NEWSROOM: 10 June - 16 June 2007

Lease of Government lands in Salelologa
16 June 2007 - Source: Press Secretariat

Cabinet has approved the plan by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to publicise the leasing of Government lands in Salelologa, Savaii for business and trade.

The lease charges are as follows: $500 tala per half acre of land per annum and $1,000 tala per acre of land per annum.

The lease of Government lands in Salelologa is part of an on-going development programme for the Salelologa township.
 

Papalii Moli bestowed Malietoa title despite challenge
15 June 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

It was a still dark Thursday morning when Papalii Faamausili Moli Malietoa was escorted to the Malie parish of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa for the conferring of the Malietoa title.

The ceremony went ahead despite protests from other branches of the Malietoa family. Prior to the title bestowal, Malietoa descendants congregated at the Land and Titles Court to challenge the decision to confer the title on Papalii, staking their own claims to the Malietoa title.

Reverend Tipeni Solomona blessed Thursday's ceremony and encouraged the newly appointed holder of the Malietoa title to be strong and serve his family, village and country well. After the service, Papalii changed into his traditional attire for the bestowal ceremony.

High talking chief of Malie, Sia Ulu, spoke on behalf of the matais that attended the ceremony. Si'a highlighted the sequence by which the Malietoa title holders have  been passed on.

From Malietoa Savealii to Malietoa Laauli who became the 14th title holder. Malietoa Tuilaepa was the 27th holder followed by Malietoa Tavita Vainuupo who is remembered for accepting Christianity on behalf of the Samoan people. Years later Malietoa Tanumafili I became the 37th title holder and his son, Malietoa Tanumafili II became the first joint Head of State (with the late Tupua Tamasese Meaole) on Samoa's independence in 1962. A year later after the death of Tupua, he became the sole Head of State until his death last month. His son Malietoa Papalii Moli is now the 39th title holder.

The Lands and Titles Court heard that descendants of Malietoa Talavou and Malietoa Natuitasina strongly opposed the decision to confer the title to a descendant of Malietoa Moli. Former Member of Parliament and a descendant of Malietoa Talavou, Le Tagaloa Pita, said that the decision to choose the Malietoa holder should be decided by the descendants of the three Malietoa's (Talavou, Natuitasin and and Moli) as was ruled back in the 1930's.

However, on the same day the title was conferred, another side emerged claiming to be the descendants of Malietoa Tautaioleua Poutoa. They claim Malietoa Vainuupo had four sons and Tautaioleua was the eldest of the children. The other siblings were Malietoa Moli, Malietoa Talavou and Malietoa Natuitasina.

The ceremony went smoothly despite predictions of trouble. The whole ceremony was not like any other normal "saofai". A special high seat was erected before the church for the title holder with two bodyguards positioned on either side.

The "malae fono" (meeting ground) of Malie, Le Vaopipi was filled with the village "aumaga" who stood guard over the ceremony. Also present were representatives from Falealii, Aiga ile Tai and Tuamasaga, despite their decision to boycott the event.

On the same day, the village of Afega which is a sub-village of Tuamasaga, called a press conference to explain why they boycotted the event.
 

'Son of Samoa' Tim Cahill welcomed home
14 June 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

Australian soccer sensation Tim Cahill and his entourage received a warm welcome to Samoa on his arrival at Faleolo Airport on Tuesday. The part Samoan star who plays for English premier club Everton was greeted by the president of the Samoa Football (Soccer) Federation, Tautulu Roebeck, and federation officials.

Also there to welcome him home was the reigning Miss Samoa, Poinsettia Taefu.

Toleafoa said that Tim's visit will help boost the game in Samoa. He also acknowledged the presence of Tim's younger brother Chris who has pledged his allegiance to Samoa and will captain the Manumea national men's team at the upcoming South Pacific Games. Chris follows in the footsteps of Tim and older brother Sean who have both played for Samoa in the past.

Tim said he was happy to be in Samoa not just to promote the game, but to catch up with his relatives too. Tim's mother Sisifo Cahill (nee Belford) is originally from Apia and Salailua, Savaii.

While in Samoa he will meet the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, and also the South Pacific Games Chairman, Faumuina Liuga.

Tim will also conduct soccer clinics during his visit to schools at Aana #2, Siumu, Falealii and Aleipata districts. He was also due to train with the Manumea.

Taking a break from his footy kids programme, he will also attend an ava ceremony hosted by students of Leifiifi College.

Tim's aunt, Francis Viali, told eventpolynesia.com that their family was not only happy that he had finally lived his dream by representing Australia at the World Cup in Germany last year, but also found time to return to Samoa to further explore his roots.
 

Funding for Police Officers selected for UN Mission in Liberia
13 June 2007 - Source: Press Secretariat

Cabinet has approved funding for the travel of Police Officers selected for a UN Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia.

Three Police Officers have been selected to replace the contingent that is currently in Liberia. They departed the country on the 8th June, 2007.

Samoa has been serving in the United Nations Peacekeeping mission since 2000 and according to reports from the United Nations, Samoa has contributed a lot to this mission despite difficulties and other problems they faced.
 

Agriculture Show postponed until 2008
12 June 2007 - Source: Press Secretariat/eventpolynesia.com

Cabinet has approved the request by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for the postponement of the Agriculture Show 2007 until early next year.

The Ministry's decision to postpone this year's Show comes after considering its other activities planned to be instigated at the time of the Agriculture Show. The Ministry has also put in place plans to encourage the planting of the 'talomua' within all districts and has called for the support and assistance of the village mayors.

The Agriculture show is the highlight for all farmers, as this show is particularly for the farmers. Farm products will be showcased including cattle, pigs and a veriety of fruits, vegetables and entertainment for all.

Previous shows had brought out the best in some of the farmers, where a Siumu man showcased one of the biggest yams ever seen in Samoa. Also a man from the village of Tuanai produced a huge freaky four headed pineapple, which drew curious onlookers.

Recent activities had the public showcase their own cooking recipes. While farmers are disappointed that this year's show has been postponed, they are looking forward to next year's show.
 

Business of the Week: Fridam Rentals, Togafuafua
11 June 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

Fridam Rentals joined the car rental business last year, but owner and operator Mike Tupuola is not a stranger to this line of work.

Mike had worked for Funway Rentals for several years before deciding to go out on his own. So with six cars, Fridam Rentals started operation from its location at Togafuafua.

Gradually Fridam grew not only in the number of cars but also the number of clients. According to Mike, part of the business success is due to his years of working at Funway rentals, where most of the clients know him.

Clients who know Mike said that Mike's personality is one aspect that has seen the gradual growing of the business, despite being a new kid on the block.

Despite this, business is not always smooth sailing as there is much to develop in order for the business to bloom well. One such thing is to keep the cars well maintained. Fridam Rentals cares for its clients and this is reason enough for the operators to ensure that their clients get the best from every deal.
 

Person of the Week: Papalii Faamausili Moli Malietoa
10 June 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

Come next Thursday, Papalii Moli Malietoa will be bestowed the title Malietoa Moli III when the village of Sapapalii and Malie join forces to confer the title. The Malietoa title is one of the highest ranking (tama'aiga) titles in Samoa.

Papalii, son of the late Head of State Malietoa Tanumafili II, received the nod from his family to take over the title, which his late father held for more than 50 years.

Papalii's ascent to the title came after three weeks of deliberations after his father's death last month. Papalii is a decorated soldier from the New Zealand army where he served for several years before returning to Samoa. He is currently the President of the Returned Servicemen Association.

The name Malietoa is recognised with many events that helped develop Samoa throughout its history. From the days of cannibalism to Christianity, the Malietoa title has contributed a lot in shaping Samoa into what it is today but most importantly, it was a Malietoa that accepted Christianity for the people of Samoa.

Papalii is the third of five children of the late Malietoa and Masiofo Lili Tunu. His other siblings are Papali'i Molio'o Laupepa Malietoa (deceased), Sua Vainupo Malietoa, Fa'amausili Moli Malietoa, To'oa Tosi Malietoa and Momoemanuelefatiaesaumalaeatiae Malietoa.

He holds degrees from several universities including the National University of Samoa.

Papalii is married to Audrey Brighouse and they have four children:
Momoemanuelefatiaesaumalaeatiae Malietoa, Andrew Jason Malietoa, Ioane Viliamu Malietoa (deceased) and Liliolevao Salamasina Malietoa.

He will retain his Papalii and Faumausili titles.
 

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