“A tough game but a great effort from our Toa Samoa!”  Samoa Rugby League

World champions Australia have an opportunity to defend their Four Nations crown and avenge a rare defeat to the Kiwis in the opening round after ending Toa Samoa's bold campaign with an ominous 44-18 victory in the final pool game in Wollongong today. Samoa has been highly competitive in their losses to England and New Zealand, but the Australians blew them off the park yesterday in the first half in an impressive five-tries-to-one effort before 18,456 fans to lead 28-6 at the break.

Canberra (Theage) 09 November 2014 - A magical first-half performance by Greg Inglis kept Australia’s rocky Four Nations finals hopes alive with victory over Samoa.

While the eight try romp was the Kangaroos best performance of the tournament to date, they’ll need to improve significantly to beat an inform New

Zealand team in the Four Nations final in Wellington on Saturday.

Inglis was outstanding at fullback, scoring two first half tries, having a hand in another while saving another certain four-pointer by the Samoans in front of 18456 people at WIN Stadium. His two try effort took Inglis’ try-scoring tally to 27 – eight behind Australia’s greatest ever try-scorer Darren

Lockyer – to push Inglis to fourth overall.

Ill-discipline cost the Samoans who continued to show glimpses of being able to mix it with the world’s best teams. Samoa conceded seven first half penalties with Joey Leilua the worst offender giving away four as the Kangaroos raced to a 28-6 half-time lead. The result showed how far the

Samoan’s had developed since their only previous encounter, which the Kangaroos won 66-10 in 2000. And if it wasn’t for a late try to Josh Mansour in the dying stages, Samoa would have enjoyed a second half victory.

The Kangaroos were much crisper with the ball as the combination between Inglis, Daly Cherry-Evans and Cooper Cronk grows but it will be their defence which will cause coach Tim Sheens most concern. While the Kangaroos only conceded three tries, it was through flimsy defence by their big men in the middle of the field that led to Australia leaking points.

Inglis starred against a willing Samoan side in a match with threatened to boil over at some stage with both teams clashing throughout. A bust by Inglis gave Australia’s youngest ever Kangaroo Sione Mata’utia some space before passed to

Cooper Cronk to open the try-scoring after just two minutes. The South Sydney fullback would have a try of his own nine minutes later when he touched the ball twice on the final tackle with went through at least four pairs of hands to extend the Kangaroos lead to 10.

In Samoa’s first try-scoring opportunity individual effort, fullback Tim Simona shrugged away Kangaroos skipper and then went under the outreached arms of prop Aaron Woods to score. Samoa almost snatched the lead two minutes later, only for Inglis to hold up bench hooker Pita Godinet who looked certain to score out of dummy half. Having saved a try at the other end of the field, Inglis again found himself in the action, when he helped the Kangaroos to regain the ascendency with a 26 minute try.

Daly Cherry-Evans and David Klemmer completed the first half scoring for the Kangaroos. Samoa started the better of the two sides when play resumed after half-time.

Footwork by Samoan five-eighth Ben Roberts again caused concern for Australia’s defence as he stepped past Woods, Sam Thaiday and Josh Papalii to open the second half scoring seven minutes after half-time. The Kangaroos had to wait until the 62nd minute to add to their first half tally when Cronk scored his second. Samoa continued their impressive second half performance when captain David Fa’alogo. Fa’alogo’s defensive efforts couldn’t match his attacking prowess, when he was badly beaten by a piece of agility and strength from Papalii to score with four minutes remaining. Papalii’s inclusion as a starting front-rower to partner Woods, allowed for Thaiday and Greg Bird to return to their favoured edge back-row spots, giving the Kangaroos a better balanced side. A runaway try to Mansour on the stroke of full-time ensured the Kangaroos would finish the second half as victors and an overall 26-point lead. It was the most points the Kangaroos had scored since beating the Kiwis in last year’s World Cup final.Samoan prop Mose Masoe was placed on report for a late tackle on Cronk midway through the second half. Meanwhile, the Kangaroos are expected to welcome back Beau Scott from a hamstring injury in time to face the Kiwis.

Samoa and the United Nations Development Programme (U.N.D.P) have signed a project agreement aimed at incorporating climate change risks mitigation measures and adaptation opportunities across relevant sectors.

The project is the largest national project ever funded by the Least Developed Countries Fund of the Global Environment Facility (G.E.F); this is considered a strategic departure move for Samoa as it shifts out of its L.D.C status.

The project includes the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (M.N.R.E) and Ministry of Finance (M.O.F).

Samoa is among the Small Island Development States (S.I.D.S) that are most vulnerable and exposed to climate change. Sea-level rise will exacerbate coastal erosion, loss of land, and dislocation of the island settlements.

Coastal floods are also likely to become more frequent and severe. When cyclone Evan hit Samoa in 2012, as many as 7,500 people were affected, and about 2000 houses were damaged.

The first objective of the L.D.C.F grant of US$12.3million (T$28.2m) will improve national and local planning and coordination for adaptation to climate change. This will strengthen national efforts to effectively integrate climate change risks and disaster risk reduction in national planning and budgeting processes, and in this way reduce the damages from future extreme weather events.

About 70 per cent of Samoa’s population and infrastructure are located in low-lying coastal areas, and climate change is affecting all sectors.

The second objective of the project will be to consider measures by which communities and families can enhance resilience against flooding, heavy rain and extreme weather events such as looking at preventative measures to reduce impacts of flooding in the greater Apia area (Faleata West,

Faleata East and Vaimauga West). Communities will be consulted and encouraged to provide inputs in to the implementation phase of the project.

The third objective of the project is to improve information systems relating to climate change adaptation, and ensure these are used in informed decision making by all key stakeholders involved including communities.

“We cannot grow as a nation unless we ensure that every investment, whether in infrastructure, food security, watershed management, health, even tourism, is informed by up-to-date information on climate change impacts, particularly related to extreme weather events and disasters,” says M.N.R.E C.E.O, Suluimalo Amataga Penaia.

Lavea Tupaimatuna Lavea, C.E.O of Ministry of Finance, believes that “For every tala invested in climate change adaptation/mitigation today, there will be savings of thousands of tala more tomorrow”.

Financing from the Least Developed Country Fund will serve to advance Samoa’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process to integrate climate change adaptation into development planning processes, budgets, and strategies. Established under the Cancun Adaptation Framework (C.A.F), the N.A.P process enables Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to formulate and implement national adaptation plans (N.A.Ps) as a means of identifying medium- and long-term adaptation needs and developing and implementing strategies and programmes to address those needs.

“The United Nations Development Programme is particularly satisfied to cooperate with the Government of Samoa in a climate change project that also has such a clear focus on women and youth. This project will support development of small businesses that can thrive in the light of climate change, providing opportunities and employment for the future,” says Lizbeth Cullity, U.N.D.P Resident Representative in Samoa.

“Through village surveys, households, women and youth will have a chance to express their views on how this can be done. Their participation in decision-making will be a priority.”

“The Company’s net loss for the 2012/2013 financial year was, $21,125, compared to, (the) $506,597 (loss) recorded in the previous year.” F.E.C. Committee.

The Unit Trust of Samoa (U.T.O.S) had an exceptional 2012-2013 financial year – with its revenue increasing by 764 per cent.

In its report to the Legislative Assembly the Finance and Expenditure Committee (F.E.C.), noted that while this year had been challenging for the Trust, it had shown tremendous improvement when compared to the previous financial year.

“The financial performance of the Unit Trust of Samoa has improved compared to the last two years,” the report reads.

“The Company’s net loss for the 2012/2013 financial year was, $21,125, compared to, (the) $506,597 (loss) recorded in the previous year.

“The Committee noted form the statement of Financial Performance, the total revenue has increased by 764 percent compared to last year largely due to the increase of the Management Fee from 1.5 per cent to four per cent of the assets of the Trust.”

The F.E.C. reports that the financial position of U.T.O.S. continues to grow stronger.

“The total net assets as at June 30 2013 has increased from $457,942 last year to $736,817 for this financial year with no borrowings,” it says.

“The main reason for this was the effort by the Management to develop and enhance the Trust into a profitable investment fund, while making sacrifices during the formative phases of the Trust.” So impressed was the Committee by the U.T.O.S’s Annual Report that they noted eight highlights from the Trust’s Annual Report for the abovementioned year in their report to the Legislative Assembly.

“The distribution of the first ever seven sene per unit to all unit holders of the Trust in August 2012,” the report reads.

“The growth in the unit price of 18.6 per cent. “The return to a unit holder was 24.2 per cent. “The increased number of unit holders recorded reaching 881, making the Unit Titles of Samoa the local private fund with the highest number of shareholders.

“The Trust’s Investment portfolio has reached $67.7 million as at June 30 2013;

“Application of the four per cent Management Fee on the Trust as the Company moves to become financially independent from further Government capital injection.

“Net loss of the Company was reduced by 96 per cent when compared to last year. “Net assets of the Company increased by 82 per cent when compared to last financial year.”

The F.E.C. commended the efforts and commitment by the Management and staff of the Unit Trust of Samoa.

“As highlighted in its report, the future of the Unit Trust is bright,” it reports.

“In response to a change in Government‘s commitment for continued financial support by way of capital injection into the company, the Management has restructured its revenue sources to ensure the sustainability of the Company and the

Trust over the next three years.”

The report will be published in tomorrow’s paper.

Hundreds of public servants were granted a half day from work on Friday to commemorate the end of the Healthy Lifestyle Week.

Initiated by the Ministry of Health, the commemoration was based on the theme “Small healthy choice creates great impact.”

With those words, the public servants started from those small healthy walks on the seawall, to dancing it away with Zumba, to volleyball teams to climbing the mountains were some of the activities from the different Ministries. While some chose to go home for the half day, many chose to put on their runners and tights and join in the fun.

Take for example the Office of the Electoral Commission where majority of the staff came prepared from home for the long walk on the Palisi Mountain.

It was the first walk for others on a hill but with the support from other colleagues the exercise was well worth it.

The Ministry of Health decided something more sassy and musical.

At the Tupulaga Talavou Hall at Sogi the staffs were dancing away in their tights and ie lavalava. Led by Fana & Lee zumba group and instructor Fong

Chan Sau it was great fun for the elderly women who were also enjoying the hula movement.

On the fields of Sogi park reserve, the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure were teaming up for a volleyball game.

Although it wasn’t easy to spike on the high net, the men and women managed to pull it down with smiles.

Cruising on the seawall is the team from Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour.

The heat made it difficult to walk the distance but determination made it all possible to reach their destination. The commemoration of the Healthy

Lifestyle Week was designed to raise public awareness about the dangers of non-communicable diseases and the importance of healthy living.

In his opening address on Monday, Minister of Health Tuitama Dr. Talalelei Tuitama reminded that prevention is better than cure.

“Non communicable disease are affecting the lives of many of our people…the objective is through the engagement of the community and society to encourage and advocate the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle behaviour and making healthy choice.”

The Ministry had other programmes to raise public awareness on healthy choices through school competition in drawings.

The Environment Week that started with a special ceremony in Manono-tai ended with an Awards ceremony at the National University of Samoa Fale.

In his closing speech, Associate Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Faumuina Tiatia Luiga reiterates the message by the young children of Manono-tai ‘environment is our heritage from God’.

“I am happy to note that this year’s celebration of the National Environment week has been a successful one. I am confident that the outcome of this week’s discussions will help us finales Samoa’s priority responses to climate change as the rest of the global community prepares to launch q new post 2015 agreement in Paris.”

“I am pleased to note that much has been done and achieved throughout the years. However I am also conscious of the fact that we have a lot of work that remains to be done. As custodians of the environment, we have a collective responsibility to see to it that the Environment is cared for and sustained for future generations to come.”

“It is my hope that this annual event will continue to foster excellence and innovation in our collective efforts to protect and conserve the environment.”

“As we close the national environment week program, I would like to thank and acknowledge with appreciation the participation and contribution from our stakeholders; our development partners, the public and private sectors, our business community and civil societies. Your invaluable contributions will greatly assist us in strengthening our national and community based initiatives in the pursuit and realization of our overall goal ‘To achieve

Environmental Sustainability and Disaster Rick Reduction’. It is my fervent hope that existing strategies will have been strengthened and improved and new and innovative measures have been identified as a positive way forward for the Environment sector.”

“The night’s program honored and recognized those individuals, groups, village and business communities who have made outstanding contributions to environmental protection and conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives and so forth.”

{googleAds}<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

Think a minute…

A famous man and woman who were neighbors were always arguing. They just could not get along with each other. One day the woman said to the man: “Sir, if you were my husband, I’d give you poison!” The man quickly answered: “Madam, if you were my wife, I’d take it!” You know, the greatest problems in the world always have been and always will be problems between people. Just look at our own family and extended family. Is everyone getting along all the time? How about in your village or neighborhood, your school, or your workplace?

Did you know that the beautiful ‘paradise’ islands of the Pacific have some of the highest suicide rates in the world? But why? Because there is no peace in paradise! Instead, there are walls of hurt and hate built up between people: between parents and children, between husbands and wives, between different races and cultures. All over the world there is trouble and problems between people! Many people are hurting, hoping someday to finally have real peace.

But even if everyone was given lots of money and a high-paying job, the best education, and a great government, we’d still have problems because of the walls between people—walls of pride and prejudice, walls of hurt, mistrust, jealousy, and unforgiveness. And it’s into this kind of world with this big problem that God the Son came to bring peace, and tear down these walls between people. But before we can have real peace and truly love without conditions our children, our wife or husband, our neighbors, as well as people of other races and cultures, we ourselves must first be loved that way by someone else and experience that kind of love.

That’s exactly what Jesus Christ came to do: to love us. He came to accept and forgive us for all our wrongs, so we could finally be reunited in true peace with our Maker. You see, it’s only then that we can also live in peace with the other people in our life. So today, won’t you ask Jesus to forgive you for all your wrongs and to take charge of your heart everyday? Then He can start changing your life and relationships so you’ll finally have real peace with the people in your life. Just Think a Minute…

The Minister of Public Enterprises, Lautafi Selafi Purcell, is demanding better performances from Samoa’s State Owned Enterprises (S.O.E's), calling for them to cut their losses.

Lautafi made the call during an interview with the Samoa Observer when he was asked about how he was settling into Cabinet’s newest portfolio.

The Public Enterprises portfolio was created earlier this year following the resignation of former Minister of Finance, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga, over a number of allegations about his performance.

While Lautafi was handed the Public Enterprises ministerial job, Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, reclaimed the Finance portfolio.

A few months into his new role, Lautafi said the groundwork for the establishment of the new Ministry is nearly completed.

One important piece that’s needed is the Legislation that defines the Ministry, its administration and role.

The Minister said this has been tabled before Parliament and he is hopeful it will be passed in December.

Meantime, Lautafi said his vision is to improve the performances of a number of S.O.E's so that they would be profitable.

The Minister’s vision follows countless Parliamentary reports that have exposed the poor performance of some S.O.E's, with some losing millions of tala.

“After the legislation is through Parliament, we are looking at the bigger S.O.E's, to drill into them that they have to operate like a business,” Lautafi said.

“The Management and the Board have to have the same mentality. The Board has to be really on board.

“Some S.O.E's unfortunately haven’t been making profits, they have been operating at a loss.”

Lautafi did not single out any particular S.O.E. But Parliamentary Committees as well as the Controller and Chief Auditor have highlighted losses in

S.O.E's such as the Samoa Sports Facilities Authority, Samoa Ports Authority, the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S) among others. According to the M.P for Satupa’itea, the government is continuing to fund “S.O.E's who have been operating at a loss” because “they are crucial services we cannot do away with.”

But the long-term vision is to make them self-sufficient so they will no longer rely of public funding to prop them up.

Lautafi said it is absolutely vital for S.O.E's to make profits to help the government. “They need not to depend on the government,” he emphasised.

“When the Legislation is passed, we will be looking at a way to cut costs and how to make profits to help the government.

“They (S.O.E's) need to be profitable at least so they can fund their own budgets for their operations rather than depending on the government.

“That is the first step to become self-sufficient. “The thing is not to rely on government budget every year. They need to learn how to survive on their own.”

While S.O.E's such as the Samoa Land Corporation (S.L.C) and the Samoa Sports Facilities Authority, the Legislation before Parliament will make it clear what other S.O.E's will come under Lautafi’s portfolio and what the process will be in terms of transferring them from the portfolios they are under now.

{googleAds}<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

The government has moved to privatise the National Kidney Foundation (N.K.F.) of Samoa.

The decision is revealed in a report by Health and Social Services, Internal Affairs, Community and Social Development Committee (H.S.S.I.A.C.S.D.) to Parliament.

A copy of the report obtained by the Samoa Observer outlines that the Committee sees the move as a way forward towards more efficiency of services provided.

“The Government believes that the N.K.F. has grown to the stage where it can now be privatised,” the report reads.

“The Committee noted that as for the recruitment of staff, there will no longer be any involvement or consultation with the Public Service Commission.

“It was noted that in previous years most of its staff would be seconded either from the Health Services or Private Sector.

“The management has expressed its sincere gratitude towards this, as it authorises the provisions for the Board of Directors together with the employment of permanent management and staff.”

The Committee comprises of Chairperson, Gatoloaifaana Amataga Gidlow with the deputy Chairperson being Aeau P. Leavaiseeta. The members include Motuopuaa U. AisoliVaai, Ifopo Matia Filisi, Aveau Nikotemo Palamo, So’oalo Mene, Alo Fulifuli Taveuveu and, Committee Clerk, Torrey Unoi.

Part of the report reads below:

3. STANDING ORDERS 171: In compliance with Standing Orders 171, it shall be the duty of the Health and Social Services, Internal Affairs, Community and Social Development Committee: (a). To consider any bill, petition or other matter referred by the Assembly or pursuant to these Standing Orders; and such Estimates or review of ministerial performance as maybe referred by the Finance and Expenditure Committee; (b). To examine the policy, administration and expenditure of the ministries and associated government organizations related to health, housing and social services, internal affairs, community and social development.

4. BILL CONSIDERED. National Kidney Foundation of Samoa Amendment Bill 2013. The Health & Social Services, Internal Affairs, Community and Social Development Committee considered the National Kidney Foundation of Samoa Amendment Bill 2013 pursuant to the Instruction issued by the Assembly on the 25th of January 2014.

5. PROCEEDINGS: The Committee invited oral or written submissions from the public regarding the Bill through public notice broadcasted on Television (S.Q.B. TV 1) and radio (2AP). The Committee also sought assistance from the following officials during the course of its deliberations:- ASSISITANCE (S.O. 156): NationaKidnevFoundation of Samoa: Mulipola Roger Hazelman - General Manager Marvin Margraff - Manager Corporate Services

6. FINDINGS: The purpose of the Bill is to amend the provisions of the National Kidney Foundation of Samoa Act 2005 (“Principal Act”) in relation to the Board of Directors. The Government has moved to privatize the National Kidney Foundation of Samoa as it sees it as a way forward for more efficiency of its services provided. The Committee noted that as for the recruitment of Staff, there will no longer be any involvement or consultation with the Public Service Commission. It was noted that in previous years most of its staff would be seconded either from the Health Services or Private sector. The Management has expressed its sincere gratitude towards this, as it authorizes the provisions for the Board of Directors together with the employment of permanent management and staff. The Government believes that the National Kidney Foundation has grown to the stage where it can now be privatized.

7. CONSIDERATION IN DETAIL OF THE BILL: The Committee considered the Bill in detail and was satisfied with all the provisions therein except for the Amendment as recommended below.
AMENDMENTS 1. Clause 8(1)1a): Insert “who is appointed by cabinet in consultation with the Board” after the word “Foundation” thus the new clause reads:- “8. Staff— (1) The staff of the Foundation consists of the following: (a) A General Manger of the Foundation who is appointed by the cabinet in consultation with the Board. 2. Clause 8(2): Delete the current subsection 8(2)and replace with the following: “(2) The Board may appoint suitably qualified persons on terms as it thinks appropriate under subsection (1)(b) and (c)”

The Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U) yesterday denied reports that there was a problem with the allowances for Manu Samoa players before the team was hammered by Italy, 24-13, in Ascoli on Sunday morning.

The Union’s Treasurer and Board member, Tamaleta Taimang Jensen, told the Samoa Observer that the players’ allowances have been paid.

As of yesterday, they were processing the allowances for the game against Italy.

He assured that the allowances for the game against Canada is also being processed.

“There is no such thing,” Tamaleta responded when he was asked about reports that the players had not been paid.

The Union was contacted after a source told the Samoa Observer that the players were unhappy about the delay. They had apparently written to the S.R.U about the issue.

“Everyone is entitled to receive their allowances and we’ve paid the allowances,” the Treasurer said.

Tamaleta said the difficulty is getting money to the touring team because the money has to be processed using different banks with different rules.

The Manu Samoa opened its Northern Hemisphere tour with a loss against Italy on Sunday.

The team is moving to France to play Canada there to be followed by a test match at Twickenham against England.

{googleAds}<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

A workshop on revitalising Indigenous Architecture and Sustainable Building Skills was held last week.

The workshop, designed to develop a platform for the regional commitment to revive and preserve the traditional architecture and building skills, brought together participants from the Pacific Islands to explore the traditional architecture.

The workshop exposed the traditional architecture and building skills of Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga, Niue and New Zealand.

The Pacific island participants also had the opportunity to explore traditional architecture of China and Japan and to engage in the building phases of the Samoan Fale. In his assessment, Japanese Conservation Architect, Kazuhiko Nitto, lauds the Samoan Fale saying that it is sustainable as compared to the traditional houses of Japan.

In building the Fale, resources are collected from the local environment while in Japan, they use something imported and so there are the wealth issues, they have this thing called ‘sick house’ there is some kind of sickness coming from the paint or asbestos (material used in roofing) and then the oil.

“The Fale is very unique because the environment is quite hot so the fales make more shade compared to other region,” he said.

In terms of structure, he finds the Samoan Fale unique due to the excellent knot-tying skills. “This (Samoan Fale) is quite a strong structure against earthquake, concrete structures are very vulnerable but Samoan Fales are resilient.” During the workshop, challenges confronting the Indigenous

Architecture and Sustainable Building Skills were also raised.

According to a participant from Cook Islands, the demand of building traditional houses is very low even though there are some parts of country that wishes to preserve them.

“I don’t know why but with the small population and life is going into the modern house versus the traditional house. It is not really demanded as a place to live.”

Another challenge raised is that many of the house builders in the past took to the grave their knowledge and skills and what we have now with our tufuga’s is not complete. Some skills and knowledge have gone.

In light of the vulnerable state of traditional architecture and building skills in the Pacific, the participants produced an outcome statement.

“We recognize that our traditional buildings and associated building skills are losing their authenticity due to many factors both environmental and social. We agree that our indigenous architecture is central to the preservation of our unique cultures and in urgent need of safeguarding due to climate change and an increasingly globalised Pacific.”

The preamble reads.

“In order to achieve integrated safeguarding we must establish training, research and networking that is both multidisciplinary and intergenerational.”

Their recommendations to the National Governments include: strengthening of the qualification/accreditation and TVET programmes for the recognition and advancement of tufuga skills, provision of a land of for environmental initiatives to revive replanting of raw materials needed in traditional house buildings, support the establishment of a “Tufuga Association,” provide tufuga with subsidies and other incentives to continue traditional building and transmission of their knowledge to young people, establishment of a learning centre for traditional arts and craft skills, nomination of traditional house building skills for international recognition by the Intangible Cultural Heritage (I.H.C.) Convention and the development of a cultural policy related to ICH safeguarding.

Their recommendation to the private sector is for them to provide sponsorship for awareness raising programmes on ICH, inclusive of indigenous architecture and the establishment of a partnership with tourism sector to increase employment opportunities for builders.

Meanwhile, their recommendation to the regional agencies include: Pacific Island Forum to recognize a “Tufuga Association” inclusive of master builders of traditional homes and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community to provide technical cooperation for the revitalization of traditional house building skills through training, policy development, implementation and monitoring, as part of culture industry development portfolio.

To the International Training Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage (C.R.I.H.A.P: provision of fellowship for young people to build capacity for ICH safeguarding and the training of tufuga in facilitating knowledge transmission of their building knowledge and skills. And to UNESCO : provision of financial assistance under ICH Fund in the preparatory works to inscribe indigenous house building skills in the Pacific, including inventory making and the establishment of roster of specialists/consultants in indigenous architecture and traditional house building skills.

The workshop is conducted by the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture with funding from the CRIHAP with technical assistance from the UNESCO office for the Pacific States and facilitated by the MESC-Culture Division.

{googleAds}<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

“The Government of the Solomon Islands had invited the Pacific Islands Forum to send an Observer Mission to their National Elections,” the release says.

Samoa’s Electoral Commissioner, Papali’i Malietau Malietoa, has been invited to observe the conduct of the General Elections of the Solomon Islands.

According to a release from his Office, Papali’i was invited by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (P.I.F.S.) to be a member of the Regional Delegation to who will carry out this task.

“The Government of the Solomon Islands had invited the Pacific Islands Forum to send an Observer Mission to their National Elections,” the release says.

“Polling day is scheduled for the November 19 and all final counts to be completed by the 27th of this month.

“Among the issues to be highlighted, are the preparations by the Government of the Solomon Islands to ensure that all aspect of Polling Day is conducted without any incidents or civil unrest.”

The Office says the mission will speak with various stakeholders both in the State and Private Sectors of the Solomon Islands to acquire an accurate and robust perspective on the preparations and conduct of the General Elections.

“Of particular interest to the Electoral Commissioner is the roll of female candidates in the General Elections of the Solomon Islands as Samoa will be implementing its special measure for increasing the amount of female Parliamentarians in 2016,” it says.

“This has been an ongoing project of the Office of the Electoral Commissioner with the support of the Regional and in Country Office of UNWomen.

“It is expected that over a 100 foreign observers will be present in the Solomon Islands with P.I.F.S., the Commonwealth Secretariat, E.U. (European Union) and Australia providing the contingent of Electoral Observer.”
Papalii departed Samoa on Monday to be a member of the P.I.F.S. Regional Delegation.

{googleAds}<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

The Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta'isi Efi, has won widespread praise in Germany at the 25th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

His Highness Tui Atua joined an esteemed line up of speakers from all over the globe during a conference on the theme: “A World without Walls: Opportunities for Peace Building in a time of Global Insecurity.”

The conference being held this week is part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations, which has fallen in the same year marking 100 years since Germany’s colonial administration of Samoa came to an end.

The Head of State addressed the conference yesterday. His paper was titled “A World without Walls.”

According to the Head of State, “A world without walls seems to demand the right to self-determination."

“It seems to assume for individuals, groups and nations the freedom and capacity to determine for themselves, in responsible ways, where they want to go, when, how, with whom and for what purpose,” he said.

“The right to self-determination is considered a core principle of international law and is protected by the United Nations Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights."

“But such rights or freedoms and the instruments or conventions that protect them are not worth anything if people do not recognise and give effect to them. Furthermore such rights and freedoms do not exist in a vacuum. They exist alongside duties and responsibilities. Given this what would it mean to live in a world without walls? And are walls really something we can live without?”

His Highness Tui Atua told the gathering that one of the great walls that imposes on the current global equation is the "assumption that there is a universal truth that usurps all truths; that ultimately there is only one justice, one law for all; one way of knowing, one way of being."

“Revealing the arrogance of this assumption is at the heart of a call for cultural democracy,” he said. “Like the walls we have been discussing, cultural diversity is both a strength and a weakness.

“Being able to listen to the story of Tapuitea from beginning to end without squirming and to be able to draw out the general messages or principles and still appreciate the cultural idioms it holds requires an openness to cultural diversity."

“Being open to learning new languages is key to appreciating cultural diversity. Being able to hear about past injustices without judging or wanting revenge is also an important part of knowing cultural diversity. All of these aspects of cultural diversity are prioritised within cultural democracy. But a culturally democratic world is not necessarily a world without walls."

“For me a culturally democratic world is a world that redeems a lost humility."

“It is a world that shares in a commitment to a global ethic that can protect (puipui) ourselves and our homes from harm; and that can openly strengthen those freedoms and responsibilities that allow for human diversity to flower naturally, in ways that 'naturalise' and 'humanise' us without oppressive constraint."

“It is a world that sees the irony, humour and reality of an often told scene that happened at the Berlin Wall when it came down. Here the West Germans, who were standing at their side of the wall filled with emotion and engaged in solemn prayers, were upon the fall immediately perplexed when confronted by rushing crowds from the East who wanted to know: "Where can I find a departmental store?"

“And, finally, it is a world that can appreciate the wisdom of one of my favourite sayings, uttered by one of my favourite American actresses Meryl Streep, when she played the Iron Lady, the late Margaret Thatcher, when Margaret recites the saying passed on to her by her father:

Watch your thoughts, for they become words;
Watch your words, for they become actions;
Watch your actions, for they become habits;
Watch your habits, for they become your character;
And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny;
What we think, we become.

“So what does it mean to celebrate 25 years since the coming down of the Berlin Wall? For me it means two things."

“First, it means celebrating triumph over oppression. For it is always good to be reminded that human goodness can indeed triumph over despair and humiliation. And, second, it means celebrating the joys of knowing that we have watched our thoughts, we have watched our words, we have watched our actions, our habits, and our character, and we can go to sleep knowing that our destinies have become much better for it.”

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 led to far-reaching changes in the world’s political, economic and cultural landscape and the implications of this historic event still echo through time to current global events.

His Highness Tui Atua’s paper was well received by conference participants who were touched by its profound message of finding forgiveness and humility in order to restore balance.

His Highness Tui Atua’s paper will be published in full on the Sunday Samoan.

GETTING HEALTHIER: Some staff members of the Office of the Electoral Commission take time out for a quick photo before they hit the Mt. Vaea hill climb starting from Palisi as part of the National Health Week. All public servants enjoyed a half-day off from work last Friday as part of a government push for Samoa to get healthier.

{googleAds}<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

The suppliers of kava described by the authorities as “con kava” have been let off the hook with a warning.

But they will not be so lucky next time.
Speaking to the Samoa Observer, the Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Health Prevention and Environment Division, Seve Sinei Fili, said members of the public should take the decision as a warning.
“Following our investigation, we have decided to warn them,” said Seve.
“We have written to them, informing them they cannot sell kava unless they meet the requirements."

“From the investigation, there is no scientific evidence that the kava is harmful but our issue is the misleading of information.”

Last month, members of the public who consume kava were warned that what had been found as “fake kava” sold using local labels could lead to health problems.

At the time, the Director General of the Ministry of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, confirmed that his Ministry had launched an investigation into the issue.

“Someone has been conning locals (with the ava) selling it under a different label,” Leausa said.

“We’ve had a complainant that had an allergic reaction to the kava and we are investigating.”

Seve said the investigation has ended and they found that the supplier did not really understand the law. He did not elaborate.

The business involved, registered under the name of Sale Mataia, is run by an Indo-Fijian couple. The investigation found the kava, which was imported from Fiji, was sold under several different labels, including Kava Tonga.

The Ministry of Health also found the business had not met labeling requirements by not giving information about who owns the kava, its weight and other important information.

The A.C.E.O pointed out that while the family disputed that they supplied the four different labels of kava, their investigation points to the one conclusion and that is all the different labels came from one place.

Asked if the business had a license, Seve said yes and confirmed that it was issued by the Ministry of Revenue.

He explained that the family had applied for the license to trade kava years before a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Revenue and Health.

“The M.O.U was signed two years ago while the family had their licensed issued four years ago,” he said.

“The M.O.U with the Ministry of Revenue means all applicants for licenses that involve food and beverages have to come through the Ministry of Health for inspection and then we assess whether they meet requirement."

“In this case the license was given by Revenue (prior to the M.O.U) and it is why we are not aware of the license.”

A senior staff from the Ministry of Revenue, who is not authorised to speak to the media, confirmed the license was issued by them under the name of Sale Mataia in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

{googleAds}<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

The Samoa Umbrella of Non Governmental Organisations (S.U.N.G.O) has a new President. She is Alalatoa Breda Tipi-Faitua.

Alalatoa as elected during S.U.N.G.O’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday. She takes over from Seumanuula Moana Clarke who has become the Vice President.

Reverend Letaulau Pesalelei is the National Treasurer while Satui Bentin remains the Secretary of the organisation.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Alalatoa said she is both grateful and humbled to have been chosen for the position.

She said her vision is to continue to provide much-needed trainings to empower and improve the capacity of N.G.Os to help members of the public in whatever capacity they serve.

Education, she said, is extremely important, as this is one way of making positive changes. She said it’s equally important for organisations to understand the system so they can apply for funding to improve their work.

The new President admitted that applications for funding can sometimes be a daunting task for some N.G.Os but it is one area she is keen to improve so that no one loses out.

It’s about un-complicating processes that are complicated, she said.

Alalatoa has been in S.U.N.G.O for over three years.

As for her new role, she said: “I am thankful for the opportunity and especially grateful to those who nominated and voted for me. Thank you very much for the opportunity.”

{googleAds}<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

A 21-year-old man has been jailed for six months for having sex with a female under 16 years old. This is despite the fact that the girl consented.

During sentencing in the Supreme Court yesterday, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson reminded that consent does not count when the girl is under age.

The defendant, Shalom Tapusalaia, who pleaded guilty, was represented by lawyer, Leota Raymond Schuster. The prosecutor was Ofisa Tagaloa, of the Attorney General’s Office.

According to the Police summary of facts, the girl was 15 years old at the time of the incident. They met at a rugby match.

“The complainant was less than 16 years of age and therefore what the defendant did is against the law,” Justice Vui said.

“Even though the sexual intercourse was done given her consent, the consent from the under aged girl is no excuse."

“The reason the law is there is to protect them from predatory males. The defendant in this case is six years older, he should’ve known better and exercised better judgment.”

The Court took into consideration the defendant’s guilty plea, his good probation report and the fact that his family has already apologised to victim and paid a hefty fine to the Village Council for the offense.

{googleAds}<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

Think a minute…

“The reason many people don’t climb the ladder of success is they are waiting for the elevator.” But we cannot “wait” our way to the top, we must “work” our way up. We just need to be sure which steps will get us there, so we don’t waste our life climbing the wrong ladder! Today and tomorrow we will look at some right steps to success.

The first step is learning from experience. As one successful person says: “I prefer to profit from the mistakes others have already made and paid for!” People who do not learn from experience waste much of their life going around in circles making the same mistakes again and again.

A second step to success is both “seeing” and “seizing” good opportunities. “Vision without activation is hallucination.” Successful people don’t just talk about what they plan to do, they get on with doing it. They recognize a good opportunity and grab it before it is too late. They know timing is everything, so they are not afraid to take risks since they are more afraid of losing a good opportunity. The first step is usually the hardest, but it gets easier once you get moving toward your goal.

The person who is waiting for someone to give him a good tip on an opportunity will probably wait a long time! “The important thing is not to wait until opportunity knocks—it’s to know the sound of opportunity when it is just a tap.” Good opportunities are like diamonds in the rough: most people walk right by them because they are not already polished and cut to size.

A third step to success is to recognize when and where there is not much opportunity for future improvement and promotion. Some people cannot read the warning signs telling them they are wasting their time in a dead-end job where the road to their success is closed. Someone wisely said: “Don’t stay where you’re tolerated, go where you’re celebrated.” Find a job or business where you fit, and can keep climbing as high as your ability and desire will take you.

Today, why not ask the One Who knows your personality and abilities better than anyone to become your career partner? The One who designed and made you knows exactly the right steps for you to reach your full potential and success

He has planned for you. Just think a minute…

Auckland, (NZ Herald) 11 November 2014 - All Black midfielder Ma’a Nonu has signed with French club Toulon, according to newspaper Midi Olympique.

The paper said Nonu, who is currently sidelined with a broken arm, will make the move after next year’s World Cup.

It is the latest story in a long line of speculation about the future of the Hurricanes player.

The newspaper also said All Blacks and Blues prop Charlie Faumuina had agreed to a deal to join Paris club Racing Metro.

It’s not the first time owner Mourad Boudjellal has tried to lure Nonu to the South of France.

Nonu, who will be 33 at next year’s Rugby World Cup, has played 94 tests for the All Blacks and his latest contract with the NZRU finishes after the tournament.

He has been playing professional rugby in New Zealand since 2002, with the exception of a brief stint in Japan before the 2012 Super Rugby season.

Former Hurricanes teammates Jerry Collins, Tana Umaga and fellow All Black Sonny Bill Williams have all previously played for Toulon.

The side is currently captained by former All Black Carl Hayman and includes Ali Williams and Chris Masoe - all former teammates of Nonu.

Nonu is missing the All Blacks northern tour after breaking his arm in September and will return to action for the Hurricanes at the start of the Super Rugby season.

{googleAds}<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

Steve Ma Ching, 49, is a tattooist of Samoan Chinese descent. The father of three, responsible for designs on some of our best-known sports stars among others, was last week recognised as a senior artist by Creative New Zealand at the Arts Pasifika Awards. Steve is the son of the late Segio Ma Ching and Hope Grevel Furrer. This is his story told through 12 Questions asked by Sarah Stuart of The NZ Herald:

1. Where did you grow up?
Mostly in Avondale but when I was 13 my dad took me to Samoa. We came back when I was 16. [Samoa’s] great for a holiday but, well to be honest, I couldn’t wait to get home. It was a big culture shock. My mum and dad had split up, bringing up five kids was hard, and dad wanted to set up a business over there. I’d been in boarding school at St Paul’s. I was a bit of an upstart and my mum thought boarding school was the place for me.
In Samoa they called me Palagi because I couldn’t speak the language so after six months I decided I would learn. It was hard moving there. We’d walk about eight miles home from school, and dad’s business wasn’t going too well so we came home. I’ve never been back since.

2. What did you want to do for a
career?
I was going to join the navy the military seemed to be where the opportunities were and I didn’t want to be stuck in Waiouru for five years so I sat the (navy) exams and passed, got accepted, and there were a few months before the final medical.
I was working in a footwear company punching out soles with “Made in New Zealand” on them and decided to get a tattoo. I’d seen my Samoan uncles’ tattoos and always wanted one. It was a really big deal - cost me half my week’s wages. I went up to K’Rd and didn’t think about the pain then when it started I was like “holy hell”. That was it. I wanted to be a tattooist.

3. Were you artistic?
I loved drawing. It started with my neighbour. He and I would be running around or whatever and his mum would slap a big roll of newsprint on the table with a box of crayons to keep us quiet. I loved it, and won the ASB competition for drawing at school. Got a book voucher. No one else in my family was an artist or anything. My kids aren’t into it. I saw my old neighbour recently though. He’s an architect now, in London, and has been doing big developments in China.

4. How did you get your first job?
I asked the guy who’d done my tattoo how I could get into it and he just said “go for it”. I wasn’t sure what that meant. But there was another shop in Mt Albert and I went and got a couple done there then pestered the owner. One night the guy drawing his stencils was away and there were people queuing so I said I could do it for him. Next day he asked if I wanted to be an apprentice. I think it depends how determined you are. I was already working out how to build the machine so I could start up for myself.

5. You look very Chinese:
what’s that heritage?
Ah yeah. I’m starting to look a bit Fu Manchu. I trim it like that. My grandfather originally was a plantation worker, brought to Samoa by the Germans to work. I remember my grandfather when I was a kid, he used to chef in Pitt St and I would hang off his apron strings in the back of the Chinese restaurants. I can remember the clang of the woks and the mahjong and my grandfather used to smoke opium. I can remember his stained handkerchiefs from the opium residue.

6. Have you ever tried opium?
I don’t do drugs of any kind. Never really have. I smoked a bit of pot when I was a kid but I stopped because I couldn’t concentrate on the tattooing. One customer got me stoned and I’d just forget what I was doing. My career’s more important to me. I’ve seen a lot of tattooists come and go through drugs, or crashing their motors when they’re off their faces.

7. What about your children?
They aren’t really into that either. They drink but that’s about it. My older son Steven is 24 and a lawyer in a firm in Shortland St. He got a double major in commerce and law at university. Then I’ve got Millen who’s 18 and Tenneal who’s 16. I’m still with their mum Annette. I split from Steven’s mum when he was 3. I’d seen my parents fight and didn’t think that would be a good thing for him. I used to pick him up every Sunday though, and take him for drives or out somewhere.

8. How did you meet Annette?
She was a customer. From memory - she’ll kick my arse if I get this wrong - I did a butterfly on the top of her thigh. Well, not that high up. You see a lot of chicks in this trade. When I worked in the city, the old Queen St markets, you’d get all the office girls and that. Nowadays, I hardly do women because I’m doing more traditional Pacific tattoos.

9. Has it been a hard business
to be in?
It was really good then the Wall St crash happened. I’d been doing a lot of construction workers and office people. We’d have people queuing up at lunchtime. The owner of the Queen St markets went bankrupt and I had to go and work for someone else. I’ve always worked six days a week. Over the past 20 years, since I’ve had this studio in New Lynn, only four times have I had five days off in a row. I live comfortably. I’ve got a nice Dodge Challenger out there. I used to build hotrods and old school cars but I recently closed my workshop. I’m getting too old - my body feels it rolling around under cars. I’ve bought a boat instead.
Yeah, for fishing, but I’m like “hurry up and catch the fish so I can drive the boat”.

10. Are you a proud Westie?
For sure. I’m into V8s. I always wear black. Everything I’ve got is black except for my wife and my boat. I’ve got a black dog. Black cars. I can talk to anyone though. You get all walks of life through here. Lawyers. Doctors. Guys who work on the rigs. You can spend 12 hours a day with them, depending on what they’re having done. I had a mortician once. The stories he told.

11. You’re known for tattooing
Sonny Bill Williams: got other
celebrity clients?
I don’t know really. I don’t follow league or rugby. If sport comes on TV I change the channel so others tell me people are celebrities but I never know. My mate brought Sonny Bill in here and I did his sleeve, then when he came back to book his sisters in another client said “he’s just signed a contract for $2 million” and I thought “oh sh*t”. If I had known that I would have charged him more. Ha!

12. When and where are you
happiest?
I’m always pretty good. But I’ll tell you what, receiving that award [the Senior Artist Award at the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards last week] was right up there. I’ve won trophies overseas but nothing like this. It was being acknowledged for your achievements [in reviving cultural tattooing] as opposed to just one piece. I’m not happy when I’m tattooing - I’m happy when I’ve finished it. It’s like a car painter. He’s not going “I love this” when he’s preparing the car and sanding it down but when he sprays on that last coat of gloss then it’s wow. That’s how I feel when I’ve done a really good job.

{googleAds}<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

The ford joining Fagali’i and Vailele-uta has been described as a “disaster waiting to happen".

And with the wet season already bringing its fair share of heavy downpours, residents in the area have expressed deep concerns, calling on the government to do something before someone “is killed".

After heavy rain on Monday and Tuesday night, the ford was flooded heavily when the Samoa Observer visited. The flooding will only get worse as the rainy season continues, residents warn.

One of them, Talianoa Toama’i, of Vailele, said it is only through the grace of God that no one has been washed away and killed at the ford.

The mother of two, who grew up in the area, said she has witnessed extremely dangerous flooding at the ford and incidents where vehicles attempting to cross to either side are inches away from being swept away.

“As you can see today, the ford is extremely dangerous,” she said. “I’ve been told many times that the government has promised to fix this but nothing has been done".

"I hope they don't wait until it’s too late".

Contacted for a comment, the Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Manu’alesagalala Enokati Posala, said through his Secretary that the ford is on the list of upcoming projects.

The Land Transport Authority (L.T.A), he said, is working through the list but priority is given to roads, bridges and basic infrastructure destroyed by recent natural disasters.

While the Minister conceded that members of the public have a right to be concerned, he assured that the Fagali’i ford would eventually be improved.

When that will happen, the Secretary could not say.

Meanwhile, Ms. Toama’i said the piece of road has become increasingly busy especially with Samoa Primary School located just up the road.

“It is a very busy road now and lots of people use it especially on the week days when parents drop and pick up their kids from school,” she said.

“There is also an increase in population of people living in the new settlements in this area. There are literally hundreds of cars that cross this ford every day and I’m fearful that something might happen".

Ms. Toama’i said the number of people using it will only increase.

Fa’atupu Fa’aliga, 45, of Fagali’i echoed Ms. Toama’i’s concerns.

“As a resident of Fagali’i for 45 years, I am begging whichever ministry is responsible to do something about this ford,” he said.

“This road clearly needs a bridge".

Fa’atupu said as far as he could remember, the road was built during the late 1990s. An upgrade is long overdue, he said.

“The crossing is not safe. The government needs to build a bridge to allow the water to cross through and allow cars to travel safely. As you can see, the road is so narrow".

Before the recent spike in the number of vehicles in Samoa, Fa’atupu said the road was manageable.

“We didn't have that many cars using it before,” he said. “But now this is a different story. With better schools, golf and more people in the area, the road has become so busy and I’m afraid one day, if nothing is done, someone will get killed".

Fa’atupu is also worried about the number of heavy-duty trucks and loaders using the road.

“One truck or two trucks can cause big problems here. Even worse, many people from the villages still use this for washing, showering and other basic chores".

{googleAds}<script async src="http://www.samoaobserver.ws///pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>