NEWSROOM 22 April
2009

(Photos: Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs)

NEW ZEALAND: Minister meets Wellington’s Pacific community
Source: Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs Press Release

(Photo: International Rugby Board)

SAMOA: IRB Pacific Rugby Cup: 5 weeks of Pacific rugby fest
Source: Samoa Rugby Union Press Release

The Pacific Islands’ premier player development competition, the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup (PRC) kicks off its 2009 edition at Apia Park and Lawaqa Park on 24 April. The highly-competitive tournament played iyt over a 5-week period features two regional teams from Fiji (Warriors and Barbarians), Tonga (Tauuta Reds and Tautahi Gold) and Samoa (Upolu Samoa and Savaii Samoa). The tournament features some of the most explosive and dynamic talent in world rugby as well as the most brutal physical contest likely to be seen anywhere.

“The IRB Pacific Rugby Cup has played a significant part in the development of the Game in the Pacific Islands over the past three years. It has grown to become a major focal point for the three participating Unions, generating excellent attendances, providing competitive matches while maintaining a strong emphasis on identification and preparation of locally-based players for the Test arena,” said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

“The tournament is a key element of the IRB’s four-year £48 million global strategic investment programme aimed at driving global playing standards and provides the opportunity for over 200 players in the Islands to gain exposure to a high-intensity representative tournament that bridges the gap between club Rugby and the ANZ IRB Pacific Nations Cup,” added Lapasset.

The 2008 tournament alone saw 47 players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga graduate through to the IRB’s flagship international tournament for the Oceania region, the IRB Pacific Nations Cup. While Rugby World Cup 2007 in France also saw a number of players from the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup starring for their country on the biggest stage of all in what was a hugely successful tournament for the Pacific Island Unions.

“The IRB Pacific Rugby Cup has grown in stature over the past three years and, in conjunction with the High Performance Units established in the Islands, is a major component in the growth of Rugby across the Islands. It has become a focal component of the Rugby Community, has generated strong crowds and inspired great interest in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. The 2009 competition promises to be even better,” said IRB Regional General Manager for Oceania Will Glenwright.

The 2009 tournament kicks off on April 24 with 2006 champions Savai’i Samoa facing Tau’uta Reds of Tonga in Apia and the all-Fijian affair between the Barbarians and the Warriors in Sigatoka. Defending champions Tautahi Gold, the first non-Samoan side to win the competition, start their title defence against Upolu Samoa in Nuku'alofa the following day in a repeat of the 2008 final, won by Tautahi 11-3.

The Samoa Rugby Union (SRU) will be using the 2009 tournament to showcase First XV rugby and Primary school tag rugby as part of its development program.

President for the Samoa Schools Rugby Union, Logopati Mataafa has tentatively agreed for the final of the Smokefree First XV grand final as curtain-raiser to Round 5’s Savaii Samoa vs Upolu Samoa local derby.

“That will be our Champion of Champions finals and timing is perfect. That match is an unofficial Manu Samoa trial and means that the National selectors and who’s who of the rugby fraternity will be there to also watch our game”, says Mataafa.

“It’s a huge opportunity for our secondary schools players to impress especially with places up for grabs in the U-18 Schoolboys tour to New Zealand later in August this year.”

For the under-12 age group, a 10-a-side ‘New Image’ rugby tournament introduces a new event formatted to cover the 5-rounds of the PRC. Samoa Rugby Union’s Tours and Event Manager, Lemalu Schuster says, “We’ve been planning this for a while as it’s a great developmental catalyst to get both girls and boys involved from this young stage. There’s no doubt the importance of this age-group to maintaining interest in rugby and increasing our elite pool depth 5-6 years down the track.

“The Union’s development unit has been working in this area for the past three to five years and this tournament gives an international stage to showcase this work and an incentive for the children to aim towards.”

The young players tournament also forms part of the Union’s strategy to attract parents to the ground. “We’ll be putting aside a special area at Apia Park where the children can rest, have some fun-games and a BBQ so they can stay to watch the PRC games. We aim to turn it into an enjoyable and fun activity for the little ones and their parents, something that adds value and enjoyment to their rugby experience.”

With five rounds to find the top two teams that will compete in the Grand Final on the weekend of May 30-31, it’s a point to note that if this event is held in Samoa, it’s sure to be a cracker both on, and off the field.

IRB Pacific Rugby Cup 2009 Match Schedule
Round 1
Friday, April 24 - Savai'i Samoa v Tau'uta Reds - Apia Park - KO 17.30 local time
Friday, April 24 - Fiji Barbarians v Fiji Warriors - Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka - KO 17.00
Saturday, April 25 - Tautahi Gold v Upolu Samoa - Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa - KO 15:00

Round 2
Friday, May 1 - Upolu Samoa v Tau’uta Reds - Apia Park - KO 17:30
Friday, May 1 - Fiji Barbarians v Savai’i Samoa - Churchill Park, Lautoka - KO 18:00
Saturday, May 2 - Tautahi Gold v Fiji Warriors - Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku’alofa - KO 12:00

Round 3
Friday, May 8 - Upolu Samoa v Fiji Barbarians - Apia Park - KO 17:30
Saturday, May 9 - Fiji Warriors v Savai'i Samoa - Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka - KO 15:00
Saturday, May 9 - Tautahi Gold v Tau'uta Reds - Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku’alofa - KO 15:00

Round 4
Friday, May 15 - Fiji Warriors v Upolu Samoa - Churchill Park, Lautoka - KO 18:00
Saturday, May 16 - Tau'uta Reds v Fiji Barbarians - Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa - KO 12.00
Saturday, May 16 - Savai'i Samoa v Tautahi Gold - Prince Edward Park, Iva - KO 14:00

Round 5
Friday, May 22 - Savai'i Samoa v Upolu Samoa - Apia Park - KO 17:30
Friday, May 22 - Fiji Barbarians v Tautahi Gold - Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka - KO 17:00
Saturday, May 23 - Tau'uta Reds v Fiji Warriors - Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa - KO 15:00

FINAL
May 30/31 - Venue and kick off time to be confirmed
 

(Photos: J. Kneubuhl)

AMERICAN SAMOA: ASCC ROTC Students Receive Contract Awards
Source: American Samoa Community College Press Release

During separate ceremonies earlier this month, two students in the ROTC program at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) received prestigious Contract Awards, which will place them on a path towards careers as commissioned officers in the Army following their completion of the required Military Science studies. “You can compare the Contract Scholarship to the document a soldier signs when beginning Basic Training,” explained Lt. Col. Rodney Laszlo, Professor of Military Science at UH Manoa, who traveled to the Territory to participate in the award ceremonies, “but in this case the terms allow the soldier to stay in school and complete ROTC training, after which he or she begins active service as a Second Lieutenant.”

At a ceremony held in the ASCC Lecture Hall on Saturday, April 4th, evening, Cadet Galo Tuiolosega signed a contract in which the Army agrees to cover his education expenses in Hawaii while he completes his Bachelors degree, after which he will enter the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant. Cadet Mariamagnolia Afoa, who in addition to pursuing a degree at ASCC also serves in the Army Reserves, signed her contract during a ceremony at the Reserve Center the following Sunday afternoon at the Reserve Center following the local reservists’ monthly drills. Lt. Col. Laszlo presided over both ceremonies.

Cadet Afoa’s contract places her in the Simultaneous Membership Program (SMP), in which she will continue serving in the Army Reserves and will receive E5/Sergeant pay during monthly training with her Unit. The 20-year old will attend the University of Hawaii at Manoa in fall 2009, and upon receiving her bachelors degree in two years will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Both Tuiolosega and Afoa will receive a monthly stipend from the Army while attending college, which increases as they progress from their sophomore to senior years.

The son of Trevor and Tala’u’ula Masoe Tuiolosega of Pava’ia’i, Galo attended Manumalo Baptist, Olosega Elementary, Pava’ia’i Elementary, and Samoana High School before starting at ASCC. At Samoana, he played football as a wide receiver and quarterback, and had his first experience with JROTC. As Galo recalled, “The very unique leadership and disciplinary classes JROTC offered got my attention as a way of becoming a much better citizen, if not the best. I also enjoyed the military lifestyle it provided with its traditional customs and courtesies.” Galo advises young adults thinking of joining either ROTC or the military that, “They should definitely be sure whether they want to be in the military. The Army means business when they say they want, but sometimes people take it lightly and they ultimately pay severe consequences. But for the committed, I would say that opportunities only come once, so don’t think twice.”

A resident of Fagasa, Cadet Mariamagnolia Afoa, daughter of Ioane P. and Maria H. Afoa, attended Leone High School before graduating from Fa’asao Marist. “I first took JROTC at Leone,” she recalled, “and I appreciated how the physical training prepared me for the test I took to join the Reserve Unit. ROTC keeps me feeling ready physically and mentally.” Following her graduation from ASCC this semester, Afoa will enter UH Manoa as a Political Science major while simultaneously participating in the latter school’s ROTC program. “Anyone in the Reserves should consider the SMP because you can still use your GI BILL and Tuition Assistance benefits while training to become an officer.”

Asked his opinion of how the ROTC program at ASCC has progressed in recent years, Lt. Col. Laszlo stated, “Getting the word out on the program and having everyone understand the high expectations of quality remains a challenge, but nevertheless the program continues to make leaps and bounds. Being able to contract students at ASCC marks an important step because it truly differentiates this program from high school JROTC, and also legitimizes it as a means for Reserve soldiers to work towards the rank of commissioned officer. The majority of the progress these past two years clearly goes to 1LT Maryjane Porter and SFC (Ret) Kenneth Thompson, as well as the Cadets themselves for setting high standards and living up to them.”

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Two ASCC ROTC cadets celebrate receiving Contract Scholarships from the US Army, which will enable them to continue their Military Science studies in Honolulu, after which they will receive commissions as officers. (l-r) Cadet Galo Tuiolosega, ASCC ROTC instructor SFC (ret.) Kenneth Thompson, Cadet Mariamagnolia Afoa, Mrs. Maria H. Afoa, ASCC ROTC instructor 1LT Maryjane Porter and UH Manoa Professor of Military Science Lt. Col. Rodney Laszlo.

Photo 2 - ASCC ROTC Cadets Mariamagnolia Afoa and Galo Tuiolosega celebrate being awarded Contract Scholarships, which will them to continue their Military Science studies in Honolulu, after which they will receive commissions as officers.

Photo 3 - ASCC ROTC Cadet Galo Tuiolosega (center) celebrates being awarded a Contract Scholarship from the US Army, which will enable him to continue his Military Science studies in Honolulu before receiving his commission as an Army officer. Joining him are his ASCC ROTC instructors 1LT Maryjane Porter (left) and SFC (ret) Kenneth Thompson.
 

(Photo: Eliki Nukutabu, Fiji Times)

FIJI: Young musicians rehearse for competition
Source: Fiji Times

Dudley High School yesterday showcased the singers and musicians who will compete at the Telecom Fiji Limited Young Mussos Acclaim competition next month.

Dudley went for an audition yesterday, watched by members of the Fiji Performing Rights Association which is organising the competition.

The competition is about original song writing and singing and is aimed at encouraging originality and creativity in music among youths. It also aims to boost copyright awareness in society.

Seru Serevi of FPRA said young people had a lot of talent that could become a career path for them.

"Schools come present their songs to us and we check the originality, vocals, music and give constructive suggestions," said Serevi.

Dudley teacher Peni Vadei said they were overwhelmed with the response from students.

"I had to do 17 auditions to select the final seven. We have three vocalists and four musicians.

"At the moment, we are rehearsing our vocals and music.

"Our song is about the beliefs of young people, who they serve and where they place their trust.

"It is about encouraging them and telling them that there is always hope," he said.

The field has been limited to one group from each school singing a five-minute song.

Photo Caption: Dudley High School singers from left, Adi Lewa Tokalaulevu, Taraivini Roligatabua and Suliana Ravula at the Copyrights office in Suva, yesterday.
 

TUVALU: Alofa Tuvalu 'Our Planet Under Water, Big Top Event' heads for Tahiti
Source: Alofa Tuvalu Press Release

After the Unesco World Conference on Education for Sustainable Development in Bonn, where     'Small is Beautiful', the assistance plan in Tuvalu, was the only French initiative amongst the 25 projects in the world carrying the Unesco ESD label, Alofa Tuvalu is heading for French Polynesia.

To celebrate Earth Day 2009, Jour de la Terre, Alofa Tuvalu and Te Mana o Te Moana are organizing “Our Planet Under Water, Big Top Event” at the Papeete town hall gardens on April 22nd and 23rd.

A fundamental part of the French/Tuvaluan NGO’s program since 2005, “Our Planet Under Water, Big Top Event” is a multimedia event designed to educate children about climate change using Tuvalu as an example. This event is proposed to municipalities, in parallel to the training programs carried out in Tuvalu about energy, waste valorization, biodiversity, …

At the Big Top event in Papeete, the comic book “Our Planet Under Water” will be released in Tahitian. This pedagogical tool produced by Alofa Tuvalu and ADEME for 9 to 14 year old children is now out in 10 languages.

The NGO will be represented by Susie Kofe - Alofa Tuvalu’s President in Tuvalu, former President for Human Rights, lawyer and teacher - and Fanny Héros, Project Coordinator.

This first event in Polynesia has received the support of the Ministry of the Environment of the Polynesian Government, the city of Papeete, ADEME (French Environment and Energy Management Agency), the Pacific Fund, IFRECOR, the Regional Council of Ile de France, ETC (European Television Center)…

Alofa Tuvalu is participating in the fight against global warming through its program “Small is Beautiful.” Tuvalu, the first nation threatened to be submerged under sea level, has pledged to respect the protection of its environment since 2005.
 

WORLDWIDE: Security & defence ministers to meet in Tonga
Source: United Nations Development Programme Press Release

Five Pacific islands countries will be the focus of a high level regional conference on security sector governance, to be held in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, next week from April 27-30.

The Security Sector Governance Regional Conference is hosted by the UNDP-Pacific Centre in co-operation with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to look at the key security challenges, responses and areas required for capacity development support in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

The Co-Chair of the Conference, UNDP's Senior Regional Crisis Prevention and Recovery Advisor, Jean-Luc Stalon, said today that the intention of the of the Conference, which includes Ministers responsible for Security, Parliamentarians, Ombudsman, civil society organizations and law enforcement institutions is to build on the findings of scoping missions to the five island states from November 2008. Those missions where undertaken by UNDP Pacific Centre and Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of the Armed Forces (DCAF), and were observed by PIFS.

Mr Stalon said that some of the topics to be covered during the four-days conference to be held at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre, will include Security Sector Governance: Global and Pacific; Security Sector Governance and Co-operation in the Pacific - status and needs; Executive, Legislative and Civil Society Oversight of the Security Sector; institution building and accountability of the security sector; and Gender and Security Sector Governance.

International resource people who have been invited to the conference, included, Dr. Eboe Hutchful, Director, African Security Dialogue and Research (ASDR), Chair African Security Sector Network (ASSN); Peter Batchelor, Chief - Conflict Prevention and Recovery Team, UNDP Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery BCPR; Boubacar N'Diaye, African Security Sector Network; Giji Gya, Executive Director, International Security Information Service, Europe and Judge; Shackley Raffetto, US Navy JAG, SeniorFellow, DIILS.

Conflict prevention

The UNDP-Pacific Centre was established in 2006 and it has been developing conflict prevention initiatives for the Pacific Islands Forum countries under a close partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

In June 2008 the UNDP embarked on a regional inception phase project to "Support the Capacity Development of Governance Institutions to Oversee and Manage the Security Sector in the Pacific." The target countries for this regional initiative over the first year are Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu.

The intended outcome of the conference is to identify the priority needs and capacity gaps where UNDP in partnership with international and regional organizations could provide common regional technical assistance, policy advisory or capacity building support to enhance the management and oversight of the security sector in the Pacific.

Regional Delegation

The leaders of delegation to the Nuku'alofa conference, include, Hon. Bob Dadae, the Minister of Defence for Papua New Guinea; Hon. Samuel Manetoali Eaney, Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Solomon Islands; Ratu Epeli Ganilau, Fiji's Minister of Defence; Hon. Philipp Morris Boedoro, MP, Deputy Speaker, Vanuatu; and Hon. Sonatane Tu'akina Taumoepeau Tupou, Tonga's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence.