NEWSROOM 01 May
2009

(Photo: Pacific Island Community Trust)

NEW ZEALAND: Health workshops address unique challenges for BOP’s PI community

(Photo: Samoa Government)

SAMOA: Parliamentary Updates
Source: Government Press Secretariat Press Release

Samoan Government to File a Complaint against TVNZ One News

Cabinet has decided to file a complaint against TVNZ One News to the New Zealand Broadcasting Standards Authority regarding their news item titled “Gangs and Drugs in Samoa”.

TVNZ One News reported that there are Gangs selling drugs and smuggling guns in Samoa. According to the reports submitted by the Ministry of Police, these reports by the TVNZ One News were misleading and it has ruined the reputation of the Country especially towards the Tourism Industry.

The Chapman Tripp Law Firm will stand for the Government of Samoa and will be preparing and filing the complaint to the New Zealand Broadcasting Standard Authority.


Silva Transport Co. Ltd Awarded Contract

Cabinet has approved Contract awarded to the Silva Transport Co. Ltd for Vaimoso Rockwall construction.

An invitation for Tenders’ Bids was advertised where five (5) companies showed an interest. Two (2) contractors were unable to meet the necessary requirements and conditions while the other contractor withdrew their bid.

After reviewing of the two remained proposals submitted to the Tenders’ Board, the Contract was awarded to the Silva Transport Co. Ltd at the total amount of ST$1,097,514.00.


32nd Meeting of the Asia and Pacific Association of Development Financing Institution

Cabinet has approved the attendance by the General Manager of the Development Bank of Samoa, Fuimaono F. Lima and Representative of the Board of Directors, Matafeo P. Molio’o of the 32nd Meeting for the Association of Development Financing Institution in Asia and Pacific held in Muscat, Oman on the 27 - 30 April 2009.

The theme of the meeting is, “Financing Development amidst the Global Crisis: DFI Responses, Challenges and Opportunities”. Representatives from various countries will present papers to share their Institutions’ experiences in dealing with the economic crisis.

The meeting is a good opportunity for the participants to exchange their countries’ experiences with others to improve and to better their services.
 

(Photo: US Government)

AMERICAN SAMOA: SS and VA benefit recipients receive economic recovery payment
Source: Office of Congressman Faleomavaega Press Release

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today (April 27, 2009) that, as a result of the Congressional Delegates’ work on the stimulus bill which was recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama, individuals living in the Territories who received Social Security or Veterans benefits at any time during the months of November and December 2008, or January 2009, will also receive a one-time economic recovery payment of $250.

Commissioner Michael Astrue of the Social Security Administration informed Faleomavaega in a letter that the one-time economic recovery payment of $250.00 will be mailed out from the U.S. Department of Treasury to recipients of Social Security and/or Veterans Benefits in American Samoa during the month of May 2009.

According to Commissioner Astrue, a beneficiary’s address of record must be in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Northern Marianas Islands to qualify to receive the recovery payment. This one-time payment will be separate from the recipient’s regular benefits and it will be sent in a method one is currently using to receive these benefits, as in direct deposit, by check in the mail or direct express debit account.

“I am pleased that American Samoa is included in this important one-time economic payment program in which recipients of Social Security and Veterans benefits in our territory will automatically receive additional funds to help offset the high cost of living expenses and to take care of their families during these difficult economic times,” Faleomavaega said.

“This one-time recovery payment will not count as income for Social Security benefits or as a resource in the month of May or any of the following nine months of 2009. This means the recipient’s total income for the month will not be affected. If both the husband and wife are receiving benefits from either Social Security or Veterans benefits, each will get a check of the one-time payment. Children under the age of 18, (19 if still in high school) who receive Social Security benefits are not eligible. However, adult disabled children who receive Social Security benefits on a parent’s records or a designated representative payee on record will receive the one-time payment.”

The Commissioner advises beneficiaries to call the toll-free number 1-800-325-0778 or contact your local Social Security office if you do not receive your one-time economic recovery payment by June 4, 2009. Information is also available online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

“I am grateful to my colleagues in Congress for working with us to make sure the Territories were included and treated equally. I also commend President Obama for signing the Act into law which will help stimulate our local economy and provide financial assistance to families who need it most,” Faleomavaega concluded.

Photo Caption: Congressman Eni Faleomavaega.
 

FIJI: Work in progress to safeguard women, children
Source: Fiji Daily Post

Government is very serious about taking a proactive role to counter violence against women and children in Fiji.

The Minister of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Monitoring Dr Jiko Luveni said the Department of Women was having discussions with the Police Community and Sexual Offences Unit to map out strategies.

She is also calling on community to take a more proactive role.

“What we want to ensure is the immediate protection of women and children that are exposed to violent abuse,” the minister said.

“We are calling on the community to be responsible and immediately report abuse against women and children to the police.

“My message to the community is let us unite to end violence against women and children, because today it may be a beating, tomorrow it could be the loss of life,” Dr Luveni added.

She believes the new initiative will supplement the police force’s current ‘no drop policy’, but the main objective is to provide immediate safety and put an end to the violence escalating.

“The mere presence of the police at a volatile situation should have a calming effect and habitual perpetrators of violence will get the message that the community is watching.

“We want to ensure that police respond and react immediately, because this could mean the difference between life and death.”

On confidentiality, Dr Luveni said that the identity of those who report incidences of violence will be assured.

“I want to assure concerned citizens that their confidentiality will be kept, so that there is no reprisal from the perpetrators.”

Dr Luveni said the new initiative was a follow-on from the national symposium to address violence against women and children that was held earlier this year.
 

(Photos: Niue Festival Committee)

NIUE: Reconnection - Niue Arts & Cultural Festival 2009 successfully celebrates!
Source: Niue Festival Committee Press Release

The theme of reconnection and celebration of all things Niue was successfully achieved at the first ever Niue Arts & Cultural Festival 2009.

The Kau Auloa Art Exhibition was the entree into the first ever Niue Arts & Cultural Festival that officially opened from 11-17 April 2009.

From the moment the Kau Auloa Art Exhibition preview opened in Niue on Friday 10 April 2009, the island was abuzz with the sound of unity between overseas Niue people celebrating all things Niue.

The one week festival brought together Niueans from New Zealand, Australia and Niue in workshops, day excursions, an art exhibition, cultural performances, an evening of poetry and readings, myths and legends, a film night, a fashion show, a variety night and traditional kilikiki songs.

It was achievement was remarkable because it was carried by a small group of volunteers under the New Zealand based Niue Fakalataha Ki Mua initiative (NFKM) who undertake projects, identified by consultations with the Niue community.

The Niue Fakalataha Ki Mua initiative was inspired by the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs (MPIA) and it was under this umbrella that the Niue Arts & Cultural Festival 2009 came to fruition.

At the start of the festival, Premier Toke Talagi, spoke of the possibility of the Niue Arts & Cultural festival becoming a future international showcase for Niue and the opportunity for Niue people living in different countries to return to Niue. His joke that Niueans had left Niue to make money and instead had to fundraise to make the trip home was lost on some who could not understand Niue language. However, as the festival patron, Premier Talagi gave his full commitment to the festival adding government funding to assist the organisation.

With Niue busy hosting the Pacific Island Forum Meeting last year added to other commitments, communications over long distance planning via emails and phone calls, from unpaid volunteers to successfully present a professional show case in less than one year, on passion and the smell of an oily rag, the festival was a major achievement. Even the weather tossed in a cyclone delaying the first flight of festival goers by a day.

But more than 100 artists and performers, their families and friends heeded the call and helped to create a uniquely Niue event.


The festival programme began with the arts preview ‘Kau Auloa Art Exhibition’ held daily in the Aliutu Hall in Alofi.

Local Niue artists joined with the New Zealand cousins in reconnection and rejuvenation of Niuean art led by curators Niue based Ira Merrifield and NZ based artist Glenda Vilisoni.
From the giant metal swordfish sculpture by Chris Van Doren, to the paintings by Olga Kamupala Wilson of Perth, Australia, Niue Kiwis (Niwis), Glenda Vilisoni, Lina Marsh, Cerisse Palalagi, Zora Feilo and Mrs Matafetu Smith to Niue based artists such as Susana Sionetuato, Ira Merriefield, Kenneth Green and Sale Jessop, the festival was on its way to achieve its goal of reconnection between Niue and overseas based Niueans.

The festival successfully ticked all boxes, with an overwhelming positive response from locals and visitors alike. Niue Star editor Michael Jackson said everyone was thankful for the efforts made by the groups from New Zealand who had fundraised so hard to participate in the festival. “We really appreciate it” he said.

Other local Niue people were said the festival had woken up the community and bringing in much needed visitors. February to April/May is generally the low season, until the yachts and whale watching season starts from May, June July. Local business people were reportedly ‘very happy’ with their takings as a result of the festival - from the local fish and chip takeaway to cafe owners. Handicraft and artist Timothy Magaoa had a huge smile at the festival end and was suitably impressed with the launch and the sales of his new line of handcrafted and painted fridge magnets and key rings.

Visitors who arrived a week before the festival, could attend the traditional vaka making workshops held by the tutor Taumafai Fuhiniu in the bush behind his home. The boys from the Wellington male dance group Tau Toa Niue took up the challenge, working through warm rain, humidity and mosquitoes to craft the canoe, which awaits unfinished until the groups’ return for completion.

The Reef Excursion postponed, saw families take their New Zealand cousins onto the reef to show them how to harvest shellfish from oysters, crabs and the Niue equivalent of kina.

During the festival, there was also an island tour around the island to a taro plantation, nonu and vanilla farms and to renovated homes being used for tourist accommodation.

The tattoo, weaving and traditional costume making workshops held midweek on Wednesday was the ‘kool’ factor for youngsters and teenagers. The black water based printed tattoos workshop facilitated by artist Cerisse Palalagi brought out ‘tats’ artist in everyone.

At night, performing arts were held under two large open air marquees in front of the Niue Commercial Centre in Alofi, the night time slot to allow half the 1,500 or so people to go work and school during the day. And despite heavy rain on the first night, the cooling breeze with view of the full moon over the ocean in the distance, the setting was magic.

The opening night performances came mostly from the NZ Niue groups, Tau Fiti Lose Manogi mai Niu Sila, the Wellington group Tau Toa Niue and the Wellington Women’s group ending with Tau Fuata Niue. The Niue representation came from the Niue Arts Festival Group who attended the four yearly Pacific Arts Festival Group in American Samoa.

On Tuesday, the Makete - a busy twice a week market place for fresh produce and handicrafts became the venue for the Poetry, Stories, Legends, Myths, Song Recital. Once again, local writers and poets mingled with their New Zealand cousins sharing their stories and poems. That followed with a quick two minute walk to the centre to see Pollywood director Craig Fasi’ Niue and Pacific Film night - shown on a makeshift screen made of two large white sheets sewn together. The short films from documentary to animations were received enthusiastically by the audience.

Wednesday was a mixture of wearable art and fashion in the Fashion Show. This was an opportunity to view some local talent with designers using local material such as coconut fronts and banana leaves to create their costumes. The missionary influence strong with a number of colourful muumuu outfits.

Another first for the island was the Thursday performance of the play Falemalama by playwright Dianne Fuemana. It captured the Niue audience who had not seen this type of play performed in Niue before. The story of her mother Falemalama, who came from Samoa to live in Niue and then New Zealand, was performed by Fuemana’s daughter Reid and Damon Fepule’ai. Enthusiastically received it was the opening for the Variety night and an opportunity for various island groups now living in Niue to perform. A siva and firedance from Samoa, dancers from Tuvalu, Tonga, and a show stealing solo from Cook Islands youngster Ricardo Williams. The Nukututaha Christchurch Niuean Group and South Auckland’s Ocean Angelics group led by Amanda Hausi also took centre stage.

The festival organisers would like to thank all the artists, performers, friends, families, supporters and sponsors in Niue, New Zealand, Australia who were part of the inaugural Niue Arts & Cultural Festival 2009.

The New Zealand based organisers was led by Sene Falakoa and Miriam Kauhiva of the international all male dance group Tau Fuata Niue. Auckland consisted of Chani Iosia-Sipeli and Glenda Vilisoni, Jo Vilipaama from Wellington and Mele Darin-Hoare of Christchurch with support from Eleanor Ikinofo of Pacific Islands Trade & Investment Commission NZ and Dr Colin Tukuitonga, CEO of Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs and his team of Ofania Ikiua and Roman Kingi. The Niue Organising Committee included Premier and Festival Patron, Hon. Toke Talagi, Ira Merrifield, Maree Webster, Robin Hekau, Sonya Talagi, Ina Vakaafi and Ida Talagi-Hekesi & her staff at Niue Tourism Office.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Auckland Niue Festival organising team - Sene Falakoa, Eleanor Ikinofo, Glenda Vilisoni holding baby, Miriam Kauhiva absent: Chani Iosia Sipeli who remained in Auckland.

Photo 2 - Festival patrons - Dr Colin Tukuitonga (l) was presented with a Niue alo vaka (canoe paddle) by Premier Hon. Toke Talagi at the end of the festival.

Photo 3 - 9 year old, Nadia Ikinofo (2nd right) visited Niue for the first time with her (l-r) Uncle Darryl, Aunty Ele, cousin Tylah and her brother Jordan.

Photo 4 - It was a first time for family members of the The Nukututaha Christchurch Niuean Group led by festival organiser Mele Darin-Hoare.
 

WORLDWIDE: WHO/SPC response to swine flu threat in Pacific Islands region
Source: Joint WHO/SPC Press Release

The human swine influenza A (H1N1) outbreak is evolving rapidly. As of 29 April 2009, nine countries have officially reported cases of the infection. New Zealand confirmed thirteen cases today (on Thursday 30 April), increasing the likelihood that the infection could spread to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs).

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) are working to support PICTs in responding quickly and efficiently to this public health threat. The priority is to ensure that countries’ surveillance systems are working, as well as their laboratory testing procedures to detect any suspected cases.

‘We have asked all PICTs to immediately notify WHO if they identify any suspected cases of the swine flu as requested by the International Health Regulations.’’ says Dr Jacob Kool, Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response, World Health Organization Office for the South Pacific. ‘They are also asked to report to us twice a week on the total number of influenza cases’.

Health authorities in all PICTs were initially alerted about the situation last Saturday (25 April).

Updates on how it is evolving and technical advice on public health measures and precautions that need to be implemented urgently are now being provided regularly.

‘We started working intensively with PICTs on pandemic preparedness four years ago when we designed the Pacific Regional Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Project (PRIPPP) in collaboration with WHO, the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO),’ says Dr Tom Kiedrzynski, Epidemiologist at SPC.

PICTs are encouraged to activate their pandemic preparedness plans according to the WHO Influenza Pandemic Phases. The preparedness strategies developed and tested in recent years under PRIPPP will assist countries in dealing with this potentially alarming situation.

For more information, please contact: Christelle Lepers, Surveillance Information Officer at SPC Telephone +687 26 01 81 or WHO South Pacific: +679-3234100

INFORMATION ON SWINE FLU

WHAT IS SWINE FLU? Despite the name (“swine influenza”), this is a disease that is spread from person to person, like regular flu.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? The infection causes a flu-like severe respiratory disease, with sudden onset of high fever, plus a cough or sore throat. The symptoms can vary from mild to very severe. Other symptoms may include sneezing, body aches, and tiredness. In some cases in Mexico, nausea and vomiting was also reported. In severe cases, swine flu may lead to difficulty breathing and even death. Most severe illness and deaths have been reported from Mexico; in other countries the illness has generally been mild.

HOW IS THE DISEASE SPREAD? Like most respiratory infections, swine influenza is spread from person to person only through close contact: e.g. touching, shaking hands, or kissing. It can also be spread by a sick person through coughing, sneezing, or talking, but only at close distance (< 2 meters).

HOW CAN THE DISEASE BE TREATED? There are medicines that can help fight this infection, but they only work if given quickly and are only available from a doctor, so you must seek care RIGHT AWAY.

IS THERE A VACCINE FOR THIS DISEASE? Not yet. Authorities are working to develop a vaccine but it will likely take several months before a vaccine is available.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS:

· Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and avoid touching your face

· Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze

· Wear a mask if you are sick, and wear it in crowded places if you are in an affected area

· Avoid close contact with sick people (standing closer than 6 feet, touching, kissing, hugging)

· Visit a health practitioner immediately if you think you may have swine flu, i.e. if you develop flu symptoms within 7 days after visiting an affected area. Make sure to tell them about your travel history

Stay home if you feel ill (except to get medical attention)

IS IT SAFE TO EAT PORK?
Yes. This disease is spread from person to person. It is not spread by pork meat. Pork that is handled properly and cooked thoroughly is safe to eat.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The World Health Organization is coordinating the global response to the swine influenza A (H1N1) outbreak and is monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic.

The Pacific Regional Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Project (PRIPPP) has been designed to build the capacity of PICTs to deal with the potential threat of emerging infectious diseases, in particular avian influenza and pandemic influenza. Swine influenza is one such threat. The project is implemented by SPC in collaboration with WHO, the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and with financial assistance from AusAID and NZAID. It covers 22 Pacific Island countries and territories*. PRIPPP is completed by a project funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on strengthening influenza surveillance in PICTs.