NEWSROOM: 11 November - 17 November 2007

Miss South Pacific Pageant 2007
17 November 2007 - Source: Samoa Tourism Authority

The Miss South Pacific Pageant will be held at the EFKS Hall at Mulinuu, Apia, today at 7:00 pm.

The Miss South Pacific Pageant is an International Event devoted to showcasing the talents and physical attributes of the contemporary pacific lady, synonymous with the beauty and the friendliness of the people of the Pacific.

By nurturing personal attributes, leadership skills and grace under pressure, the event aids positive personal development and encourages pacific women to contribute to national and regional affairs and to advance in diverse fields, as a prospective ambassador of their respective pacific people and culture.

The event helps to foster tourism and cultural promotion. In that unique capacity it serves to showcase the culture identity and beauty of our Pacific people with the objective of promoting to the international arena this wonderful region of ours, the Pacific Islands.

Faafafine princesses confirmed to fight in Auckland
16 November 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

At its Pre Fight Cocktail Party in Auckland last weekend, Event Polynesia Boxing announced its line-up for its Pro Am Boxing Event, to be held on Tuesday 20 November at the Otara Recreation Center in Auckland.

The Event Polynesia Fight Night in Auckland will be the First Leg of a six-tournament circuit across Australasia and the Pacific managed by Event Polynesia Boxing Inc.

Boxing Promoter and Managing Director of Event Polynesia, Mr Teleiai Sua Edwin Puni also confirmed the participation of four faafafine boxers from Samoa; Princess Liz, Princess Fedrina, Princess Shanior and Princess Rachell.

Princess Liz was the first titleholder of the Samoan Faafafine Title when he knocked out crowd favourite Princess Tiger in March during the Monty Betham Junior professional fight debut.

Princess Shanior and Princess Fetrina are from the popular Yazaki EDS Samoa Boxing Club, which boasts five faafafine boxers in their ranks.

Princess Rachell is from Auala Savaii and has been involved with the resurgence of boxing from the Asau area of Samoa. The faafafine boxers depart for Auckland this weekend.

Event Polynesia Boxing hosted a ‘pilot fight event’ in August this year and this saw faafafine boxing in New Zealand for the first time, although a regular part of boxing in Samoa. It also attracted huge interest from around New Zealand and Australia.

According to Pat Leonard, National Secretary of the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association, “It was a fantastic night and with a sell-out crowd like that, it is what the boxing scene in New Zealand requires.”

Ms Tui Gallagher, President of the Auckland Boxing Association said, “It was so pleasing to see such a massive crowd and to know that there is such a support for boxing in the Samoan community.”

The upcoming fight night will include five amateur bouts sanctioned by the Auckland Boxing Association, before five corporate class bouts, two faafafine bouts and a professional heavyweight main bout sanctioned by the New Zealand Professional Boxing Association.

The 2nd leg of the Event Polynesia Boxing Circuit will be held in Apia on Saturday 19 January and negotiations are currently been finalised to hold a title fight as the main bout of the night with Samoa’s own Lawrence Tauasa – ‘LT’ defending his IBF Cruiserweight Title.

PM talks about new right-hand drive law
15 November 2007 - Source: Savali Newspaper

In light of recent reports and newspaper correspondences opposing Government's plan to switch from left-hand to right-hand drive vehicles, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi yesterday, in an exclusive interview with Savali editor Tupuola Terry Tavita, outlined the reasons behind the change and how it will benefit the country.

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to respond to issues raised in a recent report by the Chamber of Commerce.

The new law, the Prime Minister said, was tabled in Cabinet this week and is expected to be endorsed by Cabinet ministers next week.

SAVALI: Mr. Prime Minister, why this switch and why at this particular time?

PM: Rising oil prices has forced many countries to review their energy consumption levels and pursue the development of bio-fuels and other alternative energy sources.

Samoa too has been reviewing our energy efficiencies which include, among other things, fuel-efficient cars to drive. American LHDs that dominate our roads are major gas guzzlers with high emission rates that escalate pollution and damage to our pristine environment.

For the last few years, Government has been implementing a national programme that saw the tar-sealing of over a hundred plantation roads throughout the country in an effort to stimulate the agricultural sector.

But a major impediment to this endeavour is that despite now having good roads to agricultural lands, people do not have cars. And the only way they can acquire reliable and inexpensive cars and heavy-duty machinery, they tell the Government, is from New Zealand and Australia where many of their aiga (families) reside. We are all aware of the current migration trend to these two countries.

Since the inception of the Traffic Ordinance Amendment 2003, which banned the import of RHDs for safety reasons at the time, Government has been inundated with letters and calls from both our people here and in New Zealand to repeal the law.

To continue with the ban, Government feels, would be discriminatory to our grassroots people who are in desperate need of vehicles to develop their lands and their families. Government is not here to help just the rich and the powerful who can afford to buy new cars. The new law is for the benefit of the wider community, particularly the poor and the vulnerable in need of assistance to help themselves. We've said all along that what is good for those in Apia, should also be good for those in the village.

SAVALI: The report by the Chamber of Commerce raises concern over a supposed immediate drop in the resale value of LHD cars. Sir?

PM: That assumption, raised mostly by car rental companies, is misleading.

You see, these people are in the business of bringing cars from overseas, farming them out in the rental car business for two or three years, then selling the cars off again. Cars like all fixed assets have a diminishing value. Of course they'll have a lesser value after three years, because then they'll be old cars.

Also, by the time these vehicles are sold, the rental companies have already recovered their costs. That's why they're reselling these cars; they're clearing stock so they can purchase new ones. These people are the blessed few prospering in the business of buying and selling cars. A business most people here neither have the means nor the access to. Those who own LHDs or are planning to purchase one also need not be concerned.

There'll be a provision in the new legislation whereby they can use their vehicles until they are no longer road compatible. Those who also made orders before the legislation comes into force, can still take delivery of their vehicles when they arrive as long as they present documents proving that the orders were made before the cut-off date.

SAVALI: Tourism, the report says, would also be severely affected with the change. Any truth in this?

PM: Absolutely incorrect. Our major tourist markets are New Zealand and Australia where motorists drive left of the road. Switching to RHDs will only make Samoa more attractive to New Zealanders and Australians who will then be able to get off the plane and drive off in RHDs without any hassle.

On the other hand, business operates on the principle of demand and supply. More tourists means higher demand for RHDs, which translates to more business for RHD suppliers.

Those with good business savvy should now be seeking RHD car dealers overseas.

SAVALI: How about foreign exchange? The report says that the country's foreign exchange will be on freefall.

PM: That's a very weak assumption. If relatives in New Zealand and Australia will be assisting in financing cars brought here, then I see little reason how our foreign exchange will be affected. If more cars are imported then that is the reality of a growing economy and we should not discourage people from acquiring new cars.

SAVALI: Our people are not accustomed to driving on the left, which some say, would mean more accidents on our roads. Is this so?

PM: Like anything new, it takes a bit of time to get the hang of it. In saying that, if someone does not want to get accustomed to driving on the left of the road then maybe that person is not fit to drive at all. Our people, you know, are continually moving to New Zealand and Australia to seek job opportunities there. Changing the law saves those job-seekers the hassle of trying to get used to driving rules in those countries if they want to drive trucks, buses, taxis or any public transport vehicle. New Zealand, Australia, Tonga, Fiji, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, Nauru, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu all drive on the same side of the road without any problem. So why can't we?

On the issue of safety, well, it's really a non-issue. Of the 221 road accidents in the last three years, only six involved RHDs. That's just two percent of all traffic accidents. This shows that the side of the steering wheel is not the cause of car accidents but drunk and irresponsible driving and often, sleeping on the wheel.

Criticism that has been levelled at the RHD changeover are largely lopsided. They are overwhelmingly to protect the interests of car dears, rental car companies and other business people without any thought for the general populace. The reality is, while only a few people can afford to buy cars at the moment, the overwhelming majority can't. The new law is to allow the outright majority of our people to acquire cars with the assistance of their relatives in New Zealand and Australia. If they can't accept that, well too bad; business is all about taking risks, being flexible and adapting to change. If you're in business expecting a smooth ride, then maybe you shouldn't be in business at all.

A change of law will not mean the demise of taxi, rental car and bus owners. There will continually be growing demand for their services keeping them in business. I see no rationale whatsoever in criticism that has been raised.

SAVALI: So when will the new law come into effect?

PM: I expect the new policy to be approved by Cabinet next week. From there it will then be passed on to Parliament. In any case, it has already been approved by the party caucus. Therefore the RHD change is a fait accompli.

MS Amsterdam, Holland America Line visits Samoa
14 November 2007 - Source: Betham Brothers Enterprises

The cruise liner, MS Amsterdam, Holland America Line arrived in Apia on Tuesday 13th November 2007 at 10:30am.

There were 1225 passengers onboard. Most of the passengers are US citizens, with other nationalities onboard.

MS Amsterdam has ten decks and many world class facilities, including restaurants, a fitness centre and dedicated youth facilities. Indulge in proven and exotic therapies designed to excite the senses. Discover the pathway of feeling healthy and revitalised at The Greenhouse Spa and Salon.

There are master chefs on hand to demonstrate regional dishes and culinary techniques from around the globe, from traditional ethnic cuisine to creative contemporary dishes. Their state of the art Culinary Arts Centre offers a feast for the eyes, as well as the palate.

The Amsterdam has a crew of 625, and after visiting Samoa she will then sail for Hawaii the next day.

MS Amsterdam is one of the largest Vessels to call at Apia and last visited in 2005.

The ship's agent is Betham Brothers Enterprises Ltd. and Shore Excursions are operated by M&A Holidays Travel & Tours.

Vice President of Commonwealth Games Executive Board elected
13 November 2007 - Source: SASNOC Press Release

On Friday 9th November President of SASNOC Vaeolenofoafia Vui Tapasu Leung Wai was elected onto the Commonwealth Games Executive Board as a Vice President, representing the 14 Commonwealth countries of Oceania. The election took place at the Commonwealth Games Federation Annual General Meeting held November 5 -9 in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo.

Tuala Lepale Niko Palamo withdrew his nomination to sit on the Commonwealth Games Sports Committee as there can only be one representative from each Commonwealth country on any of the governing boards per four year term.

There are six regions in the Commonwealth and each region voted to elect their representative, and Vaeolenofoafia easily won the position of Vice President for the Oceania region, Lepale said.

Jamaican Mike Fennell won a new term as President of the Commonwealth Games Federation on Friday.

Fennell was elected uncontested for another four years during the Federation's general assembly meeting.

The Federation, made up of 71 members of the former British Empire, concluded their five-day deliberations on Friday after they voted to select a city to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Glasgow convincingly clinched the 2014 Commonwealth Games 47 votes to 24, shattering Nigeria’s hopes of becoming the first African nation to host the event.

Glasgow was the firm favourite to win the race after its bid received a significantly more positive evaluation than its only rival, the Nigerian capital Abuja.

New Delhi will host the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

SAT$10,000 for Samoa Rugby League Association
12 November 2007 - Source: Government Press Secretariat

Cabinet has approved SAT$10,000 as financial assistance for the Samoa Rugby League Association to assist the Toa Samoa in its preparations for the upcoming World Cup Qualifying Tour, taking place in the United Kingdom, from the 09 – 14 November, 2007.

The winner of the European Group which includes Samoa will qualify for next year’s Rugby League World Cup in Sydney.

Toa Samoa won the bronze medal for Samoa in the recent South Pacific Games. The travelling team consists of five players and two officials.

U.S. Coast Guard International Port Security Program visits Samoa
11 November 2007 - Source: Samoa Port Authority Press Release

The U.S Coast Guards International Port Security (IPS) Program visited Samoa from November 5 to 8 2007. The purpose of the visit was to exchange information on implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and observe port security measures in the Port of Apia.

The IPS Program Team Members Commander Mark Eyler, Lieutenant Commander Ted Kim, Head of Delegation, and Lieutenant Commander Phil Purganan from Coast Guard Activities Far liquid-bulk, container, and passengers.

Observations:
The Designated Authority (DA) has taken proactive measures to implement the ISPS Code and to plan to implement International Security Standards.

The DA has developed a comprehensive set of standard operating procedures to manage various maritime issues effectively on a timely manner.

The DA's involvement in the Secretariat of Pacific Community Regional Maritime Programme (SPC/RMP) and its audits is noteworthy.

Suggestions:
The DA should continue to work with the SPC.RMP to assist other Pacific Island nations on improving regional maritime security.

Apia Commercial Port Facility:
The Samoa Port Authority (SPA) superbly demonstrated implementation of the ISPS Code throughout its facilities and operations

The SPA has launched a proactive media campaign to educate the public on port security

The SPA management consistently displayed in-depth knowledge of the ISPS Code port security issues.

The SPA participated in a full-scale Tsunami evaluation exercise in November 2007. Approximately 30,000 people evacuated from the city (accounts for 50 percent of the Apia Population). The SPA closed down and secured the port. All ships and boats got underway. All personnel were evacuated from the port.

The SPA should consider posting warning signs on the waterfront to enhance waterside security.

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