NEWSPAGE 22 July
2011

(Photo: SKY Network Television Limited)

NEW ZEALAND: TAB tips Tua to take down Barrett

(Photos: Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme)

SAMOA: Palau unveils ‘Lady of the Sea’ carving at SPREP
Source: Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme Press Release

A tribute to the Year of the Dugong was unveiled by the Vice President of Palau Hon. Kerai Mariur in Samoa on Wednesday (July 20, 2011) to commemorate the special environment focus for this year.

The stunning carving of a dugong (also known as the ‘lady of the sea’)was gifted to the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) from the Government of Palau who are environmental leaders in the effort to protect marine species.

Palau was declared as the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009, this was further strengthened in 2010 through extending the protection to include all marine mammals including dugongs.

During a special unveiling ceremony at the SPREP headquarters in Apia yesterday, the Vice President of Palau expressed their appreciation to SPREP for their generous assistance to Palau and the Pacific region. The presentation of a special letter from the President of Palau to SPREP, the gifting of the carving and a copy of the “Mesekiu” booklet was made.

“This is symbolic of our national commitment toward conservation efforts,” said Vice Persident Mariur.

“The designation of the ‘Year of the Dugong’ is indicative of the enduring efforts of SPREP to continue to lend its assistance toward the protection and preservation of the ecological and rich marine ecosystems that sustain the balance of nature that our Pacific Island Countries continue to be dependent on.”

Palau was recognised for the Environmental Leadership shown by the nation with the presentation of a Certificate from SPREP. The Pacific nation was host of the regional launch of the Pacific Year of the Dugong and has since prepared many different resources to help conserve this critically endangered species.

“There is a saying, ‘actions speak louder than words’, and we must congratulate and commemorate Palau because they are taking positive actions and we are encouraged by these important efforts,” said Kosi Latu, the Acting Director of SPREP.

To learn more about the Dugong and hear the Dugong Song produced by Palau please visit the Pacific Year of the Dugong Website: http://www.sprep.org/Biodiversity/PYoD/index.asp
 

(Photo: American Samoa Diabetes Coalition)

AMERICAN SAMOA: Diabetes Coalition gains committed spokesperson
Source: Samoa News

Reagan Maui'a, fullback for the Arizona Cardinals is not one to shy away from a challenge. During a recent visit to the territory as a member of the "Samoa Camp" team of NFL players and coaches here to inspire and super-charge local youth football clinics...

the recently formed American Samoa Diabetes Coalition tapped Maui'a, a native of Faleniu, as an official spokesperson for the local coalition.

Originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth-round of the 2007 NFL Draft, Maui'a later played for the Cincinnati Bengals before signing with Arizona, where he now wears jersey #45. He played college ball in Hawaii, returning home recently for the highly successful Samoa Camp.

In a place where titles are highly prized, Maui'a said of this one: "It's an honor for me to be the spokesperson for the American Samoa Diabetes Coalition."

There's a story behind the story, and a reason he is committing himself to this cause. At an early morning walk sponsored by the American Samoa Diabetes Coalition, which he attended before departing the territory Maui'a explained, "At my heaviest, I was 380 lbs! I couldn't tie my shoes. I got tired of it. I picked up a book and started to educate myself about the value of nutrition. Before that, I ate anything. And it was all the wrong foods - white flour, white rice, fat and soda. Now at 250 lbs, I am much more conscience of what I eat."

"Now, I know how important it is to be educated about nutrition," he added.

Speaking of diabetes, currently at epidemic proportions in the Pacific he said, "We need to help each other overcome this disease that's taking too many of our loved ones too soon." Obesity is a major factor in adult onset diabetes, and tackling obesity is a must to avoid the myriad problems which diabetes brings. Loss of limbs, blindness, kidney failure and a too-early death are some of the many reasons to take the disease very seriously.

The American Samoa Diabetes Coalition held "Walk 4 Your Diabetes", on Saturday, July 2, to highlight the importance of exercise in combating the disease. Maui'a attended, and led some 200 residents and friends in a walk from Fagaalu Park to Utulei Beach Park, after which he showed the group some "great stretching exercises" according to one enthusiastic participant.

He said afterward, "I hope these walks happen more often. I'd like to see families walking together. It's a great time for family members to bond."

Maui'a, who knows firsthand the challenges of excess weight said, "Struggling with weight was not easy. When I was at my lowest point, I prayed. That's where I got my strength." And in turn, Reagan Maui'a is lending his strength, his voice, to a vital cause.


About the American Samoa Diabetes Coalition

The American Samoa Diabetes Coalition was founded in July, 2010 as a non-profit 501(c3) organization registered in the territory. The officers and board of directors are: Chairman: Father Vaiula Iulio; Treasurer: Loata Sipili (Certified Diabetes Educator at LBJ); and Secretary: Jacinta Fuamatu. Members of the coalition include: Dr. Faiese Roby, Rep. Larry Sanitoa, Dr. Bethel Howard-Muasau, Director Faafiti Pita Tauanuu, Sandra King-Young, Faraitoafa Utu, Reverend Samuelu Areta, Reverend Fouvale Asiata, Moelilia Tolo, Daphne Fale, Danielle King and Sia Figiel.

Their mission statement is "To increase community knowledge and awareness, and to provide community services in controlling and preventing diabetes and other non communicable diseases."

To that end, said Dr. Roby, "We are looking for volunteers for our activities; we plan to hold a Walk for Diabetes once a month. But you don't have to wait for a once a month event... every day, from Nuuuli to Aveina store in Matu'u (round trip) a walk is led by Dr. Roby and Sia Figiel, at 5:00 am and the public is invited.

The Diabetes Prevention and Control Program under ASG's Department of Health initiated the coalition when the program co-ordinator, Dr. Roby realized that more support was needed in the community to combat this problem.

"In order for us to promote the campaign against diabetes, we needed representatives from different areas of the community, and we have tried to do this with our board and coalition members" she told Samoa News.

Figiel, one of the Diabetes Coalition's most outspoken members, an accomplished poet and award-winning author in her own right is newly dedicated to combat the disease. She shared these thoughts in conversation with Samoa News: "It took me 10 years to become public about my diabetes. It's a disease that affects every aspect of your life. Not only the physical deterioration that comes with uncontrolled blood sugar, but the depression that sets in when you tell yourself you have no hope."

"It's out of that feeling of hopelessness that you dig into yourself and find what's important. My children are my most cherished possession. I do not want them to be burdened with a disease that I could have prevented but didn't." she declared.

She added, "It astounds me to know that while I'm fighting to save my own life, I help someone else in the process." And of the Diabetes Coalition's newest spokesperson, Reagan Maui'a, Figiel says, "He rocks!"
 

Photo Caption: Reagan Maui’a, NFL player with the Arizona Cardinals, and newest spokesperson for the American Samoa Diabetes Coalition, stands with Dr. Faiese Roby, head of the Department of Health Diabetes Prevention and Control program, which spearheaded the new coalition.

FIJI: Women care for resources
Source: Fiji Times

A visit to a craft workshop was an eye opener for a group of rural women in the North. The women say it helped them realise the importance of environment conservation.

The members of the Macuata Soqosoqo Vakamarama visited the two-week Cikobia women's craft and sustainable livelihood training workshop in Labasa this week.

The participants had on show the handicraft which they had created in the first two days at the workshop.

"These handicraft items are created with the natural resources on Cikobia and our visitors also got an insight into the various uses of natural resources and the actions they can take to protect their environment," project co-ordinator Penina Namata said. She said creating awareness to a large audience was one of the aims of the workshop. "This workshop aims to promote the importance of protecting and maintaining our island's natural resources from where all the raw material for traditional craft are derived," Ms Namata said.

She said the women of Cikobia were engaged in the revival of masi (tapa) production, which had been absent from the island.

"The women will learn and promote the idea of the importance of sustainable harvest, proper management and conservation of their natural resources on Cikobia and elsewhere in the Northern Division.

"It is important to plant and keep planting the resources for traditional crafts."
 

(Photo: TVNZ ONE News)

NIUE: Niue's derelict homes destined for tourists
Source: TVNZ ONE News

The island of Niue is looking at original ways to use dozens of homes which have been left derelict as a result of a fleeing population.

Many leave Niue for the bright lights of Auckland, with 22,000 Niueans living in New Zealand compared with 1300 living in their homeland.

Premier Toke Talangi told ONE News there is concern, but not much that can be done "until we've actually started building the economy and given them the confidence to come back."

Around one in three homes on the island is empty, the figure of neglected homes is over 70.

Many of the empty homes are overrun with plants and have become dumping grounds, with some condemned.

However, a court ruling has said before demolition of condemned houses can occur evidence of ownership is required, as well as proof the house actually needs demolition.

With little success cleaning up abandoned homes under such legislation the Government has done a u-turn, deciding it would like to fill the homes with tourists.

"They are assets as far as I see them we are looking at renovating some of them to use for accommodation," said Talangi.

With the help of New Zealand funding Niue hopes to boost visitor numbers from the current 6000 a year to 20,000 over the next decade.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murray McCully told ONE News numbers have already started to pick up, and was confident that they would continue to increase.

A recent parliamentary report suggested the island could be turned into a retirement village for New Zealanders, given its attractive location and available housing stock.

"It's an idea. We'll explore any possibilities," Talangi said.

Photo Caption: One of many abandoned homes in Niue.

(Photos: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat)

WORLDWIDE: Ministers to map out region's economic action plan
Source: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Press Release

Advancing issues of economic management and development remain high on the Pacific Islands Forum’s agenda.

Forum Economic Ministers converged this morning in Apia, Samoa, for their two-day meeting to deliberate on means of managing the region’s economies through strategic policy responses leading to the formulation of the 2011 Forum Economic Action Plan.

The Forum Economic Ministers Meeting (FEMM) acts as a key adviser to Pacific Islands Forum Leaders on broader issues of economic management and development. Forum Leaders meet this year in Auckland, New Zealand, from 6th-9th September, where they will be appraised of key issues discussed by the Ministers.

“At previous FEMM meetings, Economic Ministers agreed on ways to manage Pacific economies through policy responses, such as safeguarding macroeconomic stability, pursuing reforms to create an enabling environment for private sector development and strengthening areas of comparative advantage such as agriculture, tourism and fisheries sectors,” explains the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Tuiloma Neroni Slade.

“Persevering with implementation of these policies is essential, and they continue to be the basis for cooperation and to provide guidance for the region.”

Economic Ministers will also be sharing country experiences on measures taken to broaden the economic base and increase growth.

“Discussions are also expected to cover macroeconomic developments since their meeting in Niue last year, including food and oil price implications,” says Mr Slade.

“Other items on the FEMM’s agenda will include updates on the implementation of the Forum Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination in the Pacific, options to improve access to and management of climate change resourcing, Pacific interests in G20 developments, and access to finance for economic growth.”

Forum Economic Officials gathered on 19th July before transmitting their recommendations through to FEMM. All meetings will be held at the Tooa Salamasina Hall in Apia.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Prime Minister of Samoa, Honourable Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, delivering the opening address at 2011 FEMM.

Photo 2 - Forum Secretary General, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, at the 2011 FEMM Opening Ceremony.