referring to here.

Prior to his resignation, Faumuina had come under huge pressure over his running of a number of government bodies questioned by the

Chief Auditor and the O.P.C committee.

With this in mind, La’auli said the government must be thorough in its response and it must given enough time to do so.

He also reminded that there are many members of Parliament who are consistently questioning what the government will do about the reports.

These include the Chairman of the Finance Committee, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang, fellow H.R.P.P member Tuu’u Anasi’i Leota as well as members of the Opposition party.

Asked for a comment yesterday, Papali’i declined.

“I will comment only when the government responds,” he said.

But the leader of the Tautua Samoa Party, Palusalue Fa’apo criticised the Speaker’s decision to extend the time for the government to respond.

He said what the Speaker has done “is protect the government from corrupt practices that require an immediate response from them.”

Further, Palusalue said the Speaker does not have the authority to grant an extension when Parliament was not in session.

“It is breaking the law,” he said. “What has happened with the Speaker is that he is dealing with everything by his discretion."

“This shouldn't be the case. Under the law, there are only certain matters during which the Speaker has a right to exercise his discretion.”

Palusalue said the granting of an extension in such a sensitive issue is not one of them.

“The law says the government should report within 90 days and that is the law,” Palusalue said. “He [Speaker] does not use his discretion to change this law.”

Palusalue said the Speaker’s decision has left many members of the House confused.

“I simply cannot understand how this decision was arrived at,” he said. “I can only interpret it that he is protecting the government from breaking the law that clearly says they have 90 days to respond.

“The law doesn’t say 90 days unless the speaker has some discretion. No.”

Seiuli Dwayne Johnson has confirmed he's hitting the beach to star in a new Baywatch movie.

The action man has been attached to the project for years and now it's finally getting the go-ahead at Paramount, he has revealed he'll be leading the cast for the big screen adaptation of the top 1980s TV series.

Posting a topless photo of himself sitting on a jet ski online, the movie star added the caption, "'This is my beach b**ch!' Rumors are true... we're making #BAYWATCH the movie."

He added, "Edgy, raunchy and hopefully, funny as all hell. Cue slo mo running on the beach..."

What do you when you are a four-year-old on a Saturday afternoon? If you are Nafanua Hamilton, you join your parents and siblings to tackle the tough Mt. Vaea climb.

In an email to the Samoa Observer, proud parent Ivapene Seiuli said they took their children, Nafanua, 4, Solomona, 5, and La’auli Hamilton, 8, to walk up Mt. Vaea for the first time on Saturday evening.

“My husband is a regular walker,” she wrote. “The three kids almost ran up the mountain while I huffed and puffed my way up!” But none was more proud of her effort than Nafanua.

“She was so proud of herself for walking all the way up and back” And what did she say when she conquered Mt. Vaea:

“Mummy I should be in the newspaper! I am so amazing at climbing Mt. Vaea that you should take a photo of me and send it to the paper!”

The U.S. Department of Transportation has granted a 30-days cabotage exemption extension for Samoa government owned Polynesian Airlines to operate three-times a week flights between Tutuila and Manu’a.

The extension decision, issued September 25 by USDOT’s Susan L. Kurland, Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, followed a September 23 request by Polynesian, which was initially granted cabotage exemption for September 1-30.

In its September 23 request, Polynesian sought a 30-day extension of the cabotage exemption, saying that the Tutuila-Manu’a route “remains without U.S. carrier service” and Polynesian is the only air carrier able to “provide much needed transportation between the two points and thus prevent severe hardship to American Samoa residents.”

“Indeed, in addition to operating regular service Polynesian has been called upon to provide medical evacuation during the past thirty days.

There is a clear need for continued service for an additional thirty days,” Polynesian said, through its Washington D.C. based attorney.

In her decision, Kurland agreed with Polynesian, saying that the absence of U.S. carrier passenger service while Inter Island Airways’ aircraft is out of service “continues to constitute an emergency created by unusual circumstances not arising in the normal course of business.”

“We... found that granting of this authority would prevent unreasonable hardship to the residents of American Samoa,” she said and granted an exemption for an additional period of 30 days — Oct. 1-30, 2014 — or until five days after a U.S. carrier initiates intra-American

Samoa passenger operations, whichever occurs first. According to USDOT, there was no opposition to Polynesian’s request and Inter Island Airways supported the 30-day extension. Inter Island Airways aircraft have been down due to engine problems for more than two months and the locally based carrier is hopeful to have the aircraft back in service later this month.

Polynesian is utilizing a 19-seat Twin Otter plane for the three times a week service to Manu’a. The airline, which has two Twin Otter planes, also continues to serve the inter Samoa route that is expected to get very busy next week — with full flights — as White Sunday, Oct. 12 approaches.

The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme’s (S.P.R.E.P’s) annual meeting for 2015 will be held in Apia.

This was decided at the organisation’s annual meeting for this year, held at Majuro in the Marshall islands.

During the weekend, the 25th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme which high level representatives from across the Pacific island region attended also called for less talk and more action on climate financing.

Other key themes discussed at the meeting included the importance of building island resilience, developing the blue-green economy and the growing meaningful and durable partnerships to achieve common goals.

The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Fa’amoetauloa Dr. Fa’ale Tumaalii led Samoa’s delegation at the meeting.

The high-level segment was Chaired by Tony de Brum, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and attended by Ministers and heads of delegations from 25 countries and territories that are Members of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional

Environment Programme (S.P.R.E.P).

The segment and conclusion of the 25th S.P.R.E.P meeting was preceded by three days of discussion involving a total of 132 delegates representing S.P.R.E.P member countries and territories, key stakeholders, partner organisations, donors and observers.

Highlights of the week included the endorsement of the 2015 work programme and budget of S.P.R.E.P and the formulation and endorsement of a powerful Meeting Declaration.

Delegates to the meeting thanked the Republic of the Marshall Islands for their hospitality and generosity in hosting the annual event and noted that, as per protocol, next year’s meeting will be held in S.P.R.E.P’s host country of Samoa.

A motion moved by the government for former Minister of Finance, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga, to be included in Parliament’s Finance Committee has raised eyebrows among Members of Parliament.

The motion was moved during Parliament’s last session in August, Speaker of Parliament, La’auli Leuatea Polata’ivao, confirmed.

The motion, which also included Faumuina becoming a member of Parliament’s Privileges and Ethics Committee, was seconded and passed.

But the decision has reportedly upset members of the Committee, which is chaired by the Associate Minister of Communications, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang.

Other members of the Committee include Vice Chair and Associate Minister of Tourism, Tafua Maluelue Tafua, Associate Minister of Justice, Taefu Lemi, Associate Minister of Police, Tialavea Tionisio Seigafolava, leader of the Tautua Samoa

Party, Palusalue Fa’apo II, Tautua’s Shadow Minister of Finance, Afualo Dr. Wood Salele and Tautua’s Whip, Lealilepule Rimoni Aiafi.

Chairman Papali’i was not immediately available for a comment yesterday.

But Palusalue criticised the decision, saying it is inappropriate.

“If he is brought in, our committee will not be balanced,” he said.

“All Parliamentary committees consist of seven members. There are four from the ruling party and three from the opposition.”

Palusalue said the Prime Minister’s decision means there will be five H.R.P.P members against three.

“And that is unfair,” said Palusalue. “This is an obvious attempt to kill the opposition's voice in these committees".

“The worst thing (is that it appears that) any time they want members to be added on to any committee, they can just go ahead and do it".

Palusalue said he found it particularly difficult to accept the idea that a Member of Parliament who resigned from the Finance portfolio, over a number of allegations that have yet to be dealt with, can be readily thrown back into such an important committee – let alone involving finance.

Palusalue also criticised Speaker La’auli for allowing the motion in the House.

“If this is what he wants to use his discretion on, that is not how things are done,” said Palusalue. “We either follow the law or we don't".

Palusalue said Speaker La’auli should not have accepted the motion.

“Why would he accept it – obviously it came from the Prime Minister but he should look at these matters more seriously".

Palusalue also suggested that an Opposition party member should chair the Finance committee, as is the “case in democratic countries around the world".

Doing this would improve the government’s accountability and transparency.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa was not immediately available for a comment yesterday.

But Speaker La’auli said Palusalue’s criticisms were unfounded, since it was up to the Prime Minister to choose whoever he would like to be on a Parliamentary Committee.

“The decision comes from the leader of the government,” La’auli said.

The Speaker said Palusalue should raise such matters in Parliament, not outside of the House.

“Don’t address these issues outside because we get no solution from doing so, the solution is found in Parliament.”

La’auli said Palusalue - and any other Member of Parliament who is not happy about the decision - should raise the matter when Parliament reconvenes at the end of the month.

In April, Faumuina resigned as a Cabinet Minister. He did so when he broke his long held silence over numerous allegations against him.

Speaking during a Ministerial statement, Faumuina maintained his innocence, saying he acted in the best interest of the government and the people of Samoa.

He defended his behaviour over:

• Questions surrounding his time as the Minister of Works;

• Questions surrounding the South Pacific Games 2007;

• Questions surrounding the Samoa Land Corporation;

• Questions surrounding the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa;

• Questions surrounding the Unit Trust of Samoa.

The man, who slashed a Tongan woman with a machete in May, entered a guilty plea for one charge of attempted murder and actual bodily harm.

Talapelo Soi, from Salimu, Fagaloa and Lalovaea, appeared before His Honour, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson in the Supreme Court, yesterday.

Defence counsel Edelma Niumata informed the Court about her client’s change of plea.

Prosecutor, Leone Su’a Mailo, of the Attorney General’s Office, made no objection.

Ms. Mailo then made some amendments to the charges leaving only two against Talapelo to which he entered a guilty plea to.

His Honour Justice Vui then granted the application and dismissed the amended charges against Talapelo.

This incident occurred on 10 May 2014, at Matautu-Tai where Talapelo attacked his partner, a Tongan woman, with a machete at a beauty

Salon, where she worked.

The court heard the victim went outside for a cigarette when the attack occurred.

The victim ran inside the shop and tried to lock the door but Talapelo was too strong and managed to push the door open.

He then made his way in and started to strike at the woman.

The second incident occurred at Solosolo between 1 April and 1 May. Talapelo continues to be in Police custody until 3 November, for sentencing.

More than 4,000 delegates from over 163 countries will gather together at the Congress. Held every 10 years, the Congress is the landmark global forum on protected areas, designed to share knowledge and innovation and set the agenda for protected areas conservation for decades to come.

Samoan and Australian decision-makers, planners and scientists are working to help protect Samoa’s major infrastructure from future storm surges and coastal flooding.

With nearly three quarters of Samoans living on the coast, and one quarter in the capital city of Apia, rising sea levels pose a very real threat.

“We’re working to build resilience to climate and weather risks to low lying coastal areas, to help manage risks and protect communities,” said Samoa’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Fa’amoetauloa Dr. Fa'ale Tumaali’i.

“But to date the actual information on current and future climate in the Pacific region has been limited".

“To address this gap, our Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment have been working in partnership with Australia, to capture accurate information about the low lying areas around Apia and Faleolo international airport". First, the elevation of coastal land around

Apia was measured using airborne remote sensing technology, that measures distance by illuminating a target with a laser and analysing the reflected light. This technology, known as LiDAR, gives a very accurate measurement of elevation and allows for development of a detailed three-dimensional reconstruction of the coastline.

Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (C.S.I.R.O) then undertook a detailed analysis of this data to calculate the risks of storm surge and coastal flooding from tropical cyclone events.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment are now using maps based on the data, which show how sea level rise will impact the Apia foreshore and Faleolo Airport.

“Our local authorities are now using this information across the board in infrastructure and urban planning,” Fa’amoetauloa said.

There is a Samoan delegation heading to the I.U.C.N World Parks Congress, Parks, people planet: inspiring solutions, being held in Sydney, Australia from 12 to 19 November.

More than 4,000 delegates from over 163 countries will gather together at the Congress.

Held every 10 years, the Congress is the landmark global forum on protected areas, designed to share knowledge and innovation and set the agenda for protected areas conservation for decades to come.

Responding to Climate Change is one of eight streams being discussed at Congress.

“Some of the key areas the Samoan delegation will certainly look forward to discussing at the Congress, will include preparedness and response strategies and partnerships towards realizing and sustaining these strategies in the short and medium term,” Chief Executive Officer of M.N.R.E, Suluimalo Amataga Penaia, said.

“To date, Samoa has made considerable progress since 2007, in climate change adaptation due largely to the successful implementation of all our nine National Adaptation Programme of Action project profiles through six different externally-funded projects. These projects have also built local capacity of government ministries and divisions as well as local communities, laying the foundation for future climate projects.”

The project to map and model coastal land around Apia is part of an ongoing partnership project between the Australian Government Department of the Environment and M.N.R.E, to assist Samoa build resilience to climate risk and natural disaster impacts in coastal areas.

The project is being delivered with funding from the Australian Government’s Pacific-Australia Climate Change Science and Adaptation Planning (P.A.C.C.S.A.P) programme.

Football Federation Samoa (F.F.S) kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness month, with a Soccer Sisters Festival at their grounds in Upolu last Saturday.

In collaboration with Samoa Cancer Society, F.F.S jumped on board for a second year to support the fight against breast cancer, using this as the theme of their festival which encouraged females to play football.

Newly appointed C.E.O of Samoa Cancer Society, Shelley Burich, was present at the opening ceremony and was grateful for the partnership.

“Being able to join together with the Soccer Sisters festival will help strengthen and broaden our education message to Samoan women about breast cancer and the importance of its early detection and prevention,” said Ms. Burich.

F.F.S Executive Committee member, Emily Young, reiterated the importance of early detection of breast cancer and acknowledged F.I.F.A for their support of the local Soccer Sisters initiative.

“F.I.F.A has tremendously continued its kindness in contributing a lot to the development of women’s football in Samoa through financial resources, uniforms, goals, boots, balls and the list goes on,” said Ms. Young.

The inspiring lyrics of Michelle William’s gospel song “Say Yes” rang through the air as the girls warmed up with a Zova session followed by training sessions where participants were divided into groups according to their age and ability.

A range of activities kept the girls engaged from Just Play sessions, emphasizing the importance of water to refereeing skills and FIFA 11+ workshops.

Young swapped her pink puletasi for her football shorts, as she led a session with 11-12 year old girls, focusing on footwork, juggling and the importance of stretching after training sessions.

Special Olympics Samoa (S.O.S) made their mark at the festival as girls with special needs showed off their football skills with determination and might.

Participants were encouraged to give hope for a cancer free Samoa by making a small donation upon registration. F.F.S Women’s Development Officer, Lynette Laumea Faaiuaso then presented Samoa Cancer Society with a cheque of $1,000 on behalf of Football Federation Samoa and the F.I.F.A Women’s Football Development programme.

Auckland (3News) 07 October 2014 - Former Toa Samoa prop Suaia Matagi, 26, has been selected for the Kiwis in this year's Four Nation's campaign.

The Rabbitohs seized the day on their first grand final appearance since 1971, to fulfil their fairy tale destiny in front of an 83,833-strong ANZ Stadium crowd.

Souths dominated the opening half but had only six points to their name at the break thanks to an Alex Johnston four-pointer and Adam Reynolds penalty goal. Canterbury hit back in the second-half with a Tony Williams try but the comeback was short-lived, as a converted try to George Burgess and a second penalty restored the Rabbitohs lead before they stormed home with late scores to Kirisome Auva’a, Reynolds and Greg Inglis.

However, Matagi’s selection is dependent on an eligibility transfer from Samoa.

Watene-Zelezniak, 19, impressed enough in 10 appearances for the Penrith Panthers to earn a spot in the 24-man squad to take on Australia, England and Samoa later this month.

Uncapped players North Queensland Cowboys second rower Jason Taumalolo, 21, Cronulla Sharks utility Sosaia Feki, 23, and Former

Warrior and Penrith Panthers utility Lewis Brown will also feature for the first time for the Kiwis since 2011, have also been selected.

Coach Stephen Kearney recalled Brown and named four rookies for his squad to contest the Four Nations over the next six weeks.

Taumololo has been a part of the Kiwis squad before, as a non-playing member in an Anzac Test in 2012.

"We're really excited for the new players coming in for their first time or, in Jason's case, another chance to earn his first cap," said Kearney.

"They've all had great seasons in the NRL, and this will be a chance for them to show they can step up and contribute at the next level.

"After our World Cup disappointment last year, I think we made some very positive strides at this year's Anzac Test. We get a few older heads back for this campaign - they will provide some experience, and hopefully will feed off the energy and passion from those younger guys”.

"We're very focused on building a team and culture that will see us challenge for the next Rugby League World Cup in 2017, so these new players now have a chance to become part of that long-term process”.

Feki and Matagi get their chances with the late withdrawals of Sydney Roosters players, winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

In a statement, New Zealand Rugby League said the pair had suffered "burnout from a long season".

Three other players named in the train-on squad also were ruled out of consideration due to injury; Warriors centre Konrad Hurrell, Warriors prop Ben Matulino and Panthers prop Sam McKendry.

The Kiwis open their campaign against Australia in Brisbane on October 25.

Kiwis Four Nations squad: Gerard Beale (St George Illawarra Dragons), Adam Blair (Wests Tigers), Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne Storm), Lewis Brown (Penrith Panthers), Greg Eastwood (Canterbury Bulldogs), Sosaia Feki (Cronulla Sharks),

Kieran Foran (Manly Sea Eagles), Tohu Harris (Melbourne Storm), Siliva Havili (Warriors), Peta Hiku (Manly Sea Eagles), Shaun Johnson (Warriors), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Sydney Roosters), Thomas Leuluai (Warriors), Issac Luke (South

Sydney Rabbitohs), Simon Mannering (Warriors), Suaia Matagi (Warriors), Sam Moa (Sydney Roosters), Jason Nightingale (St George Illawarra Dragons), Kevin Proctor (Melbourne Storm), Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys),

Martin Taupau (Wests Tigers), Manu Vatuvei (Warriors), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Penrith Panthers), Dean Whare (Penrith Panthers).

More job opportunities have been offered to locals. This comes as the Apia Park Stadium is closed from the public for renovation ahead of the All Blacks visit next July.

The historical test is slated to be the biggest match at the park. The week of the test match is also expected to attract thousands of visitors to Samoa.

So on Monday, the park was closed to members of the public as the multi-million-tala effort to spruce it up began.

The park will undergo extensive renovation to expand the field as well as to make the grandstands bigger.

Shanghai Construction Group is the contractor.

When the Samoa Observer visited yesterday, newly employed locals were already working on the site.

The men were offloading metals and timber, carrying them to the construction area.

In one of the houses at the park, there are already new “electronic equipment” stored, brought in for the special event in July next year.

It was not possible to get an official comment from Shanghai Construction management.

However, one of the employees who was not authorised to speak to the media said he had just started yesterday with the company alongside several others.

“There are quite a lot of us that the company took in for this project,” he said.

“Others come from Lauli’i, Vaiusu and from the other side of the island going to the airport…I was unemployed for quite sometime but I’m grateful I now have a job to help my family.”

Several security guards are at the construction area to ensure the equipments and other construction gears are secured.

Apia Park consists of a stadium with a capacity of 15,000, a gymnasium, tennis court and netball court.

In 2007 it was one of the main venues used for the South Pacific Games. The park is a multi function sports complex primarily used for rugby events and school athletics.

Palusalue said that while in Australia, members of his party had met for a consultation with the Samoan community there when the member made a passing joke about a new party

Opposition leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II, has declined to speculate about rumours swirling around political circles about a new political party being formed.

Palusalue was asked for a comment since the rumour points to the party involving some members of the Tautua Samoa Party.

Asked to confirm the reports, Palusalue said he was not aware if any member of his party intends to break out to form a new party.

“So I cannot really comment because I’m not aware of any member of our party with such intentions,” he said.

Palusalue, however, said he was aware of the rumours.

He confirmed that the rumours centres around a comment allegedly made by a member of the Tautua Party, during a recent Parliamentary trip to Australia.

Palusalue said that while in Australia, members of his party had met for a consultation with the Samoan community there when the member made a passing joke about a new party.
“It was a joke and that is his way,” said Palusalue.

The name of the member of the party is withheld. Repeated attempts to get a comment from him on Tuesday and yesterday were unsuccessful.

But another Tautua Samoa member and Aana Alofi 3 M.P, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster defended his colleague.

“We don’t know,” he said, “we might say it’s him but it might not be him.”

Toeolesulusulu said he had travelled with the Tautua M.P. on the trip to Australia and he had not heard him make such a remark.

“We don’t know and we might think its (him) but it might be someone else. It might be a joke or it might not be a joke.”

Toeolesulusulu said his colleague at no point during the trip say anything of the kind.

According to Talamua media, the new political party is under the leadership of “another former Minister.”

“The party according to circulating reports has some prominent business members backing them for the forthcoming general elections in 2016.”

The website had apparently asked former Minister of Finance, Papali’i Niko Lee Hang if he would join the party but he said no.

“I came into politics as an H.R.P.P member and will go into the upcoming elections as an H.R.P.P member,” Papali’i is quoted as saying.

“I will never join them.”

As for Palusalue, he maintains that the Tautua Samoa Party is united and they are building slowly towards the next general election.

“C.S.F. would like to congratulate SENESE and the National Health Services for their endeavours in Savai’i and their determination in ameliorating the lives of people with impaired sight,” the organisation said in a media statement.

PR - As Samoa joins the world to celebrate World Sight Day today, it is a poignant reminder of the value of sight and that our ability “to see” is never to be undervalued.

The Clarence Sebastian Foundation (C.S.F) has as one of its fundamental aims the need to develop an effective system by which people with albinism living in Samoa are able to access quality services for skin and eye check ups.

Yesterday, C.S.F. and its members held a prayer service led by C.S.F. chairman, Reverend Siaosi Salesulu, where he emphasised compassion and fortitude to assist those who need our help.

“C.S.F. would like to congratulate SENESE and the National Health Services for their endeavours in Savai’i and their determination in ameliorating the lives of people with impaired sight,” the organisation said in a media statement.

“C.S.F. plans to have a fun day for its members and supporters this coming Monday 13th October 2014 at Maugafiafia which will culminate a week of fun, learning and frivolity.

“The board of C.S.F. thank the Samoa Observer for its continuous support during the year and wishes all the children of Samoa a very special and memorable Children’s Sunday.”

Paul Ross is a man on a mission.
The Founder of a programme called “Making a difference for Pacific Kids” which is based in New Zealand wants to help the less fortunate children of Samoa, just as he and his organisation have done in other countries.

The programme, for instance, has made a huge difference in the lives of children in Fiji. His help to that country includes a house for Fijians on 11 acres of land. Ten of those acres are filled with sugar cane plants, to help sustain people under the programme, helping to empower them.

And now that Fiji has some established self-sufficient programmes available to people there, he has moved his interest to Samoa – to the Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G.).

Mr. Ross arrived in the country on Tuesday morning with close relative, Michael McClelland.

Yesterday, they visited to S.V.S.G. President, Lina Chang.

Mr. Ross said he is amazed at how hard working Mrs. Chang is and he has been deeply touched by the stories of the children living in the shelters.

Within the small time he has been in Samoa, Mr. Ross has already to secure work experience opportunities for some of the young female adults at the House of Hope to work at a local supermarket.

This, he said, will assist them greatly in building their skills.

“It will help you stand on your own two feet,” he told them yesterday.

He has also opened an account in one of the local banks for money to help provide food for all shelters operated by S.V.S.G.

“This will be $500 a week and $2,000 a month that will go to put food on the table for them,” he said.

Mr. Ross has more ideas and plans to create an avenue to provide better exposure to assist in the development and empowerment of these young children cared for by the organisation.

He plans to return to Samoa again every quarter to visit and see the progress of the work already initiated and implemented.

The young girls during this visit took the opportunity to thank him for his generosity and assistance in supporting them.

They asked him specifically not to forget them at the S.V.S.G. shelter when he returns today to New Zealand.

Mr. Ross was referred to the S.V.S.G. by the Samoa Observer.

COMING TO SAMOA SOON: The Refold cardboard desk designed by visual communication design graduates Fraser Callaway and Oliver Ward is strong enough to support a person’s weight, versatile in its standing and sitting capabilities as well as its portability.

Two visual communication design graduates have modified that revolution in office furniture, the standing desk, so it is portable, affordable and 100 per cent recyclable.

And Samoa could be one of the places where it will be trialled.

The Refold cardboard desk by Fraser Callaway, 25, and Oliver Ward, 22, is sturdy enough to hold the weight of a person and designed to change the way you work.

The desk folds into a lightweight, compact carry case for portability and easy storage.

“The desk showcases the perfect combination of innovation and environmental awareness. It’s simple and functional, yet sophisticated and beautiful,” Mr Callaway says.

The two men started a company, Refold, based in Wellington, to market the product and this week launch a crowd-funding campaign on

Kickstarter where you can back the venture and buy your own desk.

The desk can change between sitting and standing height, to ease the transition into a new way of working on your feet.

The design folds and slots together in less than two minutes, using four main pieces, with no tape or glue. As it is digitally fabricated, the design is completely customisable and can be adapted to cater to different needs or areas.

“The desk was primarily designed as a standing desk for multiple reasons. First, standing increases productivity and creates an active, healthier working environment. Second, research shows that when you’re standing you’re more likely to engage with others and be engaged with on a level playing field.”

The desks are 100 per cent New Zealand made and manufactured.

“When it’s finished being used, whether it be after a three day event or two years of use as a personal desk, it can simply be put out for recycling alongside all your other household recyclables,” Mr Callaway says.

Refold has received interest from UNICEF and is in discussions around trialling them in schools in Samoa and the Solomon Islands. They are also excited about the possibility to “do some good” and use the desks in post-disaster situations.

In addition, Massey University has already ordered 50 of the desks for various staff across three campuses.

Massey’s Business Development and Commercialisation manager Russell Wilson says “Each year we work with numerous academics and students on intellectual property inquiries to advise on options for protecting design ideas such as the

Refold cardboard desk and their potential commercialisation pathways. The thing that sets Fraser and Oliver up for commercial success, apart from a great product concept, has been the drive that they have brought to their enterprise.”

Both Mr Callaway and Mr Ward acknowledged the support of Dr Wilson and College of Creative Arts Associate Pro Vice Chancellor Enterprise, Chris Bennewith, for giving them “the nudge and support we needed” to ensure protection of their product commercially.

Toa Samoa captain, Sia Soliola was pretty emotional when, with his son Israel upon his shoulders, he took the ovation from the west stand after his final appearance at Langtree Park.

Rarely has the roof been raised so visibly for a departing player, but the response shows just how much the big-hitting Samoan has been taken to the hearts of St Helens folk.

Soliola made it clear the feeling is mutual and explained that had it been purely a rugby decision he would still be wearing the red vee next season.

The 28-year-old Samoan World Cup skipper, who joins Canberra Raiders next term, said: “The crowd’s tribute was really touching. It’s a nice feeling because it shows that they believe I have done my best for the club.

“The club told me that people were crying up there at the end, but I was trying to fight back the tears too, because St Helens is a club that I hold special to my heart.

“My decision to leave is purely a family one. My dad was a bit crook the last couple of years and although it was a tough decision to make but I think it was the right one.

“There are some things more important than rugby and that is family, and so although I’ll leave with real regrets about leaving there would be bigger regrets if something happened back home and I didn’t go back.”

Signed from Sydney Roosters as a centre ahead of the 2010 campaign, Soliola’s career at what was then Knowsley Road did not get off to the best of starts when he ruptured his patella tendon in training and missed virtually the entire campaign before returning in time to play in the Grand Final.

But he soon made up for lost time, with his fearless crash tackling becoming an instant hit with the fans as well as the opponents’ rib cages.

Soliola said: “You can pretty much scratch off the first year. When you come over to a new club you want to show what you are made of and showcase what you have got.

“Not being able to do that in the first year was pretty tough but it gave me a lot of time to reflect and gave me chance to get a feel of the place as well. The years went by and I played better and better so I guess it was a bit of a blessing in disguise really.”

He was under no illusions when he arrived at Saints what the high expectations were, but his four seasons at the club have seen a genuine transition and the lifting of the League Leaders’ Shield and returning to the Grand Final after missing two seasons shows that fortunes are on the up again.

“When you come to a club and the James Grahams, Sean Longs and Scullys are all gone or going, you try to keep to the high standard they have set down. It has been a difficult four years for the club, but I really feel that the club is in a good state now. I’m happy to see the club coming out of that, especially with the League Leaders’ Shield and the opportunity in the Grand Final.

“It is nice to leave on that note because the future of the club going forward,” he said.

But now Soliola has the chance to put the icing on the cake and go home with a Super League Grand Final winners’ ring – something nobody outside the group of players would have thought remotely possible when injuries struck out three key players in the middle of summer.

It remains a burning ambition for Soliola, who appeared in the losing finals of 2010 and the heart-breaker of 2011.

“At the end of the day that’s the ultimate prize, starting pre-season in November, the year then comes down to 80 minutes.

“Yeah it will be nice to have something for all that hard work.

“You could say we have come from the grave - you could call it Project Lazarus - I think for us if you could sum it up you’d describe it as a full team contribution.

“Without Walshy, Jonny and Wilko everyone has had to step up a gear, you can’t put it all on one individual.

“I’m really proud of the way the whole team has come together and sacrificed traditional roles for the greater good and put us where we are at.

“But for these last 80 minutes it would be so nice to win it for all the hard work we have put in it and to show everyone else that this is a stubborn club, with a history and culture, that does not want to fall down for no one,” he said.

“Life is so hard and I envy those families who
do have water because they have no idea what it’s like to live without water. We can live without electricity but we can’t live without water…”

The Managing Director of the Samoa Water Authority (S.W.A), Seugamaali’i Jammie Saena, has assured the restless residents of Aleisa East that their “lifetime drought” will soon end.

Assuring that water is on the way, the Managing Director says the Authority is investigating for “an alternative source” whereby water could be provided for hundreds of residents in the area.

When that is likely to happen though, she did not say.

“As previously discussed, the higher parts of Aleisa Sasa'e is at a higher elevation than the Tapatapao Water Treatment Plant,” she wrote in an email to the Samoa Observer.

“Feeding this part from the Tapatapao Water Treatment Plant (W.T.P) is not possible at this time but S.W.A have begun investigations for an alternative source.”

So why has it taken this long for the Authority – and the government for that matter - to find water for Aleisa East, which is only a twenty-minute drive from the high rises of Apia?

“More and more people have moved to areas where our system does not exist,” Seugamaali’i says. “As mentioned, we are looking into

Aleisa Sasa’e for possible scenarios to the water supply and the funding to cater for a possible solution.”

The message from the Authority’s Managing Director is good news for Aleisa East residents.

But when the Samoa Observer visited the area yesterday, the families there were not convinced, saying they have heard the same thing over and over.

In the boiling sun, mothers and their children were carting around buckets in the search for water.

One resident, Naomi Mosese, who grew up in the area described the situation as a “lifetime drought.”

“When we grew up, we saw our parents suffer to find water and here we are today doing the same thing,” she said.

“Now we have children of our own and still nothing has been done.”

The Moseses rely on water tank. The best season for them is the Cyclone season because it brings a lot of rain. But they dread the dry season.

“We have a water tank but it’s only when it rains then there will be water in the tank. But for the rest of the year, we have walk down the road to cart up water for our needs.”

Ms. Mosese said they have visited the Samoa Water Authority countless times.

“They told us we have to pay $220tala first,” she said. “It’s $20tala for the survey and $200 for the permit which is ridiculous.”

“As a citizen of Samoa, it’s very sad because we live in a country that is supposed to be a developing country. For us here, we don't feel part of it. What do we have to do to get some water up here?”

Ms. Mosese said the Authority also promised to send up the water truck.

“That simply doesn't happen,” she said. “We are tired of living like this so please help us by giving us some water so that we can have a rest from this nightmare.”

Another resident, Afe Talai, who has been a resident of Aleisa Sasa’e for 14 years, has two problems to worry about. They are electricity and water.
“My husband and I have been living here for 14 years now,” she said. “We moved here in 2001 and from that time, there was no water, no electricity and from that time until now it’s still the same problem.”

Ms. Talai said they have to pay $50tala to families who own cars every time so they could get their water.

“We both don’t work and we live out of our plantation, so whatever money we get, we save it to pay for the family car to deliver our water up.”

“Life is so hard and I envy those families who do have water because they have no idea what it’s like to live without water.”

“We can live without electricity but we can’t live without water and that’s why I humbly ask the Samoa Water Authority and the government to please help us.”

“Help our village, we have been suffering for so long from not having water so I am asking you all to please consider our request and get some water up here.”

Last week, another desperate Aleisa East resident wrote a letter to the Samoa Observer. Published under the headline “Desperate for Water,” the letter reads:

Re: Best Impressions = Best Service

It has been going on for years now since our village Aleisa Sasa’e applied and cried out for water.

You see, we heard our Faipule voice it out in Parliament a couple a years back. We hear our new neighbors coming in applying for it, we hear our fathers and mothers and elderly telling us they applied for water when we were in diapers.

Today, we have children of our own but up until now, nothing has been done.

They always tell us that the water does not have enough pressure to come up, that was some 15 -20 years ago. From then on until now, nothing has been done.

I want to use your newspaper to highlight these points:

- It is sad that it has been years and yet nothing has been done to get us some water. Are we part of Samoa?

- Looking at all those flash ads from the Samoa Water Authority on the TV, it is good to see you have moved up a notch with a professional image with “smart” uniforms, very good salaries - I heard not only in the technical but ALL across the board. That’s very good!

- But ask yourself the question, are you walking the talk? Are you providing professional services? Alas the title of my short essay here…BEST impressions should equal BEST service, not the other way around. Certainly not BEST

IMPRESSIONS equal BAD SERVICE

- It is sad to be a victim of such bad service. What kind of customer/public service is this? That it takes 20 – 30 years to apply for water?

- It’s sad to see the trend I see nowadays for things to get done this is to either you raise it in the Samoa Observer or go straight to see Tuilaepa. If this doesn’t work and Tuilaepa doesn’t work, then I guess we have to rely on our heavenly father.

- We thank God who provides rain for us in times of need. However, most of the times we seek water from those who have water below.

- How long does it take to acquire funding and install a pump? How long does it take to tender out someone to come and look for a waterhole up here? Twenty years? Thirty years?

- So the question is S.W.A: What are you going to do about it? Are you going to own up to your professional image and provide the best service and serve all your customers in need? Will you help the people of Aleisa Sasa’e who have been crying out for water for years?

We remain hopeful.

Fa’afetai
F.Inu.
Dried up Aleisa Sasa’e Resident

Prisoners who are members of the Ola Toefuataina and Olomanu programmes joined forces yesterday for their annual Culture Day at the compound of the Tafa’igata Prison.

The theme for this year’s celebration was “Pulega Lelei” (Good governance).

The prisoners were separated into four groups, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Prisons, Tunaimatia Fa’aesea Lautala said the programme is an annual event.

It started five years ago, in a bid to use the culture as a tool to initiate positive and much-needed change.

“Samoa is the only country that has no walls to protect prisoners (from running away),” he said. “However our culture and customs are the only hope we have of maintaining the good relationships we have, the respect between people and also the relationships within the prison.”

Inside prison for example, prisoners show exceptional leadership skills are appointed chiefs.

“Their role is to help the police officers in their daily duties,” he said.

“This will help us a lot in caring for the prisoners.”

Tuanaimatia said there are now more than 500 prisoners at Tafaigata and the number of Police officers is not enough to cover them all.

“So for us, it’s all about working together, side by side, to make everything easier.”

The Acting Commissioner said there was no budget for yesterday’s event but is something prisoners look forward to every year.

“The idea is to promote our culture as a way to start to change them while they are in prison.”

Tuanaimatia said the money from the prisoners’ plantation was used to fund most of yesterday’s activities.

White Sunday fever has slowly but surely gripped the country.

Two days away from the children’s special day, the Apia Township has been kept busy as parents and guardians hunt for that special wear for White Sunday.

The SQB TV One’s Market at Tu’utu’uileloloto Hall was a popular choice.

Parents were seen buying new shoes, clothes, and hair bands for their excited children who tailed them.

A mother of seven; Malaea Falesou, of Lalomalava, was a woman on a mission.

“I’ve got seven children to buy for,” she said. “I came this morning to buy my children’s shoes because I don’t want to leave it to the last minute.”

Asked what they plan to do for the long weekend, she said: “It’s an opportunity for me and my husband to listen to them and be taught by them through songs and scriptures they will recite.”

Petesa Tausoa, of Vailele, said that it took her months to get ready to buy her children’s stuff.

“For the rest of the year, they get secondhand gear but this is one day where children come first so they’re getting some new gear,” she said.

“It’s a day where children get to be served first before the elders, wear new clothes and get the best of everything.”

Tuiloma Talatoa, of Sapunaoa, agrees. “White Sunday is all about clothes and food,” she said. “My children are very precious to me and this is why this day is an important one. White Sunday is the day for the parents to listen and receive the good news from the young ones and also it’s about quality time.”

For businesswoman, Va’aulu, of California Connection, she said business has been steady.

“White Sunday is very important to me because it’s a day where I get to make my children the first priority,” she said.

“We’ve seen a lot of shoppers come and go but we are expecting things to get very busy over the next couple of days before Sunday.”

So expect today and tomorrow to be a lot busier in Apia as White Sunday is one of the busiest times in Samoa.

If you are taking a vehicle to town, parking might be an issue.