NEWSROOM: 09 December - 22 September 2007

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2008 from Event Polynesia
22 December 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
At the beginning of this year, we all wondered what 2007 will bring. Just before Christmas, we sit and look back over the year that was. And what a year it has been!!

This year we have been blessed and our lives enriched through meeting and being in touch with so many remarkable people.

The passing away of more great leaders of the Pacific were sad moments we all collectively shared. While we differ in opinion in how to compact the war against "terrorism," least we forget the sons and daughters of the Pacific serving around the world for freedom and peace, in particular the families of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Through Event Polynesia Multimedia, we have endeavored to provide a vehicle for our Pacific people to tell their stories and be heard, particularly with our online website portal www.eventpolynesia.com.

Through Event Polynesia Boxing and Event Polynesia Entertainment, we hope to provide a platform to showcase the talents of the Pacific.

Next year we will hope to launch Event Polynesia Tours as an extension of our service. Keep watching this space.

And so before we sign off for 2007, we would like to thank each and every one of our readers, supporters and contributors and do appreciate all the advertisers who recognize our readership, coverage and brand strength.

A special acknowledgment goes out to our business associates and event partners as we strive to provide a robust marketing vehicle to promote your services and products.

From the Event Polynesia Team, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.
 

Year ender: Australia's diplomacy in fresh style
21 December 2007 - Source: Xinhua

Australia's new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has adopted fresh diplomatic approaches and vowed to reposition the country's role in the world community.

This was despite the fact that the new government's broad foreign policy lines, including strong relationship with the United States, engagement with Asia and a stable neighborhood, remained unchanged from those of the former Prime Minister John Howard.

The difference would be in the ways to carry out the lines, analysts said.

CLOSE BUT MORE INDEPENDENT ALLY

Since his assumption of office, Rudd distanced himself from the United States on two issues, namely pulling combat troops out of Iraq by mid-2008 and signing of the Kyoto Protocol.

This was unlike John Howard's U.S. policy which has been criticized for following Washington too closely and being in short of Australia's own views.

Yet, such changes just represented a nuance in style and should not be over-stated as the Australia-U.S. alliance still remains the pillar of Canberra's foreign policy, analysts pointed out.

"I am a lifelong, robust supporter of the alliance and always will be. But every now and again there will be a disagreement (with the United States) and I will have no reservations, when it is necessary, in expressing that disagreement," Rudd once said.

Allan Gyngell, executive director of the Lowy Institute for International Policy, said "we (Australia and the United States) will still be close, but expect to see a more independent Canberra."

The new approach will allow Canberra larger room to maneuver in its pursuit of a new role on world stage and middle-power diplomacy in certain areas like climate change, strategists said.

ENGAGEMENT WITH ASIA

Rudd, a former diplomat and Asia expert who can speak Chinese, said his government is more capable than Howard's in forging closer ties with a rising East Asia.

He appointed the country's first Asian-born minister, Penny Wong, with responsibility for climate change and the name was carried by major media outlets across Asia.

Rudd identified China and India as determinants of Australia's future, saying the relations with the two rising Asian economies need to be further enhanced.

To help Australia better understand Asia, Rudd's government has announced a 68 million dollars (about 60 million U.S. dollars) program for Asian languages and Asian studies.

Local media reports described Rudd's Asia policy as amicable, compared with Howard's era when Australia self-labeled as Washington's "deputy sheriff" in the region and unilaterally claimed the right to launch pre-emptive strikes in neighbors.

BE SOFT WITH PACIFIC

Rudd has accused the Howard government of relying on sending troops or warships to restore order in the South Pacific while ignoring the reasons causing social problems in neighbors.

As a result, Labor said, the region was far from being stable and Australia has seen strained relations with a few countries.

The new government is expected to repair relations with countries like Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands and seek a new diplomatic approach in the region, analysts said.

The new Parliamentary Secretary for the Pacific Duncan Kerr has said Australia will change a perception that it is the "Big Brother" of the island states.

"We are not big brother. We can't demand outcomes that are always in accordance with Australia's view of the world," he said.

Instead, the new government has promised an increased aid to the region to help solve the "core problem" of building infrastructure of education, health care, transport and communications.

Rudd also planned to build a regional civil-military cooperation center as a platform to coordinate management on issues of security, infrastructure and crisis.
 

Nauru wants talks over Australia closing 'Pacific Solution'
19 December 2007 - Source: ABC Radio Australia

The Nauru government is calling for urgent talks with Australia after the new Labor government announced it will close its asylum seeker processing centre on the impoverished Pacific island nation.

David Adeang, Nauru's foreign affairs and finance minister, says the revenue generated by the centre amounts to 20 per cent of the country's gross domestic product.

There are nearly 40 local staff employed by the centre and other services including medical and catering provide indirect revenue to Nauru, which relies heavily on foreign aid and investment.

Mr Adeang has told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program there has been no response to a request for talks with the Australian government about the closure.

"No not yet, we haven't but we appreciate the full agenda that any new government has to bear," he said.

"We're patient, though we'd like to have these discussions sooner rather than later.

The Australian government, elected only last month, has yet to announce a timeframe for the centre's closure.
 

Bali 'only first step': Rudd
17 December 2007 - Source: The Australian

Kevin Rudd has shifted further away from the US position on climate change, strongly backing the new Bali agreement as the White House expressed "serious concerns" about the weak commitments placed on major developing economies such as China and India.

White House press secretary Dana Perino said in a statement yesterday the new climate deal to be negotiated over the next two years needed to do more to cut greenhouse gas emissions from these major developing countries.

The Prime Minister said the historic framework for negotiations on a new global climate deal after 2012 - hammered out at the weekend in a tense and emotional finale to the UN's Bali conference - was a compromise agreement but it represented a "step forward" in imposing commitments on emerging economies.

"We now have a commitment on the question of developing countries for them to engage in measurable, reportable and verifiable, nationally appropriate mitigation actions," he said.

"This is a step forward. Is it as much as the international community would have liked? It is not quite there."

The Bali conference was deadlocked for more than two days over the terms of commitments required by developed and developing countries to tackle climate change.

In the end, the Bali Roadmap, which will frame two years of negotiations on a post-Kyoto climate accord, says rich countries will be required to make measurable commitments or actions to cut emissions.

These include quantified "objectives", which still leaves the door open for binding targets such as those imposed by Kyoto.

According to the road map, developing countries do not need to commit to quantified targets but will be required to take measurable and verifiable actions that are "in the context of sustainable development, supported by technology and enabled by financing and capacity-building".

China's rapid economic growth will make it the biggest single greenhouse gas emitting country in the world by the end of the decade, with the International Energy Agency predicting developing countries will account for three-quarters of the increase in global greenhouse gases by 2030.

Although developing nations will not have to make the same binding emissions cuts as developed nations, they have recognised the need to tackle climate change and, unlike the Kyoto Protocol, will now be part of the next global pact.

The UN, which hosted the Bali conference, wants to wrap up the negotiations on a new agreement in the Danish capital of Copenhagen in December 2009.

Mr Rudd yesterday formally endorsed senior bureacrats leading the Australian delegation in Bali, who have come under repeated personal attack from some activists claiming they were advocating a Howard government strategy.

"Last night in Bali the world community decided to take a bold step into the future," Mr Rudd said. "But it is only one step and we have got a long, long way to go."

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who flew to Bali for a late appeal for flexibility from the 189 countries represented, praised the agreement as a "pivotal first step" to tackle what he called "the defining challenge of our time".

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown called the deal "a vital step forward for the whole world", while German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the road map opened "the way to real negotiations on effective measures" for climate protection.

"The road to an agreement to succeed Kyoto is still paved with obstacles," Ms Merkel said.

The White House statement indicates it will seek to negotiate different terms for poor countries based on the size of their economy and the scale of their emissions - a move that could create a wedge in the Group of 77 bloc of developing countries.

"The negotiations must adequately distinguish among developing countries by recognising that the responsibilities of the smaller or least developed countries are different from the larger, more advanced developing countries," the US statement said.
"In our view, such smaller and less-developed countries are entitled to receive more differentiated treatment so as to more truly reflect their special needs and circumstances."

The revised White House position follows the dramatic last-minute backdown by US negotiators in Bali, who eventually agreed to a key clause proposed by poor countries linking actions to cut emissions with access to clean-technology transfers and financing from rich countries.

The European Union's attempt to introduce a reference to non-binding targets for developed countries of between 25 and 40 per cent by 2020 was knocked out on Friday following stubborn opposition led by Russia and the US.

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change executive secretary Yvo de Boer said the new agreement had broken down old barriers between rich and poor countries. "What we're seeing disappear here today is what I would call the Berlin Wall of climate change," he said.

The Bali deal also included important progress on slowing deforestation, exchange of clean energy technologies and the creation of a fund to help poor countries adapt to the impacts of climate change.
 

Toa o Samoa Re-Enlists for the Last Time
15 December 2007 - Source: Major Tauapai Laupola

SSG Sualauvi Malua Tuimalealiifano III re-enlists for the last time in the presence of his unit, D/96th Civil Affairs Battalion (CAB), his comrades from the spinal ward, his Samoan families from Ft Bragg, NC and Tampa, Florida and his wife Mrs Shannon Fatuesi Tuimaleali’ifano. Major Tauapai Laupola administered the re-enlistment oath for SSG Tuimalealiifano at the VA hospital on Saturday, 8 Dec 07. According to SSG Tuimalealiifano, “I am humbled by the experience to be re-enlisted for the last time while sitting in my wheel chair knowing that my life has changed forever.” He thanked everybody for their support and prayers during this ordeal. SSG Tuimalealiifano is paralysed from his chest down due to a spinal injury he received during his combat tour in Afghanistan, August 2007.

According to LTC Leo Ruth, Battalion commander 96th CAB, “It’s an honour standing in today to witness the re-enlistment of a great American paratrooper who has sacrificed a lot for this Great Nation.” SSG Tuimalealiifano’s team leader, CPT Marcus Forman, said “Our experiences created a strong bond within our unit especially during this last deployment. He is a great ambassador not only for the team, but his Samoan heritage and his faith in God.” These same feelings were echoed by his company commander, MAJ John William, “He is a great soldier and I can always count on him because he is willing to learn, adapt and help the team accomplish its mission.” The travelling party from Ft Bragg, NC consisted of the 96th CAB key leaders and members from the Samoan Christian Faith Congregation Fort Bragg, NC, CSM Tuileama Nua, SFC Taisi Steffany-Alo, Major Tauapai Laupola and Pastor Poasa Masaniai of Ft Huachuca, AZ.

A reception followed at Mr. Lamasi & Mrs. Mary Peterika’s beautiful residence hosted by the Samoans residing in Tampa, FL. The guests were greeted to a variety of island music by Ulale Pusi, Jimmy Maugaleo’o and Lance Faimalie. The Samoan melodies were a reminder of the days when Ulale Pusi played at the Rainmaker hotel in American Samoa.

Pastor Poasa Masaniai blessed the lavish buffet done Samoan-style of roast pig, chop suey, corned beef and cabbage, fa’alifu talo and pagipopo as the highlight for dessert. A special Samoan siva was performed by Mrs Nina Tuitasi Glaude and Mr Lauvao Andre Glaude for the guests. As customary in the Samoan culture the honour of the taualaga was performed by Mrs Shannon Tuimalealiifano. The guests were touched as SSG Tuimalealiifano danced from his wheel chair to join his wife in the taualuga.

SSG Tuimalealiifano and Shannon described this day with these sentiments. “First and foremost we thank our heavenly father for this day for without his grace we would not have met the people that are here with us today. We are extremely overwhelmed and happy for the support, especially by the love and compassion that we have seen. This experience has confirmed our belief in the Samoan value of alofa and faaaloalo.”

Special thanks to the Samoan community in Tampa, FL; especially, Mr Lamasi & Mrs Mary Peterika, Mr Jimmy & Mrs Koli Maugaleo’o, Mr Andre & Mrs Nina Glaude, Ulale Pusi, Lance Faimalie, Aaone Tuitasi and Kelemete Fatu.

Photo #1: (Front) Shannon Tuimalealiifano & SSG Sualauvi Tuimalealiifano III
(Back) CSM Nua, Mrs Koli Maugaleoo, Mr Ulale Pusi, MAJ Laupola, Pastor Poasa Masaniai & SFC Taisi Steffany-Alo.

Photo#2: Photo Ops Immediately after SSG Tuimalealiifano’s re-enlistment at the Tampa VA Hospital, Saturday, 8Dec07.

Photo #3: Sua’s re-enlistment reception at Mr. Lamasi & Mrs. Mary Peterika’s beautiful residence, hosted by the Samoans residing in Tampa, FL.
 

Australia unwinds tough Pacific immigration policy
13 December 2007 - Source: Reuters
 
Australia on Monday accepted seven asylum seekers from Myanmar as refugees as the country's new Labor government began unwinding tough immigration laws which force boatpeople into detention on Pacific island nations.

New Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard also signaled Labor was likely to scrap a deal to swap refugees that the former conservative government struck with close ally the United States in April.

"We have consistently said that we think Australia should deal with its own caseload, that is people who make application for asylum here and are granted refugee status," Gillard told reporters in Canberra.

Labor has promised to dump the conservative government's policy, introduced in 2001, of sending people trying to reach the mainland to Papua New Guinea and Nauru for refugee assessment.

The policy, widely criticized by the United Nations and human rights groups, became known as the "Pacific Solution".

Former Prime Minister John Howard introduced the policy after a surge of 5,000 illegals arrivals by sea in 2000, compared with the 95,000 who arrived in Britain that year. Howard's tough stance helped him win re-election in 2001.

Many people sent to Nauru were held for more than three years behind razor wire while their claims were assessed and were later found to be genuine refugees.

Immigration Minister Chris Evans said the seven from Myamar, who arrived in Australia in August last year, would be brought from detention in remote Nauru and settled in the tropical Australian city of Brisbane.

"I'm hopeful that those Burmese will be returned in the next week or two in time for Christmas," Evans told local radio.

"There's no reason why they shouldn't be processed quickly. In fact, in my view, they should have been processed some time ago. But we're keen to resolve their issues," he said.

A team of Australian immigration and intelligence officials flew to Nauru on Sunday to accelerate the processing of 80 Sri Lankans still in detention there.

Under the deal with Washington, Cuban refugees held by the United States in Guantanamo Bay were to be resettled in Australia while Canberra would send boatpeople to the United States.

The Sri Lankans and the seven from Myanmar had been expected to be among the first asylum seekers sent to the U.S. until the conservatives were swept from government by Labor in an election late last month.

Evan denied that dumping the immigration policy meant a softening of border security under Labor and said a A$500 million ($438 million) detention centre set up between Australia and Indonesia on remote Christmas Island would remain in operation.

"There's no suggestion of us weakening the policy in terms of border security and intercepting boats," Evans said.

Inaugural Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing in Apia 2008
11 December 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com
 
Event Polynesia Boxing in association with South Pacific Boxing Inc. this week announced the first Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing event to be held in Apia on Saturday 26th January 2008.

According to Mr. Teleiai Su’a Edwin Puni, Managing Director of Event Polynesia, “This is exciting for Samoa boxing going forward and promoting Samoa as a host country of international events.”

The main bout will see IBF Australasian Cruiser Weight title holder, Mr. Laurence Tauasa fight for the vacant World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Oriental Cruiser Weight title in front of his home country Samoa for the first time. Mr. Tauasa continues to be a Samoan flag bearer in the boxing world and has fought under the Samoan flag since turning professional despite representing Australia in his amateur career.

Mr. Ale Vena Ale, secretary general of South Pacific Boxing is pleased with the opportunity provided by the Samoa International Pro-Am Boxing event for local professional boxing referees and judges to be able to officiate international boxing tournaments.

Main under card will feature Walter the Tongan Warrior, current South Seas Cruiser Weight champion against Samoa Commonwealth boxing medalist Lupematasila Bob Gasio currently fighting out of Auckland.

Other bouts will include the International Amateur Challenge Cup between New Zealand top Invitational Team verses Samoa top Invitational Team plus the Fa’afafine International Title fight for the vacant belt.

“This will be an excellent build up for both countries leading up to the Oceania Boxing Tournament to be held in Australia in March 2008,” said Ms Tui Gallagher, Auckland Boxing Association president and Boxing New Zealand executive.

For more information contact Mr. Tuilagi Maiava Saipele Esera on (+685) 751-9458 or email: saipele@eventpolynesia.com
 

Robbie Deans to be considered as coach for Australia
09 December 2007 - Source: The Canadian Press

Robbie Deans, shunned by the All Blacks in his native New Zealand, is back in the running for the vacant Australian coaching job.

The Australian Rugby Union said Sunday that Deans has sent an expression of interest for the Australian position, vacated by John Connolly after the Rugby World Cup.

ARU chairman Peter McGrath requested that the selection panel, which interviewed five Australian candidates a month ago, should go through the same process with Deans, who was passed over for the New Zealand job when officials there reappointed Graham Henry on Friday.

Deans, the 48-year-old Canterbury Crusaders coach, will be interviewed before an ARU board meeting beginning on Thursday, which will have the coaching position at the top of its agenda.

McGrath reiterated the ARU stance that it is committed to finding "the best person for the job."

"This in no way derails or affects the timing of the process already under way," McGrath said in a statement. "If late in the day a coach with a record worth considering comes forward, then we should avail ourselves of the opportunity to interview him and include him in the process along with the other candidates."

The panel has so far interviewed ACT Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher, broadcaster and former Wallabies coach Alan Jones, Waratah's coach Ewen McKenzie, Australia assistant coach John Muggleton and David Nucifora of the Auckland Blues.
 

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