| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
(Photos:
Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs) |
|
| |
|
|
| |
NEW ZEALAND: MPIA
Announces Winner and Runner-Up of the Logo
Design Concept
Source:
Ministry Of Pacific Island
Affairs
Chief Executive, Dr Colin Tukuitonga today
announces the winner and runner-up of the
Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs Logo Design
Concept competition at a short prize giving at
the Ministry’s national office in Wellington.
Ms Yvette Shore of Hamilton has taken away the
first prize for the best concept design, with Mr
Joseph Churchward of Wellington coming
runner-up.
“It was a difficult decision as the entries were
of extremely high quality, however both Ms
Shore’s and Mr Churchward’s designs added a
touch of creativity to the Ministry’s new
identity,” Dr Tukuitonga says.
“The Ministry has been endeavouring to re-brand
itself, and what better way to do it than by
introducing a new logo, which signifies the
beginning of a more relevant and dynamic
approach to assisting the Pacific peoples of New
Zealand” added Dr Tukuitonga.
The competition attracted 35 entries, with the
winning concept redesigning the current logo,
which has remained unchanged for over 10 years.
Ms Shore and Mr Churchward, both home-based
graphic designers, will attend the prize-giving
ceremony today with friends and families, along
with staff of the Ministry of Pacific Island
Affairs.
Dr Tukuitonga says the Ministry is looking
forward to its re-branding, which will take
effect in June 2008.
Photo Caption:
Winner of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs
logo design concept competition, Yvette Shore
from Hamilton. Runner-up, Joseph Churchward from
Wellington with family members.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
(Photos: eventpolynesia.com) |
|
| |
|
|
| |
SAMOA:
Digicel introduces the best Mothers Day ever
Source:
Digicel Samoa Limited
Press Release
Digicel Samoa celebrates each month with special
promotions for their valued customers. May is
extra special, for the Mothers of Samoa. Digicel
will make this years Mothers Day the best Ever.
Its their way of saying THANK YOU to their
customers and especially the Mothers of Samoa
for
choosing Digicel as their mobile service
provider. Digicel will be giving lucky mothers
of Samoa an unforgettable 2008 mothers day
experience and at the same time giving the
chance to their valued customers to win their
mothers some special treatment on their very
special day.
Mothers Day only happens once a year, so get
texting and entre your mother in the draw for
one of these glamorous and relaxing getaway
prize packages.
Prizes for Mother:
1 - Full Dody Spa for one lucky mother
2 - Two nights axccommodation with breakfast,
lunch, dinner and a Floor Show at Aggies Resort
(Transport to and from resort provided) for one
lucky mother.
3 -Two nights accommodation with breakfast,
lunck, dinner and a Floor Show at Sinalei Resort
(Transport to and from resort provided) for one
lucky mother
4 - Two nights accommodation with breakfast,
lunch, dinner and a Floor Show at Coconuts Beach
Resort (Transport to and from provided) for one
lucky mother
5 - A $1,000.00 shopping voucher for one lucky
mother (Shop of her Choice)
6 - A $200.00 Cash for 20 lucky Mothers.
Its really easy, all you have to do is text a
preferred treat for your mother to short code
M-A-M-A (6262) for your chance to give your
mother the Best Mothers Day Ever.
1. Text the word Spa to M-A-M-A (6262) for a
full body Spa Treatment
2. Txt the word Aggies to M-A-M-A (6262) for the
Aggies getaway
3. Text the word Sinalei to M-A-M-A (6262) for
the Sinalei package 4. Text
the word Coconuts to M-A-M-A (6262) for the
Coconut getaway 5. Text the word Shopping to
M-A-M-A )6262) for the $1,000.00 shopping
voucher
6. Text the word Cash to M-A-M-A (6262) for the
$200.00 cash
Digicel's Best Mothers Day Ever Promotion in
Samoa starts 24th April ends on the Friday 16th
of May. Winners will be notified on Saturday and
Monday. Make this years Mothers Day the Best
EVER for your Mamas and Tinas.
Photo Caption:
Toalepai Uaikato of Digicel Samoa Limited
announcing Digicel Mothers Day Promotion.
Digicel handing over cash to lucky mothers.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
(Photos: Samoa
International Cricket Association) |
|
| |
|
|
| |
AUSTRALIA:
Aussie Navy takes on Samoans in Twenty20
Source:
SICA Press Release
Every few months Australian Navy ships dock in
the Apia Harbour for a few days rest from sea.
The days are a chance for Aussie navy boys to
let their hair down, enjoy a few drinks with
some of the locals and relax on our beautiful
beaches. This time round the boys did things a
little
differently; they ventured off to the Garden
Cricket Ovals in Faleata to challenge a team of
local Samoans in a Twenty20 game of cricket.
The game was played last Friday afternoon, where
the Aussie sailors won the toss and elected to
bat. Samoa’s opening bowler Fa’avae kept the
sailors on their toes with his express bowling,
claiming three wickets from his four over spell.
Tau also slowed the run rate picking up four
wickets from three overs. The Aussie’s were all
dismissed for 64 runs off 14 overs.
The Samoan’s batting attack proved far too good
for the Aussie’s, as they surpassed the target
of 64 runs in the 9th over losing only one
wicket to get there. Both teams agreed that they
would continue to play out the twenty overs and
give everyone a bowl. The final score was 6 /
156 runs
off twenty overs, a mammoth score by our local
boys, with young gun Suni Lutelu leading the way
on 62 runs, whilst Pritchard Pritchard chipped
in with an exciting innings of 45 runs.
Players from both teams enjoyed the friendly
Twenty20 match, followed by a few friendly
drinks afterwards. The Samoan cricketers were
then invited to join the Aussie’s up at the
Billabong in Vailima for a BBQ dinner, where
they continued to talk about the game and enjoy
some friendly banter amongst themselves.
This is the first time the Samoa International
Cricket Association (SICA) has hosted a cricket
match against the Australian Navy ships. After
the success both on and off the field, SICA look
forward to hosting many more of these friendly
matches in the future.
Photo Caption:
Samoa and Australian Navy teams shake hands
after the match.
Pritchard Pritchard chipped in with an exciting
innings of 45 runs.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
(Photos:
Torsten Blackwood) |
|
| |
|
|
| |
AROUND THE WORLD:
Forum chair announces resignation of SG
Source:
Forum Secritariat
The Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum and Prime
Minister of Tonga, Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele has
announced the intention of the Forum
Secretariat's Secretary General, Greg Urwin to
resign from the position on medical grounds.
"As current Chair of the Forum it is with
sadness that I announce that Secretary General,
Greg Urwin, has written to me last Friday 2nd
May indicating his wish to resign on medical
grounds," Hon Sevele said.
"In light of this, I will now be consulting with
my colleague Leaders as well as the Forum
Secretariat on the process regarding the
appointment of a replacement, possibly to be
finalized at the forthcoming leaders meeting in
Niue in August."
"On behalf of the 16-member Countries and
Leaders of the Forum, I would like to pay
tribute to the great work that Mr Urwin has done
in his four and half years as the Secretary
General. He has led the Secretariat through some
very difficult and challenging times, and for
that we are most grateful."
"We all wish him well and a speedy recovery."
In the meantime, Deputy Secretary General, Mr
Feleti Teo will continue as Acting Secretary
General.
Photo Caption:
Secretary-General of the 16-member Pacific
Islands Forum Greg Urwin, who resigned on
Tuesday. Islands PM with PIF Secretary General
Greg Urwin during the 37th Pacific Islands Forum
(PIF) meeting on Denarau Island in Fiji, 25
October 2006.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
| |
(Photos:
Solomona Aoelua) |
|
| |
|
|
| |
USA: U.S.
Treasury sending $20.4 million to ASG to pay out
economic stimulus
Source:
Office of Congressman
Faleomavaega
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that
the American Samoa Government will receive $20.4
million from the U.S. Department of Treasury to
be paid out to qualifying residents as part of
the Economic Stimulus Package that was signed
into law to jumpstart the economy.
Faleomavaega and Congresswoman Madeleine
Bordallo urged the Leadership of the House and
Senate to include the Territories in the
stimulus package and make child tax credits and
tax rebates available to qualifying residents.
The Members were successful in their efforts
and, prior to the bill being signed into law, in
a letter dated January 29, 2008, Faleomavaega
informed Governor Togiola and the Fono that, for
American Samoa, the U.S. Treasury would send a
check of an estimated amount and ASG must have a
plan approved promptly to disburse the money
quickly.
In a joint letter dated February 15, 2008 to
Secretary Henry M. Paulson of the Department of
Treasury, Faleomavaega along with Congresswoman
Madeleine Bordallo, Congresswoman Donna
Christensen, and Resident Commissioner Luis
Fortuno also urged the Secretary to implement an
arrangement that will provide for the funds to
be transferred in advance of the actual payouts
of the rebates.
"Today, Secretary Paulson has honored our
request and I thank him for informing my office
that he has accepted ASG's plan for distributing
stimulus payments to residents of American
Samoa, and that ASG will receive a check for
$20.4 million in order to payout tax rebates and
child
tax credits to those who qualify," Faleomavaega
said. "This payment is in accordance of the
Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 that was signed by
the President on February 13, 2008."
"The stimulus package was easily passed by both
the House and Senate and I, again, thank
Chairman Charles Rangel of the House Committee
on Ways and Means and Chairman Max Baucus of the
Senate Finance Committee for supporting our
request to include the territories in the
Economic Stimulus Act of 2008."
"I also commend Governor Togiola and our local
Tax Office for acting quickly and submitting a
plan that has been approved by the U.S.
Treasury. I am especially pleased that the
people of American Samoa will benefit from these
rebates which will help bolster our local
economy," Faleomavaega concluded. The full text
of Secretary Paulson's letter of April 28
informing Governor Togiola of the approval of
ASG's Distribution Plan was forwarded to
Faleomavaega's office by the U.S. Department of
Treasury and is included below. Dear Governor
Tulafono:
Thank you for your letter of April 23, 2008,
submitting the Distribution Plan for the
Recovery Rebates (the Plan) in American Samoa.
The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, P.L. 110-185
(the Act), requires that I approve American
Samoa's plan for distributing stimulus payments
to residents of American Samoa.
The Act also requires that once such a plan is
approved, the Treasury Department make a payment
to American Samoa in an amount estimated as
being equal to the aggregate
benefits that would have been provided to
residents of American Samoa by reason of the
amendments made to the Internal Revenue Code by
section 101(c) of the Act if a "mirror code" tax
system had been in effect in American Samoa.
In accordance with the Act, I approve the Plan,
a copy of which is enclosed. Also, we have
estimated the aggregate benefits that would have
been provided to residents of American Samoa by
reason of section 101(c) of the Act if a mirror
code tax system had been in effect in American
Samoa at $20.4 million. A payment in this amount
will be made by the Treasury Department to
American Samoa to fund the prompt distribution
of stimulus payments to resident of American
Samoa pursuant to the Plan.
Photo Caption:
American Samoa - Governor Togiola Tulafono.
(L-R) Congressman Faleomavaega with General
Burwell Bell, Commander of U.S. Forces in Korea,
and Ambassador Alexander “Sandy” Vershbow, U.S.
Ambassador to South Korea.
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
VANUATU: Vanuatu table tennis gets Olympic
invitation
Source:
ABC Radio Australia
Vanuatu has named table tennis player Priscilla
Tommy as the third and final member of it's
Beijing Olympics team.
The South Pacific mini games silver medallist
joins athletes Moses Kamut and Elise Lapenmal,
wild card entries in the 100 metres.
Vanuatu Olympic committee CEO Henry Tavoa says
it's the first time in years they're sending an
athlete to compete in a sport other than track
and field.
"Vanuatu has been award a place through the
tri-partite invitation system," Tavoa said.
"They have awarded a place for the Olympic Games
to Priscilla Tommy, of table tennis, a female
player.
"We are excited about that and glad that now for
the first time since Sydney 2000, we have
another sport, apart from athletics wild cards,
awarded to table tennis.".
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
