BlueSky Samoa yesterday presented two cheques worth more than $1.4 million to the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U).

The presentation was held at the Prime Minister’s office, as part of the company’s sponsorship for the Manu Samoa Sevens.

This is the second year of BlueSky and the S.R.U’s partnership, which gives BlueSky naming rights to the national Sevens team, alongside the Samoa International Finance Authority (S.I.F.A).

The first cheque was for $897,700 as the company’s contribution to the S.R.U to prepare the Manu Samoa Sevens for the I.R.B Sevens World Series 2014/2015.

The second cheque was a $525,000, which was the available bonus for the Manu Samoa 7’s players, should they make it to the finals of the remaining legs of the World Series. BlueSky Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O), Aoe’e Adolfo Montenegro, handed the cheques over to the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union and Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi.

“We are pleased to once again give our full support to the development of Sevens rugby, in particular enhancing Manu Samoa Sevens performance on a global level,” said Aoe’e.

“Manu Samoa is an immense source of pride and joy in our country and we are thrilled to be part of strengthening that legacy into the future".

The Manu Samoa 7’s team is back home to prepare for the next leg of the World Sevens Series, which will be held in Dubai from the 5th to the 6th of December 2014.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa thanked BlueSky for their support.

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A non-profit organisation made up of a group of volunteers dedicated to conserving Samoa’s natural heritage and save Samoa’s many threatened species of plants and animals from extinction has been set up.

The Samoa Conservation Society (S.C.S) “Fa’asao Samoa” was launched on the last day of the National Environment Week last week.

The launching was emceed by Leatigaga Mark Bonin who is a founding member of the Society. As the keynote speaker, the Associate Minister of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E), Faumuina Tiatia Liuga, welcomed the new partnership between M.N.R.E and S.C.S and underscored the need to save the endangered biodiversity of Samoa.

The Honourary British Consul in Samoa, Taulapapa Brenda Heather-Latu announced the U.K. Government’s support for the S.C.S and especially for the conservation of Samoa’s “little dodo” the Manumea.

S.C.S’s office is based at Vailima within the Conservation International (Pacific Islands) Office. Of Samoa’s many thousands of native species of plants and animals, about 76 species are on the IUCN’s (the World Conservation Union) Red List of species considered to be at risk of extinction, although the true figure of Samoa’s threatened native species is probably much higher.

The main threats to native species decline include invasive species, overharvesting, habitat degradation, pollution and climate change.

Species considered threatened in Samoa include 52 coral species, 11 marine fish, 7 birds, 2 turtles, a land snail and one terrestrial mammal species (the Samoan flying fox).

Additionally, there are a number of threatened marine species such as sharks, whales and dolphins which migrate through Samoan waters.

The Samoa Conservation Society intends to work with local communities to raise awareness about Samoa’s unique natural heritage and the threats to its flora and fauna and to design conservation projects that could save those native species while helping Samoan communities achieve sustainable development.

The S.C.S has just received grant from the U.K. Government to save the Manumea, Samoa’s national bird, over the next three years.

The Manumea is now considered Critically Endangered with only a few hundred birds remaining and is threatened by hunting, destruction of its forest habitat from logging and development pressures and from invasive species, such as rats and cats, which feed on eggs and young birds.

The project is a partnership between the S.C.S, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in particular its Division of Environment and Conservation, the Australian National University (A.N.U) in Canberra and other partners.

They will also work with local communities to identify where the Manumea is still found, to raise awareness about its current status and to implement actions to save it.

The President of the S.C.S, Tofilau Tepa Suaesi, noted the importance of working with communities to raise awareness and understanding of Samoa’s unique biodiversity and the development of village-based programmes that benefit the biodiversity as well as local communities.

The Project Coordinator of the Manumea project, Rebecca Stirnemann, explained the objectives of the project including locating the Manumea and putting transmitters on them to better understand their breeding and feeding habits and the threats to their survival.

She appealed to the public to support the project and to help the S.C.S locate the Manumea- which she called “Samoa’s treasure”.

At the end of the launch the audience was treated to a dance by two Manumea mascots used by the M.N.R.E for their schools outreach programmes while the beautiful call of the Manumea was played.

The S.C.S plans to have an AGM on Saturday Nov 29, 2014 at the Yacht Club 10a.m.-12 noon which will be open to any members of the public who may wish to join S.C.S.

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The completion and opening of a $40,000 spring water project at Falepoulima, Faleapuna was the cause of celebration in the village yesterday.

The project took four weeks to complete.

With the bulk of the money provided by the Civil Society Support Programme (C.S.S.P), the Faleapuna Women’s Committee was required to come up with 10 per cent of the total cost.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, was among the guests at the opening ceremony. He thanked the Women’s committee for their leadership in facilitating the project and encouraged them not to stop there.

He said there are many more ways women can help advance the developments in the village.

For the President of the Falepoulima’s Committee: Leniu Moana Va’ai, said yesterday was a day to celebrate. She said water is often a challenge for Faleapuna villagers but the project will go a long way to ensure future generations of the village are looked after.

“The climate change that’s affecting Samoa causes a lot of damages to the spring water and this is why we thought that we must do something about it".

She added that the spring water is a ‘precious gift’ God gave their village.

“This is the first time that we have requested such kind of assistance and I want to thank you very much for your support,” she said acknowledging

C.S.S.P, Alaiasa Figota Schwartz and Reverend Seloti.

The Minister of Women, Community and Social Development: Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Lei'ataua, cut the ribbon.

The C.S.S.P is funded by the Australian Government (AusAID) and the European Union to help the community. The programme was established in December 2010.

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“At the end of the evening under the watchful eye of the villagers we all danced ‘Samoan style’ with our mothers and members of the women’s weaving group. This wrapped up an amazing and unforgettable experience for us all”

A tourism pilot project that weaves an intimate Samoan village experience with cultural industries is winning fans and repeat business.

The Women in Business Development pilot “My Samoan Family” places individuals into families where they become part of a family within a remote Samoan village.

Executive director, Adimaimalaga Tafuna’i, says that many visitors to Samoa say they would love to see what goes on in a village daily life and they would also like to visit their projects.

So far, the organisation has been developing and testing the pilot with Rangi Ruru Girls School in Christchurch. This year, the Patamea weavers group hosted the school with a “mum” adopting two new “daughters” for four days in August.

“Just this week we received a box of photo albums from the girls for each of their adopted families,” Mrs. Tafauna’i said.

“The pictures were really wonderful showing different cultures and different generations sharing knowledge. The pictures that touched us most were ones of their families back in Christchurch – it showed how they wanted to also share their real family with their Samoan family”.

Mrs. Tafuna’i says the weavers group really embraced the concept of making the girls feel like part of the family and do their share of chores such as scrape coconuts, feed pigs and make cocoa.

They also had to eat traditional Samoan food. The girls also got the chance to help at the virgin coconut oil production site that belongs to the

Schwalger family and join the weavers during their weekly session.

“One of our staff acts as a guide and translator, who helps to organise their trip and liaise with the families. This year the group’s van broke down and she organised for one of the families to drive them out to visit a siapo maker in Palauli, as well as for a mechanic to come to the village”.

Rangi Ruru Girl’s School head of biology, Lorna Van de Ende. says ‘My Samoan Family’ gives a unique and memorable experience that allows the students to stay in a village, be part of a family and yet still in walking distance of each other.

“Being able to visit the coconut oil plantation was a valuable insight into the work that Women in Business Development is doing with the Samoan community. This year, our girls also attended a local talent contest and visited the local primary school, for which they are now planning a return visit and a short lesson”.

The school pays a per student fee to each of the hosts family, covers the cost of the guide and also makes a donation to Women in Business Development Inc.

Mrs. Tafuna’i says that right from the start, Rangi Ruru had been very communicative and helped refining the visit so that it could be marketed more widely.

Van de Ende says their main feedback has been for the girls to be more actively involved rather than just spectators.

“Last year they worked for two to three hours at the virgin coconut oil site and realised how hot and tiring the job is”.

She says that the school is already planning their 2015 visit.

Students Laura Marriott and Michelle Boyd wrote this following article for the Rangi Ruru Girl’s School Magazine. It is published in full:

In the July school holidays, ten very excited year 13s ventured to Samoa. The aim of our journey wasn’t to relax in the tropical heat and come back with a nice sun tan. What we were hoping for was the opportunity to gain a much deeper insight into and appreciation of Samoan culture.

Day one: was filled with a lot of firsts for all of us. Our journey began in Apia where we sampled traditional Samoan fare cooked over an umu or hot stone oven; which included breadfruit, taro and palusami. For some of us this was the first challenge of our journey but for everyone an exciting beginning.

Day two: was the real start of our inspiring and unique experience. We were packed into what was a rickety old ferry and slowly made our way to the tiny Island of Savai’i. This scarcely developed and sparsely populated island was to be our home for the next six nights and four of those were to be spent billeted with families in the village of Patamea. Patamea was off the beaten track and more inland than most of the villages on the Island. We found our first day here one of the most challenging due to language barriers and vast differences from home. As the van pulled away we were faced with chickens, pigs, wild dogs and communal sleeping. This new reality soon became home for everyone.

Whilst in Patamea we were fully embraced into the large Samoan families and even joined in with some games of friendly volleyball and basketball. These games quickly became ‘Palagi’ (white girls) vs. many of the local children and our host sisters. Despite the obvious language barrier we managed to communicate during these games and all of us felt like we formed closer bonds with the community.

The interaction with the children of the village and with the village school was a highlight of our trip.

Our time with the families soon came to unexpectedly abrupt end. On our last evening in the village the women from the weaving group and the host mothers bid us all a very special farewell. Each girl was gifted a Samoan dress (handmade the night before) and the women and children of the village performed dances and songs. Each pair of girls responded often singing alongside their “sisters and brothers” from their host families. We farewelled them by singing and giving them an emotional performance of the haka.

At the end of the evening under the watchful eye of the villagers we all danced ‘Samoan style’ with our mothers and members of the women’s weaving group. This wrapped up an amazing and unforgettable experience for us all.

When it came to saying goodbye the next day many tears were shed and all of us would agree that whilst staying in the village was the most challenging part of their trip it was also the most special.

Travelling back to the main Island, Upolu, gave time to relax and spend our last few days together as a group of ‘Samoan’ girls. Highlights for everyone were: experiencing a Samoan church service, dancing with the Samoan boys, riding in an open top ute (as a result of the van breaking down), swimming in the ocean trench, general village life, the fales at Tanu Beach and the joyful all-embracing happiness of the people.

*Faumuina is the Media Officer for Women in Business Development Inc.

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Think a minute…

“Everyone wants to succeed. Some are even willing to work for it”. While a humorous statement, sadly this is the attitude of many people today who expect success just to be handed to them. There simply is no substitute for work. But we must make sure our work is working for us. Today we will look at the final steps we need to take to climb the right ladder to real success.

Another important step is to work at using your own abilities and personality. As the saying goes: “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life”. One of your greatest feelings and accomplishments will be when you discover what you do well and enjoy doing.

Your own special abilities are like power tools with which to build your life of success. An Olympic coach said: “You cannot put in what God left out”. So make the most of what your Maker has put in you. Do what you were specially designed to do. “Pigs cannot fly and fish can’t climb trees”. But neither do they try! They simply do what they were created to do naturally. So learn your own special abilities and match them with your job and career.

The final, most important step is to make sure you are pursuing the best opportunity that will give you the best life. Remember, success is not having money, it is having a high-quality life. That’s real wealth. Just as we want to get the most value for our money, even more we need to get the most value for our time, since time is what life is made of. When you run out of time, you run out of life. So make sure you don’t get “ripped off” by spending your life’s time on things that do not give you real, lasting value in return.

You only get one life to live, so get the best deal possible for what you spend your life on.

Ask yourself: Is the extra money I’m getting from working extra hours worth every hour I spend away from my spouse and children? Remember: “Overtime pays more because of what you’re missing”. Don’t get “ripped off” by working hard all your life just for money and then learn too late you did not get the quality of life and love you’ve always wanted—and were created to have.

It only makes sense to ask the One Who gave you your life’s time and talents, to start leading your life and career? Each day He will help you take the right steps to your true success He planned for you to have and enjoy. But it can only start happening if you ask Jesus to take full charge of your life. Just think a minute…

“…if Samoan players knew they could represent their country in three annual fixtures, against top level opposition, and with the exposure that brings, surely that would be a major carrot to keep players loyal and in turn create role models and heroes for children growing up in Samoa”

If Samoa have proven one thing over the course of rugby league’s Four Nations tournament, it is that they are worthy of regular international fixtures against tier one opposition.

Close, respectable losses to New Zealand and England showed they are no easy beats and will only get better with more games at this level.

Inclusion in one-off tests, or the irregular Four Nations tournaments will not produce the level of improvement that could otherwise be achieved.

I propose an annual three test “Island of Origin” series, featuring players representing New Zealand and Samoa and using the same timing as the annual State of Origin series in Australia.

With the NRL playing a split schedule and allowing Australian representative players to play in their domestic competition, NZ and Samoan players could do the same.

It would provide a regular, high level of representative football for both the Kiwi and Samoan players, ensuring they have more time to build combinations as a playing unit, something Australia receives the benefits of every year by way of State of Origin.

It would also provide a pathway for talent in Samoa, to aspire to play for their nation and also potentially for new talent to be identified for the NRL.

Rules around eligibility would need to be tightened up to ensure the revolving door selection policy doesn’t see players switching between NZ and Samoa.

But if Samoan players knew they could represent their country in three annual fixtures, against top level opposition, and with the exposure that brings, surely that would be a major carrot to keep players loyal and in turn create role models and heroes for children growing up in Samoa.

There may be a day when other Pacific Island nations such as Tonga and Fiji would like to be included, but this series doesn’t need to be a fix-all for the growth of all nations in rugby league, and nor should it try to be.

State of Origin has long been held purely for the benefit of the players who come from NSW and QLD, and those two states have benefited immensely from this over the years.

Likewise, there is no doubt that the Australian team has benefited hugely from this annual series.

For example, think how much better it has made the combinations honed in the Queensland team over the last decade, with players such as Thurston, Slater, Cronk, Lockyer, Inglis, etc.

What better way to close the gap than by having a hard fought series run in parallel to develop the Kiwis and Samoan teams?

NZ cannot justify an Island of Origin, the concept is flawed with nearly all of the NZ representative players coming from the North Island.

But an annual series with Samoa makes sense.

NZ have long benefited from Samoan players bolstering the ranks of our national team. This is a chance to give back, and get back. Regular top level competition improves both teams.

There are also financial spinoffs for Samoa, with presumably at least one fixture there each year.

Can you imagine the public interest in Samoa, where they are starved of top level international fixtures, be it rugby union or rugby league?

The All Blacks making one appearance next year may be one thing, but at least one annual fixture against the Kiwis in a Islands of Origin series would be immense.

And this can only be good for the growth of the game globally.

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“We would like to notify you that we have called for the resignation of a number of senior officials within the Samoan Rugby Union and will be boycotting our game against England on the 22nd of November should our feelings not be addressed”

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has dismissed a threat by Manu Samoa players to boycott the test match against England, calling them “little kids” who don't know what they are doing.

Comparing the threat to a “gun” being held against the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U), Tuilaepa said the threat was brought by “two or three boys who are nearing retirement.”
He did not say who those players are.

But as the Chairman of the Samoa Rugby Union, the Prime Minister was asked for a comment after the boycott made headlines around the world yesterday.

“The kids are very green,” Tuilaepa said. “(The boycott) is foolish thinking.”

The boycott threat was made in a letter written, signed by the players and sent to the International Rugby Board (I.R.B).

A copy of the letter was leaked to specialist British rugby website, The Rugby Paper, which published parts of it yesterday.

In the letter, senior players expressed their frustrations about the management of the S.R.U. These included concerns over a lack of financial transparency within the S.R.U, players being expected to pay airfares, coaches being denied a complete rein on selection and their team line-up being announced on social media websites before players are even notified.

"As players, we're unhappy with the incompetence of the Samoan Rugby Union in its current shape and under its current leadership," the letter said.

"We would like to notify you that we have called for the resignation of a number of senior officials within the Samoan Rugby Union and will be boycotting our game against England on the 22nd of November should our feelings not be addressed."

"As a unified players group, it is felt that these issues are affecting our success on the field and we can no longer play under such poor leadership."

Last week, a lacklustre Manu Samoa lost to Italy in a very dull match. On Monday, the team slipped on the I.R.B rankings to 11th.

Yesterday, Team Manager, Namulauulu Sami Leota, acknowledged the issue, saying the letter called on the S.R.U to increase allowances ahead of the Rugby World Cup in England next year.

“The core management was informed by the senior players at the Reg Camp (26th - 28th October) about their press release and we had a few meetings with them about their concerns,” Namulauulu told the Samoa Observer from France.

“By the time we left for Italy, the players representative advised us that their issues with the Union is now handled by the professional players association and the IRB. We were also advised at that stage that the England proposed boycott has been lifted and the tour schedule will proceed as planned.”

Namulauulu denied that this was a factor in the loss.

“The Italy preparation went well as this issue was well behind us and it was not a matter of discussion any further when we reached Italy,” he said.

“The players press release as far as I am concerned was not to be released out, and we are surprised that it now came out in the British Media."

“We are in the midst of preparing the team for the Canadian game and trainings went well in the past few days, working on areas that we needed to improve on from last weeks match. With this coming out, our prime role now is to keep the camp tight and keep focus on the task ahead.”

As the Manager, Namulauulu said the Manu Samoa is committed to ensure the test match against England is played.

“My prime role at this stage is to make sure that Manu Samoa will honour its schedule matches on this tour and the team will continue to stay focus and unified and with less disturbance for the next two games.”

The International Rugby Board also acknowledged receiving the letter from the players.

“On October 27, the I.R.B was made aware of concerns raised by the Samoa senior men's national squad regarding the administration of the Samoa Rugby Union. This included an indication that the players would withdraw from the match against England on November 22 if their concerns were not heard,” a statement from the I.R.B said.

“Subsequently, the I.R.B engaged in dialogue with the Samoa Rugby Union and the International Rugby Players' Association to facilitate urgent and collaborative resolution."

“With all parties, including the players, committed to ongoing dialogue, just under two weeks ago the players withdrew their proposed action to withdraw from the England match and the I.R.B fully expects the Union to undertake its obligation to honour its November Test programme commitment in full.”

During his weekly press conference yesterday, Prime Minister Tuilaepa reassured that the matter has already been sorted. He said it has only blown up now because of the media coverage but the issue was nothing new.

Tuilaepa said the players’ grievances were two-pronged and they have used the end of year tour programme as a "weapon" to try and force the hand of the Union.

The first issue, he said, involved allowances.

“It’s the thinking of little kids,” he said about the demand for higher allowances, adding that they are being pushed by “two or three senior boys who are nearing retirement.”

He added that they are “trouble makers” who have put money before country.

Tuilaepa went on to remind the players that for many of them, their professional contracts from which they are making a lot of money would not have been possible without international representation.

“And if it wasn't for Samoa, they wouldn't have been recognised,” the Prime Minister said.

“Let them be reminded that a lot of them got contracts because of the Manu Samoa. They would not have made it without Manu Samoa."

“Their bread is from professional contracts they achieved because of Manu Samoa. If they didn't play for Samoa, they wouldn't have gotten those big contracts."

“If they don't want to play, then don't come. There are many players here (in Samoa) who are looking for an opportunity.”

He added: “We are not forcing you. So submit your resignation and we’ll select new players. There are lots of players in Samoa. This thing appears to have been stirred by overseas-based players."

“The reality is that the Union doesn't have any money, we survive on funding from fundraising and sponsors.”

As for the second part of their grievances, Tuilaepa said they want to remove certain S.R.U officials.

“I wrote to them that our responsibilities have been separated. Theirs is to play while the management is to budget and find money for their allowances."

“Our job is easy if you play and win but it’s hard when you keep losing."

“It’s like a coin with two sides. Our side will improve if they play well. We’ve lost to Italy and yet we used to beat them."

“So they have no business in the appointment of the Committee of the S.R.U. Their role is to play, our role is to find ways to fund and give them more money so they can win and find (themselves) wives.”

Tuilaepa said the players’ position could force the government to rethink its priorities in terms of money that is allocated to sports.

Reminding that there are more sports than rugby, Tuilaepa said it might get to a point where the government will need to divert funding to other developments and focus solely on the Manu Samoa Sevens instead of the 15s.

He said that in his letters to them to address their “foolish thinking, I’m addressing them as a father would to kids who don't understand.

“You we’re spending millions on these things (rugby) and yet there are so much more developments needed by our country."

“My letters were written in Samoan and English. There are players who understand only English and then there are those who only understand Samoan.”

Lastly, Tuilaepa spoke about the rankings.

“We haven’t given Toa Samoa a lot of money and they’re now ranked fourth in the world,” he said. “How long have we tried to develop the Manu Samoa and yet we have slipped back to 11th?”

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“The thing with Fats is that he may be gone but what he left behind is incredible. He left a presence that cannot be described or replaced; it's just the way he was – leaving a legacy”

It's been a year since the legendary, Papali’itele Peter Fatialofa, better known as Fats, passed away. He went home during a routine trip to a place he loved, a country he had dedicated most of his life serving.

But it was during a trip to Samoa by his wife, Anne, and children last week that revealed to them the extent of the love Samoa had for Fats and the inner strength of the man's legacy.

Anne and her children found the familiar surroundings of the aiga and Samoa a perfect foil to heal what had been a struggle for them to let go of a husband, father, grandfather and a loving man. In their eyes, Fats was simply amazing.

Anne said he had been the rock during their 30-year marriage. That’s why the past year has not been easy for her and her children.

“Our children really do struggle not having their father around and I do my best to see that they are okay although I do find it hard sometimes,” she says. “I’m used to not having him around as much because he travelled a lot but this time it’s different knowing that he ain’t gonna rock up to the house now and joke with our kids then load them up and go out for a feed of soup down the road. “What I would say no to, he’ll just get them all and go out and give them what they want.”

Last Thursday marked one year since he died, a death that robbed the world a man whose mana personified the results of hard and dedicated work.

Fats' life had a profound impact on his family, the rugby world, his business and his Samoa. He was larger than life.

Peter Fatialofa was gifted a matai title by the Head of State, the late Malietoa Tanumafili II after he led Manu Samoa during the Rugby World Cup in 1991. “It was the highest honour he received from his Samoa, especially from the Head of State,” said Anne. “His presence touched a lot of people, he was my husband for 32 years. He was the father of my kids.”

He had his health issues but it didn’t slow him down and would tell his wife about his appointment with the doctor was to prevent him from going to the ‘other side’.

That ‘other side’ caught up with him in Samoa a year ago. It also caught Anne on the hop as she was on the road that morning back in Auckland, carting their kids to school when her friend called to let her know that Fat’s had just passed away in Samoa.

“It was hard having to learn about it from my friend,” she said. “It was on ‘Breaking News’ that morning but I was out on the road. I had to make a u-turn and came back home with my daughter protesting that she’ll be late for school."

“There was no easy way for me to tell our kids about what happened to their father so I just came out and said it and tried to be strong for them – they really, really struggled with the realisation that their father had died.”

Two of their daughters moved to Brisbane to deal with the loss of their father while the oldest of the Fatialofa family, Jeremiah, moved back home from Brisbane.

“He moved to Brisbane a few years before with his young family,” said Anne. “Actually, I didn’t want him to move back because he’s got his own life and his young family. But he wanted to come back and help out with the business and had since been a great asset carrying on what his father did which allows me to keep an eye on it as well as keeping our children focussed on their future."

“I want our children to move on with their lives and am pretty sure it’s what he wanted for them too, move on and be happy."

“But Jeremiah felt that because when they were young his father would always tell him he’s the man of the family and should look after the family so I guess Jeremiah he had an obligation to fulfil that obligation. And he has thrived doing what he’s doing now with the business, his rugby and his young family.”

The only snag is that since Fats passed away, one of his employees resigned and started up his own business, similar to what Fats had done and in the process took away some of the clients.

“Although I am disappointed, all I can say is good luck to him. Fats had just passed away and the soil hadn’t even touched his face then this happened. After all, Fats helped him a lot and considered him part of our family. I just told my kids not to worry about it, one thing he doesn’t have is your father’s name on his business, it took me two days to get over it.”

Jeremiah and Courtney are now running the business and are doing alright. Again, that’s what Fats would have liked.

“We are so fortunate that so many of Fats' friends still come around or ring up to check on us. Brian Williams still rings up, he misses Fats a lot."

“Joe Stanley still comes around and see us and same with Dylan Mika. One of Fats' team mates from Samoa came around one time and asked for direction to the cemetery so he can go and pay his respects. “The thing with Fats is that he may be gone but what he left behind is incredible. He left a presence that cannot be described or replaced, it’s just the way he was – leaving a legacy."

“And I know that he wouldn’t want us to dwell on the past because that was not who he was. He’d want us to move on with our lives – and that is Fats. There are those who knew the real Fats, the man behind the rugby face – they are the ones that stepped up and had rallied around the family.” On Fats" last trip to Samoa, Anne said there was something unusual.

“Usually I’d drop him off to the airport but that day I was tied up elsewhere and he asked my mum to drop him off to the airport,” she said. “My mum never did that, it was always me. That week he went and saw his doctor and when I asked him about it he just said, oh it’s just to get some pills to stop me from going to the other side."

“Then he rang me from Samoa to pick him up on Thursday from the airport but then he passed away and I can’t get an early flight to Samoa so I just said, he’s coming back on Thursday like he said he would."

“If I was to catch a flight to Samoa we’d be crossing each other in the air, him to Auckland and I to Samoa, so I didn’t go.”

Anne Fatialofa knows she must be strong for her children and had taken on a task of making sure it’s business as usual with the family, making sure the children’s needs are catered for, something Fats would have done himself. “My friends have asked me if I’m ever gonna get married again, I said, what for? I was married for 32 years to Fats. I’m happy with my lot, I go out with my friends; I have our children and our grandchildren."

“I know he’d want me to move on with my life and I have. I’ve moved on knowing he’s looking down on me and our children."

“And if I want to, I can talk to him. I believe that God has given me the strength to deal with the loss and that is what Fats would like. And I’d tell the kids go to his grave and talk to him if they want. They’d give me funny looks thinking I’m mad saying that but really I know he’s here with us.” Anne said their recent trip to Samoa last week was a blessing for the children in a way that they opened up to the aiga surroundings and felt the love their father had for his Samoa.

“Not only that but also the love Samoa had for him,” she said. “One of our daughters who hadn’t been able to shake off the loss of Fats spoke for the first time of her struggle to comprehend the loss of her father."

“She really opened up and spoke from the heart about the pain she went through. And that was the healing process for the family.”

Fats’ unveiling service and the unveiling on his headstone attracted a lot of people from Samoa and Australia – something he’d probably say, “Too much.”

His last text message to his wife when he flew to Samoa for the last time reads, “I don’t know why I’m so shy to say goodbye to your eyes’. “I just laughed,” said Anne, knowing that that was the man she married and would always treasure.Papali’itele Peter Fatialofa hailed from the village of Lepa in Samoa. His mother was from the villages of Lefaga and Malie.

Rest in love, Fats!

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The Samoa Observer Newspaper Group’s Coordinator of Newspaper in Education (N.I.E), Marjorie Moore, is in China this week. She is part of a Pacific Islands joint Press Delegation to China for the Beijing Environment Exchange. She writes this piece from Beijing:

Ni hao from Beijing! What looked like a monotonous series of drab, grey, concrete blocks as our plane descended into Beijing Airport, was a far cry from the reality of driving to the Kuntai Royal Hotel where our press delegation assembled.

Beijing at this time of the year, has its own form and beauty in the muted Autumn colours of the leaves on the many trees and shrubs that soften the harshness of buildings of this city of over 13 million people.

During a free day on Tuesday, to recover from a 15+ hour flight from Auckland via Guangzhou, a walk around the district near the hotel was a great way to take a first close up look at this sprawling city.

Yes there were a few, very few, people wearing face masks but the light blue sky looked clear and the air was decidedly cool.

A column in the ‘English ‘China Daily’ newspaper quoted President Xi Jinping responding to a sarcastic comment from a journalist saying, “I hope the APEC blue will remain and I believe through the efforts we continue to make, it will.”

Most Beijingers will be hoping and believing along with him.

Yesterday, (Thursday 13 November), the press delegation from the Pacific officially met and took part in a programme of briefings, meetings and visits.

Represented in this group are radio, and print media personnel from Fiji,

Vanuatu, Tonga and the Cook Islands.

The day’s programme included a briefing on the upcoming G20 Summit and the meetings in Nadi between the Chinese president and Pacific leaders, including our own Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi.

We also had a courtesy meeting with the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zheng Zeguang; and visits to the Beijing Carbon Trade

Centre and later the People’s Daily headquarters where the China Daily, along with other publications is printed.

Wednesday’s edition of the ‘China Daily’ newspaper, not surprisingly featured a photograph of the leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) meeting. In the line up presumably in order of power and influence, are the front row of U.S. President Barack Obama, China’s President Xi Jinping and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

Standing behind them are Australia’s Tony Abbott, the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the New Zealand Prime Minister To’osavili John Key.

The huge banners around town were a very visible sign of the importance

China placed on this gathering of world powers with its “Shaping the future through Asia-Pacific partnership” statement.

According to the ‘China Daily’, the major items of consensus include:
• Endorsed a road map for promoting the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific process and approved important initiatives on global value chains, supply chains and capacity building.
• Decided to take economic reform, new economy, innovative growth, inclusive support and urbanization as five pillars.
• Adopted a blueprint to promote regional connectivity by 2025 and agreed to set up a cross border law enforcement network to strengthen trans-national anti-corruption cooperation.

While the reality of the political speak in the first two initiatives are so broad, anything, or nothing may happen, the third adoption of cooperation in the area of cross border law enforcement, will surely be of interest to our own government.

Away from the political speak of the outcomes of A.P.E.C. and on a lighter note, the newspaper also featured a front page article which looked at an obscure Chinese holiday on November 11 which has become the country’s biggest shopping event.

It’s a phenomenon called ‘Singles’ Day’ and as a twist on Valentine’s Day, was invented by students in the 1990’s. But what was originally a celebration of unmarried life has become a time of despair for people who are desperate to find love, according to the Editor’s note.

Mass blind dates, online forums are some of the private and public activities that took place organized by relatives, friends and even government departments. An enterprising young man reportedly offered his services (for a price) which included accompanying a young lady on a walk or going shopping with her!

Such are the quirks of life in a country with a large youth population and changing traditions.

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Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has hailed the Toa Samoa’s effort during the Four Nations tournament.

Tuilaepa was speaking during an official luncheon hosted by the government to welcome members of the squad who have flown back to Samoa to express their appreciation for the support from the country during the tournament held in New Zealand and Australia.

Among the players who have returned are Frank Pritchard, Reni Maitua, Leeson Ah Mau, Kyle Stanley, Dominique Peyroux, Sauaso Sue, Tim Simona and a few others.

Coach Matt Parish is also in the country.

At the Samoa Traditional Resort yesterday, Prime Minister Tuilaepa thanked Coach Parish and his team for elevating Samoa to the level at which the country currently stands in rugby league.

Although the team did not win any of the games, Tuilaepa said from what he saw, the passion, commitment and the desire from the players to succeed was admirable.

He commended them for putting Samoa first, saying their hearts for their country has elevated Samoa beyond the expectations of the rugby league world.

“You have rubbed shoulders with the most powerful teams in the world in rugby league and although you did not win a match, you performed admirably against the well established powerhouses,” he said.

“For that we congratulate you.”

Prime Minister Tuilaepa also encouraged the players to push further in terms of their career goals, discouraging them from being part of negative incidents that disgrace their names and that of their country.

“Making it to the Toa Samoa is the opening to greater opportunities for your future,” he said.

President of Rugby League Samoa, Tagaloa Fa’afouina Su’a, reciprocated the kind remarks by Prime Minister Tuilaepa, thanking the country for their support.

“We had high hopes of achieving more than what we did and we nearly achieved it,” he said. Tagaloa conceded that it was unfortunate for the players not to have won a game but the team will be better off from the experience.

Coach Matt Parish reiterated his pride to coach the Toa Samoa.

‘It was great honour,” he said. “The boys worked very hard during the Four nations and for the Toa Samoa now, I think they need a rest.”

A member of the management team, Lauaki Fereti Tuilagi, presented a medallion to Prime Minister Tuilaepa as a souvenir from Toa Samoa’s heroics at the Four Nations.

Toa Samoa set several records in the tournament. They include becoming the first Four Nations team to come excruciatingly close to defeating the top three. Samoa lost to England by six points before going on to push New Zealand to the death, going down by two points.

The lack of discipline against a determined Australian outfit cost the team dearly, resulting in their biggest loss of the tournament. The team will also be travelling to Savai’i to extend their thank you.

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After 14 calls, one lucky winner finally answered “Merry Christmas!”

Following the launch of its Christmas Top up and Win promotion, Digicel stepped up the cheer by drawing its winners Live on its TXT2 Spin show on TV1.

The announcement was made by Digicel’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Leaupepe Talai Lene during the weekly programme.

“It is again an exciting time for everyone and by popular demand, we’ve decided to draw our lucky winners on LIVE and get everyone in the Christmas spirit,” he said.

It was a tough night as the host called a surprising 14 numbers before one lucky winner from Savai’i finally answered with the correct tagline “Merry Christmas”.

All other winners were presented with cash and prizes at the Digicel Business Center at the SNPF Plaza. Now more people have the opportunity to win big this Christmas by topping up or paying your postpaid bill on time.

This year’s Christmas Top Up and Win Promotion with $130,000 tala worth of cash and presents under the tree. Tagged “Merry Deals with Digicel”, more people can enter to win as prepaid subscribers who top up as low as $3 – $4.99 tala and $5 tala or more are also made eligible. The promotion boasts $84,000 tala worth of instant cash in bundles of $3,000, $2,000, $1,000 and $500 to be won every week leading up to Christmas day. Included in the red sack are the latest smartphones such as the coveted Samsung S5 and S4; Huawei Y330, Alcatel M-Pop and C1; trendy 7” Alcatel EVO tablets and data bundles.

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The Manu Samoa put their off-field concerns aside yesterday to defeat Canada, 23-13, on its second match of the its Northern Hemisphere tour.

Played in Vannes, France, the men in blue who had been under the spotlight during the past few days had to really rally to avoid a second consecutive defeat on tour.

Replacements Anthony Perenise and Winston Stanley scored second-half tries for Samoa, with Michael Stanley converting both and adding three penalties.

The Manu Samoa players had threatened to boycott next week's Test against England unless their concerns about the management of the Samoa Rugby Union were addressed.

The strike was averted thanks to action by the International Rugby Board (I.R.B) and the International Rugby Players' Association (I.R.P.A).

But Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, heavily criticised the players, saying their threat to boycott showed that they have placed money above country.

Yesterday, captain David Lemi and his responded the best possible way.

Mike Stanley, in his first start for Samoa, kicked 13 points and the Pacific Islanders never trailed on a wet pitch at Stade de la Rabine.

The 17th-ranked Canadians, who had a much better second half, closed the gap to 16-13 with less than 10 minutes remaining but gifted the Samoans a try on the ensuing restart and never recovered.

Stanley made five of eight kicks — three penalties and two conversions.

The New Zealand-born England-raised fly half, who qualifies for Samoa through his father, made his Samoa debut last week in the loss to No. 14 Italy that dropped the Samoans two places in the world rankings.

Replacement prop Anthony Perenise and back Winston Stanley — no relation to Mike or the former Canadian star winger of the same name — scored tries for Samoa.

Outside centre Conor Trainor scored Canada's lone try, which was converted by James Pritchard. Gordon McRorie added two penalties, including a long-range effort.

Samoa beat Canada 42-12 the last time the two met, two years ago in Wales.

Samoa heads to London next for its date with No. 4 England at Twickenham.

Canada started poorly, conceding four penalties in the first 12 minutes. Stanley put Samoa up 9-0 on three penalties before McRorie hit back with a kick from the halfway line.

Trainor was sent to the sin-bin in the 28th minute as referee Gordon Clancy produced the yellow card for persistent infringement by Canada. Samoa led 9-3 at the half.

A different Canadian side came out in the second half and attacked the Samoans, narrowing the gap to 9-6 with an early McRorie penalty kick.

Winger DTH van der Merwe made a fine run down the sideline, only to lose his balance on the wet turf. Canada missed another chance when McRorie dropped the ball near the goal-line after a slashing run by Trainor.

Perenise scored the first try of the game in the 60th minute, rumbling over the line. Trainor's converted try in the 71st minute drew Canada within three at 16-13 and it seemed game on.

But on the ensuing restart, Nanyak Dala's pass to Patrick Parfrey deflected back and Samoa recovered, with Winston Stanley going over for the try.

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The company claims that the Member of Parliament gave instructions to alter an original invoice of $32,450 so that with “special costs”, it came to the sum of $62, 454.50.

The wife of the Associate Minister of Trade, Muagututagata Peter Ah Him, has taken the blame for the “incorrect invoice” which is the subject of a criminal hearing before the Supreme Court.

Sala Ana Ah Him, Managing Director for the Apia Business Machines, admitted that much in Court on Friday.

“Yes, I did it (made changes on the invoice no.4850),” she said. “It was not my motive to present an incorrect invoice. It was meant (to be) for my eyes only.”

Muagututagata has pleaded not guilty to charges of theft, false pretense, forgery and uttering a forged document. He has been sued by a Chinese company called Grand Ocean Limited, of which he holds 10 per cent, as a shareholder.

The company claims that the Member of Parliament gave instructions to alter an original invoice of $32,450 so that with “special costs”, it came to the sum of $62, 454.50.

The company is accusing the M.P of forging the invoice, which had been presented to him as a genuine document. They also claim that he defrauded the company by making invalid costs.

On Friday, the Court heard that the cost of labour and other services from A.B.M to Grand Ocean should have been placed under its own invoice rather than an old one no.4850 belonging to Savea Savelio’s Customs agent.

Owner of the company, Taito Savea in his evidence claimed he issued a customs duty invoice for Grand Ocean no.5517 with a cost of $32,454.

He told the Court that “I was instructed by Muagutu” to add costs from A.B.M amounting to $30,000 in his invoice.

Justice Vui Clarence Nelson is presiding. Leone Sua-Mailo and Lucy Sio, of the Attorney General’s Office, are prosecuting. Muagututagata is represented by lawyer, Fepulea’i Patrick Fepulea’i.

Continuing with her evidence, Sala told the Court that she agreed to make arrangements in clearing the two containers if Grand Ocean agrees to pay for A.B.M’s labour and other services.

She said their land was used to store the containers. When she received the invoice from Savea Savelio’s agent, she said Muagututagata handed it to her to calculate the costs from A.B.M.

“I used the invoice no.5517 to work out our costs and practiced how to do our costs on the old invoice no.4850,” Sala told the Court. “I’m not familiar with the language used by Customs and it is why I practiced on the old invoice trying to work out our costs. I copied everything from no.5517 to no.4850 to give me an idea of how to do the invoice."

“I then left the invoice no. 4850 on my desk and placed the invoice no.5517 in the file.”

Sala said when she returned the next day the invoice no.4850 was not there and Muagutu mentioned he has given it to Lee, a representative from Grand Ocean Company.

“I told him he has given her the wrong invoice and I made a call to Lee telling her that she received the wrong one.”

At this point, Sala recalled she told Muagutu he should contact Taito to come in and “correct his invoice” and insert A.B.Ms costs.

She added after that she made a letter apologising to the Directors of Grand Ocean about the “unfortunate confusion” and to cancel invoice no.4850.

The letter and invoice were not delivered until few days later.

In the cross examination, Mrs. Mailo asked Sala why Taito should “correct his invoice” when he prepared the invoice for the services done by his own company.

“Because A.B.Ms labour and services should be included in his invoice where it has the list of services done by S.P.A, B.B.E and customs,” replied Sala.

Mrs. Mailo reminded Sala that “you’ve been a business woman for over 20 years, the charges listed in Taito’s invoice is for the services he paid for not A.B.M."

“Why didn’t you use an invoice from A.B.M to write your charges,” asked Mrs. Mailo.

Sala maintained that A.B.Ms charges should be included in Savea Savelio’s invoice.

Sala was also questioned by the lawyer why she had made changes in the invoice no.4850 that belongs to Savea Savelio not A.B.M.

Mrs. Mailo asked why she spent half an hour deleting and changing the name NZ to China by using a “correction tape” and changing other details like the voyage number, country of purchase and others.

In response, Sala insisted that she was practicing on the invoice and she was “confused about what to write on the invoice because I’m not familiar with how to do a customs invoice.”

Lastly she said; “the right thing to do is write A.B.Ms charges on our invoice and attached it with the letter and other invoices for Grand Ocean.”

Justice Vui intervened and agreed.

“Yes that should’ve been done but you did not do that,” he said.

“The problem is you used an old invoice from Savea Savelio and made changes to it for Grand Ocean.”

The case has been adjourned to the 5th December for lawyers to make submission.

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“No one is bigger than the team. They are only caretakers of the blue jersey. After them, another person will take over” – Lauaki Fereti Tuilagi

Former Manu Samoa, Lauaki Fereti Tuilagi, has expressed disappointment about the decision by Manu Samoa players to threaten a boycott in the middle of their Northern Hemisphere tour.

A retired professional rugby player, Lauaki who has been heavily involved in the Toa Samoa’s Four Nations campaign, concedes that while the players have a valid point, the way they have gone about it is wrong.

Speaking to the Sunday Samoan yesterday, Lauaki said pride in blue jersey should always be placed above all else.

“I can understand their frustrations towards the Union (Samoa Rugby Union) and the management,” said Lauaki, the eldest of the Tuilagi boys, including Manu Tuilagi who is playing for England.

“But here is the thing, playing for your club is your bread and butter. Playing for your country is your pride and honour.”

Lauaki said the players should be mindful that Manu Samoa does not belong to an individual; it is a team by Samoa for Samoa. The threat to boycott the test match against England, he said, has not only affected the good name of Manu Samoa, it has also affected Samoa as a country.

“When Manu Samoa plays any game, the whole country stops. People pray for them when they are preparing to play. You have a whole nation sitting in front of TVs watching the games and kids in the village see them as role models. You can’t put any value on those blessings.”

Lauaki also pointed out that being from a small nation, playing against bigger teams is a golden opportunity for any player to show what they are made of. As professional athletes, those are the games the train for.

“No one is bigger than the team,” Lauaki said. “They are only caretakers of the blue jersey. After them, another person will take over…playing for Manu Samoa is the greatest honour.”

Lauaki said the players should have waited until the tour is finished.

“They have now lost focus of why they are there. Their focus should be about playing and winning.”

The former union and league hard man also supported Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi in pointing out that without the Manu Samoa, a number of professional players would not be where they are today. He recalled the 1991 team captained by the legendary Papali’i Peter Fatialofa.

“That team played with pride, honour and were passionate,” said Lauaki. “They weren’t looking for rewards. They were proud of their talent and gifts they used to represent their country.”

He also disagrees with the view that the more money from sponsors going into the team, the more the players should get. While he concedes that some money should go towards the players, Lauaki said the bulk of it should be put back to the development of rugby at the grassroots level.

The young players of today are the future of the game, he said.

Lastly, Tuilagi turned his attention to the management of the S.R.U and the Manu Samoa.

As a former player, he said the issues are not new.

“If they can’t deliver what they promised, they should have some dignity and step down,” he said.

For example, he said if S.R.U had promised to pay the players $50, then that sum should be paid.

Lauaki also paid tribute to the work of former Manu Samoa captain, Mahonri Schwalger, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu and his younger brother, Alesana Tuilagi, who have all at some stage of their profession careers returned to Samoa to give back to grassroots development.

Lauaki said these are the true signs of people with passion and hearts for Samoa.

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In a bid to bridge the digital divide by giving Samoans better and more reliable web access, the possibility of an Internet Exchange Point (I.X.P) is being looked at.

According to a Concept Paper written by Regulator, Donnie De Freitas, the I.X.P. will be the first of kind here in the country.

He says noting recent developments in the improvement of connectivity of Samoa such as the launch of the National Broadband Highway, the work towards the establishment of a second marine cable and the possibilities of new technological innovation that would all contribute to improved international access and connectivity, the time is now right to consider the issues and bottlenecks that are hindering achieving universal access.

According to the Internet Society, the primary role of an I.X.P. is to keep local Internet traffic within local infrastructure and to the reduce costs associated with traffic exchange between Internet Service Providers (I.S.P.s).

“In many developing countries, poor connectivity between I.S.P.s often results in the routing of local traffic over expensive international links simply to reach destinations within the country of origin.”

“I.X.P.s can also improve the quality of Internet services in a country by reducing the delays.”

“I.X.P.s also can be a convenient hub for hosting critical infrastructure within countries.”

In light of the benefits that an I.X.P. will bring to Samoa, the Regulator says that focus should now be on achieving social and economic development while ensuring universal access to Information and Communications Technologies (I.C.Ts) at affordable prices.
“International and domestic connectivity is a critical part of the Samoan strategy for social and economic development,” says Mr De Freitas.

“The revised I.C.T. Sector Plan has as its goal the achievement of accessible and affordable communications for all while improving economic growth and sustainable development through the use of I.C.T.”

“The Sector Plan also notes in its goals the need to utilise I.C.T. for good governance.”

According to Mr de Freitas, the plan strategically identifies the encouragement of investments in I.C.T. infrastructure including a clearly defined least cost role for the government in this regard.

“A significant infrastructure element that is needed to combine with the other recent connectivity advances would be the establishment of an I.X.P. in Samoa,” he says.

“The introduction of I.X.P.’s in Samoa would be expected, to enhance connectivity, improve network efficiencies, reduce operational costs and to spur new internet-based growth and opportunities.

“The Regulator considers that the establishment of I.X.P. is a critical infrastructure element and now moves to ensure that its implementation is done in the most efficient manner.”

“The objective is that the governance of the I.X.P.s fair and transparent.”

As such Mr Freitas seeks the involvement of stakeholders to ensure that the I.X.P. when implemented is done in a manner that benefits all in Samoa.

“The Office of the Regulator (O.O.T.R) will be coordinating a Workshop on the implementation of an Internet Exchange Point for Samoa, November 26 and 27,” Mr De Freitas says.

“The workshop would involve all of the Internet stakeholders and several international organisations involved in the governance of the internet.”

“The workshop will cover a full (day) on November 26 providing an introduction of the issues, the international context and the case for a Samoan I.X.P.”

“The second day would be a half-day session focusing on the follow up issues and formalising how to develop a strategic approach for an Implementation Strategy and Plan.”

Mr De Freitas said the objective is the sensitisation of stakeholders and an increase in the understanding of issues surrounding I.X.P. establishment.

“Hopefully we can as a conclusion confirm support for the establishment of a Samoan I.X.P. and form a local I.X.P. working group,” he says.

“This workshop should serve a prelude for follow up activity surrounding Internet Governance and will also identify ways of developing local digital content.”

The Regulator extends an invitation to your organisation to send two representatives to participate in this workshop, we are sure you would find the workshop both informative and would assist you in enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the sector.

“The central objective of the ‘I.X.P. for Samoa Workshop’ is the provision of information and an implementation framework to enable stakeholders to move toward the implementation of a local I.X.P,” says Mr De Freitas.

“An informed society makes for informed decisions. A proper framework ensures orderly development.”

“The workshop will be organized in four sessions - welcome and introductions, the international context, the Samoan case and follow-up.”

According to the Regulator, the workshop will provide the international context within which an IXP would exist, explain the principles, role and functions of I.X.P.s, present the I.X.P. economic value proposition, provide the requirements and practical steps for an I.X.P., address I.X.P. start-up issues, discuss what happens after an I.X.P. is established, how content may be generated for the I.X.P. present strategies for I.X.P. operations and support outlining an implementation plan and strategy for an I.X.P. for Samoa.

“The workshop will be open to all users of the internet and representative organisations will be invited,” says the Regulator.

“Participants will include international organisations involved in the governance of the internet, content creators, internet user groups, academic institutions, government bodies and O.O.T.R.”

For further details feel free to contact Ms. Unutoa Fonoti at 30282 or uf@regulator.gov.ws 

Workshop Outcomes

Immediate
Increase in the understanding of issues surrounding IXP establishment
Confirm support for the establishment of a Samoan IXP
Formation of a local IXP working group
Identify post IXP local digital content development next steps

Short term
Ratification of the IXP Implementation Plan
Identification of Potential local IXP Sites
Development of IXP Governance Framework
First Draft of IXP Participants MoUs’

Medium Term
Finalization of the Governance Framework, IXP site and IXP Participant Agreement
Establishment of an IXP
Launch of local Digital Content Development Initiatives
Increased local internet traffic on IXP route

Long term
Emergence of bandwidth intensive applications and services

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“It’s very important because what a legislation like this does is, it sets a framework by which a ministry operates and so what the government is trying to do is to ensure that it has a legal basis for the M.A.F to operate to the best benefit of Samoa…”

The fifty-five-year-old Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries ordinance which provides for the institutional framework of the, then, Department of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries, will soon get its much-needed update.

In 2003, under the Ministerial and Departmental Arrangements Act of 2003, the department had been re-established as the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

However, the 1959 ordinance had not been revised to reflect the change.

“We have to revise legislation in order to update it to reflect the reality of today, the one that we are reviewing (the 1959 ordinance) is absolutely out dated and it’s a must,” said the Chief Executive Officer of Ministry of Agriculture and

Fisheries, Fonoiava S Sesega.

He was speaking during a validation workshop-conference held on Friday.

“This has been a long overdue,” he said.

The revision for the said bill is now underway after the government approached the Food and Agriculture Organization (F.A.O.) to provide technical support.

The revision started in June and it is intended to result in the submission to the Government of a final draft bill at the beginning of December.

Gavin Wall, F.A.O. Sub-Regional Coordinator for the Pacific, spoke at the meeting.

“It’s very important because what a legislation like this does is, it sets a framework by which a ministry operates and so what the government is trying to do is to ensure that it has a legal basis for the M.A.F to operate to the best benefit of Samoa… if we don’t get the framework right then the ministry isn’t charged to move exactly the right direction,” he said.

According to Peter Deupmann, F.A.O Legal Officer, the key points (of the revised bill/draft bill) are that it provides a framework for the ministry to operate on the basis of a number of modern principles of management in agriculture and fisheries and then it provides powers and functions of both the ministry and the chief executive officer.

He said that the most visible difference between the 1959 ordinance and the draft bill is in relation to the agriculture, fisheries and forestry, that department doesn’t exist any longer… there were a number of other issues where the reference to existing legislation was too old that is not in place any longer also these modern management principles were not reflected and there was much less clarity and detail on the different function.

In his address during the validation workshop, Mr. Wall, said that “institutions function effectively only if suitable legal and policy frameworks are in place to support the institutions in discharging their functions and fulfilling their mandates.

“Such legal frameworks clearly set out the responsibilities and the powers of these institutions. In so doing, they further participation and equity, they guard against discrimination, they require holistic and sustainable approaches, and they foster transparency and accountability.”

He added that they have been able to bring their long-standing experience in assisting F.A.O’s member countries to strengthen national legislation. He said that a fundamental tenet of their approach to assisting member countries is that the work must be stakeholder driven and consultative.

“This recognizes the imperative of ensuring that national realities are reflected and represented in legislative drafting processes,” he said.

“Involvement of stakeholders and nationals, including experts form a variety of fields, is important to ensure that all available information is considered and that national processes and procedures as well as traditions are respected.”

“When you think of what the world was like in 1959, ministry of or department of agriculture didn’t know about terms such as bio-security or ecosystems approach or sustainability or biodiversity so the world has change a great deal from 1959 to now and the things the ministry needs to worry about, the things the people of Samoa want the ministry to worry about need to be redefine so that’s a lot of what happening here.”

After a final review by F.A.O., the draft bill will be presented to the government.

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Holiday cheer is coming a little early for 36 lucky students of Aoga Fiamalamalama School.

Thanks to a joint effort by the Rotaract Club of Apia (R.C.O.A.) and Westpac Bank the Christmas Giving Tree is once again on proud display in the foyer of the Bank’s main branch.

R.C.O.A.’s Community Service Director Josie Chan Ting said the project was a part of the Club’s annual community service.

“The Giving Tree in particular is our way of engaging with the community and giving back to them,” she said. “While at the same time spreading the Christmas spirit with the wider public.” Westpac’s Business Manager Michelle Lemisio said the initiative was one way the Bank gave back to the people of Samoa. “It is part of our community service initiative that we do every year,” she said. Ms Chan Ting said the joint project had been running since 2011 with past recipients including schools such as Loto Taumafai and also families.

“All you need to do is to come into Westpac and choose a tag from the tree,” she said. “Written on the tag is the age and gender of the student plus a gift suggestion. It is just a suggestion, but people can buy whatever they feel is appropriate for the age and gender that they choose."

“After you buy the gift, wrap it, put the tag back on the present and then return it to Westpac and place it under the tree.”

Ms. Chan Ting said the gifts would be presented to the students on December 12.

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Samoa’s District Court is facing a major overhaul according to a Parliamentary Select Committee.

In its report to the Legislative Assembly, the Justice, Police and Prison and Land and Titles (J.P.P.L.T.) Committee recommended to government to consider the report of the Samoa Law Reform Commission (S.L.R.C.) and its recommendations for the reformation of the District Court Act 1969.

The Chairman of the Committee is Tuisa Tasi Patea. Looking to the S.L.R.C.’s findings, the District Court under its criminal jurisdiction may try any offence that is punishable by a fine, penalty or forfeiture of any amount or a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years.

“The Committee noted there was a general consensus that the jurisdiction of the District Court in both civil and criminal cases should be increased. In contrast with jurisdictions overseas, Samoa‘s jurisdiction is quite low,” the Report reads.

“Further, the introduction of the Crimes Act 2013 has increased many of the penalties for criminal offences, and Samoa’s growing economy means that many civil proceedings also deal with higher monetary claims."

“The Commission recommends increasing the criminal jurisdiction of the District Court to try any offence that is punishable by a fine, penalty or forfeiture of any amount or a term of imprisonment not exceeding seven years, an increase from the current maximum the of imprisonment of five years."

“The Committee considers the recommendations given and accepts (them) as presented by the Commission.”

Furthermore according to the report currently in the District Court Act, it does not expressly set out the roles, powers and responsibilities of District

Court Judges except to state their secondary role as Coroners by virtue of their office.

“There are no provisions that set out the functions and roles of a Fa'amasino Fesoasoani except the provision on the appointment and tenure of

Judges and Fa'amasino Fesoasoani,” the Committee reports.

“The Committee considered the importance of protection and having honesty in all cases operating as well as making decisions."

“It is the Commission’s view that the Act should clearly set out provisions encompassing the appointment, tenure and removal of the District Court Judges, including Fa'amasino Fesoasoani."

“According to the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary sets out that persons selected for judicial office should be individuals with integrity and ability with appropriate training or qualifications in law. The

Committee noted that these recommendations from the Commission are appropriately set out due to the results of their finding."

"The Committee considers and approves it.”

In regards to the Divisions of the District Court, the J.P.P.L.T. Committee reports that it currently has three different divisions to deal with Youth matters, Family matters and Coronial Inquests apart from its general jurisdiction.

“However, these divisions are not formally set out in the District Courts Act,” the report reads.

“Rather, the Youth Court is established by the Young Offenders Act 2007 as a division of the District Court."

“The Young Offenders Act 2007 sets out the jurisdiction of the Youth Court which are proceedings of the criminal nature."

“The District Courts Act also contains provisions that refer to matters such guardianship, custody of infants and destitute and delinquent children."

“The Committee noted from the Commission’s findings that the Youth Court is well established by the Young Offenders Act 2007. "

“However, the Commission considers there is value in recognising the Youth Court as a Division of the District Court in the District Courts Act.”

The Committee also reported on the importance of a Family Court in Samoa and said that it sees advantage in establishing a further division of the District Court called the Drugs and Alcohol Court and recommended that the Coroner’s Court not become one of its divisions – both recommendations being approved by the Committee.

In addition to Tuisa, the Committee Comprised of Afoafouvale John Moors as Deputy Chairman and Members Lafaitele Patrick Leiataualesa, Tapuai Toese Ah Sam, Papalii Lio F. Taeu Masipau, Lenatai Victor Tamapua and Lefau Harry Schuster.

The report will be published in full in tomorrow’s paper.

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The final instalment of the ongoing Seminar Series for Parliamentarian's will be held today.

The final series is titled: “Minister's, Minder's and Information Management.”

Professor Richard Herr and Dr Peter Patmore of the University of Tasmania will wrap up the Series, which is an initiative under the Samoa

Parliamentary Support Project (S.P.S.P.) jointly funded by the Government of Australia and the Government of Samoa. At the conclusion of the final one-day Seminar, Her Excellency Susan Langford, Australian High Commissioner to Samoa will present Certificates of Participation for

Parliamentarian's who have successfully attended half of the seminars in the series since 2012.
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The Parliamentary Secretariat will also have their final course and assessment for their Parliamentary Law and Procedures Course tomorrow, November 18 2014.

This course, which has been running in quarterly instalments since the end of 2012 will culminate in a graduation ceremony on Friday, November 21, 2014.

This graduation will see the conferment of Certificate and Post Graduate Certificate awards accredited to the University of Tasmania upon the successful participants.
~~~

The Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly will also hold its Inaugural Civil Society Parliamentary Programme this Thursday, November 20, 2014. This colloquium is tailored for civil society and the media to improve relations, reporting and engagement with the Parliament. It will address issues of Civil Service and Political Minder's, Privilege and Parliament’s Intellectual Property Rights.

Approximately 80 participants are expected to attend.
~~~

All the above events will be held at the Maota Tofilau Eti Alesana Building, Mulinuu.

For more information please contact the following staff Aufa'i Fulisiailagitele on 21811 ext-1064 or Valasi Iosefa on 21811 ext – 1092. Or interested people can email them at iss@parliament.gov.ws or newsletter@parliament.gov.ws, or visit the Website at www.parliament.gov.ws.

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“The program is where some of the Manu Samoa players started from like David Smith, Samoa A player Robert Lilomaiava, Rudolf Meredith and some other players – this is where they had their rugby beginnings.”

The Rugby Development Program (R.D.P.) will now be even better thanks to the generous support from two local businesses.

This week, the Program received a $1,000 tala cheque from Pacific Aluminum and Uncle Johnny’s Ice Cream will provide gear for the upcoming tournament.

Coordinator of the development Program, Henry Bryce, said the money would be spent on rugby gear for the children and on the tournament itself.

“People like the Atkins family and also Uncle Johnny’s Ice Cream make it all worth it,” he said. “The Atkins family have been supporting the Program for over 20 years now and I am very thankful that they are always there for the Program.”

Mr Bryce said the R.D.P. does not have a major sponsor however, many generous people have been showing ongoing support by donating gear and equipment for the children participating.

“I hope in the future the Program will be able to have a major sponsor and I am also seeking assistance from the Samoa Rugby Union to see if they can help out,” he said.

“The reason why the program is still running is because it is getting its results."

“The program is where some of the Manu Samoa players started from like David Smith, Samoa A player Robert Lilomaiava, Rudolf Meredith and some other players – this is where they had their rugby beginnings.”

Looking to the future, Mr Bryce said a tour for New Zealand is in the pipeline for next year.

“The main purpose of the tour is to open the eyes of the children, and if they are lucky maybe a school will be able to offer some scholarships to them in the future,” he said.

“However, that is for next year. As for this year, a tournament is on its way for the next two weeks and hopefully it will go well."

“So I would like to acknowledge all the supporters of the program and especially the Atkins Family and Brian Atkins.

“Thank you all very much for the support.”

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