NEWSPAGE 20 June
2011

(Photo: Solomon Star)

NEW ZEALAND: NZ to invest in Solomon Islands tourism upgrade

(Photo: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat)

SAMOA: Samoa first to access PEC Fund
Source: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Press Release

Samoa is the first country to access US$4million under the Pacific Environment Community (PEC) Fund.

The PEC Fund is a commitment by the Government of Japan of ¥6.8 billion (approx US$66 million) to support Forum Island Country (FIC) projects with a focus on the provision of solar power generation systems and sea water desalination plants, or a combination of both.

At the signing ceremony held today in Apia to secure Samoa’s financial allocation, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, congratulated Samoa for being the first FIC to access its indicative country allocation of US$4 million under the PEC Fund.

“I also take this opportunity to thank the Government of Japan and its people for this generous contribution, which will no doubt assist the Government of Samoa in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy options, and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.”

Mr Slade added that he looked forward to other countries of the region tapping into the PEC Fund.

“It is encouraging to note that most countries are making significant progress in the development of their detailed project proposals to access the PEC Fund and the Secretariat looks forward to receiving them in due course.”

Also at the signing ceremony in Apia was Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji, H.E. Yutaka Yoshizawa, who welcomed Samoa’s good work in being the first to access the PEC Fund.

“I wish Samoa success in the implementation of this project, so that this will be a great model for future projects funded by the PEC Fund,” said Ambassador Yutaka Yoshizawa. “I hope that many other projects under the PEC Fund will be formalised in the near future for all 14 Forum Island Countries.”

Ambassador Yoshizawa is responsible for Japan-PIF relations while stationed in Fiji.


Samoa’s project

The US$4 million PEC Fund allocation for Samoa will go towards the “Samoa 400kWp Solar PV Project”, to be managed by Samoa’s electricity supplier, the Electric Power Corporation (EPC).

It is anticipated that this project will reduce the EPC’s and Samoa’s reliance on fossil fuels for power generation, resulting in significant fuel and electricity cost savings.

“This project will provide a number of benefits to the EPC and people of Samoa,” said Samoa’s Minister for Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Utilities, Honourable Manualesagalala Enokati Posala.

“It is expected that this project will displace approximately 135,000 litres of fuel per annum. This represents SAT 350,000 (approx.US$150,000) in fuel cost savings as well as a reduction in harmful greenhouse gas emissions.”

EPC General Manager, Muaausa Joseph Walter, said Samoa relies heavily on imported fossil fuels to meet its energy needs including power generation.

“About 40% of Samoa’s total electricity production is generated from hydro, with the rest from two diesel power plants and a very small percentage from solar power,” said Mr Walter.

“With the unpredictable price of fuel and the impact of climate change and climate variability on the region, the Electric Power Corporation has faced a number of problems in trying to provide reliable and affordable electricity to its customers.

“Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is a proven technology and with the abundant resource available, Samoa can benefit from the additional and secure energy supply.”


Mitigating effects of climate change

Secretary General Slade further welcomed Samoa’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change through the use of renewable energy to displace the use of fossil fuels.

“In their Call to Action in 2009, Forum Leaders declared climate change as the great challenge of our time, for it threatens not only our vulnerable livelihoods, economies and environment but the very viability of some Pacific communities,” said Mr Slade.

“It is well-acknowledged that the role of our island nations in the causes of global climate change is miniscule, though the impact on them is great and the security and sustainability of our countries highly at risk.

“Now is the time to act and I commend the Government of Samoa for all its efforts to mitigate against the impacts of climate change through the generous contribution of the Government of Japan.”


Linking national, regional and international priorities

“For a project such as this one to be effective and sustainable, clear linkages need to be established between the relevant national, regional and international development priorities,” added Mr Slade.

“Samoa’s project does exactly this, by linking the Strategy for the Development of Samoa 2008-12 and the Samoa National Energy Policy, with international and regional policies and plans, including the Millennium Development Goals, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Pacific Plan, Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change 2006 - 15 and the recently endorsed Framework for Action on Energy Security in the Pacific.”

Mr Slade added that making such linkages was also in line with Forum Leaders’ commitment under the Forum Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination endorsed in 2009.

“I encourage the implementers of Samoa’s 400kWp solar PV project, EPC, to continually report on the impacts and outcomes of this project through the various national, regional and international instruments, and wish the Government of Samoa every success in the implementation of this important project.”


Japan’s commitment

In May of 2009 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders met with the Government of Japan at the 5th Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM 5) in Hokkaido, Japan. At the PALM 5 Summit, Leaders issued the Islanders’ Hokkaido Declaration which reaffirmed Leaders’ commitment to collaborate and cooperate on a wide range of issues.

A significant part of the Declaration was the launch of the PEC Fund, under which Japan provided a ¥6.8billion (approximately US$66 million) contribution to Forum Island Countries to tackle environmental issues. These funds will be used to support projects with a focus on the provision of solar power generation systems and sea water desalination plants.

A PEC Project Management Unit (PMU) has been set up at the Forum Secretariat in Suva, Fiji, tasked with administering and managing the PEC Fund. The PMU is guided by a Joint Committee (JC), chaired by the Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat. The JC comprises senior representatives of the Japanese Government and the Forum Secretariat. A Technical Advisory Group (TAG) comprising nominated experts in the fields of climate change, renewable energy, water and sanitation has been set up to appraise project proposals and make recommendations to the JC.


Accessing the PEC Fund

Access to individual country allocations under the PEC Fund is undertaken in a two phase process. Phase one involves submission of project Concept Notes from FICs to the Forum Secretariat. Once appraised by the PEC Project Management Unit and a Technical Advisory Group (TAG), and if the outcome is positive, the FIC is then invited to progress to phase two which involves the development of a detailed project proposal for consideration and final approval by the PEC Fund Joint Committee.

Photo Caption: (L-R) Reverend Elisaia Kolia; Hon. Manualesagalala E. Posala, Samoa's Minister for Works, Transport and Infrastructure; H.E. Yutaka Yoshizawa, Ambassador of Japan to Fiji; Tuiloma Neroni Slade, Secretary General, PIFS; Hon. Fonotoe Nuafesili Pierre Lauofo, Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa.

(Photos: Office of Congressman Faleomavaega)

AMERICAN SAMOA: Faleomavaega hosts History Day and Close Up students
Source: Office of Congressman Faleomavaega Press Release

Congressman Faleomavaega announced last Friday (June 17, 2011) that he was pleased to host a total of 22 students and 14 chaperones (teachers, advisors/administrators and parents) from American Samoa who visited Washington, D.C. this week for the Close Up and National History Day programs. This year’s groups represented the high schools of Tafuna, Faga’itua, Leone, Nu’uuli Polytechnic, Samoana, South Pacific Academy, Manu’a, Iakina Adventist Academy, and Tafuna Elementary.

The Close Up group arrived Wednesday morning for discussion and lunch at the Congressman’s office in the Rayburn House Office Building. They were later joined by the National History Day group. During the discussion, the students asked a variety of questions regarding local issues in American Samoa such as tourism, healthcare, and the economy as well as the role of federal government, the national financial crisis, and the exchanging of ideas across the generation gap.

After discussion and lunch in the Congressman’s office, Faleomavaega, along with his wife Hinanui, his daughter Leonne, and her husband and NFL player with the Cincinnati Bengals Fui Vakapuna, led the combined group to the House Committee on Natural Resources meeting room in the Longworth Building, where the students and chaperones took their places in the committee members’ seats and continued their discussion about the role of congressional committees in shaping national policy. Faleomavaega is one of the senior members of the House Committee on Natural Resources which has jurisdiction over issues involving the insular areas.

The Congressman then led the students and chaperones on a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol. They visited the House Chamber where they observed from the House Gallery live debate and floor statements by members of Congress. The group then gathered for a photo opportunity with the Congressman on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, where they sang a few Samoan songs and met other members of Congress including Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL) and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO). As the Close Up students parted ways for an afternoon meeting with Close Up students from the other Insular areas, the National History Day group continued to tour the Capitol with members of the Congressman’s staff.

“First of all, I would like to thank our Close Up and National History Day students for spending the day with my office in Washington, D.C. I was very impressed by their intriguing questions and eagerness to learn and participate in the democratic process and contribute to their community. I am delighted to see our future leaders gaining experience and exposure to the federal government system and sharing their ideas,” the Congressman stated.

“I would also like to thank the teachers, administrators, and parents who accompanied the students as chaperones and advisors on their trip. Much of a student’s success in their education is fostered by your unconditional support and commitment,” the Congressman added.

“Lastly, I want to thank the Close Up Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities and American Samoa Humanities Council for their funding support for the Close Up and National History Day programs. I thank the staff of both programs for hosting our students and for allowing our office to be a part of their unique experience in Washington,” Faleomavaega concluded.


Close Up

Students:
1. Arielle Joy Andales Regis (Leone)
2. Sarojni Singh (Leone)
3. Davicia Tautai (Leone)
4. Jasmine Muasau (Samoana)
5. Fululele Neria (Samoana)
6. Tiaina Taliu (Samoana)
7. Zimmerman Enosa (Faga’itua)
8. Sinaumea Vaiau (Faga’itua)
9. Meaalofa Leite (Tafuna)
10. John Ludgate (Tafuna)
11. Cory Sene (Tafuna)
12. Darien Tauiliili (Tafuna)
13. Tiara Williams (Tafuna)
14. Vatauomalotetele Fanene (Nu’uuli Voc Tech)
15. Tinetali Filoiali’i (Manu’a)
16. Ioane Gabriel Tuiteleleapaga (South Pacific Academy)
17. Naphtaliah Reed (Iakina Adventist Academy)

Teachers/Advisors:
1. Seleni Naiuli (Faga’itua)
2. Beauty Tuiasosopo (Tafuna)
3. Chris Punipuao Peko (Nu’uuli Voc Tech)
4. Donald Mataese (Manu’a)


National History Day

Students:
1. Tyrone Travers (Faga’itua)
2. Tasiaeafe Gutu (Faga’itua)
3. Miracle Esekia (Faga’itua)
4. Akash Sivakumar (South Pacific Academy)
5. Charu Joserose (Tafuna Elementary)

Chaperones:
1. Faugagana Fagaava (Faga’itua)
2. Tutuila Manase (Tafuna Elementary)
3. Leetha Faoa (Tafuna HS)
4. Sa'ofetalai Aikala-Faulkner (South Pacific Academy)
5. Nofo Te'o-Utu (American Samoa Humanities Council)
6. Vili L. Utu
7. Mr. Sivakumar
8. Mrs. Sivakumar
9. Mr. Joserose
10. Mrs. Joserose
 

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - (L-R) Congressmen Emanuel Cleaver, Eni Faleomavaega, Alcee Hastings, and Faletua o Hina.

Photo 2 - Group singing Samoan songs on the Capitol Steps.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: College graduates ready to enter job market
Source: The National

A total of 110 Papua New Guineans are now ready to work for internationally recognised trade and service organisations after graduating from the Australia-Pacific Technical College last Thursday (June 16, 2011).

The latest round of graduates from the institute includes carpenters, electricians, diesel fitters, plumbers, refrigeration mechanics, childcare workers, hairdressers and tour guides.

“These graduates provide PNG with the skills and qualifications needed by today’s employers,” AusAID head in PNG Stephanie Copus-Campbell said.

“This is great news for the graduates themselves, and their families, all of whom will benefit from jobs.

“But more broadly, these skilled graduates will drive PNG’s economy and development.”

Danny Virobo, who works as an electrician at the Naval Base HMPNG­S Basilisk, is among those graduating with a certificate III in systems electrical.

“This training has improved my skills and my work,” he said.

“With the knowledge I can supervise and train junior electricians.”

Rita Omahi, a conference orga­niser and front house worker with the Bird of Paradise Hotel, in Goroka, is graduating with a certificate in hospitality.

“I think we all have improved our skills, knowledge and standards from this training,” Omahi said.

“I am in a much better position to offer this after attending the APTC.”

Since opening in 2007, the APTC has trained more than 700 students in fields ranging from automotive and construction through to commercial cooking.
 

(Photo: International Rugby Board)

FIJI: $5000 haircut for child cancer fundraiser
Source: Fiji Times

Flying Fijians first five-eighth Nicky Little has issued a challenge to have his hair shaved off for $5000.

Joining this challenge to also have their hair shaved off or saved at a cost are the Laughing Samoans, Eteuati Ete and Tofiga Fepulea'i.

The challenge comes in the wake of the 'Shave It or Save It' campaign that was launched by the Walk On Walk Strong Committee in partnership with the Fiji Cancer Society.

The campaign is part of a fundraising drive that will help children with cancer as was the wish of the late Tae Kami, a teenager who died in 2008 after a four-year battle with cancer.

Honouring his daughter's memory yesterday, Taholo Kami said he and his wife, Sina, were pursuing their daughter's dreams of building awareness of child cancer and easing victim's suffering.

"WOWS plans to approach businesses and organisations to nominate volunteers to have their hair shaved off publicly. Their baldheads will become a symbol of solidarity with cancer victims who often lose their hair when they receive chemotherapy treatment," he said.

In the Shave It or Save It initiative, nominees for shaved heads and their supporters will aim to raise $1000 to 'pay' for the haircut, explained Mr Kami.

"If the candidates for baldness want to save their locks, they can match the $1000 contribution to gain a reprieve. It's a fun way for businesses and organisations to contribute in a very meaningful way and raise the profile of children with cancer," he said.

Fiji's first mass haircut has been scheduled to take place at the Vodafone Arena on August 13 when the WOWS annual walk for cancer will take place.

To mark the launch yesterday, three people including a woman had their hair shaved off by a team of professionals from Jade VIP.

Mr Kami said they aimed to collect $100,000 from the fundraiser.

Photo Caption: For a good cause... Nicky Little will cut his hair for $5000 to help raise funds to help children with cancer.

(Photo: Adventure World)

WORLDWIDE: Adventure World announces Islands brochure
Source: eTravel Blackboard

Adventure World has officially launched its new Islands brochure for 2011/12, showcasing its unique range of itineraries and destinations in the South Pacific, now including lesser known holiday locations such as Papua New Guinea, Niue, Tonga and the Solomon Islands, and a range of new and improved features.

Well known destinations such as Fiji, Vanuatu, Tahiti, New Caledonia and the Cook Islands are incorporated in the comprehensive new brochure, which offers holidays that provide genuine immersion into traditional South Pacific culture.

Suggested itineraries are one of the brand new features of the brochure, ensuring travellers can choose the trip of a lifetime with ease, whether it is a range of activities in a single destination, or an island hop with a combination of two or more locations.

“The fresh new suggested itineraries are thoroughly researched by our teams on the ground, and are an excellent place to start when planning your South Pacific island getaway”, says Andrew Mulholland, General Manager, Adventure World.

“We’re flexible because we know our customers are. The path less travelled is the one holidaymakers choose for themselves, so like our itineraries, all our options are flexible. We believe in independent travel, with an emphasis on getting up close and personal with the local people and their customs”, he concluded.

Other indispensable features for travellers include top picks from Adventure World, the team with genuine know-how, when to go and year-round temperature guide, detailed information on each property and location, and even advice on getting married in the South Pacific.

Adventure World is proud to offer tailor-made, independent holidays to unique South Pacific locations, and with over 30 years of travel experience, first hand destination knowledge and impeccable attention to detail, Adventure World takes the guess work out of planning a holiday.