NEWSPAGE 16 August
2010

(Photos: Will Seal)

(Photo: Samoa Government)

SAMOA: Parliamentary Updates
Source: Government Press Secretariat Press Release

SROS selected as National Authority

Cabinet has approved the Scientific Research Organization of Samoa (SROS) as the National Authority to conduct scientific researches to provide sample analysis for the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. These analyses will be done according to International Food Safety Regulations and Standards.

Recognizing SROS as the National Authority (in Samoa) for scientific researches will help improve its services for the betterment of the country and will also prepare the Organization in becoming internationally recognized. It has been more than a year, since SROS has been preparing for this big step, through continuous rigorous assessment by the International Accreditation of New Zealand.

Achieving this milestone will benefit the whole country in ways of trading and marketing our local products to overseas countries.


National Carriers Ltd awarded Contract

Cabinet has approved awarding of contract to National Carriers Ltd for construction of a new Multi-purpose building for the Scientific Research Organization of Samoa at Nafanua.

The tender was advertised for bids and five(5) Companies submitted applications. The applications were assessed by a sub-committee according to the requirements and conditions of the Tender.

After assessments, the contract was awarded to the National Carriers Ltd.


Electoral Commission’s Office Building Refurbish

Cabinet has decided to refurbish the Building for the Office of the Electoral Commission at Mulinuu.

The Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration had previously occupied this building before moving to their new premises. Reconstruction will be made to the building for the Office of the Electoral Commission to use this as its Headquarter. Reconstruction is also appropriate, as the Office is preparing for the up-coming election in 2011.
 

AMERICAN SAMOA: Faleomavaega congratulates NYLC Hawai'i representative
Source: Office of Congressman Faleomavaega Press Release

Congressman Faleomavaega has offered his congratulations to Ms. Helenia Fagasea Wiletta Porter on her nomination to the National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC) in Washington, D.C. Helenia, a senior at Moanalua High School in Honolulu, was selected to represent the state of Hawai’i at NYLC’s summer program from July 24 - August 2, 2010.

The NYLC program offers promising students the opportunity to prepare for leadership in an experiential, hands-on atmosphere in the nation’s capital. Along with their counterparts from across the nation, each student participates in creative decision-making simulations, role-playing exercises, and challenging discussions on current issues facing the nation. Helenia participated in proceedings such as “If I were President” and “Testing the Constitution.” She also attended presentations from notable speakers and engaged with leaders on Capitol Hill.

During her trip to “the Hill,” Helenia met with Hawai’i Senator Daniel Akaka and Representative Charles Djou to discuss current issues in Hawai’i. She also met with Congressman Faleomavaega.

Reflecting on her experience in Washington, Helenia stated, “My time at NYLC reminded me that life is not all about perfection but how we live each day solving problems and overcoming them… I met students from across the nation to discuss possible solutions to governmental, social issues and everyday life concerns. The students at NYLC symbolize the melting pot America is. ‘Learn from each other’ was the focus of the program. Put aside our differences and work together to build a bright future for us and for incoming generations.”

The youngest daughter of Marston and Wilma Porter of Auasi, Helenia graduated from Alofau Elementary School in 2007 and attended Fagaitua High School before moving to Hawaii.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Helenia and thank her for her commitment to education and building her leadership skills. I was honored that Helenia visited with me and my staff during her very busy schedule as part of the NYLC program. She truly is a role model to young Samoans across the nation by setting her goals high while staying grounded in her Samoan roots. I would also like to acknowledge Helenia’s family and friends who supported her in making this journey to the nation’s capital,” Falemavaega stated.

“Helenia’s desire to learn from others, share ideas, and engage in stimulating conversation with her fellow students, facilitators, and public officials is a solid foundation of leadership. I am confident that she will continue to be a role model and a leader and I pray for her continued success in all her future endeavors,” Faleomavaega concluded.
 

(Photo: Fiji Times)

FIJI: Staff safety paramount
Source: Fiji Times

Villagers of Bureta in Levuka have been urged to support and ensure the security and safety of health care staff.

Head of the Health ministry Dr Neil Sharma made the request at the opening of the Bureta Health Centre.

Dr Sharma voiced concerns of how ministry staff had been treated by certain communities where they had been transferred. "Sadly, communities have attacked some of my staff members. In some areas we had to close health facilities because of that. I trust you will care for my staff and this facility in the days and years ahead."

Their security affects healthcare delivery and out commitment to serve you. My hope is that Bureta Health Centre will stand firm in its reputation," he said.

Dr Sharma said with the village by-laws in progress health measures for basic sanitation and hygiene were being put in place. He said 'drastic measures' were being included to promote healthy lifestyles and to reduce the non-communicable disease risk factors.

"I note that the diabetes trend is evident in Bureta and Levuka," he said.

Dr Sharma said there would be more outreach services to the communities in Bureta and Moturiki.

"The diseases that haunt our lives are a testimony that basic elements of public health are affected.

Problems with water, sanitation, hygiene and other environmental health problems continue to occur. These are basic issues and pain us that this generation has not succeeded in maintaining these elements of healthy living," he said.

He said the lack of chlorinated water accounted for poor dental status of children and safety needed to be considered.

Photo Caption: Head of the Health Ministry, Dr Neil Sharma.
 

(Photo: Oceania Football Confederation)

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Kurukuru claim third Oceania title
Source: Oceania Football Confederation Press Release

The Solomon Islands have claimed their third consecutive OFC Futsal Championship at Suva’s Vodafone Arena on Saturday, finishing above runners-up Fiji and New Zealand who took third.

Dickson Kadau’s side concluded the round-robin competition in style with a 21-2 win over Tuvalu which almost matched the tournament record of 23-1 set by the Futsalroos over Samoa back in 1996 when Australia was still part of OFC.

Kurukuru sensation Elliot Ragomo showed why he is one of the best in the region, scoring seven goals in his final match to claim the OFC Golden Boot Award just ahead of teammate Micah Lea’alafa.

Kadau says it was a team effort that took them to the title.

“The experienced players were all impressive but I have to say some of the youngsters also stood out this week. Coleman Makau was playing in his first OFC tournament and was particularly impressive.”

In other action on day seven, Fiji beat Vanuatu 4-0 while New Caledonia upset New Zealand 6-4 to consign the Futsal Whites to third place behind the hosts on goal difference.

Vanuatu meanwhile finish in fourth place followed by Tahiti, New Caledonia and Tuvalu.

Ragomo, who was the first ever Solomon Islander to play futsal as a professional with Playas De Castellyon in Spain, picked up the OFC Golden Ball Award for his outstanding performances throughout the week.

Tahiti’s Atanui Tetihia meanwhile picked up the Golden Glove Award for best goalkeeper as he helped his side restrict the goals to just 16 - equal to table toppers Solomon Islands and Fiji.

The Tahitians also picked up the OFC Fair Play Award.

In 2011 the Oceania event will act as a qualifying tournament for the FIFA Futsal World Cup Thailand 2012. Next year’s edition is scheduled to take place in May with a decision on the venue coming later this year.
 

(Photo: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat)

WORLDWIDE: Pacific region promises opportunities for investment
Source: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Press Release

The Pacific Region promises great opportunities for investment despite the many disadvantages present in the countries.

In the keynote address at the first ever Pacific Islands Investment Summit being held in Sydney, Australia, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade told the delegates from the private sector and policy makers: “This is an entirely new opportunity, one neglected for too long, for investors to interact with policy makers from the region to review the state of investment and private sector development in the islands, to establish opportunities for match-making and to explore openings for increasing foreign investment flows to the Pacific Island Countries.”

“It is the first such event to focus purely on investment opportunities in Pacific island countries. As such, the gathering provides a timely context for enhancing understanding of the investment environment and of how investors can take advantage of the new commercial avenues which are available and being generated by developments in the Pacific.

“For despite many disadvantages, the Pacific is a region of promise, with investment opportunities available in tourism, agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, general services, transport and construction; indeed, with what is expected of the LNG and mineral projects in PNG, the potential of resources in other island States, including in the seabed and maritime areas, the Pacific is a region of infinitive promise,” said Mr Slade.

Mr Slade told the delegates that the Summit is being held at a critical time for economies of the Pacific region.

“The global economic and financial crisis has affected all economies and one of the impacts has been on investor confidence. We hope there has been no undue erosion of that confidence. The past two years have been particularly challenging for countries seeking to attract investment. But with the crisis, lessons have been learnt and many countries have been able to undertake essential reforms to create better business-enabling environments, to make them conducive, and more attractive to foreign investors. This can only lead to new openings waiting for those who are prepared to think creatively, strategically and for the long-term.”

The Forum Secretary General said the just concluded 41st Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Vanuatu had the theme of “Navigating our challenges and opportunities together towards addressing the needs of the most vulnerable of our communities.”

‘This theme speaks directly to today’s Summit, for broad-based, private sector-led growth is essential to achieving faster development progress, and so that we can respond to the needs of the most vulnerable. Investment is absolutely necessary for economic growth, private sector development and wealth creation.

“But in the Pacific, as I am sure you all know, investment has always been bedeviled by regulatory and legal impediments, costly access to finance, insecurity of land tenure, regulated capital and the dual tyrannies of diseconomies of scale and distance from markets. All these factors increase the cost of doing business for aspiring investors, and for all those living and trading in the Pacific.”

Mr Slade told the Summit that in the Pacific, small and medium enterprises make up much of the private sector.

“These enterprises face difficulty accessing finance to support their establishment and growth. As related by the private sector in their dialogue with Forum Leaders last week in Port Vila, less than 20% of adults in the Pacific have access to financial services, and fewer still have access to credit. Investment capital is scarce or regulated in the region and therefore entrepreneurs, both domestic and foreign, cannot make the most of the many opportunities present in tourism, resources, services and manufacturing.

“This makes foreign investment all the more vital for exploiting the opportunities which are present in the region and which help to create a vibrant and growing business community. At the Private Sector Dialogue with the Leaders’ Plenary in Port Vila, as I have said, business representatives from Forum Member countries drew attention to the difficulty faced by businesses in the region when attempting to raise capital for investment. This puts the spotlight on the mutuality of responsibilities: on the part of Governments to create the enabling environment; and for the private sector investors to respond to the opportunities,” Mr Slade said.

He added: “Foreign investment builds the comparative advantage of Pacific countries which allow them to utilize the economic potential of their resources, and to develop the skills of island communities so that their own entrepreneurs can grow and flourish. The partnership with the foreign direct investors is, simply, fundamental; and I cannot over-emphasise the desirability and long-term value of these partnerships.”

Mr Slade pointed out that foreign investment is also needed for export production.

“The meaningful participation of Pacific Island economies in international and regional trade depends on their capacity to produce exports. Except for a few countries, export production requires substantial development and is one area that calls for the focus of discussions in the next two days, and around which foreign investment could be targeted. I hope investors present here will use the opportunity to explore with representatives from the Pacific Islands how they could potentially invest in export production in their respective countries. Remember, we are talking of a sizeable market of currently close to 10 million and, furthermore, that the region is already working towards a single Pacific economy through intensified regional integration under the Pacific Plan.”

The Summit is organized by the Forum Secretariat’s Pacific Islands Trade and Invest in Sydney. The event is attended by some 150 private sector entrepreneurs and policy makers from the Pacific region.

Photo Caption: Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade.