NEWSPAGE 23 April
2010

(Photos: S³ Pacific Music Awards)

(Photo: Samoa Observer)

SAMOA: A Samoan gift comes home
Source: Samoa Observer

His service is over and it is time to return the favour.

British High Commissioner George Fergusson returned the fine mat which the former Head of State, Malietoa Tanumafili ll, donated to his family in 1967.

Mr Fergusson’s family has worked in Samoa and many Pacific Islands over a number of years,
The fine mat was a connection to Samoa for Mr Fergusson’s family who have kept it for 43 years as a treasure.

“Malietoa gave this fine mat to my family as gift and so my parents took it with them and everywhere we go we take it with us,” said Mr Fergusson.

“However my dad told me that, treasure like that should stay where it came from, and that is why I’m here to give it back to where it belongs.”

Mr Fergusson said he was proud of this gift that had been given to his family, and his family would love to maintain this connection
with Samoa.
He also expressed his satisfaction at having been Britain’s High Commissioner to Samoa.

“I was so glad to be part of my family working here in Samoa, and it was good to experience the life here and the people were very friendly and supportive,” said Mr Fergusson.

Two main things that he was keen to help out with were the issues on Climate Change and the tsunami that devastated parts of the country last year.

“I worked with some people on the climate issue because it is a worldwide concern,” said Mr Fergusson.

He pointed out that a British child lost his life in the tsunami “and I felt for all the victims.”

His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi spoke of the uniqueness of this family’s relationship to Samoa.

“This fine mat is a most important treasure to this family’s generations and the Malietoa’s aiga specifically, because they were the ones who built up this relationship with these people,” said Tui Atua.

“It will also be a reminder in Samoa of the Fergusson family.”

The fine mat will be kept at the museum.

Mr Fergusson was making his farewell visit to Samoa as his tour of duty here has ended.

Photo Captions: British High Commissioner George Fergusson returns the fine mat to His Highness the Head of State Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi.
 

(Photos: American Samoa Community College)

AMERICAN SAMOA: ASCC invites prospective high school grads to Financial Aid Night
Source: American Samoa Community College Press Release

The federal government has made it easier than ever for students from American Samoa to enter college at little or no cost. Local students who have the minimum grade point average or better automatically qualify for the Pell Grant and many other financial aid options. However, some students and parents unfamiliar with the application process become discouraged and end up not receiving the assistance they qualify for. To help first time applicants understand the procedures, the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) Financial Aid Office, in a joint effort with the Counseling Office, invite prospective high school graduates and their parents to “Financial Aid Night”, a series of workshops that will take place during the last week of April.

During the week of April 26th through 30th, college bound high school senior students and their parents can learn about the types of Student Federal Aid available at ASCC, as well as how to fill out their FAFSAs (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on the internet. The workshops will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. in the ITT computer laboratory located in the building next to the falesamoa.

In order to serve as many of Tutuila’s high schools as possible, the Financial Aid Office has made a schedule of which high schools are invited on which evenings. On Monday, April 26th, students and parents from Leone, Fa’asao/Marist and Manumalo are invited. Tuesday, April 27th is open to Tafuna and Nuuuli Polytech. On Wednesday, April 28th, students and parents from Kananafou and Iakina Adventist are welcome. On Thursday and Friday, April 29th and 30th, those from both Samoana and Fagaitua may attend on either evening.

The free workshops will provide students and parents with the following: 1) access to the online Federal financial aid application made available at the ASCC ITT computer laboratory (where financial aid counselors will assist the student and parent throughout the process); and 2) information regarding various financial aid (grants and scholarships) available at ASCC.

“Promoting and assuring higher education access and opportunity are the fundamentals of the ASCC Financial Aid Division,” said Financial Aid Office Director Hillary Fraser. “We wish to ensure students who plan to pursue post-secondary education are aware of the types of aid available to them to begin or continue their education at ASCC.”

Students attending the workshops will need to bring with them a social security card. Parents will need to have on hand the following required information and documents to complete the FAFSA:
first/last name, social security numbers, dates of birth, number of household members, and tax forms from 2008 and 2009. If neither parent worked during 2008 or 2009, they should bring a document stating their annual income or some sort of proof of income.

While each high school is scheduled for a specific date, students from high schools not on the schedule may still attend any of the dates. For more information, contact the ASCC Financial Aid Office at 699-9155, ext. 313.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - ASCC Financial Aid Office Director Hillary Fraser assists a student and her mother with the financial aid application process. The College will hold a series of financial aid workshops all of next week.

Photo 2 - ASCC Financial Aid Office Director Hillary Fraser assists a student with the financial aid application process.
 
Photo 3 - ASCC Financial Aid counsellors assist students with the financial aid application process.

USA: Faleomavaega requests review of FEMA American Samoa pilot housing project
Source: Office of Congressman Faleomavaega Press Release

Congressman Faleomavaega has announced that in a letter dated April 20, 2010 he has requested the support and assistance of Chairman Bennie Thompson of the Committee on Homeland Security and Chairwoman Laura Richardson of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness, and Response to conduct a full review of allegations reported by the Associated Press regarding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General’s report about the cost of a pilot project to build housing in American Samoa in the aftermath of the deadly tsunami that struck the Territory on September 29, 2009.

The complete text of Faleomavaega’s letter to Chairman Thompson which was also copied to Chairwoman Richardson is included below:

Dear Mr. Chairman,

I am writing to request an immediate review of allegations reported by the Associated Press (AP) regarding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General’s report about the cost of a pilot project to build housing in American Samoa in the aftermath of the deadly tsunami that struck the Territory on September 29, 2009.

According to media reports, FEMA hired Partnership for Temporary Housing to build as many as eight homes for up to $3.9 million, or an average of $487,500 each, although the Army Corps of Engineers estimates that construction should be at about $140,000 to $160,000 for a two- or three-bedroom model.

While the Development Bank of American Samoa loans applicants approximately $40,000 to build a two-bedroom home and about $60,000 to build a three-bedroom home, I am troubled that the federal government allegedly offered residents whose homes were destroyed two options - financial assistance of up to $30,000 or a two- or three-bedroom home, depending on family size.

As of February 16, 2010, the report states that 179 residents chose the money while 56 selected a home. Were those who accepted only $30,000 of financial assistance made aware that their homes could be fully replaced?

Prior to awarding a contract, did FEMA do due diligence in determining exactly how much it would cost to construct a home in American Samoa? Does it cost $40,000, $60,000, $160,000, or more?

Who chose Partnership for Temporary Housing as the contractor of choice? To my knowledge, Partnership for Temporary Housing has never built a home in American Samoa. In fact, when my office contacted FEMA yesterday, I was informed that the company had built military housing in Hawaii and North Carolina. My office asked FEMA to clarify whether or not that meant barracks or residential homes. FEMA was unable to clarify. FEMA is also unable to inform my office as to why local contractors were not allowed to participate in the reconstruction process.

FEMA has assured me that it will provide my office with answers as the answers become available but, in the interim, I believe FEMA’s response to the DHS Inspector General’s memo raises enough concern to warrant an inquiry. In a memo of March 30, the IG noted that FEMA had hired Partnership for Temporary Housing to build eight homes at a cost of $3.9 million but FEMA later responded that only three homes would be built and that the costs of each of the three homes would be used to set the contract costs for all the remaining homes.

This implies that FEMA has to establish a pilot program to determine the costs of construction in American Samoa. The fact that FEMA has to establish a pilot program to determine the costs of construction suggests that neither Partnership for Temporary Housing nor FEMA knows how to respond effectively to the present needs of those in American Samoa who need homes now.

This is why I am respectfully requesting your assistance for a thorough review of FEMA’s construction authority and, above all, I want to make sure that the residents of American Samoa who have opted to accept the $30,000 in financial assistance are fully compensated for the true cost of construction of a new home, whatever that might be.

By way of this letter, I am also copying Congresswoman Laura Richardson, Chair of the Subcommittee on Emergency Communications, Preparedness and Response, to also ask for her support. In the aftermath of the tsunami, Chairwoman Richardson visited our islands and worked side by side with me side to provide relief and support to the people of American Samoa and Samoa. With many Samoans living in her district and as a result of her tireless efforts in our behalf, she has become part of our extended family. I have no doubt that she will do all she can do to hold FEMA accountable and to make sure that the people of American Samoa are treated fairly in the reconstruction process.

At this time, I would also like to ask for your guidance in waiving the federal match for American Samoa as it pertains to tsunami recovery efforts. American Samoa’s fragile economy cannot absorb the excessive costs brought on by reconstruction, not even at a 90% federal, 10% local match ratio. It is my understanding that the FEMA Administrator may have the authority to waive the match and, if this is the case, I am hopeful that you and Chairwoman Richardson will join me in requesting that the match be waived.

As you may know, American Samoa is a single-industry economy almost entirely dependent on the tuna fishing and processing industry. More than 80% of our private-sector economy has hinged on two tuna canneries, StarKist and Chicken of the Sea, which employed almost 74% of our private-sector workforce. On September 30, 2009, only one day after our islands were hit by the most powerful earthquake of 2009 that set off a tsunami with waves towering over 20 feet tall, Chicken of the Sea closed its operations in American Samoa after doing business in the Territory for more than 50-years. StarKist is now barely hanging on due to increased competition from foreign countries that pay their fish cleaners $0.75 cents and less per hour.

The Congressman concluded his letter by stating, “During this critical stage in our process of rebuilding, your support of waiving the matching requirement for American Samoa either by discretionary authority or legislatively, if necessary, would be most helpful to our recovery efforts. As always, I thank you for all you do and look forward to working with you to resolve these issues.”
 

(Photos: Oceania Football Confederation)

VANUATU: Grassroots launch sees Malakula kids 'Just Play'
Source: Oceania Football Confederation Press Release

Dozens of kids erupting into a spontaneous game of football, cavorting through the rain-soaked fields at Lakatoro as the heavens opened.

That was the lasting impression for an OFC delegation who departed Vanuatu’s outer island of Malakula yesterday (April 20, 2010) after a successful launch of the Just Play grassroots programme.

It was a fitting end to the day with the impromptu kick-about embodying the very premise of the Just Play programme: football can be played anywhere, anytime by anyone.

Fortunately the sun was out at the start of the day as Malakula locals gathered to welcome distinguished guests including OFC President Reynald Temarii, Vanuatu Football Federation (VFF) President Lambert Maltock, and Third Secretary of the Australian High Commissioner Kala Heinemann among others who had made the hour-long plane trip that morning.

With arms linked and smiles beaming, the children formed two lines stretching the length of the field to make a passageway through which visitors were ushered onto the complex. A prayer from the local minister marked the start of formalities before President Maltock gave the opening address.

“Welcome to this momentous opening of the Just Play programme here in the humble centre of Malakula,” said President Maltock, who grew up on the tiny island in Malampa Province. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank OFC and its partners for making this grassroots initiative possible.”

Just Play was developed by OFC in consultation with the Australian Government - through its agencies the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) - as well as Football Federation Australia (FFA) to promote physical activity for primary-aged children while encouraging community involvement and healthy living.

A pilot project began in Tonga late last year but Vanuatu marks the official launch, complete with brand new equipment such as balls, cones, bibs, whistles and a manual with guidelines for 12 practical sessions to assist instructors.

With Head of Social Responsibility Franck Castillo and Just Play Technical Coordinator Colin Tuaa at the helm, the programme will be replicated across the Pacific Islands over the next three years and is expected to involve more than 200,000 children, 4000 teachers and volunteers and around 2,500 primary schools.

As representative of the Australian High Commission, Kala Heinemann emphasized Australia’s backing of the project.

“Australia is a proud supporter of sports initiatives in Vanuatu and across the Pacific Islands. The Pacific has a lot of sporting potential and we want to help countries reach that potential so it makes sense for us to support programmes like Just Play. Above all, we see that this initiative will benefit communities and that is why we are proud to be associated with it,” said Heinemann.

OFC President and FIFA Vice-President Reynald Temarii went on to outline the key themes of Just Play and thanked all stakeholders for their involvement.

“The aim of Just Play is to promote sports within schools. We will be sure to achieve a successful programme so that kids can enjoy their lives through football but also become good citizens to build your beautiful country,” said President Temarii.

“Acknowledging the hard work of the OFC staff, I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to our invaluable project partners: UEFA and the Australian Government. And finally I would like to thank President Lambert who helps to ensure that football programmes reach not only those living in Port Vila, but also people from the outer islands.”

Following the official opening of Just Play, the Lakatoro field became a hive of activity as around 300 kids rotated through drills and games with plenty of laughter along the way.

Watching the activities was Provincial Education Officer Renjo Samuel who gave a local perspective of what the programme would mean for his community.

“I am very glad that the Just Play has come to our province. I think it will help with social skills and teach the children to become disciplined in terms of their sport, their schoolwork and the way they approach life generally. We believe active children are healthy and happy children.”

Cloud cover slowly drifted over the village to give everyone a respite from the heat before guests enjoyed the traditional drinking of cava and a colourful array of local cuisine with fresh fish, coconut and sweet grapefruit in abundance.

Finally, there was an exchange of gifts, a traditional prayer and a ‘three cheers’ to conclude the memorable occasion. The delegation drove away to the sight of kids running out for one more game in the downpour - proof that grassroots football is alive and well in Vanuatu.
 

WORLDWIDE: Spirit Possession in the Pacific explored
Source: University of Auckland Press Release

Spirit Possession, Theology, Identity: A Pacific Exploration, a collection of essays which aims to explore different expressions of spirit possession in Oceania today, will be launched at Old Government House at the end of this month.

Written by eleven past and present faculty members of The University of Auckland’s School of Theology, along with two of the School’s recent post-graduate students and compiled by Dr Elaine Wainwright, Head of School of Theology, together with colleagues Dr Philip Culbertson and Dr Susan Smith, the book responds to the growing contemporary interest in spirit possession.

“This collection of essays is timely in the academic and social world of Aotearoa New Zealand and globally”, says biblical scholar and lead editor, Dr Elaine Wainwright. “Spirit possession is being addressed in a number of recent international publications and Spirit Possession, Theology, Identity takes its place among these.”

Dr Wainwright also considers the publication timely in the face of a number of deaths in New Zealand in recent years associated with spirit possession and hopes that the book will provide some ways of analysing such claims.

Divided into three sections, the volume explores the spirit world in a Pacific context, the spirit world of the Bible, and finally, considers spirits through the lens of Theology and History.

“The book represents the first stage of research into spirit possession in a New Zealand context,” says Dr Elaine Wainwright.

Commissioned by the George Sainsbury Foundation, Spirit Possession, Theology, Identity: A Pacific Exploration, examines research into and treatment of spirit possession for the benefit of people suffering from spirit possession in the New Zealand context. The Foundation’s yearning toward what will assist sufferers directs the authors to consider processes of healing, wholeness and connection of spiritual and mental health in today’s context including interaction with mental health professionals.

The Pacific-centred chapters include ‘A Maori Perspective on Spirit Possession’ by Henare Tate, ‘Constructing Identity and Theology in the World of Tongan and Samoan Spirits’ by Mary Caygill and Philip Culbertson, ‘Spirit Possession and Mental Health in a New Zealand Context’ by Ann Nolan, and ‘A Moana Rhythm of Well-Being’ by Winston Halapua. The section draws on the authors’ experiences in pastoral ministry with people who believe they are possessed, or those whose particular research interests are the relationship of faith, culture and praxis.

In the second section, the function and place of spirit language in the biblical text is examined, while the last section’s focus is somewhat broader, addressing some of the historical responses to spirit possession, as well as emerging pneumatologies of good and bad spirits and their impact on the human condition.

The collection’s theory base draws not only from Biblical Studies, but also from Systematic Theology and New Zealand Church History, and is informed by anthropology, sociology, psychology, and cultural studies. The authors of several of the essays also share their first-hand experience with the world of spirits, and the Spirit, highlighting in particular how these personal encounters helped them to be less quick in applying rationalist and colonialist assumptions about the existence and activity of spirits beyond what might be called ‘scientific reality’. The final chapter of the book offers specific suggestions for how new wisdom about the meaning of the term “spirit possession” might emerge through structured conversations across a variety of academic disciplines, as well as through listening to the ‘spirited’ experiences of people indigenous to the South Pacific.