NEWSROOM: 30 March - 05 April 2008

Father and sons team up to revive traditional Samoan music
05 April 2008 - Source: Samoalive News

Legendary Samoan singer, Jerome Grey, has returned to his roots, after almost 20 years, on a mission to revive the true essence of Samoan music.

However, the voice of one of Samoa’s greatest hits ‘We are Samoa’ has added two more passionate individuals to sing with him in his latest albums.

It comes as no surprise that the pair, Tinifu Loa, an Architect by profession and Taumata a graduate in music from a prominent university in the United States of America are proud sons of the Samoan singing legend.

The Grey brothers decided to team up with their father, and connect with him through something they were all passionate about, Samoan music. Tinifu explained the struggles that his father endured as a striving musician and how he and his siblings were always advised not to take up music as a career because it does not put food on the table. “Music did feed our family, but it was hard, dad (Jerome Grey) always encouraged us to pursue other goals apart from music and he did force me to sing in church choirs.

However, we could not ignore our love for music because the guitar and the ukulele always came easily,” says Tinifu.

“Music has always been a part of us.” Taumata who is a fan of different genres of music including RnB and hip hop agreed that their father, never encouraged them to pursue a future in music however he completed a Degree in Music and already plays in his own band in the US.

The boys who have not been back to Samoa since 1988 maintain that learning and understanding the lyrics of Samoan songs has been the fastest and easiest way for them to learn the Samoan language which they have always been keen to do.

“This is how we learn more about Samoa and our Samoan heritage and culture, recording this album with our dad has been the greatest and most exciting project we have ever worked on together.”

Taumata explained that their father, suffered a stroke around this time last year, and this was also another factor that initiated them to start a project together while they still can.
“It was really an honor that dad let us play with him, we knew the struggles he went through as a musician and the sacrifices he made for us.”

Jerome explained the importance of reviving true Samoan music with the natural, raw beat and to feel the emotion of the lyrics of the song.

“People from across the world are always drawn to true Samoan music played with simple instruments such as guitars and ukuleles.

True Samoan music does not use so much electronically engineered sounds.”
Jerome adds that this new album to be released on Friday has his own original music as well as old Samoan songs that are loved by the masses.

Jerome also composed a new song for the album and explains that the creativity of true Samoan music makes it good to listen to.

“The mission of this album, which contains ten songs, is to revisit how we can bring true Samoan music back to life.”

Jerome said that he has always wanted to bring his children back to Samoa, to learn the culture and be appreciative of their roots, so this trip back to the islands was truly a dream come true.
Working behind the scenes, dealing with the business side of the album is Jeromes daughter, Anamativa, who stated that, “we support them (her father and brothers) wholeheartedly and my mother and I are behind them 100%.

Samoa MPs to study standing orders in New Zealand Parliament
04 April 2008 - Source: Radio New Zealand International

Samoa’s Parliament standing orders committee will head to New Zealand this weekend to look at the standing orders of the New Zealand parliament.

The speaker, Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Lei’ataua, who is also chairman of the standing orders committee, says the invitation is from the speaker of New Zealand Parliament.

He says this will enable his committee to witness how the New Zealand parliament is run during sessions especially the time for questions and answers from MPs.

The Prime Minister, Tuila’epa Sa’ilele, and former Opposition leader, Le Mamea Ropati, are also members of the committee.

The invitation comes as the speaker is facing a court challenge from the leader of the Samoa Democratic United party, Asiata Sale’imoa Va’ai, over an alleged breach of standing orders by the prime minister.

Digicel delivers on its commitment to the community
03 April 2008 - Source: Digicel Samoa Limited Press Release

Digicel in its second year of operations continues to deliver on its commitment to community development, by announcing a partnership with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture through its associate body Samoa Post Primary Principals Association (SPPPA) to deliver an exciting and comprehensive youth development program.

DigiPride - A Youth development initiative in partnership with MESC and SPPPA to achieve common goals. Its mission statement, from which the acronym PRIDE is derived, is stated below.

Providing opportunities to evoke pride and self belief by:
Raising the bar to achieve
Individual excellence and
Development amongst youth through
Education (Academic, Sports & Culture)

DigiPride is a year long program that integrates all aspects of Education: Sports, Academics, Culture. Through existing events in SPPPA's calendar and incorporating new events proposed and agreed upon by the key stakeholders, the underlying common goals of Digicel and MESC will be achieved.

During the period of the DigiPride program, the individual school student’s behavior in the community will be rated in order to ensure healthy competitive spirit and school pride. It also aims to encourage sportsmanship and positive social interaction amongst the students from the various schools. Adverse behavior will result in schools losing points.

The rating system guideline is developed through consultation with MESC AND SPPPA. The DigiPride steering committee, consisting of Digicel Samoa Limited Management Team and SPPPA office bearers, will confirm judging criteria and select panel of judges and auditing team.

The Objective of this program is to instill in Samoan youth, a sense of social responsibility and PRIDE in themselves, their schools, families, villages, the Faa-Samoa i.e. the "SAMOAN WAY" and country" says Pepe Christian Fruen, Country Manager Digicel Samoa Limited.

He added "We need to foster self belief, drive and ambition in the pursuit of excellence through self development amongst our youth. This partnerships intent is to nurture and develop out youth as they are the future."

"Since launching our services in Samoa, it has been one of our priorities to give back to our communities equitably. This exciting program is our commitment to Samoa." he concluded.

The youth will be contributing through their achievements in events planned and social behavior measured on the rating system towards the most converted prize at the end of the year - "DIGICEL School of the Year"

Pursuant to the signing of the MOU, the parties have consented to enter into formal partnership agreement sometime in May 2008 subject to finalisation details and events pertaining to agreement.

Island mission to `make a difference'
02 April 2008 - Source: Bay of Plenty Times

Esther Aalbers has spent months collecting medical equipment and supplies such as old glasses, and is about to find out if she has enough to meet the huge demand in some of the Pacific's most remote villages.

The Tauranga-based nurse will join 150 others on the MV Pacific Link which will depart for Fiji and Samoa this Saturday from Salisbury wharf.

The vessel is owned by Christian-based organisation Marine Reach, which was founded in Tauranga in 1990 and is now an international organisation providing dental, medical and optical services.

Miss Aalbers is the medical administrator and has to make sure there are enough staff and equipment to cater for thousands of patients expected to visit the Pacific Island clinics over the next four months.

"Last year we ran out of some medication and you can't just go to the pharmacy and get more."

There was only one ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) in Samoa and 1000 people were on the waiting list for treatment, so volunteers hope to make a big difference in people's lives.

Businesses, service clubs and individuals from over New Zealand have donated money and goods for the latest trip.

The $80,000 fuel bill to reach Fiji and Samoa was now the major concern, and donations were still being sought.

Miss Aalbers, who is originally from Holland, was working on board a similar ship in Africa when she began looking for long-term missionary work in 2006.

The position in Tauranga caught her eye, and she is now applying for New Zealand residency.

"For me it was about the medical and the evangelism going hand in hand," she said.

"I never thought about coming to New Zealand before but I wanted to commit to something longer term and this door opened up."

Miss Aalbers said the job with Marine Reach was rewarding, and the often poverty-stricken patients were extremely grateful for help.

While most health services were offered on land "at community halls, churches or under a tree ... wherever they have space for us" this would be the first time in many years that ophthalmology surgery would be carried out on board the ship itself.

Alongside the medical teams, missionaries on board the MV Pacific Link will help install water collection systems at every location they visit a much-needed resource in Fiji and Samoa.

A public open day will be held on board MV Pacific Link from 10am - 2pm on Saturday at Pilot Bay before its departure. For more information or to make a donation, go to www.marinereach.com

PFL Samoa Sports Awards 2007 Official Launch
01 April 2008 - Source: SASNOC Press Release

The PFL Samoa Sports Awards for 2007, “Recognising Sporting Achievement” have been officially launched. Mr. Ray Bancroft, the General Manager of PFL (official sponsor for the Awards), representatives from Leififi College, and Samoan media attended this momentous occasion hosted by SASNOC.

One of the main reasons for holding the official launch of the Awards was to announce the winner of the PFL Samoa Sports Awards logo competition, in which nine local secondary schools were invited to enter early February.

The winning entry was created by Leatuolo Tulua, a Year 12 student at Leififi College, who was presented with a $500 cheque by the President of SASNOC in recognition of his winning design. A staff representative from Leififi College was also present to receive a $500 cheque on behalf of the winning school, which put a. number of other entries into the competition before the closing date.

The launch also served to provide Samoa with an update on the planning and preparations for the Awards coming up in less than one month. All nominations for the PFL Samoa Sports Awards 2007 are now in, and the Board will be deciding next week on up to three semi-finalists for each of the eight categories. A panel of judges selected by the Board of SASNOC will decide on the final winners in each category and elect the prestigious ‘Overall Sportsperson of the Year’ for 2007 Hall of Fame nominations have also opened and are due on the 3rd of April.

The Awards will be held in Gymnasium #1 on Saturday 26th April from 6-10pm. Tables of eight (8) are available now for ST$1000, which will include, dinner, drinks and entertainment on the night. Please call Lei at the SASNOC office ph: 25033 to reserve your table.

PFL Samoa Sports Awards 2007 Hall of Fame nominations:

Anyone can submit a nomination. Self-nominations and nominations from family members are encouraged.

Nomination Forms
The nomination forms can be downloaded from the SASNOC website www.oceaniasport.com/samoa or collected from the SASNOC office, Faleata (phone 25033).

Nomination Closing Date
All nominations must be submitted directly to the SASNOC Office in Faleata or sent to P.O. Box 1301, Apia, SAMOA
NO LATER THAN 5pm on 3rd APRIL 2008. Please ensure the nomination is complete. Incomplete nominations received after the 3rd April 2008 will not be taken into consideration.

Photographs
All nominations must include a photo of the nominee. In the case of the supporter nomination please include a photo of the Director / CEO. Photos can be a hard copy but we would prefer an email copy to janita@sasnoc.ws

Criteria for athlete nominees
 The nominee must have been selected to represent Samoa in International competition and excelled in their sport through their performance
 The nominee must have a clean and impeccable track record
 The nominee must have competed no more than fifty years ago (although exceptions may be granted after review by the selection committee).
 The nominee must have ended his professional athletic career prior to the time of the nomination.

Criteria for coach / official nominees
 The nominee must have a clean and impeccable track record
 The nominee must fit one of the following criteria: Be retired from coaching/ officiating for at least three years, be at least 70 years old and retired, or be at least 75 years old
 The nominee must have held a head coaching / officiating position at a national level for at least ten years.
 The nominee must have ended his professional coaching / officiating career prior to the time of the nomination.

Criteria for supporter nominees
 The company/business nominated must have a clean and impeccable track record
 The company/business nominated must have been a supporter for at least ten years
 The company/business nominated must have contributed significantly to the major preparation / organisation needs of events, athletes & or sport(s) for international competition i.e. South Pacific Games, Oceania Championships Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games
 The company/business nominated may be a current supporter for events, athletes or sport(s)

Eligibility
Nominees must be current members of an affiliated SASNOC National Sports Association, or recognised supporter of SASNOC during the period of eligibility.

Selection
Nominees with the highest votes received from the selection committee, will be included on that year's ballot. The selection of Hall of Fame inductees, however, ultimately is determined by the President in consultation with the Secretary General.
Following the debut “Samoa Hall of Fame (2007) an effort should be made to invite previous Hall of Fame inductees to have representation on the selection committee
Nominees’ names will remain in the pool of possible inductees for a period of three years. If the nominee has not been selected by the Hall of Fame Committee for induction after being in the pool for a period of three years, the nominee’s name will be deleted from the pool and will have to be resubmitted for further consideration.

Presentation of Awards
A Maximum of 5 nominees will be inducted into the Samoa Hall of Fame at the PFL Samoa Sports Awards 2007, which will be held in Gymnasium #1, Faleata on Saturday 26th April 2008.
An appropriate plaque certifying the induction into the Hall of Fame will be presented to each inductee.

Samoa beat England in Hong Kong Sevens
31 March 2008 - Source: Telegraph Media Group

Samoa gained revenge for a narrow Pool stage defeat to England and ended their hopes of winning a fifth Sevens title in seven years in a hard fought quarter-final in Hong Kong.

Ben Ryan's team had beaten Samoa in four out of five previous meetings in Hong Kong, the latest a Pool B 7-5 victory on the second day of this year's competition.

However, the Pacific islanders avenged the group defeat to set up a last-four meeting with South Africa, while New Zealand, conquerors of Wales, meet Fiji in the other semi-final.

England went ahead when Ben Gollings' kick resulted in a fortunate bounce deceiving Simaika Mikaele and allowing Bristol's Anthony Elliott to pounce.

But Samoa hit straight back, Mikaele Pesamino finishing in the corner on the overlap. Lolo Lui's conversion was successful to leave England facing a two-point deficit at the break.

Just 40 seconds after the interval Gollings made a half break and popped the ball to Andrew Vilk, of Sale, on his shoulder and the captain raced 40 metres to score under the posts. Gollings made sure with the conversion.

Alatasi Tupou wriggled out of a Simon Hunt tackle to touch down but Captain Uale Mai dragged his conversion wide as the scores were levelled. Alafoti Fa'osilvia danced down the touchline to hand Samoa the lead once more with a second score in 90 seconds.

England tried to punch through the middle of the field, but the frantic Samoan defence remained defiant to close out the match.

England coach Ben Ryan was pleased with the performance of his team, which featured five of England's Grand Slam-winning under-20s squad.

"Playing [Samoa] twice in two days, one score between us, it's hard work," said Ryan. "I said yesterday, sevens is a knife edge. We came out on the right side yesterday, we didn't today.

"I'm proud of the guys, as I was yesterday. They've come through very quickly.

"We've had very little preparation - only the time in Hong Kong – and there are youngsters out there who are putting their hearts and souls into the England shirt.

"It was a very good performance and a typical Hong Kong quarter-final."

Wales were unable to stop overwhelming favourites New Zealand, losing comprehensively 26-7 cup in another quarter-final. It was a 40th successive victory for New Zealand - leaving Wales without a win against them in 13 attempts. New Zealand will next face Fiji.

"They are pretty unstoppable," said Wales coach Gareth Baber, "but you've got to match them physically before you can get anywhere with them and we did that admirably today."

Samoa to always stick to One-China Policy
30 March 2008 - Source: China Central Television

China is ready to work with Samoa to increase pragmatic cooperation and advance traditional friendship, said top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo on Wednesday.

The Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Wu Bangguo has met with the visiting speaker of the Samoan legislative Assembly at the Great Hall of the People.

Wu made positive comments on the Sino-Samoan relationship, saying China highly values its ties with Samoa, and hopes to deepen communication and cooperation between the two parties and legislatures from the two countries. He also said he wants to take the friendship between China and Samoa to new levels. Wu also expressed gratitude with Samoa's support of the One-China Policy.

The senior Samoan official says Samoa will always stick to the One-China Policy and will oppose any movement relating to secessionism. He expressed wishes for a successful 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.


Photo Caption: Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, meets with Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua, speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa. Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature with Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua, speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Samoa, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 26, 2008.

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