NEWSROOM: 13 May - 19 May 2007

Malietoa laid to rest with his ancestors
19 May 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

The late Head of State of Samoa, His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili 11 was laid to rest with his ancestors at a tomb especially dedicated to the Malietoa family at Mulinuu.

Malietoa's father and grand-father are both laid in rest in the same tomb and Malietoa Tanumafili 11 will be the third generation to be buried in the same tomb.

The procession to his lasting resting place started from Tiafau, home of the Samoan parliament towards Mulinuu peninsula where the family tomb is located. The police ballbearers conveyed his casket to the tombsite.

Reverend Paulo Koria of the Faatoia Christian Church conducted the tombsite service followed by the sounding of a three-volley cannon salute, then the flag ceremony.

Malietoa's daughter Tooa Tosi Malietoa accepted the flag which symbolised Malietoa's long service to his country.

The public were given an opportunity to say their goodbyes as Malietoa's casket was finally placed in his final resting place.

The tomb was badly damaged during past cyclones and was only restored to its current condition five years ago.

"Blessed are those who die...who die in the lord," the saying goes.
 

The King makes his final journey
18 May 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

The street was filled with people lining each side of the road as they waited to pay their last respects to the man they have known as their King for the past 45 years.

Thursday, 17 May 2007 at around 5am in the early hours of the morning, the Faatoia street was already packed with school children and people of all ages, waiting impatiently to witness the King's final journey in a country he called His beloved.

At 7.30am Malietoa's children and family bid farewell to their father before the police honour guard covered His casket with the state flag, marking the beginning of the state funeral for the country's beloved leader.

From his humble residence at Faatoia, the procession started towards Tiafau. Led by two police motorcycles, the procession passed the grieving people of Faatoia, who will miss the familiar face and lop-sided smile of Malietoa, better known to them as "Tanu".

All along beach road, the people armed with flowers and banners farewelled their King, as the procession slowly proceeded towards Tiafau.

The police honour guard and police band awaited the procession at Vaisigano then led on as people threw flowers in front of His Highness' casket.

Then heavy rain felled. No one minded the rain as they stood transfixed on the spot with eyes fixed on Malietoa's covered casket.

The street was filled with schools, various organizations and aumaga from the village of Malie who dressed traditionally for the occasion.

Once the procession reached Tiafau, Malietoa's casket was placed on a dias in-front of the parliament house while the national anthem was played.

His casket was then conveyed inside the parliament chambers by police accompanied by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi for a start of a 24 hour lie-in-state vigil. Council of Deputies Tamaaiga Tupua Tamasese Efi and Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi II, Prime Minister Tuilaepa, Cabinet, and the Chief Justice led the people in paying their respects.

The public arrived in numbers from the time his body was laid in state until morning to pay their respects.

Tonga's delegation was led by King George V followed by the Maori King and his delegation. Tuvalu, Cook Islands, and American Samoa's Lt. Governor Togiola Tulafono.

Australia's Governor General led Australia's delegation. New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark led their delegation who arrived just before midnight Thursday night. Samoans overseas also took time off
to attend His Highness funeral.

Choral tributes started at 6pm in the evening and went on for three hours.

His final service was held at the Tiafau malae conducted by the National Council of Churches under the leadership of Reverend Oka Fauolo.

Prayer of thanksgiving and confession was conducted by Reverend Afereti Samueli of the Methodist Church and Archbishop Alapati Mataeliga of the Catholic Church.

Reverend Elder Atapana Alama read the scripture.

Malietoa's son Faamausili Moli Malietoa gave the eulogy while Prime Minister Tuilaepa spoke on behalf of the government and people of Samoa.
 

Shooting for South Pacific Games medals
17 May 2007 - Source: South Pacific Games Authority

Local marksman will be taking careful aim over the next few months following the opening of the South Pacific Games shooting range at Tafaigata this week.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, was on hand to fire the opening salvo at the purpose built range, and to offer his support to the local Samoa Shooting Association.

"This is only the second time that shooting has been included at a South Pacific Games. The Samoan government welcomes the development of new sports in the region and we hope that these facilities will do justice to what should be an exciting, closely fought contest," he said.

Although the shooting range is the first for Samoa, the sport has been in the country for a number years, with representation at previous South Pacific and Commonwealth Games.

Team manager Pat Brighouse, who will be competing in both the single and double barrel shotgun events, says the team has been training consistently and he is confident of solid performances during the six day contest.

At SPG in 2003, Rob Maskell picked up a pair of silver medals in the ball trap and double barrel for Samoa, narrowly missing the gold on both occasions to Fiji's Glen Cable, the best individual shooter there. Tahiti won the team gold in all three events.

An interesting feature of shooting is that some of the events are gender neutral, meaning women and men compete together. The total cost of the shooting range is SAT$298,400 and May Enterprises was responsible for leveling the field.
 

Junior ABs, Manu Samoa dinner to raise funds for World Cup
16 May 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

A fundraising dinner to be held on 26 May at the National University of Samoa after the game between the Junior All Blacks and the Manu Samoa at Apia Park, is an opportunity for the rugby fans and supporters to get up close with the teams and their favorite players.

The fundraising dinner is an initiate by the Management of the Samoa Rugby Union and Chairman Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegao. He has continuously spoke on the importance of developing sports in Samoa and rugby is no exception. He also highlighted the
needed support from the public and the local business in developing rugby.

Highlighted also is the challenge faced by the Samoa Rugby Football Union "to raise funds to
support the game" with the World Cup just around the corner.

Funds raised at the dinner will go towards sponsoring the Manu Samoa team for its preparations for the World Cup in France later in the year.

At the dinner, two players, one from Manu Samoa and one from the Junior All Blacks will dine together with the guests at their table.

Also featuring at the dinner is singing sensation Sara Jane Auvaa all the way from New Zealand.

For corporate tables at the Manu Samoa verses the Junior All Blacks after-match function and fundraiser, contact eventpolynesia.com Samoa office (+685) 28-802 or Teleiai Sua Edwin Puni on (+649) 521-6700.
 

Malietoa's life of service to his beloved Samoa
15 May 2007 - Source: Prime Minister's Office

His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II is the son of Malietoa Tanumafili I and Momoe Lupeuluiva Meleisea.

He loved boxing and rugby and had recently gave up his favourite past-time golf at the age of 90. Samoa's respect for His Highness is showed by the celebration of his birthday every year and a public holiday. Earlier this year, he celebrated his 95th birthday on the 4th January 2007.

He was born in 1912. He was educated at Leifiifi school before entering St Stephens College in Auckland, New Zealand. He later joined Wesley College in Pukekohe.

He was married to Lili Tunu in 1940, however, the union ended when Lili died in 1986. They have six children wth four remaining and two, deceased.

The remaining children are: Su'a Vainuupo (male), Faamausili Moli (male), Tooa Lola Tosi (female) and Papalii Momoe Von Reiche (female).

Their eldest son Papaliitele Molio'o Laupepa died in 1985 while the other one died in infancy.

His Highness was one of the leading persons in shaping Samoa's struggle for independence. His service for Samoa started in the late 1950's and he has served as a Head of State for 45 years since Samoa's independence.

He was not only the longest serving world leader, but also the oldest leader in the Commonwealth nations and the world.

His last public appearance was at the ANZAC Day celebrations last month.

TIMELINE:

1958: Was part of a delegation from Samoa under the governorship of New Zealand to the United Nations meeting in New York

1959: Chairman of the joint committee dedicated in preparing Samoa's constitution.
The same year he was accredited with a CBE award from the government of New Zealand.

1961: Was present in Papua New Guinea during the opening of PNG's parliament under the Australian Government.

1962: Appointed as joint Head of Sate of Samoa with the late Tupua Tamasese Meaole.

1963: Sole Head of State after the death of Tupua Tamasese Meaole.

1974: Official tour of New Zealand and attended the Commonwealth games held in New Zealand that same year.

1975: Attended the Kingdom of Tonga's 100th anniversary.

1976: Tour China, West Germany, South Korea, Japan and Great Britain.

1977: Samoa hosted the royal visit of Great Britain's Queen Elizabeth 11 who arrived on her famous Britannia ship. Her Majesty the Queen awarded His Highness with several of Great Britain's honorary awards, the Collar Badge and the Star of the CCMG.

1978: Tour New Zealand, Australia, Nauru and Fiji.

1981: Accepted a position as an Advisor t the Polynesian Heritage Fund and attended their first meeting in New Zealand the same year.

1984: Attended the Olympics in Los Angeles.

1986: Appointed as Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific. Accepted an invitation from Maori's Queen to attend the opening of the Maori Conference Complex in New Zealand. Attended the opening of the Kanana Fou Theology in American Samoa.

1987: Attended His Majesty King Taufaahau Tupo IVof Tonga's birthday. Attended the University of the South Pacific's graduation in Fiji.

1988: Presided over the bestowing of the Honorary Doctorate of Law to Ieremia Tabai, Prime Minister of Kiribati. Accepted Washington's invitation to attend a special ceremony for the American military in Honolulu.

1989: Attended Emperor Hirohito's funeral in Japan.

1990: * January: Government of Samoa celebrated His Highness's 50th service anniversary to the people of Samoa. November: Attended the conference of the title Emperor to Prince Akihito of Japan.

1991: *July: Attended the 25th anniversary of King Taufaahau's reign in Tonga. * November: Samoa's representative to the funeral service ofFiji's former President Ratu Sir Penaia Ganila.

1996: Attended Tonga's King's birthday and also American Samoa's flagday celebration.

2000: Samoa Government awarded unto him the Grand Order of Samoa for his long service to the country and people of Samoa.

2002: Samoa celebrated her 40th anniversary and His Highness presided over this ceremony and attended Tong'as royal birthday the same year.
 

Business of the Week: Hotel Millennia Samoa
14 May 2007 - Source: Hotel Millennia Samoa

Hotel Millennia Samoa is one of the more modern looking hotels in town with a perfect view of Apia habour and Mt Vaea.

The Hotel is set in the quiet Mulinu'u Peninsula about five minutes walk from downtown Apia. They are set across the road from the Esplanade with harbour views from our frontage.

Four Standard Rooms each have a queen size bed, air conditioning, toilet and shower with hot and cold water, television, telephone, clothing closet, office desk and a mini bar with refreshments and are located on the ground, second and third floors. Two Deluxe Rooms are more spacious with two queen size beds and offer the best harbour views.

The hotel offers one of the most relaxing atmospheric views in Apia. It has views which catch the sunrise over the famous Apia harbour with a background of open ocean and green mountains.

The hotel's home lounge gets a lovely breeze from the trade winds. Enjoy your stay with us any time of the day or just sit and relax outside of the balcony.

Ours is much closer to shore where you can watch the little yachts or our local fishing boats as they slip across the sea. Enjoy all these view and scenery while sipping a chilled cockatil or an ice cold beer from our Tiafau Cocktail Bar. It's a great cocktail bar serving a wide variety of cocktails, wines and beers.

Hotel Millennia Samoa has a 24 hour security service, reception services and taxi services. Whether you are here on business or holiday, we will try in the best way possible to make you feel at home.

Come in and enjoy the best views in Apia and you'll want to stay forever. We offer a range of accommodation choices to suit different tastes and includes a tropical breakfast with coffee for all our guests.

Our address:

Hotel Millennia Samoa, P.O.Box 214, Apia,Samoa
Ph: (685)28-284
Fax: (685)28-285
Email: info@hotelmillenniasamoa.com
 

Person of the week: Brenda Patricia Heather-Latu
13 May 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

Brenda Heather Latu is a well-known name not only in the legal profession but also within the Samoan community.

She is a lawyer by profession and was the first woman to hold the position of Attorney General for Samoa when she ascended to the position a decade ago. She has since resigned and returned to private practise.

Heather-Latu grew up and was educated in Wellington, New Zealand at Clyde Quay Primary and Intermediate School, Wellington Girls College and Victoria University.

Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Law (LLB). She was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of New Zealand one year after graduating from Victoria, and so began a colourful career in law.

In 1987, she worked as a solicitor at the legal division at the Department of Education in New Zealand. In 1988, she became the Crown Counsel Assistant at the Crown Law Office of New Zealand until 1991 when she wore the hat of a Crown Counsel. In 1996, she became the Principal State Solicitor with the Attorney General's Office of New Zealand until 1997 when she returned to Samoa to head the top legal office in the Government as the Attorney General.

Heather-Latu resigned last year from her post to try her hand at the private sector. She now works alongside her husband and fellow lawyer, George Murray Latu, a former Manu Samoa player in the 1990's, running not only a legal office but also a Pacific consultancy company.

Heather-Latu was born on the 23rd December 1961 to Cuthbert Stanley Tao Heather and Tauaneai Winnie Anesi. Her father Cuthbert hails from the villages of Fogapoa, Faleasiu, Iva and Falealii.
 

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