NEWSPAGE 12 September
2011

(Photos: Samoan Sports Association)

(Photo: Australian High Commission)

SAMOA: Civil Society Support Program opens new office
Source: Australian High Commission Press Release

The Civil Society Support Programme (CSSP) headquarters, at Amau Mall was opened on 9 September by Reverend Reuperake Petaia and His Excellency Dr. Stephen Henningham, the Australian High Commissioner. The High Commissioner, accompanied by Tupaimatuna Iulai Lavea, CEO of the Ministry of Finance, also handed over some of the 56 contracts worth SAT $2.5 million which have been awarded to civil society organisations.

Dr Henningham said “The Civil Society Support Program is here to help strengthen civil society organisations so that they can better serve their communities. The Australian Government has put helping people at the very core of its aid efforts. Together we have to address the fundamental constraints that prevent people overcome hardship.”

Approved projects will benefit the vulnerable and disadvantaged members of the community in various sectors such as, education by assisting schools build libraries which will improve the reading skills of students, water by providing water tanks for families, agriculture by assisting women’s committees expand their gardening projects for improved nutrition and health by supporting some of the non government organisations with implementation of their objectives.

The Civil Society Support Program is a multi-partnership initiative of representatives from non-government organisations, community based organisations and government ministries. Its development partners comprise the Government of Australia and the European Union. A total of SAT 3.5 million was provided by AusAID last year for program start-up and the first round of funding proposals. For this year a total of SAT 4.7 million tala has been committed by the funding partners.

CSSP responds to requests for funding from groups and organizations supporting a range of projects and services. CSSP also provides capacity building to strengthen governance and management systems of organizations. Community groups are assisted in submitting well developed proposals and other capacity building trainings to ensure the success and sustainability of their endeavors.

CSSP has three call for proposals each year: A call for proposals for Category 1 (SAT5,000 - 150,000) is currently underway beginning 2 September and will close on 7 October. Application forms and guidelines can be obtained from the CSSP office at the Amau Mall. Interested applicants may contact CSSP to register for application training sessions and mentoring support.

Photo Caption: Civil Society Support Program Manager, Leiataualesa Kilali Alailima (front left) and staff, together with Australian High Commissioner, Dr Stephen Henningham (middle, in orange) and AusAID staff together with recipients of funds from CSSP at their new office at the Amau Mall, Saleufi.
 

AMERICAN SAMOA: Hearing to be held on Faleomavaega seabed mining legislation

Congressman Faleomavaega announced last Friday (September 9, 2011) that he is publicly thanking Chairman Doc Hastings, and Ranking Member Edward Markey of the Committee on Natural Resources, and Chairman Doug Lamborn of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, for agreeing to a hearing on his seabed mining legislation. The bill, H.R. 2806, would instruct the Department of Interior to conduct among other things, an inventory of the available technology and known sites for the recovery of minerals, other than gas and oil, from the sea floor of the U.S. continental shelf.

“As a result of the request I made to Chairman Hastings and Ranking Member Markey, a hearing is scheduled for September 13, at 10:00 am,” Faleomavaega said.

“The potential benefit from seabed minerals could be worth some hundreds of billions of dollars from harvesting important minerals such as cobalt, nickel, and copper. In a time when our nation is going through tough economic times, it is important to make good use of all our available resources,” Faleomavaega added.

“In addition, recent research revealed that the polymetallic nodules found on the sea floor may contain so called rare elements which are increasingly used in many applications including magnet, lasers, fiber optics, computer disk drives, fluorescent lamps, rechargeable batteries, catalytic converters, computer memory chips, X-ray tubes, high temperature superconductors and the liquid-crystal displays of televisions and computer monitors. Some ninety-five percent of the world’s supply of these rare elements is controlled by China.”

“It is disappointing therefore that it appears the U.S., once the leader in seabed exploration and mining, is lagging behind certain developed countries such as China, Russia, and India, which have given millions of dollars to develop technology and conduct research to further explore the sea floor.

“The bill I am introducing is just the first step for the United States to reengage in seabed mining, exploration and research. My hope is for the United States to once again reassert itself as the leader in the exploration and discovery of seabed minerals,” Faleomavaega concluded.
 

(Photo: British Broadcasting Corporation)

FIJI: Fiji knows it needs to up intensity for Boks game
Source: Associated Press via Sports Illustrated
 

Fiji's opening effort was good enough to put away Namibia but captain Deacon Manu knows a repeat won't take down defending World Cup champion South Africa next weekend.

Fiji left Rotorua on Sunday, a day after beating Namibia 49-25, and headed south for New Zealand capital Wellington for a match with the Springboks next Saturday in the stadium known affectionately as the Cake Tin.

The Fijians realize they could end up being thrashed if they don't improve their execution and workrate.

"It's a huge mountain to climb,'' Manu. The Fijians almost scaled those heights at the last World Cup, pushing the Springboks to the limit until late in the second half before losing 37-20 in the 2007 quarterfinals.

"We look at that game as the pinnacle of Fiji rugby, we pushed them all the way,'' Manu said. "But we're under no illusions. South Africa showed in the Tri-Nations that they will do anything to win. We're going to have to lift everything in terms of intensity.

"Our country is just a little blip in the ocean and they are the world champions.''

While they scrummed well against Namibia, the lineouts were another story, with Fiji losing three of their own throw-ins. Lock Leone Nakarawa said they struggled in the crowd noise to hear the calls.

None of the Fiji backs made a clean midfield break, either, and the first three of Vereniki Goneva's four tries were launched from turnovers. By contrast, Namibia kept slipping through Fiji's defense, especially in the second half, and the west Africans' frequent backline raids were barely contained. The Namibians let themselves down with dropped passes, which the South Africans are less likely to do as frequently.

Fiji assistant coach Greg Mumm expects his side to play a little more tightly against South Africa, and control possession better. But the flair Fiji is renowned for won't be checked.

"We have to make sure the guys keep expressing themselves on the field and play the rugby that we want to play,'' Manu said. "If that's the free-flowing rugby we're accustomed to, then so be it.''

Namibia captain and flanker Jacques Burger gave Fiji a chance at a first-ever win over the Boks.

"I think it'll be an interesting game,'' he said. "South Africa isn't going to make as many mistakes as we did and Fiji isn't going to have as many chances as it did against us.''

But if Fiji can match the Boks in the set-pieces, Burger said, "they definitely stand a chance.''

"Fiji will need to be really clinical and tough.''

Photo Caption: Fiji wing Vereniki Goneva steps through a tackle on his way to one of his four tries in Saturday's match against Nambia.
 

(Photo: 4pr)

NIUE: Two Beauty Queens and an Ex-All Black Steal the Show at Pacific Showcase
Source: 4pr Press Release

Former All Black great Frank Bunce was a major attraction at the Pacific Showcase this week where he helped man the Niue Tourism stand.

Bunce donned a Niue t-shirt and chatted to show-goers about Niue Island along with Niue Tourism Development Coordinator Vanessa Marsh who many at the event also recognised as a former Miss South Pacific. Marsh and Bunce were also joined by current Miss Niue Aotearoa 2011 Amber Patutaue.

Bunce’s Niuean heritage led him to take a journey of discovery to Niue a few years ago and he has since become a tourism ambassador for the island.

“This role allows me to become more involved with Niue. To give something back to a place that has been a huge influence on me,” says Bunce.

The Pacific Showcase, held at Auckland’s new ‘Cloud’ venue on Queen’s Wharf, wrapped up yesterday after a busy and successful three days.

Niue Tourism Development Coordinator Vanessa Marsh says “There was a fantastic turnout at the event and we ended up speaking to over 500 people about what Niue has to offer.”

Marsh noticed an increased knowledge about Niue among consumers than at previous tourism expos she had attended. The key areas of interest were Niue’s fishing, whale watching and cultural activities.

“The event was a fantastic initiative, and with Rugby World Cup about to commence there was good turnout and a real buzz among the crowd” says Marsh.

There were a lot of people wanting their photo taken with Frank, so we told them if they wanted a photo they had to take a brochure too,” joked Marsh.

Bunce is looking forward to returning to Niue Island later this year.

“I will continue the theme of discovery but with more of a focus on Niue - the Island and what it has to offer,” says Bunce.

It’s such a great destination whether you want action or relaxation, Niue can give it to you. It’s not your typical island holiday destination but in terms of lifetime experiences and memories to match it’s hard to beat.”

Photo Caption: Former All Black great Frank Bunce with Niue Tourism Development Coordinator Vanessa Marsh.

(Photos: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat)

WORLDWIDE: My Pacific in 40 Years: Leaders admire Pacific students' artwork‎
Source: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Press Release

Pacific students’ artwork added a splash of colour to the 42nd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ meeting held last week in Auckland, New Zealand.

Winning art work from the “Pacific Islands Forum 40th Anniversary Art Competition” with the theme “My Pacific in 40 Years” was on display at the Leaders’ meeting.

Primary and secondary school students from Forum Island Countries took part in the competition to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Pacific Islands Forum being celebrated this year.

“I congratulate the very talented young students from our island nations for their excellent work,” said the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Tuiloma Neroni Slade.

Using a variety of media, the artists portrayed perceptions of their present and future environments.

“Students did an excellent job of reflecting an acute awareness of their environment by utilising figurative, abstract, futurist, expressionist and traditional Pacific motifs,” said Mr Slade.

“Many of the images show challenges faced by our island nations with a focus on natural resources. Students have been astute in portraying the importance of respecting one’s environment and the benefits that can be reaped from communities working together.”

In reflecting on the 40th anniversary of the Pacific Islands Forum, Mr Slade said: “We have had many successes, and we continue to tackle the challenges that remain. In reflecting on these past 40 years, I think it is only appropriate that we seek input from our youth in celebration of this important milestone. Thank you and well done to our Pacific students!”

Winning artists will each receive 40th Anniversary gift packs and art supplies, while their schools will receive $NZ300 for purchase of art materials.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - President of Palau, Johnson Toribiong, alongside the winning entry by Fremont M. from Palau High School.

Photo 2 - Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Danny Philip, alongside the winning entry from Kylie Kanoko of Chung Wah Primary School in the Solomon Islands.