NEWSPAGE 02 August
2010

(Photo: Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme)

SAMOA: SPREP walks down memory lane in honour of historic milestones
Source: Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Press Release

The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme celebrated the 10th anniversary of its move to the Vailima complex in Samoa today, also commemorating 2010 as SPREP’s 36th birthday.

Today’s special commemoration allowed for a walk down memory lane with speeches highlighting the work of SPREP over the years, as well as a visual exhibition, which took guests through the last 10 years of SPREP.

“I seem to recall the Government of Samoa’s efforts in persuading Governments to select Samoa as the host of SPREP,” said the Hon. Fonotoe Pierre Meredith, Associate Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Ministry of the Government of Samoa.

“It is important to reflect on the past as it gives us a sense of direction for the future.”

The origins of SPREP date back to a Regional Conference on Conservation of Nature in 1969, which recommended the recruitment of a regional ecological adviser and was originally within the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in Noumea.

In 1992 SPREP moved to Samoa and was established as an independent inter-governmental organisation shortly after, with the signing of the SPREP agreement in Apia on 16 June 1993.

The headquarters was first situated in Vaitele, Apia in a building that was the main office for the Samoa Copra and Cocoa Boards until 1996 when the Government of Samoa provided 10 acres of land in Vailima to SPREP.

In 2000 SPREP, with the financial assistance of some members and donors, constructed and moved into its current premises at Vailima.

“We recognise that the environment is the cornerstone of sustainable development in the Pacific and that good management of the environment is essential for the livelihoods of Pacific people,” said SPREP Director David Sheppard, in an address that looked back over the history of SPREP and the lessons learnt from the past.

“The importance of having a dedicated and professional staff at SPREP is fundamental to our success and long term viability. I would like to recognise and thank all SPREP staff - past and present - for their hard work in support of conservation efforts in the countries of this region.”

SPREP originally began with one staff member over 30 years ago and a primary focus on coral reef ecology. It now has close to 60 staff with an accelerating budget and covers a wide range of areas including climate change, meteorology, solid waste management, biodiversity amongst many other areas.

David Sheppard also acknowledged the generosity of SPREP’s hosts, the Government of Samoa, and the many donors and partners that support SPREP. He noted that in 2009, 46 donors and supporters had contributed to SPREP to make the Pacific environment a healthy and sustainable one.

This vital role of SPREP partners is one firmly rooted in the soils of SPREP as the anniversary celebrations were commemorated with a tree planting ceremony for which the Government of Samoa, the donor community, the NGO community and SPREP staff planted a fruit tree each, the symbol of a bountiful future for SPREP and the Pacific.

Messages of support and encouragement from former staff at SPREP that played an important role in the history of the organisation are as follows:

“From a single SPREP Coordinator, the secretariat has grown to an institution serving all the region with a variety of environmental competences. Unfortunately the environmental challenges are also growing and becoming more complex and interdependent, so the need for SPREP is even greater today. Congratulations on your progress, and best wishes for the years ahead” - Arthur Dahl who was the only staff at SPREP in the early days, starting a three year special project on conservation of nature in the Pacific.

“My six years at SPREP loom large in my life….They were six years of rare experience for me and my family; they were fantastic years of down to earth hard work and shared good times with you, the people of SPREP. The courtesy and respect I received from you the staff of SPREP always serve to remind me to be humble and grateful. I thank you all”

Asterio Takesy the SPREP Director 2003 - 2009

Photo Caption: Hon. Fonotoe Pierre Meredith, Associate Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Ministry of the Government of Samoa plants a tree in commemoration.
 

(Photo: J. Kneubuhl)

AMERICAN SAMOA: ASCC music students help preserve traditional instruments
Source: American Samoa Community College Press Release

Students at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) recently participated in a unique activity aimed at preserving and perpetuating the use of traditional Samoan musical instruments, with the results of their word due for display at the local Jean P. Haydon Museum as well as the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, Arizona.

Students in the summer session of MUS 296 (Samoan Music Workshop), taught by Kuki Tuiasosopo of the Fine Arts Department, researched and then in most cases constructed some rarely-heard instruments such as the autete (jews harp), fa’a’I (nose flute), fa’aali’i (panpipe) and ofe tu’i (bamboo stomp). “Their research involved some checking of historical records,” explained Tuiasosopo, “but mostly going out into the community to locate and learn from individuals who still know about these instruments and how to make them. Working in teams, the students documented their research and subsequent instrument construction using video cameras, and later included these videos as part of their displays at the conclusion of the class. Besides the instruments above, students also focused on the conch shell, the one-string “bucket bass”, and even a homemade ukulele constructed from coconut shells, plywood and fishing wire.
 
“An activity like this exposes students to the social, historical and cultural aspects of Samoan music,” said Tuiasosopo. “All of these traditional instruments require craftsmanship, and had some cultural context as well.” Asked why some of the instruments such as the nose flute and panpipes have for the most part fallen into disuse, Tuiasosopo theorized, “I think Samoans found western instruments attractive because they were new as well as convenient. These instruments could come back into use, even though people might not grasp their traditional function. For now, we just have to educate your youth about these instruments’ existence and their historical uses. I’m also looking for ways to incorporate them into the music we do with the ASCC Ukulele Ensemble.”

Tuiasosopo will send some of the instruments created this summer to the recently opened Musical Instrument Museum, which houses a vast collection of traditional and modern music devices from all over the world. Other pieces will go on display locally at our Jean P. Haydon Museum. “The MIM contacted us last semester for information on traditional Samoan instruments as well as help locating them. This provided a catalyst for our research, and I’m glad that we can share our knowledge both locally and internationally.”

The MUS 296 class members were not the only ASCC Fine Arts students who took part in a special project this summer involving music. Department Chair Namulauulu Dr. Paul Pouesi’s MUS 153 (Music Fundamentals) class completed a Service Learning project in Vatia this past weekend, in which they put into practice their mastery of vocal pedagogy and music theory by combining with the Vatia EFKAS church choir to perform special songs in a "Toa o Samoa" service dedicated to all of American Samoa’s military men and women now serving their country.
“They performed two songs I wrote for the service and concluded with ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic’’, said Namulauulu, who recalled how the audience actually requested an encore of the latter tune before the service’s closing prayer. Namulauulu and his class spent the Saturday night prior to the Sunday morning service in Vatia, which gave the students the opportunity to learn about the daily activities of a traditionally organized Samoan family and village before merging their talents with the EFKAS choir the next morning.

Photo Caption: ASCC Fine Arts Instructor Kuki Tuiasosopo (standing, far right) and his MUS 296
students showcase some of the traditional Samoan musical instruments they will
donate to museums here at home and in Arizona. The students worked with
knowledgeable practitioners in the community to do research on the instruments,
which in most cases they built themselves.
 

(Photo: BirdLife / S. Mitchell)

COOK ISLANDS: Conservation and the Cook Islands
Source: BirdLife

BirdLife International has received a grant from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) to produce an inventory of priority conservation sites for biodiversity in the Cook Islands.

BirdLife has been working in the Pacific to identify Important Bird Area (IBAs) for ten years. "Important Bird Areas are islands, forests, and wetlands that are of critical importance for the survival of the region's native birds", said Don Stewart - BirdLife's Regional Director in the Pacific. "If we want to protect the birds, we will need to protect their habitat, those areas where they live".

To determine an IBA requires extensive research to identify bird species diversity and abundance within a specific area. This research then results in an inventory of sites that are wildlife conservation priorities.

Identifying IBAs in the Cook Islands is particularly urgent. "We have identified 50 species of birds in the Cooks of which 15 are Globally Threatened with extinction", said Jacqueline Evans from the Te Ipukarea Society (BirdLife in the Cook Islands).

The Cook Islands is home to Globally Threatened bird species such as Rarotonga Monarch Pomarea dimidiata. Once among the rarest birds of the world, this Endangered species has been brought back from the brink of extinction. Currently conservation measures are underway to develop an ecologically and commercially sustainable ecotourism venture on the island of Rarotonga where it is found. Intensive rat control is carried out during the breeding season, and an insurance population has been established on the island of Atiu.

"With the CEPF grant, BirdLife and the Te Ipukarea Society will produce the new IBA book for the Cook Islands," added Jacqueline Evans. "Out of this we will develop a conservation programme to work with the government and the local communities to protect the Important Bird Areas of the Cook Islands," she added.

BirdLife's first IBA publication in the Pacific was 'Important Bird Areas in Fiji: Conserving Fiji's National Heritage' in 2006.

"Since its publication we have been working with Government, local landowners and the resource users at these Important Bird Areas to not only protect the birds, but show ways in which protecting an Important Bird Area can benefit the landowners," said Miliana Ravuso from BirdLife's Fiji Programme.

Photo Caption: The Cook Islands is home to 15 Globally Threatened bird species such as Endangered Rarotonga Monarch.
 

(Photo: 3 News)

FIJI: Fiji installs new archbishop of Polynesia
Source: 3 News

For the first time in 35 years, a new archbishop of Polynesia has been installed in the Fijian capital, Suva.

Winston Halapua, an academic and former bishop in Auckland, takes up the role following the death of his predecessor.

Mr Halapua has been a critic of military rule in Fiji, but says he is prepared to work alongside the interim government.

It was a historic occasion; around 2000 supporters of Mr Halapua, including bishops from around the South Pacific, filled the Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Now Mr Halapua is back in Fiji he says he has already been made aware second hand of threats about how he should behave.

Mr Halapua has come back from Auckland where he had been teaching theology at Auckland University. There he wrote an article published in 2003, in which he stated:

“The coups of 1987 and of 2000 are both linked in their contribution to Fiji's social and moral ills. Militarism [he says] weakens the economic strength of the nation, creating stress within the family unit and...leads to a breakdown in law and order."

"The truth is....it is going on. And this is not heaven. This is the reality of where I was sent to work."

Emergency regulations increasing police powers and allowing media censorship remain in place in Fiji, following Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama's military takeover of the Government in 2006, and abrogation of the Constitution last year.

Even parts of the ceremony for Mr Halapua required government permission.

Mr Halapua says he wants to reserve his judgement of the current regime.

“As you enter any new context, to be wise you need to not say too much but listen more,” says Mr Halapua.

His supporters are adamant he is the right man for the job.

“There will be challenges to any archbishop anywhere - any archbishop with face cultural, political challenges and it's no different here,” says Archbishop of New Zealand, David Moxon.

The largest church in Fiji, The Methodist Church, has already had trouble with the emergency regulations, after the government ruled it couldn't hold its annual meeting.

The general secretary of the Methodist Church was reluctant to be interviewed by 3 News, saying it could be detrimental to the church. It's a sign of the fear still felt by some in the wake of the military crackdown.

Archbishop Halapua will also have to tread carefully as he begins his new role.

Photo Caption: New archbishop of Polynesia Winston Halapua.
 

(Photos: Samoan Community Christian Church of Washington, DC)

WORLDWIDE: Comfort for Samoa still pouring in
Source: Samoan Community Christian Church of Washington, DC

Though it appeared a dark cloud had cast over all of Samoa last week, as the heart-breaking news of the tragic death of Department of Public Safety Detective Liusila Brown reverberated around the world, many of the faith based communities of island believers remained steadfast in their belief, God is still in control and remains mighty and authoritative on His throne of grace and great mercy.

This past weekend’s first ever event of the Samoan Cultural Celebration by the Samoan Community Christian Church of Washington, DC in the US capital, Rev. Dr. Tapaautasi Erika Puni and his congregation were determined to see the glory of God revealed in what has tragically taken place in the homeland. The Saturday night performance of “siva ma pese” of traditional songs and dances were done beautifully, many more of those gathered spoke quietly of the devastating events instantly viewed on internet, heard over radio and technologically relayed in every mode of media.

It was even most fitting to have heard the enlightening presentation by esteemed Samoa Ambassador, Afioga Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia, reminding the Samoan youth of their role of respect, honor and humility, in carrying their traditions and customs wherever they go. At the church service on Sunday, Dr. Puni’s sermon topic was “Human Culture is God’s Gift” taken from the book of Genesis, first chapter, verses 26-31. That culture as a creation of humans is good, it is a gift of God that depicts the expression of who we are as a people, identifies us from others. But it is sin that separates humans from God and it affects all human culture. The individual human determines his destiny in life, it is not culture; human is what God created, culture is inspired by humans. And the final point of the “lauga”, the Faifeau exclaimed God is first and foremost above culture! That through culture, God can use it as a medium of salvation for His fallen people.
There the philosophical and deeply rooted Bible scholar, Dr. Puni explained the remarkable notion of the Samoan “Ifoga” that centuries before the arrival of Christian missionaries, God had already instilled in the hearts of Samoans the notion of redemption, the reconciliatory characteristic of Christ’s death and resurrection through the humbling of one’s self, asking forgiveness, and truly repentant of one’s wrongdoing. In the midst of everyone’s shock of what took place in the beloved island home, many more were comforted by the words of their spiritual leader, that God truly knows our pain.

In the Pastoral Prayer, Rev. Dr. Puni specifically asked for comfort of Detective Brown’s wife Leleiiitumua and their families. Dr. Puni recognized the work that all public safety officers provide to protect our people especially those, “leoleo na-na”. The Samoan faith leader beseeched prayers for the family of the young man who caused this great tragedy, a wayward youth, that God’s peace would be on him and his family too. One of the congregants, long-time organist for Samoan DC Church, Sina Solomona who worked closely with Officer Brown when she was an official translator and High Court appointed-Probation Officer in the early to mid ‘90s and in 2002-2003 was a Christian commentator and news reporter for Showers of Blessing KNWJ, was not surprised as things unfolded. Sina remarked, “Brown was a born-again Christian and though we both knew the work he did was extremely dangerous given the rampant illegal drug trafficking back home, he did his duties tirelessly and relentlessly. I’ll never forget the case of Wyatt Bowles Jr., he told me, “Sis, be careful,” and I said, “You too, bro.” I know Pastors Osasa and founder of Worship Center Viliamu Mafo’e is praying this situation up, along with the prayers of the believers back home and Samoans all over the world, God will receive the greatest glory out of this horrific tragedy. What the devil meant for evil, God will turn into good.”

From the cultural leader of the Samoan Church, Dr. Fatilua expressed the heartfelt words of the people, “E a ulu tafega ae selefutia ai Vaisigano,” what took place last week in American Samoa has ripple effects that have resonated across the Samoan global community. As members of the Samoan community here in the U.S. Capital we extend our deepest condolences to Officer Brown’s grieving wife, their children and family. And also to the community and village of Afega, our deepest faamaisega aua le Afifio o aiga Sa Gauifaleai, Fetalaiga ia Fata ma Maulolo, ma upu ia Tuisamau. Alofa pea le Atua ia maua le mafanafana ile tina ma le aiga faavauvau. Alofagia foi ina ia maua pea le to’a ma le filemu e Samoa uma ma ona tagata. Prayers continue for our beloved homeland and our people, for God’s eternal peace and extreme comfort.