NEWSROOM 03 July
2009

(Photo: Department of Internal Affairs)

NEW ZEALAND: Looking for leaders from Waikato’s Pacific communities

(Photo: Samoa Government)

SAMOA: Parliamentary Updates
Source: Government Press Secretariat Press Release

July Fuel Prices 2009

Cabinet has approved the retail petroleum products prices for July 2009.
 

As stated above, petrol price will be increased by 9.3sene per litre, 7.3sene per litre increase for diesel and 13.9sene per litre increase for kerosene.

The rise in the cost of all petroleum products is due to the increase in the cost of fuel in Singapore (15%).

The new costs will come into effect on the 1st of July 2009.
 

Conference on Reforming Water Governance

Cabinet has approved the participation by the Managing Director of the Samoa Water Authority, Tainau Moefaauo Taputoa Titimaea of the Reforming Water Governance Conference to be held in Singapore on the 1 - 3 July 2009.

The main objective of the meeting is to set laws, policies, programs and projects to help different countries develop and manage its water resources to meet the current and future needs of its population. The objectives will be based on the existing International Laws and Policies that are currently used by Water Sectors around the world.

60 representatives from 18 different countries of the World will be attending this conference. This Conference will be organized by the National University of Singapore and the Asian Development Bank.


Cabinet approves $15,000.00 for the Samoan Contender

Cabinet has approved financial assistance of $15,000.00 to assist and support the Samoan Contender, Lawrence Tauasā and other Amateur Boxers in preparations for their fight on Friday 3rd July 2009.

Being the only boxer of the Pacific to have made it to the top 16 finalists in the world on the US TV series Mr Tauasā is believed to be the next David Tua in the making if he is supported well. Tauasā will be fighting against a Fijian on Friday night and is also preparing for another fight to be held in America in September 2009.

The Samoa Boxing Team for the Pacific Mini-Games to be held in Cook Islands in August 2009 will be selected after Friday’s event.


Aquaduct Trading Pty Ltd Awarded Contract

Cabinet has approved Contract awarded to the Aquaduct Trading Pty Ltd for supply and delivery of Portable High Pressure Air Compressor Unit for Samoa’s Water Authority’s Drilling Rig for Borehole Program at the total amount of AUS$292,292.00.

An invitation for Bids was advertised and five Companies submitted applications. The applications were then assessed by a Sub-Committee of Senior Water Authority Officers and an EU Consultant.

Of all the applicants Aquaduct Trading Pty Ltd submitted the lowest bid and has also met all the necessary conditions and requirements.
 

(Photo: Australian Rugby Union)

AUSTRALIA: Genia goes from PNG to Wallaby gold
Source: The Australian

Will Genia was sitting in a classroom at Ballymore yesterday doing his diploma in business course when he was handed a piece of paper.

It was the Wallabies' Tri-Nations squad and Genia's name was highlighted in yellow.

Genia was the only bolter in the 30-man squad, replacing back-up halfback Josh Valentine.

"I'm stoked. I couldn't believe it," Genia said.

The 21-year-old was poised to be selected in Australia's squad for the in-bound Tests, but was ruled out after damaging a finger tendon in a two-try performance for Queensland against the Brumbies on May 2. He will be fit to play again in two weeks, which is when the Wallabies tackle the All Blacks in Auckland on July 18.

"Robbie (Deans) called me after the Brumbies game," Genia said. "He said 'keep working hard and our paths will cross before the end of the year'.

"All I wanted to do this year was play good, consistent rugby for Queensland and now I've been rewarded with a place in the Wallabies. If I get picked, I'll be right to play in two weeks. All I can do is do everything I can to get fit and prepare.

"It would be awesome to face the haka in Auckland and play against the All Blacks, one of the best teams in the world."

Genia will become one of the few players of Papua New Guinean birth to become a Wallaby. After moving to Australia as a 12 year old, he was plucked from obscurity by former Queensland coach Eddie Jones to make his Super rugby debut for the Reds' season opener against the Hurricanes in 2007 without having played a senior club game for Brisbane Wests.

A member of the Australian under-20 team last year, Genia continued his development this season, competing with Australia A halfback Ben Lucas for the Reds' No9 jersey. While Genia has been out of sight, he has not been out of Deans' mind.

"As a young man he is very strong," Deans said. "He's got a good passing game and he's strong in the carry. In his last outing against the Brumbies, he scored two tries that day as well as distributing effectively.

"He is a bloke who we believe will add a lot to our game.

"Against a tiring defence a bloke like him is going to be pretty challenging and we've seen that in Super rugby."

Genia, who is finalising a two-year deal with the ARU and the Reds, will play a key role in maintaining the Wallabies' pace and pressure for 80 minutes.

"That's something I've concentrated on this season," Genia said. "I was given some advice by (former Australia and Reds halfback) Sam Cordingley. Whatever time you get make the most of it and make a difference. It doesn't matter if it's two minutes or 20 minutes."

The only other change to the Wallabies squad was the inclusion of number eight Wycliff Palu, who has recovered from a broken hand and has effectively replaced the sacked Lote Tuqiri.

Photo Caption: Will Genia, selected to replace back-up halfback Josh Valentine in the Wallabies' Tri-Nations squad.

(Photo: U.S. Army)

USA: Iuniasolua Savusa selected as Command Sergeant Major for USPACOM

Source: Office of Congressman Faleomavaega Press Release

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today (July 01, 2009) that Command Sergeant Major Iuniasolua Savusa was selected as the Command Sergeant Major for the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) headquartered at Camp Smith in Honolulu, Hawaii. CSM Savusa will be leaving his post as the Command Sergeant Major of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces in Kabul, Afghanistan. CSM Savusa will be under the command of Admiral Timothy J. Keating, USN, Commander of USPACOM. He will replace Chief Master Sergeant James A. Roy of the U.S. Air Force.

USPACOM was established as a unified command in 1947 by President Harry Truman and remains today as the oldest and the largest of all the United State’s unified commands. USPACOM’s area of responsibility covers more than 50 percent of the earth’s surface, an area of more than 100 million square miles. This includes 36 nations and about sixty percent of the world’s population. Importantly, USPACOM monitors five of the world’s largest armies including: People’s Republic of China, Russia, India, North Korea, and South Korea. USPACOM is formed by the U.S. Army Pacific, Marine Forces Pacific, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Pacific Air Forces and is estimated at approximately 250,000 military personnel.

Prior to being the Command Sergeant Major of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force and United States Forces in Afghanistan, CSM Savusa was also Command Sergeant Major for the U.S. Army Europe and 7th Army in Heidelberg, Germany, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force in Vicenza, Italy, and Post Command Sergeant Major at Fort Polk, Louisiana. In support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, CSM Savusa served two tours as the Command Sergeant Major for the Task Force Rakkasan (2001) and Combined Joint Task Force-76 (2005). In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, CSM Savusa was deployed with the 101st Airborne Division that was led by General David Petraeus and CSM Savusa was instrumental in the initial incursion of Baghdad.

CSM Savusa is the son of the late Savusa Tului of the village of Nu’uuli and Taitupu Savusa of the village of Fagasa. He is married to Mareta Siatini Iese of the village of Fagatogo and they have four children.

“I want to take this opportunity to congratulate a great American hero and Toa o Samoa, CSM Iuni Savusa, for his new assignment as the Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Pacific Command,” said Faleomavaega. “Given that USPACOM is the largest of our unified commands, Iuni’s assignment as the most senior enlisted soldier at USPACOM speaks volumes of his leadership and trust by our military leaders.”

“Iuni continues to be an amazing inspiration for many of our troops that serve in all branches of the military today. He has continued to further his military career by taking assignments that require the highest responsibility and the strongest leadership. Iuni’s experience will prepare him for his new assignment but, more importantly, he will have the opportunity to contribute and to serve our Pacific community. I know that Iuni will serve us well as the U.S. continues to advocate for more U.S. presence and direct dialogue for mutual diplomacy in the Asia and Pacific region.”

“I want to take this opportunity to wish Iuni and Mareta the very best at their new assignment. Their honorable service and commitment to our military personnel remains an exemplary model for all military families. You demonstrate the core values of a Toa Samoa and you continue to make us proud,” concluded Faleomavaega.

Photo Caption: New Command Sergeant Major for the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) headquartered at Camp Smith in Honolulu, Hawaii.

(Photo: Neptune Pacific Line)

VANUATU: Scarlett Lucy, Vanuatu’s new link to Brisbane
Source: Vanuatu Daily Post

A new shipping service has been launched in Port Vila on Wednesday.

Scarlett Lucy will operate from Brisbane to Port Vila, Honiara, Nauru and back to Brisbane.

The new service was announced by Greg Wilson, President of Neptune Pacific Line (NPL), Larry O’Regan- Manager Queensland Neptune Pacific Agency Australia PTY Limited (NPAAPL) along with Roger Fabros who is the Principal of Genesis Shipping Services in Port Vila.

Mr Wilson told Daily Post that Port Vila is now part of the route and businesses can be sure to welcome a ship per month from Brisbane.

He said the shipping service hopes to give an opportunity to Vanuatu businesses to not only grow trade from and to Australia but importantly trade with North and South East Asia, Europe and North America.

He confirmed that Scarlett Lucy is a fully owned company vessel with a deadweight capacity to carry 4,750 tonnes. The vessel is manned by a crew of Fijians including two Ni-Vanuatu seafarers.

In terms of their services, Mr Wilson said they can handle both refrigerated and dry containers along with break bulk or over dimensional cargo.

“Our 5 day transit time from Brisbane will help to extend shelf life of perishable goods and our global connections will open up new trade opportunities” Mr Wilson said.

Scarlett Lucy is scheduled to arrive in Port Vila on the 4th of July 2009.

Photo Caption: Scarlett Lucy will arrive in Port Vila on the 4th July 2009, its second voyage since the launching.

WORLDWIDE: MSG to take Fiji's case to Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting

Source: China View

Fiji's political issue will be taken to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Cains, Australia by the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Radio Vanuatu reported yesterday.

The Chair of the MSG, Vanuatu Prime Minister Edward Nipake Natapei confirmed that he was trying to convene an urgent summit later this month to address Fiji's political situation prior to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' meeting next month.

He said the way things are, Fiji can no longer participate in the Forum meeting and the Forum has no other option for dialogue with Fiji.

He said this came about because Fiji has closed its own door.

However, Natapei said Fiji's situation must not be overlooked and as MSG members, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (PNG) will meet Fiji in Port Vila to discuss a way forward for Fiji.

This, he added, was the only way to re-open dialogue with Fiji.

He confirmed speaking with the leaders of the three countries about the purpose of the urgent MSG summit.

No date has been set for the special session of MSG leaders.

The MSG Summit is held after every three years.