NEWSPAGE 22 September
2010

(Photo: Pacific Media Centre)

(Photo: Ultimate Rugby Sevens)

SAMOA: Samoa sevens squad named for Commonwealth Games
Source: Ultimate Rugby Sevens

IRB Sevens Player of the Year Mikaele Pesamino has been confirmed in Samoa’s squad for next month’s Commonwealth Games in New Delhi (11-12 October).

The flying winger scored 56 tries last season, playing a crucial part in Samoa’s maiden overall triumph on the IRB Sevens World Series.

Peasamino signed professional terms with English Premiership club Sale Sharks in the summer but his original visa application was declined as he had not sat an English exam.

He is now set to join up with the Cheshire-based club after Delhi, with Sharks Head Coach Mike Brewer giving him clearance to play in the Games last week.

One major blow for the islanders will be the loss of influential half-back Uale Mai who has joined Spanish side El Salvador and is unavailable for his country.

The vastly experienced Mai has scored 1174 IRB Sevens points and played an integral role in Samoa’s recent success.

10 of the squad that clinched the Series at the Edinburgh Sevens in May return with the side again captained by kicking machine Lolo Lui.

Dynamic forwards Alafoti Fa'osiliva and Simaika Mikaele were in red-hot form last season and will look to fuel Samoa to a first-ever gold medal.

Scrum-half Paul Chan Tung and Apelu Fa’aigua have also been drafted in by coach Stephen Betham.


Samoa squad for Commonwealth Games:

Ofisa Trevaranius, Simaika Mikaele, Alafoti Faosiliva, Afa Aiono, Pale Toelupe, Apelu Fa'aiuga, Lolo Lui, Alatasi Tupou, Reupena Levasa, Mikaele Pesamino, Paul Chan Tung, Fautua Otto.

Photo Caption: Uale Mai ruled out but Mikaele Pesamino plays.
 

(Photo: J. Kneubuhl)

AMERICAN SAMOA: ASCC Phi Theta Kappa to induct new members for Spring 2010
Source: American Samoa Community College Press Release

The Alpha Epsilon Mu Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) will hold its fall 2010 induction ceremony this Friday evening to induct 26 new members. The Society invites family and friends of the new and current PTK members to join the college’s administrators and faculty for the ceremony in the ASCC Lecture Hall, beginning at 7 p.m. this Friday, September 24th.

For each induction, the PTK invites a distinguished member of the community to give special remarks, and at this Friday’s ceremony, ASCC alumni and current GEAR UP instructor Anthony Felise will speak on the evening’s theme of, “be the change that you want to see in the world”. Felise graduated from ASCC in fall 2007, and went on to earn a Bachelors of Science degree in Mathematics from Texas A&M. Today, he works with the local GEAR UP program as its math instructor.

At each induction ceremony, the new inductees take the oath to uphold the values of the PTK, and perform the ceremonial lighting of candles representing the mythical Greek “flame of knowledge”. Phi Theta Kappa recognizes and encourages excellence in scholarship among associate degree students. The Greek words Phi Theta Kappa mean wisdom (Phi), aspiration (Theta) and purity (Kappa). The society bases its programs on its four hallmarks: scholarship, leadership, service and fellowship. The society provides more than $35 million worth of scholarships annually to students nationwide. Each member is automatically nominated for inclusion in the prestigious National Dean’s List, and is also enrolled in the PTK Transfer Database, which links senior institutions across the nation offering scholarships to PTK members.
Every semester, PTK advisors Jim Sutherland, Elvis Zodiacal, Randall Baker, To’aiva Fiame-Tago, Athena Mauga, and Tina Tapua’i review the ASCC Dean’s List and other relevant data to determine which students qualify for the membership in the Society. Candidates must have taken at least 12 credits, passed their English 150, English 151 and Math 90 classes, and have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Qualifying students receive an invitation to join PTK, and most of those invited readily accept the offer.

Present PTK Members include Sophia A’asa (Secretary), Rani Anandan (Vice President), Susie Casem, Estefania Durterte, Meletaumoe Elisara, Tasi Fanolua, Maria Carla Felix, Amber Fuaga (President), Fiamama I’atala, Gaoa Iuta, Imeleta Lilo, Gemmir Luardo (Treasurer), Judy Matautia, Nolita Moyu, Mercy Parungo, Czarina S. Rogue, Ruby Tapuai, Gloria Tavia, Taua Tuionoula, Marx Ulimasao, Lalomoana Vaeao, Motusaga Vaeoso, and Kristina Vailolo.

The fall 2010 inductees are Monica Afalava, Abigail Asiata, Sina Auomanu, Peleimatua Betham, Shawntiarre Faumui, Astrid Johannson, Easther Kim, Ronaivit Leiato, Theodora Leiato, Wilson Leiato, Pelenatete K. Leilua, Fa’apopo Liua, Nerisa F. Maiava, Samual Meleisea, Metotagivale Meredith, Geraldine Neru, Diana Pereira, Va’atofu Shontel Poloai, Tavita Poutoa, Ryan Taifane, Peleiupu Thoma, Vincent J. Tofilau, Carly Toia, Justin Tuiasosopo, Victore Tuiasosopo, and Tonya Tuigamala.

For more information about the nationwide activities of Phi Theta Kappa, visit their website at: www.ptk.org.

Photo Caption: The new inductees into the ASCC chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society
congratulate advisor Jim Sutherland (centre) on his 74th birthday. The PTK will hold its fall 2010 induction ceremony this Friday evening at 7 p.m. in the ASCC Lecture Hall.
 

(Photo: Fiji Broadcasting Corporation)

FIJI: Fiji Prime Minister praises China's goodwill
Source: Fiji Broadcasting Corporation

Fiji is indebted to the Chinese government for the assistance and guidance they have provided in recent years says Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Bainimarama made the comments as he launched the China-based UnionPay credit card in Fiji.

UnionPay is a Chinese equivalent of Visa and Master Card credit cards.

Bainimarama says the launch of the credit card is another example of Fiji’s growing relationship with China.

“We in Fiji are honoured to be recognized this morning in achieving this vision. I am also proud to attribute this auspicious occasion to my governments initiative and the Chinese Governments goodwill and willingness to engage in closer economic ties. The people of Fiji continue to be sincerely indebted to the Chinese government for various forms of assistance and guidance.”

Bainimarama says UnionPay cards will greatly enhance business and tourism between Fiji and China and create greater awareness of Fiji in the Chinese market.

“The official launch of China UnionPay products in Fiji will enable local merchants and business to be aware of this great brand. With greater acceptance across the country this is a vital call in the development of the potential Chinese Tourism Market. Indeed Fiji will gain publicity from this launch back in China as UnionPay should increase awareness of Fiji as a tourist destination.”

Fiji is the only Pacific country after Australia and New Zealand to use the card which is accepted around the world.

Photo Caption: Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
 

TUVALU: Tuvalu launches 4-year roadmap for fisheries
Source: Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency Press Release via Scoop Independent News

After months of discussion, consultation, and planning, Tuvalu launched a roadmap for how to strengthen its fisheries institutions, manage and develop its fisheries and coordinate activities of government.

The smallest FFA member country, with only nine small atolls and islands and 11,000 people, Tuvalu’s fish are vital. Two out of three households go out fishing for food, while licence fees for foreign vessels have formed 25-50% of the GDP. However it faces a number of challenges including sea rise due to climate change, the global economic crisis and low revenue from fishing compared to foreign profits (an estimated $9 million worth of fish was caught in 2009, while licence fees were only 5 % of this).

To counter these problems, Tuvalu needs strong institutions that encourage local fisheries development, manage the tuna stocks and create sustainable economies. The Institutional Strengthening Scoping Study Report, drafted by Tuvalu’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Department of Fisheries and the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency with support from the UNDP-GEF funded Oceanic Fisheries Management Project, is a roadmap for how to do this over a period of four years.

The roadmap includes providing financial and technical resources to help the Department of Fisheries respond to the above institutional challenges through management and conservation that meets regional and international obligations and moves towards more effective and efficient fisheries that return greater revenue. It also includes key social issues such as cultural impact, gender, poverty reduction and environmental impact. Factors in the design to promote sustainability include continuous community input and measures taken to reduce staff turnover in the small island country.

The Tuvalu Government is now seeking funding support (AUD3.5 million) for the implementation of its 4-years Institutional Strengthening Programme. Some of the activities under the programme will be provided by FFA while others will be funded from other sources, including bi-lateral funding.

The Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment (MNE), Faatasi Malologa officially launched the ISP. He said: “This program as we all see it, is an answer to the many problem that the Department of Fisheries has been experiences in past years. Tuvalu is vulnerable to the impact of climate change and global economic crisis. In the Fisheries sector, Tuvalu seeks support to these vulnerabilities through institutional strengthening in the Fisheries Department and the delivery of services and contributions to building domestic fisheries within sustainable limits."

“Under its new fisheries policy, the Government will explore alternative means to ensure revenue earned is proportion to the true value of tunas that are taken out of our fisheries waters. While carrying out these options, the Government is mindful of conservation measures and the need to consider and ensure ecosystem and precautionary principles are upheld."

“The Institutional Strengthening is of critical importance to our national capacity building, especially with respects to human resources development, enhancement of conservation and management measures within our EEZ with emphasis on sustainable development, fisheries management planning, technical development and coastal fisheries management and legislation to strengthen regulation and surveillance systems. On behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and also on behalf of the Government of Tuvalu, I like to convey our sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciation to the FFA for the great assistance rendered in the formulation of this very important document.”

The Director-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) N.F. Tanielu Su’a said: “FFA is pleased to note the progress of Tuvalu in creating this roadmap for sustainable fisheries and to support its efforts with this critical document. This assistance is part of our goal of helping members achieve food security and local development and fulfil their commitment to the Millennium Development Goals.”
 

(Photo: Solomon Islands Football Federation)

WORLDWIDE: Pacific football online presence on the rise
Source: Oceania Football Confederation Press Release

Football in the Pacific now has an even greater online presence after the launch of yet another OFC member association website.

The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) unveiled its website at www.siff.com.sb this week to join a growing list of federations with a brand new online home.

SIFF is the sixth to have its website revamped, with the changes coming hot on the heels of those at Football Federation Samoa, Cook Islands Football Association, Football Federation American Samoa, Tonga Football Association and Fiji Football Association.

The New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea federations are next on the list and the plan is for all OFC member associations to have a new website by 2011.

Through OFC development funding, each association will be able to create its own online space, plus have the software tools to manage competitions, statistics, player records and other important data.

OFC General Secretary Tai Nicholas says it was important to develop an all-in-one system, now known as ‘O-Link’.

“It’s not just about new websites but also the whole framework that goes behind it,” Nicholas says.

“With this software, our members will be able to manage their own competitions and track players, coaches and referees to see exactly who is involved in the sport. These statistics will provide valuable insight in terms of patterns and trends, enabling administrators to find out where they are experiencing growth and which areas they still need to work on.”

“I would like to thank the staff at all of our member associations for working closely with the OFC Media and Communications department to make this project a success.”

The new sites have all been developed by New Zealand-based company StayinFront (Asia-Pacific) Ltd and follow a similar design to the OFC website.

They contain all the latest news, photographs, profiles, results and other information relating to football in their respective nations.

Nicholas says having a stronger online presence will be of great benefit in the Oceania region.

“Part of our vision is for fans right across the Pacific to have access to the wonderful stories of our teams and players while also seeing how football can be used as a tool for social development. The internet is a vital asset in achieving these goals.”