NEWSPAGE 26 April
2010

(Photo: Jessica Harkins)

SAMOA: Samoa offers to help neighbour American Samoa
Source: Tupuola Terry Tavita via Pacific Islands Report

Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi sympathizes with Governor Togiola Tulafono’s efforts to improve ocean travel between Tutuila and Manu’a.

"Running a shipping corporation is a very costly exercise," said Tuilaepa. "Samoa is fortunate because of the assistance from our development partners particularly Japan in providing us brand new vessels for free."

The Samoa Shipping Corporation earlier this year took delivery of a brand new custom-made 700 passenger 70-car vessel— the Motor Vessel (MV) Lady Samoa III— complete with VIP lounge, restaurants and all the luxuries and amenities required in a modern ship. Used on the inter-island route between Upolu and Savaii, the MV Lady Samoa III was built and delivered under the continuing bilateral partnership between the governments of Samoa and Japan.

"Because Samoa is an independent country, there are a lot of funding options available to us. Our major development partners are China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand as well as ease of access to soft term loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) — we primarily expend on infrastructural development," said Tuilaepa.

"Our development partners do not ask for much in return — mostly support for their candidates put up for international positions handled at the diplomatic level. That one vote at the United Nations really counts," he added.

These options, the Prime Minister said, are not available to Governor Togiola and his administration as a Territory of the United States.

"We too were under a colonial administration and are well aware of the many (funding) limitations and frustrations that come with knowing what the people need and funding available from the overriding colonial authorities," said Tuilaepa.

Established in 1974, the Samoa Shipping Corporation has had four decades of maritime experience.

"Samoa Shipping has achieved a high level of management, monetary and fiscal efficiency, has amassed a pool of qualified sailors and engineers, its ships are maintained to the highest international level regularly audited by independent maritime auditors, it has an impeccable safety track record and complies with every facet of IMO (International Maritime Organization) regulations," said Tuilaepa.

"But most importantly, it’s a shipping service owned by Samoans, manned by Samoans and operated by Samoans."

Though Samoa Shipping’s fleet is currently fully utilized, the Prime Minister said, "We’re always flexible when the American Samoa government requests assistance. What’s the use of having a shipping service if you can’t help your aiga (family) in Tutuila and Manu’a?" he asked.

However, shipping is just one area where the two Samoans can cooperate.

"The optic fiber cable between Hawaii, American Samoa, Upolu and now Savaii is another good example of successful partnership. Now our people enjoy good efficient telecommunication services as costs come down," the Prime Minister noted. "There are also direct benefits to health, education, business and other areas. And I think we’ve come to the stage where we want to move deeper and deeper into a knowledge economy focus — a knowledge economy partnership."

Prime Minister Tuilaepa in the weekend led the Samoan delegation to the American Samoa flag day aboard the 100-passenger capacity MV Lady Filifilia cruise boat— that commercially operates as Talofa Cruises.

"Talofa Cruises was set up because we do not want to put all our eggs in one basket. Tourism, I need not remind, has become a major money spinner to the local economy. Some tourists want to lie on the beach, others go on bush and waterfall excursions, many want to gamble at the casino while others prefer an ocean cruise. That’s what Samoa Shipping’s MV Lady Filifilia is for," he said.

"That is also why we are legislating for a casino exclusively for visitors. Their foreign passport is their only permit to play. The proceeds from such ventures will fund sports and other charitable activities."

Any assistance required by Manu’a and Tutuila, the Prime Minister said, his government stands ready to discuss with American Samoa officials.
 

(Photo: J. Kneubuhl)

AMERICAN SAMOA: GUAS hosts “College Night” this Tuesday
Source: American Samoa Community College Press Release

Now in the fourth year of its partnership with the American Samoa Community College, the federally funded GEAR UP American Samoa (GUAS) program continues to make strides in its mission of increasing the number of low-income students prepared to enter and succeed in post secondary education. A systemic vehicle for change and innovative methods in classroom instructions, GEAR UP stands for “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs”.

As part of its comprehensive student and family support, GUAS will host its “College Night” this coming Tuesday, April 27th, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the ASCC Lecture Hall. GUAS invites all students in its cohort high schools and their parents to have a firsthand look at what ASCC can offer students in terms of college preparation. “College Night” will cover topics such as financial aid, scholarships, ASCC core courses in Math and English, as well as the goals of the GUAS program.
“As the GUAS kids enter the 11th grade, they should seriously begin to concentrate on taking the SAT and/or the ASVAB exams”, explained GUAS Director Tupua Roy Fua. “In their visit to ASCC on ‘College Night’, they can learn of the importance of these exams. As for parents, the evening will offer valuable information about college options as well as the financial responsibility that their child will face when entering college.”

Tupua said he sees “College Night” as an opportunity for students and parents who have never been to ASCC to get to know the institution. “Physically being on the College campus has a big impact on both the parent and the child. It’s the first step in exposing them to the possibility of the young person going to college, a life changing experience. They’ll hear from ASCC faculty and program directors who’ll discuss the characteristics of students most likely to succeed as they pursue a professional career versus those most likely to not succeed or find a decent paying job. Students can’t just wait till they graduate before they think about a college education, and they should prepare now if they want to succeed.”

Asked about the success rate of students in the GUAS program, Tupua said, “Among GUAS students who actively participate in our before and after-school homework sessions, we’ve seen a minimum of a half grade or better increase (for example C to a C+) from those students who don’t attend the homework sessions. We’ve observed that our GUAS students, through working with our GUAS tutors, have better study skills and also have a better one on one relationship with their math and English Teachers.” The first GUAS cohort group of 1171 students, now in the 10th grade, will graduate in the fall of 2012.

For more information on the GUAS “College Night”, call 699-9166.

Photo Caption: Tupua Roy Fua (center, seated) and his staff will host 'GEAR UP College Night" this coming Tuesday at 5 p.m. in the ASCC Lecture Hall. The program will help high school students in the GEAR UP cohorts become familiar with ASCC and its core courses.

(Photos: Cook Islands News / United Nations)

COOK ISLANDS: Mayor briefs Australia, NZ Aitutaki communities on cyclone recovery
Source: Cook Islands Herald

The Tokoroa Aitutaki community had lots of questions to ask when visited by the Mayor of Aitutaki Tai Herman and former Prime Minister Dr Robert Woonton who are currently visiting members of the various Aitutaki communities in Australia and NZ to consult and update them on what is actually happening in Aitutaki as far as the cyclone recovery process is concerned.

Herman and Woonton met with the Tokoroa Aitutaki community on Tuesday night to brief them on the recovery process in Aitutaki and to ensure that the right information was being conveyed to allay fears of misinformation and to seek the support of the Aitutaki people regarding financial and moral assistance.

There was a very good turnout by the Aitutaki community who thanked the visitors for taking the time and the effort to advise them on what was happening on Aitutaki. We have been receiving mixed messages from Rarotonga to the point where we don’t know who to believe anymore, stated Andrew Mangi Chairman of the Tokoroa Aitutaki Association.

Even though the Mayor has briefed us, there are still unanswered questions which concerns me because our people have placed their trust in me to ensure there is accountability over the use of funds collected by our people in Tokoroa. He has advised us to put our funds into a trust account and when they need the money, we send it. You hear all sorts of stories as to what is or isn’t happening to the funds and that has to be of concern to our people.

When asked whether he was sanctioned by the people of Aitutaki to do the consultations and how it was being funded, the Mayor did not respond. He explained the 4 different categories involving families that were affected, Cook Islands government’s response and NZ government’s assistance package which was greatly received.

However, the Mayor did express some concerns as to “officials from Rarotonga” interfering with the recovery process by providing the wrong information and spreading rumours over his role as co-ordinator of the recovery process. Mangi stated that his concerns were related to the many rumours over the handling of funds donated and the uncertainty as to who was co-ordinating what on both ends.

There has been little communication between Aitutaki and our people here and that has only fuelled concern, mistrust and rumours being circulated as to what has actually been going on. We were happy to hear that the official Aitutaki Cyclone Appeal Committee were co-ordinating fundraising efforts but the question remains, what do we do with our funds and who do we send it to now?

I admit there has been confusion as to which group is co-ordinating fundraising efforts for our people in NZ and that is the reason why I want to ensure whatever money has been raised by our people is going to go where it is intended to go rather than to individuals. We are only a small community consisting mainly of retired people, widows and widowers who donated from the heart because they know their people are hurting in Aitutaki so we just want to do our little bit to help, said Mangi.

It is understood the Tokoroa community has raised almost $30,000 to assist with the Appeal which does not include food, building materials and clothing that was sent via a container to assist people during the recovery process. I’m afraid if things go wrong and our people are not satisfied their efforts being spent appropriately, we may never get that level of support again should another cyclone hit the Cook Islands, said Mangi.

Meanwhile, it is understood the Mayor and Woonton will continue with their consultations and are scheduled to meet the Aitutaki communities in Hawkes Bay, Porirua, Wellington and possibly the South Island.

Photo Captions: Mayor of Aitutaki Tai Herman and former Prime Minister Dr Robert Woonton, who are currently visiting members of the various Aitutaki communities in Australia and NZ.
 

(Photo: Fiji Football Association)

FIJI: Fiji women target gold
Source: Oceania Football Confederation Press Release

The Fiji national women's team have gold in their sights as they prepare early for the 2011 Pacific Games in New Caledonia.

A squad of around 40 players recently took part in an intensive training course at the University of South Pacific in Suva with Fiji Football Association Technical Director Saiyad Ali casting a watchful eye over the national team hopefuls.

The side not only has the Pacific Games to look forward to but also the OFC Women's Nations Cup in New Zealand starting in September which will determine Oceania's representative for the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011.

Ali believes good preparation is the key to success in both tournaments.

“This is the second national women’s camp that we have called this year. The next camp will be in May during the school holidays then in June and later July. In July we will trim down the squad to about 30 which will then go full time in camp before we select the 20 for the OFC Nations Cup,” said Ali.

Up-and-coming talent Vanisha Kumar, who is based in Australia playing for the NSW State Thunder futsal and football sides, says she was pleased following her first training with the national squad.

The youngster says she is keen to impress the selectors during the training camps.

“I want to get selected in the National Team. It will be a very proud moment for me if I do so. The first training session was good and I had lots of fun,” Kumar said.

Current squad: Labasa: Viniana Simmons, Jotivini Salavatu, Viniana Riwai, Asena Tuena: Rewa: Raijieli Lewasoqevula, Mereani Moceituba, Merevesi Fuga: Suva: Radilaite Marama, Unaisi Vatulili, Talica Vodo, Everlyn Kumar, Eseta Senivesi, Jijilia Dugucavanua, Lewamanu Moce, Wainikitu Visadrau, Lavenia Yalovi,Kini Ravai, Shirlyn Singh, Mereoni Yabakidrau: Navua: Asena Vuadreu, Bella Ratubalavu, Kurukaba Ligavola: Nadroga: Kimberley Rounds, Repeka Makereta , Makereta Sogotubu: Nadi: Ana Digogo, Kini Tora, Vulolo Anaisi Tora: Lautoka: Lice Waqaliti, Karalaini Cakau, Menisa Suzie,Vasiti Adi, Vasiti Adi Maira: Rakiraki: Stella Naivalulevu, Amele Naiula: Laijipa Dani Labasa / Ba ; NSW: Vanisha Kumar.
 

WORLDWIDE: Pacific nations honoured for whale sanctuary establishment leadership
Source: Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Press Release

Several Pacific islands have received recognition awards from the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium (SPWRC) for leadership in establishing whale sanctuaries in their national waters.

The awards were presented by New Zealand’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, the Hon. Georgina te Heuheu and Her Royal Highness, Princess Pilolevu of Tonga, who hosted a formal public event in Auckland to celebrate work done to date in the conservation of whales in Oceania.
 
In Oceania, Australia, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Niue, Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu have officially declared nation-wide Marine Sanctuaries for cetaceans in an effort to protect whales and dolphins in these areas.

“People of the islands are associated with the ecosystems in which they live and conservation of these ecosystems and the life in it is part of our culture and essential to our economic well-being,” said the Hon. Steven Kalsakau, Vanuatu’s Minister for Agriculture, Forestry, Quarantine and Fisheries, speaking on behalf of the group of Pacific islands receiving the awards.

“We are proud to be able to be a part of whale conservation efforts, even as we deal with pressing issues of climate change, food security and other development issues.”

The Minister added that the sanctuaries must be upheld and supported by all nations if conservation of whales and their eventual recovery was to become reality.

Vanuatu has established legislation under its Fisheries Act protecting whales in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“Taking a long-term perspective in the conservation of whales, and, in fact, all our ocean resources, is actually an imperative for small island nations,” said Ms Eleni Tokaduadua, Principal Conservation Officer with the Fiji Department of Environment.

“Our islands rely to a large extent on marine resources for our economic development and the establishment of sanctuaries for whales in our waters offers opportunity for development of initiatives such as whale and dolphin watching tourism”.

Tonga, which banned whale hunting in 1978 by Royal Decree of the late King Taufa’aha Tupou, has a multi-million dollar tourism industry, based on whale watching.

Mr Lui Bell, Marine Species Officer for the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), said that the 10 sanctuaries coupled with legislation, for example those of Tonga, New Zealand and other states, was an excellent start in the whale conservation initiative. The marine sanctuaries were established between 2001 and 2005.

“The efforts of these countries have resulted in millions of square kilometres of EEZs becoming marine sanctuaries involving whales in the Pacific,” he said.

Mr. Bell added however, that more work was needed to ensure that all sanctuaries have legislation and management plans in place to help realize the goal of seeing the recovery of the different whale populations in Oceania.

The humpback whale population in Oceania was re-classified on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species in 2008 as an endangered species as their numbers have not been shown to increase sufficiently despite the current moratorium on hunting these species.

Presentations made during the Ocean Voices: Lessons from the Whales event highlighted threats to whales other than hunting, which include marine pollution, destruction of feeding grounds and ship and boat strikes.

“These are threats that we can all work together to address,” said Mr. Bell. He added that the SPWRC was working with SPREP and Pacific countries and territories to develop the Oceania Humpback Whale Recovery Plan, under SPREP’s Regional Whale and Dolphin Action Plan 2008-2012, which will seek to address these and other threats.