NEWSPAGE 02 September
2011

(Photos: Mangere Arts Centre)

(Photo: Evotia Tamua)

SAMOA: Fetu Samoa shine in new strip
Source: Rugby League Samoa Press Release

Fetu Samoa unveiled their new playing strip as the team head off to play a historical test match against the Australian Jillaroos on September 3 at Apia Park International Stadium in Samoa.

A lead up game on August 30 between the Jillaroos and Patrons XIII at Marist Stadium in Samoa will be a exciting teaser to the test match.

Eight players are former Kiwi Ferns with experience in both codes of Rugby Union and League with ages ranging from 19 years to 41 years. Tammi Wilson another ex Kiwi Fern is the team physio.

Captain Luisa Avaiki, former Kiwi Fern and one of the most experienced senior players is looking forward to the clash.

"We want to come away with a win. It’s a good chance for our younger up and coming players to experience Women’s rugby league at an international level” says Avaiki.

With the Rugby World Cup opening next month, Rugby is still the main sport in Samoa. “We want to develop, rebuild and grow Women’s rugby league for Samoa" says Avaiki. “We’re putting something solid in place now to build towards the Rugby League World Cup in 2013”

Fetu Samoa will be in Samoa during Samoa's Teuila Festival and the Test Match is being advertised as a major attraction during this annual event.


Fetu Samoa 2011 Squad

Luisa Avaiki (C)
Tolupene (Neta) Peau
Theresa Malaitai
Mele Angelia Leuluaialii
Kally Leota
Marie Frances Leota
Seeseei Hellen Tafa
Sharon Jacinta Chungson
Cynthia Taala
Madonna Seifono Schmidt
Victoria Apulu
Sarah Faasegi Clayton
Chloe Leaupepe
Billy-Jean Ale
Valerie Leataata Davis
Alaiumu Sao Taliu
Aieshaleigh Smalley
Tasia Seumanufagai
Vicki Lee Nafanua Campbell
Foaiina Maria Chong Nee
Tuiai Elisara
Karameli Tiffany Faaee
Unaloto Sili
Maitua Feterika

Photo Caption: Fetu Samoa team mates will be shining in their new playing strip as they play a historical Test Match against the Australian Jillaroos. (L-R) Sharon Chungson, Mele Leuluaialii, Alaiumu Sao Taliu and Valerie Leataata Davis.
 

(Photo: J. Kneubuhl)

AMERICAN SAMOA: ASCC offering drama classes again this semester
Source: American Samoa Community College Press Release

For the last two years, the music and visual arts classes offered by the Fine Arts Department at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) have proved highly popular with students, but new arrivals at the College had expressed disappointment that ASCC no longer offered classes in Drama following the departure of instructor Carmela Gallace after spring 2009. As the College prepares for the coming fall 20ll semester, students with an interest in Drama will once again have the option of taking classes in that area, thanks to the return of former faculty member Dr. Sybil Johnson.

Dr. Johnson, who holds a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Theatre from Florida State University, previously taught at ASCC between 2003 and 2005. During her initial stint with the College, she guided students through highly original productions of Sia Figiel’s “Girl In The Moon Circle” and Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” before undertaking an elaborately staged production of “The Wiz” in 2005 which generated a very enthusiastic response from the community. “The Wiz” was to be Dr. Johnson’s final production during her first stay with ASCC, but her close friend Carmela Gallace succeeded her as the College’s drama and dance instructor, leading students through a number of memorable shows including “Fiddler On The Roof”, “The King & I” and “The Lion King”. Gallace departed American Samoa in summer 2009 to continue her own studies of the theatrical arts.

Dr. Johnson’s own career path after ASCC saw travel further in the Pacific before settling into a long-term position in Tampa, Florida. “I left ASCC in 2006 after being offered a position at The University of the South Pacific in Fiji,” she recalled. “I taught there until the outbreak of the Coup in 2007, and then went back to Florida to teach at Hillsborough Community College, where I directed the Theatre Program until 2011.” During her four years at Hillsborough, Dr. Johnson directed four shows and taught all of the theater classes, which included acting, production, make up for the state, theater history and script analysis. Now back with ASCC, Dr. Johnson will teach a combination of theater and performance-related classes. Her schedule this semester includes (DRA 150) Introduction to Drama; (DRA 151) Drama Workshop; (DRA 170) Oral Interpretation of Literature; and two sections of (SCH 153) Introduction to Speech.

On her return to American Samoa after a long absence, Dr. Johnson reflected, “I am very happy to be back in Samoa. I’ve missed my friends and the beauty of this island. I’m looking forward to meeting new students and reuniting with my old students.” Speaking of old friends, Dr. Johnson maintains contact with Gallace, who recently completed her Masters degree in New York. “Carmela sends her love to all,” said Dr. Johnson. “She completed her Masters from New York University and is currently teaching at The American Ballet Theatre in New York City. She hopes to return to Samoa in the future.” Asked if she plans to stage a theater production this semester, Dr. Johnson said this will depend on how motivated and prepared her new students turn out to be, as well as whether the necessary logistics can be worked out.

Reflecting on past ASCC theatrical productions, music instructor and Fine Arts Department acting chairman Kuki Tuiasosopo emphasized that the main purpose of the shows should be the learning experience for the students. “I was very happy that we raised the bar on performing arts on the island,” he said, “but the public needs to remember that if we ever decide to stage something of that magnitude on stage again, it isn't just a show, it's all about student learning. It’s my hope that our department maintains its focus on student learning outcomes and general education learning outcomes while at the same time bringing art to life.”

Tuiasosopo also mentioned that in addition to welcoming Dr. Johnson back into the fold, this semester the Fine Arts Department will once again come under the leadership of its regular chairman, renowned local musician and composer Namuluulu Dr. Paul Pouesi, who has spent this year’s spring and summer semesters on sabbatical. Although a stage production is uncertain at this point, Tuiasosopo said the public will still have opportunities to experience the talents of the ASCC students. “As educators, we focus on the academic studies of the Fine Arts disciplines, but as artists we bring the arts to life. This semester, we will have the usual art show, choral music performances, and ukulele ensemble gigs. Now that we have theatre back in the program, it will make a fine addition to what we share with the public.”

Photo Caption: Dr. Sybil Johnson returns to the ASCC faculty this semester to offer the College's first Drama classes since spring 2009. Dr. Johnson, who has spent the past four years directing the Theater Program at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, FL, says she's delighted to be back in American Samoa.

FIJI: 4 more gold medals for Team Fiji
Source: fijivillage.com
 

Team Fiji won four more gold medals yesterday afternoon to increase its medal tally to 11 gold, 9 silver and 14 bronze however, Fiji still sits third on the medal tally.

Shooter, Glen Kable bagged two more gold medals in the individual and team event in the Down the Line shooting.

Fiji's two other gold medals came from Karate, where Naomi Bakani won her second gold medal by winning the Womens 68kg event and Pita Lenoa won the 84kg event.

In swimming, Tieri Erasito came second in the Womens 200m butterfly while Fiji also took silver in the Womens 4 by 100 freestyle.

In other sports, the Fiji Mens basketball team beat PNG 86-64 and will play either Solomons or FSM in the quarterfinals tomorrow.

The Fiji Womens Basketball team beat Vanuatu 80-26 and currently sits first on the points table with seven points.

Also, the Fiji Mens 7's rugby team hammered Tokelau 77-0 yesterday afternoon.

Fiji will play American Samoa at 3.47pm today in the quarter-finals.

The 7s semifinal will start at 6.24pm while the final will be played at 9.08pm.

In Womens rugby, Fiji will play in the Gold medal playoff against Samoa today at 8.38pm.

In other finals today, the Fiji Mens cricket team will play in the gold medal playoffs against Papua New Guinea at 2.30pm.

Meanwhile, New Caledonia leads the medal tally with 33 gold, 32 silver and 13 bronze while Tahiti is second with 16 gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze.
 

NIUE: Pilot programme regarding cyber crime targets Niue students
Source: Radio New Zealand International

The launch in Niue of a pilot programme to raise awareness about cyber crime has targeted the island’s school students.

Australian Federal Police were involved in the introduction of Cyber Safety Pacifica, a programme that it’s hoped will eventually be spread throughout the Pacific.

The Chief of Niue Police, Mark Chenery, says the islanders are big internet users and young people need to be made aware of the pitfalls.

“Once you put something out on the internet it is very difficult to get it back. The internet is now a truly global community. So somewhere like Niue, that is very small and in a very large ocean, but once you are on the internet you are part of the global community. And that’s the sort of the big focus we’re trying to get across.”

Among other things students were reminded to keep their computer security up to date and were given advice on how to use social networking sites safely.

(Photo: Samantha Cook)

VANUATU: Vanuatu progresses integrated Disaster Risk Management
Source: Pacific Islands Applied GeoScience Commission Press Release

With a history of 25 hurricanes, 21 volcanic activity events, three earthquakes and three gales in the past 26 years, Vanuatu has been able to document the impact of disasters upon the country’s development, and determine areas where future spending should take place.

At the recently held SPC/SOPAC Division’s 3rd Session of the Pacific Platform for Disaster Risk Management, the high-level discussions included disaster risk financing and a pilot insurance project.

As an immediate outcome of the Platform, a joint SPC/SOPAC Division - World Bank mission to Vanuatu has taken place to further develop these discussions. During his dialogue with the mission representatives, the Hon. Moana Carcasses, Minister of Finance and Economic Management expressed Vanuatu’s interest in participating in the pilot Pacific Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance Programme.

During the Platform held in Auckland, New Zealand earlier this month, the Vanuatu representatives agreed that cooperation and coordination are the keys to the progress already made in the National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Management.

The members of the Vanuatu contingent at the Platform were Ms Antonneth Arnhambat of the Treasury Department; Mrs Esline Garaebiti Bule, Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD); Mr Jean-Francois Metmetsan, Prime Minister’s Office, and Mr Salesa Kaniaha of Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department.

“Vanuatu recognises the importance of coordinating the work of policy and finance, and in 2006 was the first Pacific Island country to begin the integration of Disaster Risk Management as a part of national planning,” explained Ms Arnhambat. “Policy and Finance work together to manage and mitigate risks and we have an integrated budget system in place.”

The Vanuatu Government has allocated VT25 million for a fund that can be accessed quickly in the time of a disaster. In addition, there is a contingency budget for a maximum of 1.5% of the total budget to be released in response to a natural, health or financial disaster.

The framework for the Vanuatu Disaster Risk Management Plan was also a part of the commitment to streamlining and cooperation made when the National Action Plan was first designed, and “As a result, the VMGD and the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) are now housed together in a new complex, fully funded by the Vanuatu Government.
VMGD’s Mrs Garaebiti said that this was a welcome change, as “One of our weaknesses was having agencies all spread out, not making it easy to respond in times of disasters. It took time, in a tsunami warning for example, to go from the Geohazards Section to the Meteorological Office to advise them, ‘this is the information we have to put out’.

“Housing us together with the same Director will improve communication and our response time, and we are developing standard operating procedures to streamline our work. We now have a system, in a geohazard state of emergency like a volcanic eruption, where if the data is showing a rapid increase in the activity, we inform the NDMO, and they have their own procedures to initiate the release of funds by the Finance Department for any further operation to manage the crisis,” said Ms Garaebiti.
“Should a disaster strike, there can be potential growth losses, a drastic gap that could cost the country from VT7billion to VT15billion depending on how much we intervene in terms of Disaster Risk Reduction,” added Ms Arnhambat. “We acknowledge that so far we have only budgeted for Disaster Management, but the work by the NDMO on integrating financial planning for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) is nearing completion. It is important that we utilise resources in the best way possible.”

“Government is committed to addressing Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change issues, at national, regional and global levels,” said Mr Metmetsan, of the PM’s Office.

The most recent round of discussions with the SPC/SOPAC Division, World Bank mission is a further indication of this commitment.

Photo Caption: Volcanic activity as seen from Mt Bennow’s 12 kilometre wide ash plain on Ambrym Island, Vanuatu.