NEWSROOM: 16 September - 22 September 2007

Scientology Volunteer Minister Goodwill Tour hits Apia
22 September 2007 - Source: Matthew Andrews

What is Scientology?

Sure, you will have heard of some famous Hollywood actors who are Scientologists including Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Kelly Preston, Kirsti Alley, etc., etc. Rumour has it in Hollywood, you're either a Scientologist or on drugs.

So, what is Scientology?

You might have seen some people walking around in yellow t-shirts, these are some of the team of Scientology Volunteer Ministers. The Scientology Volunteer Minister Goodwill Tour will have their big yellow tent put up on the grassed area at the front of the Government Building on Beach Road, Apia. As a matter of fact, the demand has been so high for the practical knowledge that Scientology provides that seminars have begun already, even though the tent is yet to be put up. Based on the interest so far many are expected at the Grand Opening of the Scientology tent at 5:30pm on Wednesday 26th of September at the front of the Government Building on Beach Road, Apia.

Okay, so what is Scientology??

The word itself, Scientology, means “knowing how to know” or the “study of knowledge.” Scientology was founded by author and humanitarian Mr. L. Ron Hubbard. The demand of Mr. Hubbard’s writing is so high that he has two world records for being the most published author and the most translated author in the world. Scientology has over 6,000 centres in 163 countries and has the largest independent disaster response force in the world with over 100,000 Volunteer Ministers. They have been to over 100 major disaster sites all over the world in the last two decades. In the past year alone the Scientology Volunteer Ministers effectively helped over 2.6 million people. They deliver their help one-on-one or in seminars to groups and organisations. The volunteers are trained in the application of precise Scientology procedures to resolve specific situations and are motivated by a genuine desire to help.

Most people would agree there is nothing more satisfying than being able to help someone in real need – a friend, family member, even a complete stranger. People would probably volunteer help far more often, if only they knew what to do or felt confident that they could do it correctly. Mr. Hubbard developed the Scientology Volunteer Minister program to combat the education problems, rising crime, violence and drug use occurring in society. Good news - there is a way to become effective and fully confident at helping people with any problem, big or small. It is done routinely by a unique corps of highly skilled volunteers who donate their time and help to anyone, any time, any place – the Scientology Volunteer Ministers. Mr. Hubbard said, "A Volunteer Minister is a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others." Now the Scientology Volunteer Ministers are in Samoa and are here to help the individual and the community.

Mathew Andrews, their Director, said, “The Scientology Volunteer Ministers have practical solutions to life that cover 19 different subjects that anyone can learn to increase their ability to handle the problems they face in life. We are fighting problems such as disaster management – manmade, natural or personal disasters, communication problems, violence, drug or alcohol abuse, family problems, lack of respect and bad attitude of other people or trouble with getting a good education can be handled with the application of Scientology to your life. We are not here to tell people what to do or how they should do it but are motivated by a genuine desire and knowledge that we can help. We work will all cultures and faiths to help people become more effective in what they want to do. The motto of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers is, ‘SOMETHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT.’”

The Government of Samoa and the National Council of Churches are two major organisations that are supporting the Scientology Volunteer Ministers and will be receiving their training on the Scientology Volunteer Minister Disaster Response Specialist Course.

The Grand Opening for the Scientology Volunteer Minister yellow tent is set for Wednesday the 26th of September at 5:30pm sharp at the front of the Government Building on Beach Road, Apia. All are welcome so come along and bring your friends and family to see for yourself what is Scientology.
 

Manu Samoa not about to throw in the towel
21 September 2007 - Source: Samoa Rugby Football Union

“The result against Tonga would be considered one of the hardest days in Samoan rugby”, said Su’a Peter Schuster, CEO for the Samoa Rugby Union and coach of the 1991 and 1995 Manu Samoa teams. “We were confident right up to the last minute that we would win however this was unfortunately not the case”.

The Manu Samoa game plan was based on a kicking game aimed at forcing the Tongans deep into their own territory, and from that position, to exert pressure to force errors and then capitalise upon them.

But as the game wore on, Manu Samoa’s lack of accuracy, coupled with greater Tongan enthusiasm saw many opportunities wasted and attacks blunted through mishandling, “The team seemed to lack the confidence and commitment to get through, and simply did not put their bodies on the line”, Su’a added.

Despite the result, Su’a believes the Manu Samoa is the better skilled side. “We certainly have the players capable of giving us a win, which makes it all the more disappointing”, he said.

“However our challenge is now to put this loss behind us and to focus entirely on the English. We have reached the point of no return and it’s either us or them (England).”

“We owe this match to our people back home and all over the world, who have supported us from day one; Manu Samoa are not done yet”, stated a determined Su’a.

The team gathered on Sunday night and Monday morning with the coaching staff issuing an all out warning for everyone to front up both physically and mentally in preparation for its crucial game against England this Saturday.

The Manu Samoa team still stands a good chance of making the Quarter Finals should they win against England this Saturday and against USA on the 26th at St. Etienne.

“We are confident we can beat the USA with a bonus point and there is a likelihood Tonga could struggle against England and South Africa”, adds Su’a. “With the games remaining between England, Tonga and Manu Samoa, the bonus point gained against Tonga could give Manu Samoa a decided advantage. As it stands, should Tonga lose both matches without a bonus point, accompanied by the Manu Samoa beating the English and USA with a bonus point, Manu Samoa could very well advance to the quarter finals.”

However, the story will end for Samoa and the English if Tonga beats the England in their clash on 28 September in Paris.

In the meantime, injury woes continue to ravish the Samoan camp. Manu Samoa suffered another major blow at last Friday’s training prior to the Tonga match; Justin Va’a was carried from the training ground with a ruptured calf muscle. This injury rules Justin out for 5-7 weeks, effectively ending the Samoan prop’s Rugby World Cup. A replacement is currently being sought.

Others who have sustained injuries during the game were Gavin Williams (whose hand needs specialist clearance), Mahonri Schwalger (bruised hip) and Muliufi Salanoa (whose knee needs a further scan).

Present Points Tally
South Africa: 9
Tonga: 8
England: 4
Samoa: 1
USA: 0
 

Ground Breaking Ceremony for Parliament and Court Complexes
20 September 2007 - Source: eventpolynesia.com

After the spectacular and memorable South Pacific Games, the wonderful two weeks that all Samoans enjoyed so much, members of Parliament and the Embassy of the People's Republic of China gathered to celebrate another exciting occasion, marking the commencement of the construction of the Members of Parliament Office Complex and the Court Complex, yesterday at Tiafau, Mulinuu.

Chinese Ambassador Mr. Longzhuang Shi, witnessed the historic ground breaking ceremony which is another milestone of friendship and cooperation between Samoa and China. Diplomatic ties were established in 1975, and the friendly and cooperative relationship between China and Samoa has been continuously strengthened and developed since then.

The beautiful design of the buildings is the result of hard work and close cooperation between Chinese architects and their Samoan colleagues. The suggestions and useful ideas put forward by Honourable Members of Parliament, Members of Judiciary and heads of Government departments were carefully incorporated in the design.

The contractor for the construction of the two buildings is Tianjin Construction, who have an excellent reputation for quality work in the field and has been actively involved in the Chinese government aid projects in the region over the years.

Mr Longzhuang Shi said that he was fully confident the new Parliament Office building will be standing right on time in twelve months and the Court Complex in twenty-eight months, with quality up to the standard as required by the contract and design assured.

He also added that these new complexes will provide better working environments for the two most important institutions in Samoa, the Legislative Assembly and the Justice and Courts system, and that he hopes that these two complexes will also become the landmark of Apia and add more splendours to the skyline of Samoa.
 

New Virgin Blue Pacific Islands Business Development Manager
19 September 2007 - Source: Virgin Blue/Polynesian Blue Airlines Press Release

Virgin Blue/Polynesian Blue Airlines is pleased to announce the appointment of Tuilaepa Edmund von Heiderbrandt as its new Business Development Manager for Pacific Islands – Australia reporting to Gaisa’afa Eli Cowley – Regional Manager Pacific Island Sales.

Tuilaepa joins the team with a wealth of understanding and experience, including 13 years as the Australian Marketing Manager for the Samoa Tourism Authority in Sydney. More recently he held the role of Head of Sales and Marketing for Hotel Kitano in Samoa.

The appointment is part of the airline’s long term strategy to further develop and promote its Pacific Island network.

Lesley Owen, Manager Industry Sales, said “We are keen to continue forging ahead with the development of our Pacific Island markets and we are delighted to welcome Tuilaepa to the team. He not only has a strong travel industry experience but also a good understanding of various Pacific Island community backgrounds. We look forward to working closer with our community and island business counterparts”.

Virgin Blue operates flights to the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu which are looked after by its Pacific Blue airline, while Samoa is serviced by Polynesian Airlines (a partnership between Virgin Blue and Samoan Government) with three weekly direct services (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) direct from Sydney Sydney.

Polynesian Blue recently announced a record profit of SAT$10.5 million (AUD$5.2 million) and the strong result has been directly attributed to the strength of air travel to and from Samoa and the resulting boom in Samoan tourism.

The latest figures from the National Department of Statistics highlight the continuing growth in people travelling to Samoa to holiday, as well as those visiting family and friends.

Polynesian Blue will continue its efforts to promote inbound tourism with the added assistance now of Tuilaepa.
 

SAT$30,000 for Samoa Secondary Schools Rugby Union
18 September 2007 - Source: Government Press Secretariat Press Release

Cabinet has approved financial assistance of SAT$30,000 for the participation of Samoa Under 18 Rugby Team in the upcoming Tri-Nation Rugby Tournament, which will take place in Australia from the 14 September – 04 October, 2007.

The Tournament has been put in place for the first time and top teams from New Zealand and Australia will participate. Samoa’s Under 18 Rugby Team is representing the Pacific region, and a better opportunity for the development of rugby in Samoa.

The team consists of 28 players and five officials.
 

Addressing environmental challenges in the Pacific
17 September 2007 - Source: SPREP Press Release

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the IUCN – The World Conservation Union was signed in Apia, Samoa this week, during the eighteenth meeting of SPREP Officials.

“This is a landmark agreement with IUCN that will help us address some of the important issues across the whole range of environmental challenges for the region,” said SPREP Director Asterio Takesy, “we are pleased to undertake this joint agreement as the work cannot be done by SPREP alone. IUCN is a big partner in helping SPREP address these issues.”

There are a number of general undertakings in the MOU, which has the duration of five years. They range from extending standing invitations to each other at relevant meetings, to consultations on policy matters of mutual concern.

The cooperation between the organisations will also see them strive to prepare an annual joint workplan that will address activities of shared interest and concern. Subject to the availability of funding and if needed, IUCN will seek to place a temporary officer in SPREP to enhance capacity on a key programme identified in the joint workplan.

The IUCN office has been based in Fiji since January, on Tuesday this week the Government of Fiji approved official status for the organisation.

“We aim to support what SPREP is doing with the Pacific island countries in the region and we have a global network of expertise that we would like to coordinate with SPREP in supporting countries. IUCN is a natural partner to SPREP, ” said Taholo Kami, the Regional Director of Oceania IUCN.

SPREP is a regional inter-governmental organisation comprising 25 members consisting of all 21 Pacific island countries and territories, and four developed countries with direct interest in the region. Its mandate is to provide assistance in order to protect and improve the environment and to ensure sustainable development for present and future generations.

IUCN is a world-wide Union which brings together 83 states, 110 government agencies, more than 800 NGOs and some 10,000 scientists and experts from 181 countries. Its mission is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable.
 

Amendments to Shops Ordinance bill approved
16 September 2007 - Source: Government Press Secretariat

Cabinet has approved the proposal for amendments to the Shops Ordinance 1961, which includes amendments to abolish some existing public holidays and to facilitate the opening of shops during public holidays.

As stated in the new amendments, ANZAC Day and Arbor Day holidays will only be commemorated annually but will no longer be observed as public holidays, and will come into effect in the next calendar year 2008, to allow for adequate forward planning by businesses and the commercial sector as well as the general public.

The new amendments will help ease the problems faced by the general public of not being able to fully access adequate services provided by shops and businesses during public holidays, as well as the impacts the holidays have on the growth of businesses and companies in the country.
 

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