NEWSPAGE 15 March
2010

(Photos: Richard Sihamau)

(Photos: United States Embassy)

SAMOA: USAID funded Samaritan's Purse continues post-tsunami assistance
Source: United States Embassy Press Release

Throughout the week of March 8-12, 2010, U.S. based NGO Samaritan’s Purse continued its distribution of relief/recovery goods to Samoan communities affected by the September 2009 Tsunami.

The Samaritan’s Purse Samoa Tsunami Project is part of on-going U.S. Government assistance. Samaritan’s Purse were awarded a USD $500,000 (WST $1.259 million) grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), to distribute tsunami relief/recovery non-food items to affected communities in the Independent State of Samoa. Samaritan’s Purse has partnered with local NGO and church based groups such as the Apia Protestant Church, Rhema Bible School and other volunteer groups in the country. The organization also coordinated efforts with the Disaster Management Office (DMO) and Samoa Red Cross Society to access information identifying the total number and names of families whose homes and possessions were affected directly by the September tsunami.

After the initial USAID assessment, members of Samaritans Purse flew into Samoa in early October 2009 to plan this project. As soon as DMO and Red Cross identified affected families, the first set of goods (hygiene kits and other items of immediate need) were distributed in early November—this was followed by two additional rounds with the second and third distribution including other items of use at that time, such as mats, linens, tools, wheelbarrows, lanterns, etc.; the March 8-12 goods distribution will be the final distribution to affected families, and came because the organization was able to stretch the original dollars further than expected.

Packages including mosquito nets, kerosene burners and kerosene supply, axes, spades, shovels, picks, machetes, kerosene lanterns, plates and cups, buckets, nails, hammers and mats, among other items were distributed directly to household members. Most of the goods distributed were purchased locally from hardware and supermarkets in Samoa.

For the current distribution of goods, Samaritans Purse identified 300 families in 26 villages including Aleipata (Utufa’alalafa, Saleaumua, Mtiatele, lotopue, Malaela, Satitia, Ulutogia, Vailoa, Lalomanu, Saleapaga, Lepa, Lotofaga) to Falealili (Matatufu, Sapoe, Utulaelae, Salani, Salesatele, Sapunaoa, Satalo, Tafatafa) Siumu area (Siumu I Sisifo, Tafitoala, Sataia, Saanapu) Manono Island and south west Upolu (Manono Uta, Samatau, Siufaga, Matafaa, Lepuiai, Faleu, Apai) and Savaii (Satupaitea—Pitonuu and Mosula) to receive assistance.

U.S. Embassy Apia Chargé Yeager stated that the benefit of the USAID grant through the work of Samaritans Purse is the United States Government’s continued commitment to provide relief to victims of the disaster that affected Samoa. The donations made by the U.S. Government to the Government of the Independent State of Samoa, to local NGOs and to Samaritan’s Purse for work in Samoa, as well as the arrival of tons of goods sent by caring Americans, and organized by the Samoan communities in the U.S. over the past 6 months are all a reflection of the humanitarian sprit and concern for the people of Samoa from the people of the United States.

“Our work in Samoa has been rewarding, from volunteers, local business to the families, everyone has been great and grateful,” said Paul Murphy of Samaritans Purse. “The helpfulness of the people has ensured the success of our job, we are having fun--being the Santa Clauses giving out gifts and seeing the smiles on people’s faces”. Samaritan’s Purse is an American NGO formed by Rev. Franklin Graham, son of famed religious figure Rev. Billy Graham.

Rev. Nuuausala Siaosi of the Apia Protestant Church has been a key member in the distribution, serving as the project’s main liaison and protocol advisor. Rev. Siaosi has been with the project and at every site from the beginning along with youth from his congregation who have all tirelessly volunteered their time. Rev Siaosi states “it is a privilege to distribute goods with Samaritan’s Purse and it’s been a privilege to be part of the countrywide help for affected tsunami families. God bless the American people for these gifts.”

Taofi Tupufia of Manono Uta was grateful when her family was given household supplies , she said “God bless the good people of America, we will not forget this kindness”. This was further echoed by Lavea Talaia of Samatau who thanked the American people for the gifts, “which will help us in the rebuilding of homes, families and communities.”

Samaritan’s Purse’s work in Samoa will wind down towards the end of this month after the distribution of 362 air horns to villages as part of a national tsunami warning system. Purchased through additional USAID funds the project will be jointly organized and distributed with help from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s Disaster Management Office.
 

(Photos: Office of Congressman Faleomavaega)

AMERICAN SAMOA: Two sons of Samoa promoted to Colonel in U.S. Air Force
Source: Office of Congressman Faleomavaega Press Release

Congressman Faleomavaega recently offered his congratulations to two sons of Samoa, Mr. Stephen L. Su’a- Filo and Mr. Stanley Ulualofaiga Snow, Jr. who were recently selected for promotion to Colonel at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Colonel Stephen L. Su’a-Filo

Colonel Su’a-Filo is now the 154th Operations Group Commander. Prior to being promoted to Colonel and his new command position, Su’a-Filo held the 154th Deputy Operations Group Commander position where he advised and assisted the 154th Operations Group Commander on operations and training programs, policies for three flying squadrons, a radar control squadron, and a support squadron. He also monitored all flying training, weapons control, standardization, safety, flying hour management, manpower, finances and air defense alert programs. Su’a-Filo recently served as the 204th Airlift Squadron (AS) Commander from 2007 to 2009, leading them through the first ever combined C-17 Guard/Active Duty “Operational Readiness Inspection” in February of 2009, achieving the grade of “Excellent.”

Colonel Su’a-Filo is an Evaluator Pilot in the C-17A and a Command Pilot with over 7,240 total flying hours including Combat Support Sorties. He has flown the T-37, T-38, KC-135A, Q, R, T, EC-135J, KC-10, and the F-15 fighter aircraft. He has performed frequent visits to flying and ground-controlled interception units and provided policy direction and guidance to unit commanders. He worked and continues to work closely with the 15th Air Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard (HIANG) Headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Colonel Su’a-Filo has served on numerous real world deployments to Turkey, Italy, Iceland, Russia, France, Croatia, Australia, Guam, India and participated in numerous training deployments in Thailand, Philippines, Australia, England, Japan, South Korea, Alaska, and Germany.

Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Colonel Su’a-Filo is the son of Paul Fogalepolo Su’a-Filo of Upolu and Dorothy Coverdale Su’a-Filo of Hull, England. Su’a-Filo graduated from Kahuku High School in 1976. He then served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and afterwards attended and graduated from the University of Hawaii and received his commission through the ROTC program in 1984. Colonel Su’a-Filo is married to Francine “Cookie” Mililani Hong and are proud parents of seven children.

Colonel Stanley Ulualofaiga Snow, Jr.

Colonel Snow has held several leadership positions throughout his career, most recently as Full-Time Supervisor of the 109th Air Operations Group (AOG) of the Hawaii Air National Guard. There he served as Chief of the Combat Operations Division unit to augment the 613th Air and Space Operations Center, Pacific Command. Colonel Snow was responsible for offensive and defensive combat operations throughout the entire Pacific area theater of operations.

Colonel Snow served a two-year mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Washington, D.C. where he knew Congressman Faleomavaega and his family during his work with the Insular Affairs Office. After completing his mission, he graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah in 1983 where received his commission as a Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force ROTC; he also was student brigade Commander of the BYU Air Force ROTC program. Colonel Snow began his career in Alaska as an A-10 pilot before becoming a Fighter instructor at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Colonel Snow then earned a Master of Aeronautical Science in Aerospace Operations and Aviation Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1998.

Colonel Snow is currently a Command Fighter Pilot with more than 3,100 total military flight hours. He has flown the F-15, AT-38B, A-10 and C-130 aircraft. His extensive experience includes time as military flight instructor and in combat service over Iraq. His prior service in the Hawaii Air National Guard includes positions as Chief of the 154th Wing Control Center where he commanded post operations of the four squadron composite wing. He served as Commander of the F-15 Alert Program and as point of contact to PACAF Air Defense Commander for all fighter operations issues regarding the Hawaiian Air Defense mission. Colonel Snow has also qualified and flew the F-22 aircraft.

Since 1992, Colonel Snow has also worked as an International and Domestic Airline Pilot for United Airlines. He has flown over 6,200 hours as a qualified B-747 and B-777 pilot and currently works as Airline Captain of the A-320 Airbus based in San Francisco. Additionally, Colonel Snow is an Upper-Division Adjunct Instructor for the Aviation Department of Utah Valley University’s Provo Airport Campus, teaching the Global Navigation/International Flight Operations on-line course.

Colonel Snow is the son of Stanley Snow Sr. of Fagatogo and Taavale Tulimalefo’i Asuega Ainuu of Pago Pago. Colonel Snow is married to Yolanthy Leinalani Tagiafoga “Lani” Kanahele, and are proud parents of four children.

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate both Colonel Su’a-Filo and Colonel Snow for their promotion to this much esteemed rank,” Faleomavaega said.

“Seeing the achievements of these two sons of Samoa as they rise in rank in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard is an inspiration to our people and sets a standard of excellence for all who serve and will serve our country in the future. They have continued to further their military careers by taking on leadership roles that require the highest levels of skill, dedication and responsibility. Surely their extensive experience will prepare them for their new assignments. More importantly, their character will enable them to serve with dignity throughout our Pacific community and the world. I know that both Colonel Su’a-Filo and Colonel Snow will serve us well.”

“I would also like to express my appreciation to both Colonel Su’a-Filo and Colonel Snow for their assistance during the recent tsunami relief mission to American Samoa. Colonel Su’a-Filo served as the pilot on several flights out of Honolulu, including my flight to American Samoa, shortly after the tsunami. Colonel Snow also played a vital role in coordinating Hickam AFB operations as the Air National Guard Liaison to the 15th Air Wing Command Center and PACAF Air Mobility Division. He also maintained direct contact with the Deputy Director of Airport Operations throughout the relief mission. I thank both of these self-sacrificing leaders in their service to our people.”

“I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate both the Su’a-Filo and Snow families and wish them the very best as they continue to be the support system behind these two highly accomplished officers of the Air Force,” Faleomavaega concluded.
 

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Colonel Stephen L. Su’a-Filo.
 
Photo 1 - Colonel Stanley Ulualofaiga Snow, Jr.
 

COOK ISLANDS: Aitutaki reconstruction aid announced
Source: New Zealand Press Association via TVNZ

A $5.5 million reconstruction package for the Cook island of Aitutaki, devastated by Cyclone Pat, was announced on Saturday by Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully.

Cyclone Pat ripped through the Cooks last month, causing severe damage on Aitutaki.

"Around 80% of the houses on the island were affected in some way, and 72 were completely destroyed," McCully said today.

"Tourism on Aitutaki is a vital income source for the Cook Islands. Our assistance will help get things back to 'business as usual' as quickly as possible, and ensure the economy does not suffer long-term effects."

New Zealand had already provided $350,000 for emergency relief efforts, while a RNZAF C-130 Hercules and engineering team supported local efforts in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone.

"We are now addressing the longer-term reconstruction needs through a substantial contribution to the Cook Islands government's reconstruction plan," McCully said.

"Support will be provided for the removal of debris and the restoration of essential public infrastructure, including the hospital, schools, and water supply."

McCully said funding would be made available through a grant scheme for the purchase of construction materials to repair damaged homes. There would also be significant support for the rebuilding of destroyed houses. Details of the support were being finalised with the Cook Islands government and would be announced next week.

"The reconstruction package will also meet the cost of improving cyclone shelters and early warning systems to ensure the Aitutaki community is better prepared in the future," McCully said.

The funding announced today will come from the joint New Zealand and Australian development assistance programme for the Cook Islands.
 

FIJI: Fiji prepares for 15-hour ordeal
Source: Fiji Times

Fiji is expected to feel the full brunt of Hurricane Tomas today.

At 4pm yesterday, Hurricane Tomas, which was close to becoming a category four hurricane at press time last night, was located 260km north-northeast of Udu Point, Vanua Levu .

Close to its centre, the hurricane was estimated to have average winds of 160km/hr with gusts to 220km an hour and was moving southwest at 18km per hour.

The hurricane was expected to start affecting Vanua Levu, Taveuni and surrounding small islands last night.

Fiji Meteorological director Rajendra Prasad said Tomas continuedto intensify after it reached hurricane strength yesterday. He said damaging gale force winds was expected to extend to about 150 nautical miles (280km) from the centre.

"Winds should increase to destructive storm force (over 47 knots) or very destructive hurricane force (over 63 knots) tomorrow morning (today)," he said.

Mr Prasad warned the country to be prepared for 12 to 15 hours of hurricane force winds.

He said severe flooding, including sea flooding of low-lying areas, was expected.

Mr Prasad said same conditions were expected to spread to other parts of the country today.

"The whole of Northern Division, Central Division and Eastern Division should be severely affected by high winds and heavy rain," he said.

He said the Western Division should experience damaging gale force winds (over 33 knots) and periods of rain.

National Disaster Management Office operations officer Anthony Blake said DISMAC was advising all members of the public, especially in the Northern and Eastern divisions, to heed the warnings.

"It is expected that Hurricane Tomas should have landfall about in the afternoon of Monday and proceed through the Fiji group and exit roundabout the evening of Tuesday or early Wednesday morning," he said.
 

(Photo: Secretariat of the Pacific Community)

WOLDWIDE: Pacific tuna tagging: what to do with the numbers?
Source: Secretariat of the Pacific Community Press Release

Twenty scientists gathered recently at an International Tuna Tagging Workshop held at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community’s (SPC) headquarters in New Caledonia. The world’s largest ever tuna tagging project has released over 250,000 tagged tuna into the equatorial Western and Central Pacific Ocean and 35,000 tags have already been recovered. The data being collected will help in sustaining and protecting the world’s largest resource of tuna.

The joint SPC/PNG National Fisheries Pacific Tuna Tagging Programme started in August 2006 in Papua New Guinean waters, where 15% of the world’s tuna is caught. In 2007, funding from the New Zealand government (NZD 5 million) and European Union (EUR 1.56 million) enabled the operational area of the project to be extended to cover the whole of the equatorial Western and Central Pacific Ocean. The last tagging cruise ended in October 2009. For around 90 days at a time, a 30-strong team of experienced Solomon Islands fishermen and SPC biologists roamed the seas on a pole-and-line fishing vessel, gently easing the fish on board to measure, tag and return them to sea within 15 seconds (further details on www.spc.int/oceanfish).

Most tags are thin rods inserted under the tuna’s dorsal fin. Bigger fish were given express surgery and sent back to swim with an archival tag. The thin tags carry only a serial number, but the hi-tech archival tags keep track of geographical movement. In simple terms, the tag measures the light throughout the fish’s journey. The data is then interpreted based on sunrise and sunset schedules for each time zone.

A vast communications operation was rolled out to inform fishermen, tuna canneries and fishery agencies around the globe about the tagging project. Posters in 16 languages promised a reward for every tag sent back to SPC. The recovery rate, close to 14%, has improved on rates attained during similar campaigns in the 1970s (4%) and 1990s (11%). Tony Lewis, Programme Coordinator, says, “We had one person working half time on communications. Next time, we need to dedicate more effort to this crucial task.”

From field to laboratory

The results of the tagging project will provide information on various biological and fishery processes such as exploitation rates, mortality, movement, growth rates, and spatial and temporal variability.

The SPC team met last week with representatives from the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, the Inter American Tropical Tuna Commission and PNG National Fisheries. They were joined by independent leaders in the field of data analysis from the USA (University of Hawaii, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service) and New Zealand (National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research) for an analysis workshop. The agenda for the week centered on modelling approaches, with the main aim being to prioritise the use of the tagging data for the Western and Central Pacific Ocean to answer critical fisheries management questions.

The output of this meeting will be a work plan for the months ahead for transforming statistics into useful information for fisheries. As Brian Kumasi from PNG National Fisheries puts it, “The growth of the tuna industry in the Pacific over the last decade has occurred in parallel with the growing use of FADs (fish aggregating devices). It is really exciting that we now have data that can measure the impact of these FADs on the quantity and quality of tuna in the region. This information, in addition to the other analyses that are planned, will lead to better management of our shared fishery resource.”
 

Photo Caption: Workshop participants.