NEWSPAGE 05 February
2010

(Photo: Toi Māori Aotearoa)

NEW ZEALAND: Call to Māori performance artists for United States artist-in-residence

(Photo: Samoa Government)

SAMOA: Parliamentary Updates
Source: Government Press Secretariat Press Release

Report on Police Special Operation during the Christmas and New Year Holidays

Cabinet has approved the report on Police Special Operation during the Christmas and New Year Holidays 2009/2010.

This operation started on 21 December 2009 until 9 January 2010 to ensure public safety on roads and also in villages of Upolu and Savaii.

The Christmas and New Year’s special Operation is conducted every year, but this is the first time the operation has been extended to the villages.

The Ministry noticed the many calls for police assistance from rural areas in the past, but the long distance and some difficulties prevent them from getting there on time, when they travel from the main headquarter in Apia.

These are duties involved in the Police Special Operation:

1. Road blocks at morning, afternoon and night on selected roads in Apia and in the villages,

2. Check driver’s license and monitoring of vehicles lights, sign lights, and music control,

3. Check and charge drunk drivers, negligent drivers and dangerous drivers,

4. Regular Police petrol in mornings, afternoons and evenings in all areas of Apia and in the villages.

The Ministry of Police also voiced their thankfulness and appreciation of the public’s support in Apia and in the rural areas and especially the support and prayers by Churches throughout the country.


Finance Minister and CEO to attend meetings in Vanuatu

Cabinet has approved the participation by the Minister of Finance, Hon. Niko Lee Hang and the Ministry’s CEO, Afioga Tupa’imatuna Iulai Lavea to two meetings in Port Vila, Vanuatu on 8 - 12 February 2010.

Samoa’s delegation has been invited by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Pacific Operation Centre and the United National Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA).

These are issues that will be in discussion:

• Working together of Government organizations, women, youth, schools and businesses in ways to overcome difficulties that could affect the economy.

• Enhance collaboration between countries through corresponding in education, views and expertise to develop awareness about economic crisis.

• Binding of records used in reviewing legislations through consultations and workshops.


Alafua Transport Co. Ltd awarded Contract

Cabinet has approved the Contract awarded to Alafua Transport C. Ltd for construction of Sludge Lagoon/Beds at the Vaia’ata Dump Site in Savaii.

An invitation for Bids was advertised and four Companies submitted applications. The applications were then assessed by the Sub-Committee which consisted of members from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Finance and a Special Consultant from the European Union programme.

After assessments of applications the Alafua Transport Co. Ltd was awarded the Contract at the total cost of $675,810.73.


Companies awarded contracts for construction of access roads in Upolu and Savaii

Cabinet has approved Contracts awarded to the following Companies for the construction of access roads in Upolu and Savaii.
 

An invitation for Bids was advertised and eight Companies submitted applications for construction of roads in Upolu and seven Companies submitted applications for construction of roads in Savaii. The applications were then assessed by the Sub-Committee which consisted of members from the Ministry of Finance, Office of the Attorney General and the Land Transport Authority.

After assessments of applications the bids were awarded to the above-listed companies.


Samoa delegation to attend meeting in Austalia

Cabinet has approved the participation of a Samoa delegation to the Parliamentary Health Promotion Study Tour, VIC Health Foundation to be held in Melbourne, Australia on 9 - 17 February 2010.

The programme focuses on Healthy Living and methods to promote preventive measures with assistance from the World Health Organisation and the Government of Australia.

This is a golden opportunity for Samoa’s delegation because it is one of our leaders’ responsibilities to monitor and consult ways to develop Health Promotions in villages.

It’s the first time leaders come together, and it’s also a good way to share their leadership experiences to conduct programmes needed for a Healthier Samoa.

The delegation includes Minister of Health, Afioga Gatoloaifaana Amataga Gidlow; Associate Minister of Health, Afioga Leao Dr. Talalelei Tuitama; Associate Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Afioga Solamalemalo Keneti Sio; CEO for the Legislative Assembly; Fepuleai Atila Ropati and the CEO for the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development, Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago.


Environment Minister to travel to Haiti

Cabinet has approved for the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Afioga Faumuina Tiatia Liuga to travel to Haiti on 10 - 15 February 2010.

The Minister was invited by the Disaster Response Consultant for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, the relief and development department of the Church, to assist in coordinating the response of the Church in Haiti following the earthquake three weeks ago.
 

(Photo: Community & Natural Resources)

AMERICAN SAMOA: CNR/Land Grant aids Quarantine in fruit fly case
Source: American Samoa Community College Press Release

During a recent routine baggage inspection at the airport, American Samoa Department of Agriculture Quarantine Officer Eddie Eary discovered a package of fresh tomatoes from Tonga in the luggage of a Tongan passenger on a recent flight from Samoa. Tomatoes are not allowed to be imported from Tonga due to the risk that they might contain new plant pests that are not present in American Samoa.

Quarantine passed along the tomatoes to the Community & Natural Resources (CNR)/Land Grant division at the American Samoa Community College, and sure enough, these tomatoes were found by entomologist Mark Schmaedick to contain larvae of the Tongan fruit fly (see photo inset), the most serious fruit fly pest of vegetables and fruits in that country.

If the flies had escaped and established a population here, local farmers and home gardeners would be facing yet another serious obstacle to growing healthy fruits and vegetables in the territory.

Department of Agriculture Director Lefiti Atiulagi Falelauli’i Pese and Land Grant Dean and Director Tapa’au Dr. Daniel Mageo Aga urge residents and visitors to please observe restrictions on bringing fresh fruits, vegetables, and plant materials into American Samoa.

Anyone with questions about plant quarantine regulations or obtaining import permits may contact the American Samoa Department of Agriculture at 699-1290 or 699-2168.

Photo Caption: An American Samoa customs officer inspects a container of tomatoes brought in as luggage at the airport. The Territory prohibits the importation of tomatoes from Tonga because the fruit could contain that country's fruit fly, a pest currently not present here.
 

FIJI: Chillies from Fiji sell hot
Source: Fiji Times

Fiji chillies are hot in demand overseas with farmers now urged to boost their production and to take advantage of its better market value.

Last year, 58,477 kilogrammes of local chillies were exported overseas compared to the 78,219kg exported in 2008 marking a 34 per cent drop.

However, at present production has been noted to have dropped as a result of the recent cyclone that ravaged agricultural production in most parts of the country.

Mahen's Export managing director Saten Kumar said half a tonne of chillies was needed on a weekly basis to meet export demand.

He said they hardly got the required supply, which usually fell below 50 to 60kg in a week.

"We export red fire variety of fresh chilli to New Zealand and the farm gate price is $5 per kilogram," said Mr Kumar told the Ministry of Primary Industry's weekly MarketWatch bulletin.

Last year Fiji exported 53,748kg of fresh chillies to New Zealand, a drop of 22 per cent from 65,806kg fresh chillies exported to New Zealand in 2008.

Senior agriculture officer James Antonio said there was growing popularity of local chilli as a result of increasing numbers of Asian communities living overseas.

Current market price for chilli in New Zealand is $30 per kg. Some of the recommended varieties of chillies are Red Fire, Hot Rod, Long Red Cayenne, Birds Eye and Bongo. Major buyers of chillies are New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Kiribati and New Caledonia.
 

(Photo: Marc Peretic Wilson)

NEW CALEDONIA: Proud Karembeu takes the trophy home
Source: FIFA.com

The latest stop in the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola took a former champion back home yesterday (February 02, 2009) as Christian Karembeu returned to New Caledonia. The former France international, who was born on the Pacific island, was on hand as the Trophy made its debut in Noumea to great acclaim from the delighted locals. For the 1998 FIFA World Cup winner, it was a special moment. “I never thought I would be able to bring the FIFA World Cup Trophy back to where I was born and grew up,” he said. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity to bring the FIFA World Cup Trophy to my homeland.

More than 4000 football enthusiasts descended on the Tjibaou Cultural Center to savour the wonderful excitement of a close-up view of the FIFA World Cup Trophy as well as enjoying other attractions such as a special 3D movie showcasing the tournament’s history and the chance to have their photograph taken with the Trophy itself. The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, which will visit 83 countries in 225 days covering 138,902 kilometers before arriving in South Africa ahead of the big kick-off, will now head on to Brazil. However, before it departed the shores of New Caledonia, FIFA.com caught up with Karembeu for an exclusive chat about this very special homecoming.

FIFA.com: Did you ever think that you might one day bring the FIFA World Cup Trophy back to New Caledonia, your homeland?
Chistian Karembeu: I never thought this would happen. As an ambassador for Oceanian football, I feel very grateful that FIFA and its partner Coca-Cola has created such an exceptional tour in order to bring the FIFA World Cup Trophy so close to the local people. I am very honoured to hold the FIFA World Cup Trophy again and I am very proud of my country. New Caledonia is a relatively new member association of FIFA but people here have deep feelings about football. In fact, the history of football in New Caledonia can be traced back to 1904.

When were you last here?
I was here about two years ago when FIFA Congress was held in Australia and I had chance to come back to New Caledonia for my jubilee event together with the FIFA President, Mr Joseph Blatter.

What hopes do you have for New Caledonia’s football development in the next five years?
New Caledonia FA only formed 4 years ago and, of its 300,000 citizens, we have more than 10,000 registered football players at the moment. In five years’ time, I hope that number will be doubled. The recent development of New Caledonia football has also brought about greater diversity. For example, we have more girls playing football and we also have developed beach soccer and futsal. With the establishment of the FIFA Goal Project, we will have more and more young people playing football.

What kind of message do you want to bring to those playing football in New Caledonia?
I have deep feeling about my country, and I will never forget where I came from and who I am. Football can unite people, and natives like me can also achieve great things if they have a dream. People can achieve their dreams if they have better education, work hard and respect the rules of fair play.

What are your expectations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in South Africa?
I think this is one of the best choices FIFA has ever made. For a long time, South Africa wanted to make it happen and they developed football facilities and enhanced their football education in order to live up to FIFA’s standards. They did a great job at the Confederations Cup last year. I am pretty sure that football will not only bring peace to the African continent, but also break down all kinds of walls that stand between people.

And what will you be doing during South Africa 2010?
I will be working as a TV commentator.

Photo Caption: Oceanian football ambassador, Christian Karembeu.
 

(Photo: Atenisi Institute)

WORLDWIDE: Tribute paid to Tongan emeritus Professor Helu
Source: Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs Press Release

Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs Chief Executive Dr Colin Tukuitonga today paid tribute to Tongan emeritus Professor Dr Futa Helu of the Atenisi Institute for Critical Education in the South Pacific.

Professor Helu died on Tuesday (February 02, 2010) at the Vaiola Hospital in Tonga, aged 75.

In June 2008 he was inducted as one of six fellows of the Atenisi University in Tonga.

Dr Tukuitonga said Professor Helu’s contribution to education in Tonga, over a number of decades, was significant and his influence on Tongan society immense.

“He was highly respected in Tongan society for his work in developing the Atenisi institute from a night school, to a high school and eventually a university, which now confers postgraduate degrees at masters’ and doctorate levels, in collaboration with universities in Australia and New Zealand.” Dr Tukuitonga said.

“His wisdom and contribution to philosophical and ethical discussion in Tonga was vital because he chose to stay independent of the government,” Dr Tukuitonga said.

Born on 17 June 1934 Professor Helu studied at the Newington College in New South Wales and then attended Sydney University where he studied philosophy, English literature, mathematics and physics.

He was married to Kaloni Schaaf (deceased 2008) and had six children with her and numerous grandchildren.

“He was truly one of the great academic giants of the South Pacific and our condolences go out to his children and grandchildren,” Dr Tukuitonga said.

Professor Helu’s funeral will be held either on Saturday or next Tuesday at Telekava in Tonga.

Photo Caption: Professor Dr Futa Helu.