NEWSROOM 16 March
2009

(Photos: Ministry of Health)

NEW ZEALAND: Warnings issued over Samoan and Tongan medicine
Source: Ministry of Health Press Release
 

(Photo: Event Polynesia News)

SAMOA: Samoa International Pro-Am Fights postponed
Source: Event Polynesia News Press Release

Boxing promotion company Event Polynesia this week announced the postponement of the annual Samoa International Pro Am Fights (SIPAF) event that was planned for Saturday March 21 to be postponed till next year 2010 on behalf of the SIPAF organisers.

The decision to postpone the SIPAF was advised to the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi on Monday by Mr. Teleiai Edwin Puni, Managing Director of Event Polynesia and Event Polynesia local boss Mr. Tuilagi MS Esera, who also confirmed Event Polynesia’s commitment to the establishment of a second tier international tournament as per Fight Calendar released in early January 2009.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi said, “A lot is at stake here for Samoa boxing and the continuation of the SIPAF is crucial. In the meantime, we keep the momentum going and especially now with our local professionals.”

Mr. Puni said, “It is unfortunate that we cannot hold the event due to the lack of financial support and funding. There has been a lot of work and planning that has gone into this year’s event to make sure that the par is lifted once more. We are particularly concerned about the opportunity for the local professional boxers to gain world status in the World Boxing Organisation rankings”

There is concern over the cancellation of work with boxing teams training and more importantly those involved with the main event having to cancel plans and schedules. The organisers are quite disappointed with the Ministry of Education Sports and Youth for the delay in relaying the decision from Cabinet for Government funding through the Sports Ministry.

Mr. Tuilagi MS Esera did not receive any official word from the MESC Sports ACEOs until after two weeks of follow-up. This is crucial lead-up time that the organisers can use to relay decisions and enable them to still keep relationships with overseas sanctioning bodies and especially also the respective boxing camps involved.

The Samoa International Pro Am Fights is the pathway to upkeep the momentum for the development of local professionals and to build their CVs and records to be competitive for the honours overseas where the big money fights and international titles are.

According to Teleiai, “In order for professional boxing in Samoa to be taken seriously, we have to take a different approach and will require us focusing on the Samoa Professional Fights (SPF), without the amateurs.”

“We need to attract a wider audience and for boxing to appeal to Commercial Samoa. The new promotion reconfiguration will involve elite professional boxers, plus the introduction of novice professional fights, corporate fights and the entertaining ultimate fa’afafine bouts.”

This is the development of young professionals here in Samoa including the Pele Faumuis, the Miki Ottos, and the Tony Iapesas to build their fight records for going forward. The South Pacific Boxing Inc and other Regional and Oceania titles will be the main contest for the Samoa Professional Fights.

Mr. Teleiai Edwin Puni said, “Unfortunately, professional boxing is an expensive sport and does not meet Government funding criteria for financial assistance like all amateur sports. The only hope for professional boxing to develop in Samoa is to get the buy in of the local business community through sponsorship.”

“This is a real shame because boxing is the only real international sport that Samoa can be world champions in. Maselino Masoe have proven it; David Tua continues to be a fear factor in the boxing world and is coming back,” according to Mr. Puni.

The next Samoa Professional Fights will be held on Thursday 30th April at Gym 1 Faleata.

“We welcome Corporate Samoa and all our local sponsors to come on board and be part of the Samoa Professional Fights and be a partner in the Winners Circle”

Event Polynesia is leading the resurgence of boxing in the Pacific and is a WBO accredited promoter. The Event Polynesia Boxing promotion calendar 2009 involves tournaments in New Zealand and Samoa.

Photo Caption: Mr. Tuilagi MS Esera and Mr. Teleiai SPE Puni.
 

(Photo: Ausage Fausia, Samoa News)

AMERICAN SAMOA: Tribute paid to Tuitele at Fono state service
Source: Samoa News

Leone village aumaga stood guard in front of the Fono Guest Fale yesterday morning (March 13, 2009) as government and traditional leaders honoured the late Senator, Paramount Chief Tuitele Fofo Tony Tuitele during his state service.

Tuitele, who passed away Mar. 1 at the age of 61, will be laid to rest today at his home village of Leone, following a Mass of Resurrection at the Leone Catholic Church.

Following a brief prayer service at the LBJ chapel yesterday morning, Tuitele’s coffin was placed on the bed of a huge truck, adorned with fine mats and surrounded by traditional leaders. The funeral procession was escorted by police officers on motorcycles.

At the entrance to the Fono compound, the Police Honour Guard stood at attention as four other officers draped the coffin with the American Samoa flag while his wife Fesala’i, family members and the Leone aumaga looked on.

The coffin was then taken into the Fono Guest Fale, where Gov. Togiola Tulafono, Chief Justice Michael Kruse and other officials waited. Others present included Congressman Faleomavaega Eni, District Governors and all members of the Fono.

The Police Honor guard carried the white coffin for the state service.

Some 20-members of the Leone aumaga fanned out to stand guard in front of the Fono Guest Fale, a Samoan tradition during the funeral of a Paramount Chief.

House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, led the service while Rev. Elder Fiti Aofia of the CCCAS-Aoa provided the benediction, invocation and reading of the scripture.

Speaking on behalf of the government, the governor relayed to Tuitele’s widow American Samoa’s gratitude for the late senator’s service. He described Tuitele as a honest and strong leader who bravely carried out his duties throughout his life.

He said there are not enough words in the Samoan language to express the extent and importance of Tuitele’s service to the people and government of American Samoa.

Togiola recalled that as Port Administration director, Tuitele was able to share and exchange ideas with the governor’s office in an effort to further improve government service.

In “the brief time that I worked with him in my administration I...admired his courage and his integrity,” said Togiola. “He was born into leadership and had always — in my opinion, in what I’ve seen and what I’ve witnessed in his life outside and inside the government — sought to be that role model in leadership.”

“He brought that with him to his job, in the administration and in the Fono — during the brief time that I worked with him as a senator,” said the governor. “His integrity and his courage are unquestionable. He has left some very deep footprints that are going to be very difficult to fill.”

According to the governor, Tuitele is a “Toa” and he conveyed his condolences to Tuitele’s widow and the grieving family.

Senate Secretary Leo’o Va’a Ma’o read aloud the Fono approved concurrent resolution that conveyed the “deepest condolences and sympathies” of the Fono and the people of American Samoa to Tuitele’s widow, Fesala’i Allen Tuitele, his mother Lepeti Utu Tuitele and the entire Tuitele family for the passing of the late senator.

Prior to presenting the resolution to Tuitele’s widow, Senate President Gaoteote Palaie Tofau announced the resolution also honours and pays tribute to Tuitele’s service to his family, district, government and the people of American Samoa.

Following the state service, Tuitele’s coffin lay in state at the Fono Guest Fale for about two hours before his coffin was taken to the Leone Catholic Church for the funeral's first church service.

Photo Caption: Draped with the American Samoa flag, the coffin of the late senator, Tuitele Fofo Tony Tuitele, at the front section of the Fono Guest Fale during his funeral service yesterday. In the background are House members, Lt. Gov. Faoa Ipulasi Sunia, Mrs. Fesala’i Tuitele and others.
 

(Photo: Cook Islands Tourism Corporation)

COOK ISLANDS: CI Tourism wants US$500,000 to boost industry growth
Source: Asia Pulse via Property Report Asia

The Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is asking for an extra NZ$1 million (US$497,700) to be added to its next annual budget, reports Cook Islands News.

Chief executive officer John Dean said without an increase to marketing spending, CI Tourism is concerned that it would not be able to maintain visitor arrival numbers at current levels.

"If we don't spend more money and compete, especially in these tough global economic conditions we will go backwards," he said.

He said investing in tourism marketing was an obvious choice to stimulate economic growth.

CI Tourism's budget for 2008-09 was almost NZ$4.5 million, but Mr Dean said more investment from government was needed.

If the corporation was given an additional NZ$1 million for the 2009-10 financial year a large part of the increase would be channelled towards additional marketing of the Cook Islands in the USA and Australia, with some funds being directed at short haul, potentially lucrative targeted markets such as the meetings and convention markets in New Zealand.

"These are the markets which have real growth potential," said Mr Dean.

He said while the Cook Islands was receiving more media exposure in the market place, "competing with real dollars is the only way we can capitalise on the additional exposure".

"We have quality international representation in all our overseas offices and we can be sharp and focused in what we do, however in the end dollars count."

Currently CI Tourism spends NZ$600,000 on marketing in Australia, NZ$700,000 in New Zealand and in the first year of USA representation NZ$400,000 was allocated to.

"It is very difficult to make a real impact with the limited dollars we have at our disposal and with more we will produce more, it is that simple."

Fiji alone has doubled its marketing budget to over NZ$22 million this year as the region continues to face declining tourist numbers and other Pacific countries and South East Asia destinations like Bali, Phuket, Vietnam, and Hong Kong are ramping up their advertising spend in Australia and New Zealand to maintain their market share.

The Cooks are competing against regional island nations with far bigger marketing budgets, so it was had to make the most of every dollar spent.
 

(Photos: Earth Hour)

FIJI: VOTE EARTH - Your light switch is your vote
Source: Earth Hour Press Release

This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote - Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.

Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm.


Latest Earth Hour updates from Fiji:

- Fiji Target of 10,000 Sign Ups Achieved & Succeeded!! Over 20,000 so far…and counting.
Vodafone sent out text messages to pre-pay customers asking for them to text back if they were taking part in EH: 17,466 people responded to the text (This does not include the number of people in their households they were asked to text back, So the figure will increase.) A second text was sent out this weekend to post pay users we are awaiting the results.

- Vodafone has allowed volunteers to join their ‘Road Show’ to tertiary institutions as an opportunity to get sign ups.

- For those who do not have internet access volunteers have manned sign up tables from which we have a total of 3120 from the past 3 Saturdays (half days), more sign up stations are planned for this long weekend (details coming)

- Volunteers have gone into a few schools giving presentations on EH, they have been followed by a Fiji TV crew who are using this footage to play on the local kid’s programmes.

- Last week the Government announced its support for Earth Hour

Government Support for Earth Hour

WWF South Pacific Programme office (WWF SPPO) and Earth hour team are delighted and in high spirits that the Government has officially come onboard to support and endorse earth hour on March 28th from 8.30-9.30pm.

This endorsement signifies that the government is concerned about its people and their welfare and those for generations to come. As big brother to all our neighbouring countries, Fiji is also a voice for smaller Pacific island countries in requesting developed and bigger countries to reduce their greenhouse gases.

The Government has issued a statement to all civil servants stating that participation in Earth Hour at work and home helps boost and create awareness of the event, because once we tell someone that one person will tell 10 others and before you know it all of Fiji is participating.

Towns who have signed up so far include, Lami, Sigatoka, Suva, Lautoka, and Nasinu.

The Earth hour campaign is made possible through various support, mainly Asco Motors, Vodafone, FEA who are our partners in providing energy tips for Fiji, Live n learn and the Curriculum Development unit.

WWF urges all of Fiji, Business and individuals to switch of all non-essential lights, which we can only do through the help of Government, business houses and individuals committing to saving energy, assisting in the fight against climate change and really ensuring that our beautiful Fiji and Pacific islands are not further affected by events such as sea level rise, coastal erosion, flooding, all of which are a result of Global warming.

In recognition of the greater message of Earth Hour, Mr Parmesh Chand, Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister's Office said in his statement, "Whilst the celebration is earmarked for Earth Hour, let's remind our civil servants that we also need to be mindful of the primary objective, that is to always conserve our usage of energy (electricity, fuel, etc) and thereby playing out part in reducing global warming, in our daily lives and not only on Earth Hour but at all times, thereby making a better Fiji for our future."

We are ecstatic that the Government is supporting Earth hour. Hopefully the remaining towns will be encouraged by this development and join the campaign now.

Individuals and organisations can sign up at www.earthhour.org and register support for Earth Hour and the fight against climate change.
 

(Photos: Te Vaka / International Songwriting Competition)

TOKELAU: Te Vaka's Tamahana a finalist in International Songwriting Competition
Source: Te Vaka Press Release

“Tamahana” from the Tutuki album is a finalist in the USA International Songwriting Competition and up for the “People’s Voice” award.

Being selected an ISC finalist is an accomplishment that acknowledges true songwriting talent. With only 287 finalists chosen out of over 15,500 entrants, this is an extraordinary achievement.

Finalists are posted on our website at http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners.htm

All finalists' songs and music videos (except for Lyrics Only songs which do not require recorded music as part of the entry) are included in the People's Voice - an online voting contest that allows the public to listen to all the finalists' songs and vote for their favorite one. People's Voice is separate from, and in addition to, the winners selected by ISC's panel of judges. The winner of People's Voice will receive $1,500 in prizes and bragging rights! Be sure to tell all your friends, family, and fans, so that they can vote! Voting will take place from now until March 31, 2009. You can start voting now at http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/PVWelcome2008.htm

Internationally acclaimed World Music group TE VAKA will perform at the Byron Bay Bluesfest on Friday and Saturday nights before heading back to Sydney for a concert at the Sydney Opera House on Easter Monday.

Te Vaka has toured the world constantly since 1997, stunning audiences in over 35 countries with their vibrant blend of contemporary and Pacific roots music, but in all the years of touring this will be the first time Te Vaka has performed in Sydney.

This concert is the second phenomenal double-bill of the Sydney Opera House, Hemispheres 09 series. It will take audiences from the desert to the ocean as two bands from two continents perform one sensational night of music!

What do the critics say about Te Vaka?

“One of the most dynamic live experiences I have ever witnessed”
Guardian Newspaper UK

“A stereo-type smashing glimpse into the true soul of the Southseas”
Wired Magazine USA

What do the critics say about Tinariwen?

“Tinariwen sounds thrillingly unlike anything else on the planet”
Q Magazine UK


This is going to be a spectacular night not to be missed!!!

One concert only at the Sydney Opera House
Date: 13th April
Time: Starts 8.00pm each concert runs for one hour with intermission of 20mins