NEWSPAGE 06 May
2011

(Photo: Lindenberg & Partners PR)

NEW ZEALAND: Throw for Gold programme bags a sack of medals in year one

(Photos: Savali News)

SAMOA: Mothers of Samoa urged to value themselves and speak up
Source: Savali News

In the lead up to the celebration of Mother’s Day in Samoa this coming weekend, the Ministry of Women hosted a commemoration ceremony today (May 04, 2011) at Tooa Salamasina Hall.

In attendance were groups of women’s committees from across the country, who gathered to hear from the Minister of Women, Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua and his Associate Ministers Gatoloaifaana Amataga Gidlow and Tuilo’a Anetelea.

Tolofuaivalelei called for all mothers of Samoa to value themselves, as “some mothers devalue their contributions in society.”

He described mothers as the mortar that holds the foundations of community together, but acknowledged that opportunities must be made available in order for mothers, and women as a whole, to make meaningful contributions to their immediate and nationwide environs.

The Women’s Minister referred to the underrepresentation of women in Parliament, and rallied for more value to be placed on women’s issues and allow their contributions to be considered as highly in the political fora, as their male counterparts.

In her address, Associate Minister Gatoloaifaana lauded the endeavours of mothers at the village level, in addressing issues such as Health and Wellbeing, Organic Farming and promoting Education - all attempts to create a healthier and cohesive community better prepared and less likely to fall in to poverty. These issues, according to the former Minister of Health, were core community activities that form the foundation for stronger families, villages and country.

“This kind of contribution is vital, and I am reminded of my mother’s influence on my life. She insisted on better education for her children, and was very resourceful in finding the money to send us away to better schools - she was instrumental in making me the person I am today.”

Associate Minister Tuilo’a lightened the mood with an amusing address to the crowd.

“Women should embrace their natural inclinations. If they are gossips then they should keep gossiping. If they are greedy and don’t want to share what they have, then they should remain that way.”

Comical annotations aside, Tuilo’a also reaffirmed the need for more female representation in Parliament, which was then echoed by the Prime Minister who delivered un-scripted remarks to the crowd.

He spoke in response to a question posed by one elderly lady who queried the meaning of the commemoration theme “Women’s contribution to impact on village policy and good governance”.

“It means that the contribution of women is as important as that of men. It is important for everyone to have a say and speak up. The principles of good governance - accountability and transparency - are essential to Government’s operations, and it is important that there are checks and balances in place to maintain this.

“It is imperative that everyone voices their opinions… all too often you hear of meetings, be they village or office settings, where the majority do not voice their opinions or concerns and a small minority make the final decision.”

This can lead to decisions that are morally reprehensible and unfair, said Tuilaepa.

“Once the leaders stray, then the whole framework is skewed and the line between right and wrong is blurred. The onus is on everyone to speak up when something is wrong.”

The Prime Minister encouraged those who may be afraid to speak up, to do so without fear.

“Whistle blowers are protected, and I encourage you all to reveal what you know about any Minister or head, anything that they do that is wrong should be reported.”

“So if you know you are a gossip, then continue to gossip and report the wrongdoings of those who should know better, and who should be held accountable for their actions.”

The Mother’s Day public holiday will be observed on Monday 9th May.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - People attending the commemoration ceremony at Tooa Salamasina Hall.

Photo 2 - Gatoloaifaana Amataga speaks with a mother at the conclusion of the commemoration ceremony.
 

(Photo: Fagatogo Congregational Christian Church)

AMERICAN SAMOA: Rev. Ulu to give keynote speech at ASCC Spring 2011 graduation
Source: American Samoa Community College Press Release

The 54th commencement ceremony at the American Samoa Community College will take place on Friday, May 13th, beginning at 10 a.m. in the College Gymnasium. The College’s Admissions and Records Office estimates that 99 students will earn their degrees and certificates this semester, although the final number always depends on end-of-semester grade results. To make each commencement both memorable and unique, ASCC always strives to feature an inspiring and thought-provoking keynote speaker at its graduation ceremonies. This semester the College is honored to host Rev. Iasepi D. Ulu, Parish Minister of the Fagatogo Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa (CCCAS), whose life experience reflects the academic, traditional and spiritual values important to Samoans in today’s world.

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Rev. Ulu earned his Bachelor of Arts from Victoria University in Wellington in 1992 before continuing his studies the following year at Knox Theological College as a Seminary Student for the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand. In 1997, he graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity (BD) in Pastoral Studies, Otago University in Dunedin, New Zealand, where he also earned a Diploma in Post Graduate (DipGrad) Studies in Systematic Studies and a Diploma in Ministry (DipMin).

Rev. Ulu relocated from New Zealand to American Samoa in 1998, when he married Leone Ripley, daughter of Rev. Ned and Alice Ripley. In August of the same year, he was employed by the CCCAS as one of the founding teachers at Kanana Fou High School, while in October he was ordained by the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand as a Minister of Religion and served as an overseas missionary in American Samoa. Rev. Ulu was appointed Principal of Kanana Fou High School in 2001, a position he held until last year when he accepted a call from the Fagatogo CCCAS to serve as their Parish Minister.

The Reverend and his wife are the parents of three children, daughter Morgan, age ten; daughter Eciladen, age six; and the newest edition to the family, son Graceson Aloalii, born on April 28th of this year. Summarizing his philosophy towards public service, Rev. Ulu reflected, “I have always had the passion and commitment to help shape the minds of our young people, so they can better serve their families, communities, church and country.”

“The College has enjoyed a wide cross section of guest speakers at our commencements,” said Dean of Student Services Dr. Emilia Le’i. “These speakers have ranged from government dignitaries from Washington, D.C. to leaders in the local business community, from decorated soldiers in the US military to the former Mayor of Honolulu. What they all have in common is their roots here in American Samoa, and how they have gone on to accomplish great things either here at home or overseas. We look forward to Rev. Ulu’s keynote speech, and I’m sure he will offer our students, their families and friends, and all of us here at the College a perspective of great interest.”

Photo Caption: Reverend Iasepi D. Ulu, Parish Minister of the Fagatogo CCCAS, will provide the
keynote address at the 54th ASCC Commencement Ceremony this coming Friday, May
13th.
 

COOK ISLANDS: Traditional knowledge to be protected
Source: Cook Islands Herald

During the session on Culture and the Creative Industries, at the National Economic Summit at the National Auditorium last Tuesday, Secretary for Cultural Development Sonny Williams announced the formulation of a Traditional Knowledge Policy.

Entitled the “Cook Islands National Policy on Traditional Knowledge” the draft was prepared by Repeta Puna as part of a consultancy with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, supported by the South Pacific Community and the World Intellectual Property Organisation in Geneva. The outer islands (the southern group) were consulted last year including Te Koutu Nui and House of Ariki and some of the vakas.

Legislation is expected to be drafted next month.

The Cook Islands was one of six countries who put up their hands up to do this in the first round back in 2006 and PIFs rounded up those countries. At the beginning of 2010, the process of policy development was started by the six countries. Those countries are Cook Islands, Fiji, Palau, Kiribas, Solomons, Papua New Guinea.

It is a comprehensive draft of 19 pages covering issues such as protecting and preserving traditional knowledge and promoting the traditional knowledge, skills and works of the Cook Islands.

A major concern is promoting strategies which stimulate economic growth and benefit through the nurturing of small to medium enterprises which use traditional knowledge as their product base.

In a foreword by Minister for Culture Hon Teariki Heather, he states that the Policy “…articulates Government’s future direction and position on the promotion, preservation and protection of Traditional Knowledge. This is a sacred process which must be undertaken with the utmost care and humility. This policy will be the foundation of any future work for Traditional Knowledge in the Cook Islands; be it policy, legislation, procedural and operational. The articulation of this direction is way overdue as some of the Cook Islands knowledge and practices in the past were used without proper consent and benefit sharing processes. This policy is the first step to putting past selfish practices in the past and ensures the process of benefit sharing is made abundantly clear so the Owners benefit from the use, practice and care of their knowledge.”

According to the policy document, the purpose of the policy is to “ensure mechanisms are in place to protect, preserve and promote the Cook Islands Traditional Knowledge nationally, in the Pacific region, and internationally. This policy recognizes that traditional knowledge belongs to the indigenous communities of the Cook Islands whose ties to the 15 islands can be traced back traditionally and over many generations. This policy guides further work in relation to Traditional Knowledge by signaling key principles and objectives. This policy is a first step towards Government acknowledging its social responsibility to work in partnership with its indigenous communities to protect, preserve and promote this knowledge for the sake of current and future generations.”

By way of background information, the document refers to recent attempts to protect traditional knowledge from exploitation.

“Today, traditional knowledge is held by indigenous communities and used by many as part of daily living practices. Some of this knowledge has been compromised by modern inventions, skills and creations recreating the knowledge and experience of the users of this knowledge. Nonetheless traditional knowledge is now recognized as an important and valuable resource for indigenous people internationally and efforts are being made to protect, preserve and promote it. Globally, there are initiatives to protect this knowledge through the use of United Nation’s legal instruments like conventions, declarations and agreements. Examples of these are the United Nations Convention on the protection of Intangible Knowledge and Cultural Heritage, Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Convention on Biological Diversity, and Convention on the Promotion of the Expressions of Cultural Diversity.”

“The Pacific region developed a framework for the protection of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions which was endorsed by the Pacific Ministers of Culture in 2002. For the Cook Islands, this means that its Pacific neigbours are undertaking the same initiatives together to achieve some levels of protection for their most valuable asset; Traditional Knowledge. These initiatives will ensure there is consistent regional protection for our Traditional Knowledge at the same level. This work feeds into legislation which will ensure protection of this knowledge at the highest national level.”

“Traditional knowledge has become the backbone to our tourism industry, our primary source of income and foreign exchange. Additionally unscrupulous people come to the Cook Islands in search of our knowledge including sometimes for commercial reasons without due consideration for the creators and holders of that knowledge. The Cook Islands therefore needs strong mechanisms to protect our knowledge and to provide opportunities for Cook Islands people. This policy recognizes the need for different forms and levels of protection to benefit the people of the Cook Islands.”

In terms of economic benefits, the document states that “Government believes our traditional knowledge is the foundation from which our economy was built on. Government will support initiatives that will develop the economy. The economy today is basically private sector driven and the Government is committed to continuing that trend and providing support where it can to Cook Islands people who are innovators in the appropriate use of traditional knowledge through:

1. Establishing a link through the Ministry of Culture to channel effective support to the Are Korero of each traditional communities for the effective promotion of culture;

2. Supporting creative, innovative and enterprising initiatives to further enhance and promote TK as an economic product;

3. Create a brand for all Cook Islands products using traditional knowledge and have a label that gives sufficient warning of its protection;

4. Supporting the Ministry of Education initiatives to develop and blend in enterprising skills with all essential learning areas in the curriculum;

5. Looking for markets that will likely demand for products of our traditional knowledge through Trade Promotion programs abroad;

6. Encouraging the use of our local and tourism markets to promote our products.”

A copy of the Policy document may be obtained from the Ministry of Cultural Development
The intention is to draft legislation at a later date following consultations with interested parties.
 

(Photo: Oceania Football Confederation)

FIJI: Back to drawing board for Fiji
Source: Oceania Football Confederation Press Release

Team manager Sheik Ibrahim says the running of various football programmes in Fiji need to be reassessed after the national U-20 side he presided over bowed out of the OFC U-20 Championship at the semi-final stage last Thursday.

The squad arrived in Auckland a month before the tournament began to make sure they would be well prepared but that lengthy build-up counted for little when they were comprehensively beaten by eventual champions New Zealand 6-0 in the semi-final.

They faced an impressive Vanuatu side the next day in the 3rd/4th play-off and again failed to post a victory, going down 2-0 to return home empty-handed.

Ibrahim says the coaching staff expected more from their young charges and feels changes in the set-up need to be made.

“I believe we need to have another look at the various structures we have put in place," he says. "We need to asses our programmes and see what we can do to make them better.

“The team did not perform to expectations but the tournament is now gone and in the history books. It is very important that we learn from our mistakes quickly and hope not to repeat them when the other national sides get ready for their competitions.”

The Ravinesh Kumar-coached team did enjoy some success in group play in Auckland, beating American Samoa 5-1 and holding Papua New Guinea to a scoreless draw despite being down to ten men for most of the game. Their other Group A match resulted in a 2-0 defeat against Vanuatu.

Hosts New Zealand will go on to represent Oceania at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 after beating Solomon Islands 3-1 in the grand final.

The focus of the footballing public in Fiji now turns to the national futsal side, which will be in action later this month when the country plays host to the OFC Futsal Championship. The tournament will be held at Vodafone Arena in Suva from May 16 to 20 and also features Kiribati, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Following the futsal tournament, both the men's and women's national teams will take to the field again at the Pacific Games, set to take place in New Caledonia during August and September.

For more on Fiji football go to www.fijifootball.com.fj

Photo Caption: Fiji's Ilisoni Tuinawaivuvu (right) controls the ball under pressure from Papua New Guinea opponent Brett Seriba.
 

TUVALU: Tuvalu NGO says peer review a learning exercise
Source: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Press Release

The umbrella group for non-government organizations in Tuvalu, the Tuvalu Association of NGOs (TANGO) has described the peer review of development coordination undertaken in the country over the past week as a learning process.

At the invitation of the government of Tuvalu, a peer review team consisting of government representatives from Tonga (Ms Sinai Tuitahi) and Vanuatu (Mr Johnson Naviti) representing Forum island countries (FICs) and Mr David Smith from UNESCAP representing development partners, held discussions during the past week with government ministries, private sector, NGOs, Members of Parliament and development partners resident in the capital Funafuti. The team also held discussions with the Tuvalu High Commission and development partners based in Suva, Fiji.

The peer review coordinated by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat under the Cairns Compact for Strengthening Development Coordination looks at how FICs formulate their priorities, turn them into budgets, implement plans and monitor and report on results as well as how development partners act collectively and individually to support these national priorities and processes.

Ms Annie Homasi, Coordinator of TANGO told the peer review team, “we consider the peer review as a learning process as we might find opportunities as we meet with the members of the team who have come from other countries in the region.”

She said: “The government of Tuvalu recognises the capacity of the NGOs in national development so invites us to be represented on various development committees.”

But Ms Homasi urges the Government to also involve NGOs in the annual national budget discussions.

The Tuvalu peer review team concluded its discussions in Funafuti Tuesday 3rd May. Before leaving Tuvalu, the team presented their preliminary recommendations to the Government. A draft report of the team’s findings and recommendations will be ready in two weeks after leaving Tuvalu for the consideration of the Government before a final report in six weeks. The final report will include recommendations on priority actions to strengthen development coordination in Tuvalu for the Tuvalu government and as well as for Tuvalu’s development partners.”