NEWSPAGE 04 January
2010

(Photo: Parihaka Management Trust)

NEW ZEALAND: Variety of speakers at Parihaka International Peace Festival

(Photo: Samoa Government)

SAMOA: Parliamentary Updates
Source: Government Press Secretariat Press Release

January Fuel Prices 2010

Cabinet has approved the retail petroleum products prices for January 2010.

FUEL DECEMBER JANUARY DIFFERENCE
 

As stated above, petrol price will be decreased by 15.01sene per litre, 16.61sene per litre decrease for diesel and 13.86sene per litre decrease for kerosene.

The new costs will came into effect on the 1st of January 2010.


Report on Agro-Industries Forum for Asia and the Pacific

Cabinet has approved the report on the Regional Agro-Industries Forum for Asia and the Pacific which was held in Yangling, China on 3 - 6 November 2009.

Participants at the meeting were representatives from the region and United Nations Organisation (FAO, IFAD, UNIDO, WHO).

The meeting focused on general discussions related to the development and the manufacturing of agricultural goods, and also monitoring of challenges that could jeopardize this important intention.

These are important matters reviewed at the meeting:

• create policies in favour of developing and manufacturing of agricultural goods;
• for small farmers to be part of the agro-industries;
• safety of food produced from agricultural goods;
• up-skill workers for the developing and the production of agricultural goods;
• manufacturing of food from agricultural goods;
• more markets for agricultural goods;
• combating challenges.

Included in the report are positive recommendations for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and also its working partners.


Report on Association of South Pacific Airlines Meeting

Cabinet has approved the report on the Association of South Pacific Airlines Meeting (ASPA) that was held in Brisbane, Australia from 3 - 4 December 2009.

As mentioned in the report, this is the 51st Meeting of ASPA. The new Chairman for ASPA is the Aircalin Manager from New Caledonia, Mr Aidier Tappero who was elected in May together with new Committee members.

Issues tabled at the meeting include:

1. Review the Articles of Association which constituted and officially implemented ASPA in May 1979, Suva Fiji;
2. Rewrite the submission to the United Nations and the European Union for funding to develop Human Resource;
3. A Risk Management workshop was held in Nadi in October 2009. Eleven such workshops were conducted in 2008. These workshops are important for the Association, but only one was held last year because of the global financial crisis;
4. Airline companies are urged to submit their applications early for human resource trainings needed to prepare programmes for the New Year.


Report on China International Travel Mart

Cabinet has approved the report on China International Travel Mart (CITM) international exhibition, which was held in Kunming China, 19 - 22 November 2009.

The CITM exhibition is one of the biggest in terms of trade and business in Asia. Its an opportunity for retailers to strike deals with business people and customers from Asia and the world over. The exhibition also focuses on travelling matters and media.

As mentioned in the report a Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Government of China and the Government of Samoa that qualifies Samoa to become an Approved Destination Status for the people of China. The idea is to increase the number of Chinese tourists to visit Samoa.

Plans for the Air Pacific to fly the Hong Kong - Nadi route is on the way and this will be a very important step as:

• Chinese people will fly directly to the Pacific;
• Chinese citizens do not need visitor visas to enter Samoa;
• An opportunity to promote Samoa and other countries on the Air Pacific route.

After the exhibition, the Samoa Tourism Authority Marketing Manager, Dwayne Bently attended a meeting with the Electric Art to set promotional programmes for 2010.


Variations on Egis Bceom International Company Contract

Cabinet has approved variation 2 of contract with Egis Bceom International, to allow this Company to proceed with the Feasibility Studies of 5 potential schemes.

This study will help locate areas suitable for establishing Hydro Electric Power Generators. It will be conducted in the villages of Pu’apu’a in Savaii, Lotofaga, Tiavea, Tafitoala and Faleata in Upolu. Estimated additional costs for the extension of this project is US$699,059.00.


Companies awarded Contracts for building access Roads

Cabinet has approved Contract awarded to Companies mentioned below for building access roads for some villages in Savaii and Upolu.

• Silva Transport
• PPG Engineering and Construction
• Lucky Construction
• Sakalafai Construction
• O & N Sons Transport
• SWEL

An invitation for Bids was advertised and eight(8) Companies submitted applications for constructions in Upolu while six(6) submitted bids for Savaii. The applications were then assessed by a Sub-Committee according to the selection criteria and requirements made by the Tenders’ Board.

After assessments of applications the above mentioned companies have met all the necessary conditions and requirements and have also submitted the lowest bids.
 

(Photo: Samoa News)

AMERICAN SAMOA: Texas A & M graduates three local honour students
Source: Samoa News

Three 2006 Faga’itua High School graduates have completed their undergraduate studies, spending their high school and college careers together.

After taking their AA degrees at American Samoa Community College - Anthony Austin Felise, Amete Vaiotupa Mulipola, and Mile Samoeleoi Farani went on to attend Texas A&M University-Commerce where they graduated on December 19, 2009.

All three were recipients of ASG scholarship. In addition, they are also members of Phi Theta Kappa- Pi International Honour Society. Proud parents, family members, and friends were there to witness the graduation.

Felise is the son of Atonio and Felanua’i Felise of Pava’ia’i. He graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Math. Anthony was one of the three co-valedictorians of Faga’itua High School Class of 2006.

Mulipola is the daughter of the late Aulava Ropati Mulipola and Mrs. Vaiotupa Mulipola of Tula. She also graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Math. Amete was the second co-valedictorian of Faga’itua High School Class of 2006. Anthony and Amete were both members of the Pi Mu Epsilon, the National Honorary Mathematics Society. Anthony and Amete enrolled at Texas A&M University-Commerce in the Spring of 2008.

Mile Samoeleoi Farani is the daughter of Tuiena and Aimiti Farani of Aoa village. Her undergraduate degree was in Political Science. She was also a member of the Phi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science National Honour Society. Mile enrolled at Texas A&M University in the Fall of 2008. She was the salutatorian of Faga’itua High Class School of 2006.

The graduates would like to thank their parents and families for supporting them throughout their undergraduate studies. In addition, they would also like to thank the Department of Education for their continuous support in funding their education at ASCC and at Texas A&M University through the government scholarship.

They would also like to acknowledge the Barber family of Bedford, Texas, Ma’afala family in Temple, TX, and Petaia family in Dallas, TX for their support and especially for being their families away from home.

There are currently six Samoan students enrolled at Texas A&M University-Commerce, all products of local high schools. They are Manuia Satele of Aua, currently working on her BA/MBA in Accounting, Rhonda Tuia of Amouli, a political science major, Siline Paama of Fagatogo, majoring in Chemistry, Sauileoge Toafa of Tafuna, a Music Major, Henry Fa’alolo, a Chemistry major, and Niuafolau Pua of Pava’ia’i, an Art Major. Mile and Amete have returned home to spend the holidays with families while Anthony is spending the holidays with his parents in Utah before returning home.

Photo Caption: Three classmates from Fagaitua High School now graduate together from Texas A & M - Commerce. Graduates with families and friends that attended their graduation, Dec. 19, 2009: (1st row from L-R) Amete Mulipola, Anthony Felise, Cinta Ma.
 

(Photo: JetSet Aviation)

COOK ISLANDS: Kia Orana Air to take off this year
Source: Cook Islands News

Kia Orana Air, the low-cost domestic airline first proposed in mid-2008, is now due to take off by May next year.

Managing director Mark Lusby says the economic downturn was one contributing factor in the postponement of the launch of the airline which had been planned from late 2008 onwards.

The company has now reapplied for an air service licence to operate a 19-seat Beechcraft 1900D aircraft between Rarotonga and the outer islands.

Lusby says the aircraft which can carry 750 kilogrammes of baggage and cargo has been sourced from the United States. The aircraft is used by numerous airlines around the world including Air New Zealand and is noted for its flight speed, ability to fly at high altitudes, and its ability to operate well on short runways.

“There will be about two to three flights a day. We have a full schedule that will introduce a competitive service,” says Lusby.

The airline will go into direct competition with Air Rarotonga which in 2007 dramatically increased its airfares to the Northern group islands causing complaints from the public and concern from government over the high fares from the country’s only domestic airline.

The Manihiki community was left gob-smacked when the one way fare to their island jumped 69 percent overnight - from $682 to $1150 that year.

Kia Orana Air’s attractive airfare prices have now been included in its licence application to the ministry of transport.

There will be a $260 return fare to any Southern group island and a $1600 return fare to the Northern islands. Cargo prices will also be competitive with those of Air Rarotonga.

“The outer islands are hurting over freight so we aim to make it more competitive to enable people to send goods to the islands, and for outer islanders to send their products such as veges, fruit and handcrafts back to Rarotonga at a good rate.”

A recruitment drive by the company resulted in so much interest that Lusby says they will have no trouble hiring staff. Lusby, a pilot himself for almost 20 years, will fly for the airline along with six other pilots. He says the company has a policy to hire locals first.

More good news came this year when Lusby secured a business partner for the airline - an Australian aviation and consulting specialist company with resources available to add to the venture’s credibility.

Earlier this year there were setbacks in securing office, hangar and check-in counter space at Rarotonga airport - but Lusby says facilities for Kia Orana Air are now almost signed off on.

Last year former aviation minister Tangata Vavia praised the proposed airline as a step in the right direction to make domestic airfares more com- petitive.

Lusby who has a young family with his wife and business partner Tekura, has previously said he aims to provide Cook Islanders and visitors alike with an efficient, safe and affordable flying choice through Kia Orana Air.

The company’s new application for an air service licence will soon be advertised by government to allow public comment on the proposed operation.

Photo Caption: Kia Orana Air plans to operate a Beechcraft 1900D - one of the most popular 19 seater aircraft when it launches this year.
 

(Photo: Ivamere Rasabasaba / Fiji Times)

FIJI: Deaconess Nataniela says 2009 the 'best'
Source: Fiji Times

Of all her years as matron of a child care home, Deaconess Olivia Nataniela says 2009 was the best.

"Last year was one of the toughest years for Fiji, but people still came out and provided assistance to us we are grateful for that," she said.

Deaconess Nataniela was all praises for people who supported the home in 2009, especially after a fire destroyed part of a hostel in November.

On New Year's Eve, Colonial held a handing over ceremony after three weeks of repair works to the hostel.

"Colonial helped restore the burnt dormitory," she said. "They did a really big job here by replacing the tiles, putting in new cupboards, replacing louvre blades and painting the hostel.

"We were hit by the fire then, not long after that there was the cyclone. The children had to stay in the hall while repair works were being done."

Deaconess Nataniela said two other big projects were funded by two businessmen.

"Our hall was built by Mr Manohan," he said.

"He asked us if we needed a hall but I didn't expect it to be so big. Then a businessman in the US, Malkit Singh renovated our kitchen."

Deaconess Nataniela said following the fire, donations also flowed in from families, firms and individuals.

"People came in bringing in food supply, mattresses, Tanoa Hotel donated linen and pillows," she said. "Living conditions for the children are so important."

Photo Caption: Some of the children at Dilkusha at the home in Nausori.
 

(Photo: Dr. Tom Shieh)

WORLDWIDE: Guam businesses donate gifts to America’s first baby of 2010
Source: Guam Visitors Bureau Press Release

Guam is “Where America’s Day Begins”. It is also where America’s first baby of the year is born. For the sixth consecutive year, local businesses are celebrating this event by generously donating gifts to the baby and family of the first New Year baby born on Guam.

The I LOVE GUAM NEW YEAR BABY was started and organized by Archway, Inc. in 2005 and has grown significantly each year with participation from the local business community and private citizens.

In addition to a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond from Archway Inc. and one from First Hawaiian Bank, other gifts include meal coupons from King’s Restaurants (one weeks worth of meal certificates), Seafood Grill, PROA, Meskla and Burger King, body care products from AVON, gasoline from SHELL, and massage treatments from Mandara Spa. Additional sponsors include Macy’s, Sand Castle, PayLess Super Markets and DFS Galleria. AK TOYOTA has again given a new baby safety car seat so that the baby can leave the hospital in safety and comfort. And PRIME COLOR has for the 6th time, continued to give a large flower arrangement to celebrate the baby’s arrival. The gift package will have a total value of over $5,000.00. This does not include the first year of paid premiums by Moylan’s Net Care towards their “Universal Life Policy” which has a value of $10,000.

“Every year the number of contributors of this event get larger and larger and they do it without any hesitation.” According to Hank Rice, the Marketing Director for Archway Inc. “At the end of the day it is all about helping out and welcoming the FIRST and newest American, born in the U.S.A. No other State or Territory in the U.S. can claim this” he added.

This year’s turnout has been amazing with all the shortfalls in the economy, the people of Guam still find it in their hearts to come together and celebrate the newest member of our island by donating birthday gifts. 2010 looks to be a very bright start for the lucky baby!

It is hoped that one day this event will bring the spot light onto Guam more so than the military build up.

List of Gift Givers

Archway Inc - $1,000
U.S. Savings Bond & Baby Gift basket
First Hawaiian Bank - $1,000
U.S. Savings Bond PRIME COLOR - Flower Arrangement
King’s Restaurants - 7 days of Meal Certificates
Burger King - Baby Gift Basket
Pacific Islands Club - 2 nights stay with breakfast
SHELL Gas - $300.00 worth of gas
United Colors of Benetton - Gift Certificate
PEPSI Cola - 5 cases of Pepsi
AVON - Beauty Care Products & plush Toy
Macy’s - Baby Gift Basket (clothes and toys)
SandCastle - Cocktail Show Tickets
Planet Hollywood - Meal Certificates
D.F.S. - LeSport Sac Baby bag LE
SeaGrill - Meal Certificates
Mandara Spa - 50 Min. massage
Haagan Daaz -Ice Cream Gift Certificates
Marriott Resort and Spa - Meal Certificates
Proa - Meal Certificate
Sweet Relief - Gift Certificate
Cold Stone Creamery - Ice Cream Gift Certificates
Wendy’s - Meal Certificates
AK TOYOTA - New Baby Safety Car Seat
Paradise Fitness Center - 3 months of free membership
PayLess Supermarkets - Shopping Certificates
Pacific Daily News
Governor & First Lady Felix Camacho - Assorted Baby Toys
Guam Visitors Bureau - Pictorial Book
AEON Insurance - Baby Gift Basket
Outback Steak House - Meal Certificates
H.I.C. - Gift Basket
Meskla Restaurant - Meal Certificate
L.S.G. Catering - Cake Certificate
Moylan’s Net Care Life and Health Insurance - One year free Premium

Archway Inc. would like to thank all of the Gift Givers for making this event so special. Without their contributions it would not be as special as it has become.

Un Dangkolo Na Si Yu’os Ma’ase.

Photo Caption: Jezariah Fausto became the first U.S. born baby of 2010 when she was delivered at Guam Memorial Hospital (GMH) at 25 seconds past mid-night January 1, 2010.