NEWSROOM 10 July
2009

(Photos: Le Samoa Post newspaper)

NEW ZEALAND: Boxing promotion postponed to prevent spread of swine flu

(Photo: Samoa Government)

SAMOA: Parliamentary Updates
Source: Government Press Secretariat Press Release

New Zealand Prime Minister visits Samoa

The New Zealand Government Delegation led by Hon. Prime Minister John Key arrived in Samoa on Tuesday morning, 7th July 2009.

Among the Delegation of 70 officials are Minister of Pacific Affairs Geogina Te Heuheu and Dr Pita Sharples Minister of Maori Affairs. Also included in the Delegation are 9 Members of Parliament.

As part of the visit, Hon. John Key will be visiting some of the Projects funded by the Government of New Zealand. The Prime Minister and the delegation will also meet some of the returning Seasonal Workers at Poutasi and will be discussing issues for the improvement of the Recognised Seasonal Employment Scheme.

Hon. John Key and his delegation were welcomed with a Kava ceremony at the Head of States Residents in Tuaefu, followed by his meeting with the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.


New Police Office at Poutasi

Cabinet recently approved the opening of the new Police Office at Poutasi on Thursday 9th July 2009.

Building this new Police Office in Poutasi is one of the plans set by the Ministry to improve its services and to allow easy access for the public living in the rural area. Included in this Plan is the establishment of other new offices in Vaitoomuli and Tuana’imato.

The Opening Ceremony of the New Office at Poutasi was at 11:00am.


Pacific Island Parties to prepare for meeting with the United States of America

Cabinet has approved the participation by the Assistant CEO of Foreing Affairs and Trade, Tagaloa Sharon Potoi-Aiafi of the Special meeting of the Pacific Island Parties in preparations for Re-negotiation of Multilateral Treaty on Fisheries with the United States of America, to be held in Italy on the 10th July 2009.

This meeting is arranged in accordance with the decision of the Pacific Island Parties at their last Annual Internal Meeting held in March 2009, Koror, Palau. This treaty between the Pacific Parties and the United States of Unites finishes in 2013. The meeting in Nadi will review and discuss some of the issues that the Pacific States need to address in their next meeting with United States representative.

This meeting with the United States of America is scheduled to be held in Port Vila, Vanuatu in October 2009.


Government Donates $30,000.00

Cabinet has approved financial assistance of $30,000.00 for the Athletics Association of Samoa to assist them in funding trips for the athletes for the up coming International Competitions.

The Competitions include:
• World Youth (Under 18) Championship, July 8 - 12, Suedtirol, Italy, where Samoa will be represented by Margaret Satupai (silver medalist - Discus & Bronze medalist - Shot Put, 2008 Oceania Under 18)
• Oceania Regional Championships, August 4 - 8, Queensland, Australia. Samoa will be represented by a team of seven athletes.
• World Championships, August 15 - 23, Berlin, Germany. Samoa will be represented by Margaret Satupai and Aunese Cureen.
 

(Photo: J. Kneubuhl)

AMERICAN SAMOA: ASCC hits Summer School enrolment peak
Source: American Samoa Community College Press Release

The American Samoa Community College (ASCC) has long kept a close eye on enrolment numbers for its spring and fall semesters, both of which have shown a steady increase over the past several years. During the session currently underway, when the College staff noticed that the campus seemed busier than usual for a summer session, they compared the current enrolment figure with previous semesters to find that ASCC has hit a new summer enrolment peak, with 1,367 students currently taking classes, compared to 1,149 in summer 2008 and 1100 in summer 2007.

“I’m very pleased that so many students are taking advantage of the summer classes at ASCC. The instructors I've talked with say that the students this summer are working very hard and are doing well in class,” said the College’s Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Kathleen Kolhoff-Belle. “I think several factors account for the enrolment increase. First, when the economy declines, more people go back to school for advanced training or re-training to become more competitive in the job market. Also, we have a number of high school students taking advantage of our early admissions program to get a head start. Finally, I think that more people in our community now see ASCC as a resource for quality higher education. With all of this in mind, this semester we expanded our summer school schedule to offer more classes.”

Samoan Studies Institute instructor Evile Feleti also thinks that economic conditions have led to his classes attracting larger than usual numbers. “The worldwide economic crisis touched us locally with the unfortunate closing of Samoa Packing,” Feleti says. “Now more parents and high school teachers alike encourage the youth to recognize a college education as the best option, since more jobs require degree holders or individuals with certification. With the disturbing issue of unemployment on everyone’s mind, Samoan families realize that scholars earn more than an uneducated breadwinner. Parents also find ASCC affordable and closer to home, and as US Nationals, American Samoans can take advantage of an almost free education through financial aid from the federal government”

While teachers and parents tend to look at the big picture with regards to education today, talking to students themselves attending ASCC this summer reveals a number of different perspectives. Student Masua Kim says, “All I want to do is to focus on school, in order to graduate early. Taking summer classes will help me move forward quicker.” Asked her overall opinion of ASCC, she describes it as “pretty good,” adding, “The materials used for class are well prepared, the instructors are good, and the school system is well arranged.” Student Ana Pesaleli explains, “I was looking for some job this summer, but I did not find one, so, I thought it would be better for me to come back to school to use my time wisely, instead of staying in the house and doing nothing.”

Already a College veteran of several semesters, Liberal Arts major Sabrina Anetta Sevaaitasi says, “Attending ASCC was the best choice I have ever made to further my education after high school. Because of the excellent staff I've taken classes with, I was able to survive my past three semesters. One of the unique reasons I chose ASCC was because many of the staff are bilingual. That is a good thing, because had it not been for their Samoan explanations, some of the lectures would have been hard to understand. As a Samoan, I treasure my language and my culture, and attending ASCC has really helped me to broaden my thinking horizons and prep me for what universities have in store. I urge everyone, especially the high school students, to take advantage of our local college, for it can enable us to see what the world has in store for us.”

When choosing summer school, Malefa’i Solo Sakaria had the familiar economic concerns in mind, explaining, “Furthering my education and getting a degree is the only way I have to make a living here or in the States. I want to start out at ASCC, and get used to what college life has to offer.” Describing ASCC as “not bad after all,” Sakaria also complements the instructors, commenting that, “Each instructor explains the process involved in the work, and they literally guide us step by step, which I am thankful for.” Fetu Jessie Lakisa also commends the ASCC instructors because, “There’s no favouritism.” Viola Taunuufa Mapu says she wanted to “get familiarized with being a college student,” and says of her new academic environment, “I just feel free here in college. It’s like another new life to education.”

At age 72, Susitina Nikolao attends ASCC because, “It brings a new phase of my life and opportunities for me to advance my knowledge, so that I can specialize in an area of study that I can enjoy.” Having experienced the loss of her husband, Nikolao says returning to school has led to a new optimism. “I can make my day useful by learning new things I can pass on to my children’s children, and also update myself, because in the old days we didn’t even have school supplies or books that were very helpful. Nowadays, computers are making books obsolete.” Asked if she recommends ASCC for other non-traditional students, she says, “If you have a desire and passion for what you are studying, it is not only fun, but extremely energizing! In addition, ASCC has many activities, clubs, and organizations that you can become a part of. College years should be some of the best years of your life. It's what you make of it in attitude and deed.”

For more information on ASCC, including a catalogue of courses to be offered during the fall 2009 semester, visit the College’s webpage at: www.amsamoa.edu. Sifagatogo Tuitasi, Oloalilo Chong Nee, Jeanine Leovao, Jackie Laupapa, and Philip Iosefo also made contributions to this article.

Photo Caption: During its summer session, ASCC classes have attracted larger than usual numbers of students, including this ENG 150 class taught by Mrs. Melelina Fiaui (left, second row). ASCC has hit a new peak for summer enrolment during the session currently underway.

(Photo: Oceania Football Confederation)

FIJI: OFC Futsal Championship 2009 - Fiji to meet Kurukuru in final

Source: Oceania Football Confederation Press Release

Fijian captain Kamal Hassan scored a first half double to lead his team a 3-1 win over New Caledonia in their crucial Day 3 group game at the Vodafone arena in Fiji.

Last year’s Golden Boot winner Hassan put his team in front in the seventh minute, finishing off an excellent individual counter-attack by teammate Uraia Raimulo Loki with a powerful drive.

And Hassan again gave New Caledonia keeper Ronan Euzen no chance in the tenth minute after silky footwork saw him leave his marker for dead in midcourt and blast another blistering drive into the net.

New Caledonia were gifted a lifeline back into the contest on 16 minutes, though, when the Fijian defence offered up a weak pass to Hassan who was easily robbed of possession by New Caledonia’s Christophe Whaap who then finished with a unstoppable shot into the back of the Fijian net.

Whaap then undid his good work by giving away consecutive deliberate handballs in the 18th and 19th minutes, both of which incurred yellow cards resulting in his sending off. New Caledonia then showed impressive steel and organisation to deny Fiji a third goal as the clock ran down to halftime.

But the hosts were able to restrict New Caledonia to minimal scoring chances in the second stanza and flank player Dinesh Chand Mudaliar took his teams’ lead to two goals with an excellent drive into the net from a wide angle on 30 minutes.

From there Fiji displayed patience and control to dominate possession in the final ten minutes as they held on for a re-match of their Match Day 2 encounter with the Solomons, tonight.

New Caledonia: 1. Ronan EUZEN (GK); 5. Anderson PAULIN; 8. Ismael TCHOVAMILI; 10. Loic CAUNES; 11. Ivann POUROUORO

Subs: 2. Jerry IARUEL; 3. Adrien GUILLAMO; 4. Louis WAISHITINE; 6. Henri DRUDI; 7. Rodrigue POIWI; 9. Christophe WHAAP; Arnaud LLAMBRICH (GK)

Goal: Christophe WHAAP 16'

Yellow Cards: Christophe WHAAP 18', 19'

Fiji: 1. Simione Moce TAMANISAU (GK); 2. Mira SAHIB; 3. Sandeep NAIR; 4. Dinesh Chand MUDALIAR; 9. Kamal HASSAN

Subs: 5. Shivam NATHAN; 6. Mohammed SHALMEEN; 8. Aisea Dauivalu CODRO; 10. Uraia Raimulo LOKI; 11. Christopher Junior KUMAR; 12. Emori RAGATA (GK)

Goals: Kamal HASSAN 7': 10'
 

(Photo: TVNZ ONE News)

NIUE: Niue issues ultimatum for New Zealand
Source: TVNZ ONE News

A diplomatic stoush over aid has developed in the midst of John Key's Pacific mission.

The Niuean Premier has issued an ultimatum that New Zealand must front up with cash for tourism development or he will turn to China for help instead but Key says he is not troubled by the threat.

Many young people are likely to leave Niue and head to New Zealand for their education or to find jobs. That is creating real pressure on the economy because it leaves Niue with a desperate shortage of skilled workers.

New Zealand already gives a lot of financial support to Niue, $21 million this year for just 1600 residents.

But Niue is upset the funds are not being released fast enough.

"We may not be very happily disposed as we can't access the funds that are available to us, from New Zealand as quickly as possible," says Toke Talagi, Niue Premier.

Key is concerned about how the money is being spent.

"I don't think that is an unreasonable requirement for the taxpayers of New Zealand to know that their hard earned tax dollars are actually making a difference in the areas where we give aid," he says.

Niue's Premier is warning if New Zealand does not step up he will turn elsewhere, like to China.

"Let's be honest, I've got to look at options. I cannot continue to spend five years waiting for funds that are needed now to speed up tourism. I can't do that," says Talagi.

Photo Caption: New Zealand Prime Minister John Key in Niue.

WORLDWIDE: Ministers committed to uphold human right to HIV prevention and care

Source: WHO/SPC Joint Press Release

Pacific Health Ministers today re-affirmed their commitment — as a human right and a principle of equity — to the goals of preventing HIV transmission and achieving universal access to treatment, care and support for people living with HIV.

The Health Ministers recognised the progress made in the region over the two years since the Vanuatu Commitment to scale up activities in order to reach this goal, and endorsed a number of new strategies for action.

The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) reported to Ministers that the Pacific’s experience of HIV is unique. In Papua New Guinea, where HIV prevalence is as high as 2.5 per cent, HIV remains a public health priority. Other Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs) have a low prevalence of HIV.

Recent SPC and World Health Organization (WHO) studies show the region is increasingly vulnerable to a rapid spread of the virus, due to socio-economic and health factors such as gender inequality and gender-based violence, low rates of condom use and high rates of other sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

In response to these emerging trends and new risk factors, SPC’s Public Health Division Manager, Dr Thierry Jubeau, said important progress has been achieved in areas such as human rights, with work on the adaptation of universal legislation to the Pacific, and mainstreaming of gender into HIV programming.

The Pacific Regional Strategy on HIV was extended to 2013 and amended to include other STIs. In parallel, the Pacific Islands HIV & STI Response Fund was launched in 2008 to support the implementation of national and regional HIV strategic plans.

Other key steps include the development of targeted STI communication strategies in many countries and territories, and the endorsement by the Ministers of Health of the ‘Universal Access Policy Framework’ to ensure adequate supplies and distribution of condoms and the availability of treatment for HIV and other STIs throughout the Pacific.

SPC commissioned a regional technical consultation to assess counselling and testing services in seven PICTs and to identify priority issues to be addressed to scale up such services. In addition, the first phase of the validation of HIV testing algorithms in low HIV prevalence settings in the Pacific has begun with the newly established Pacific HIV Testing Taskforce.

The taskforce is led by the National Reference Laboratory and is composed of a number of regional partners, including SPC and WHO. Papua New Guinea has already validated its own HIV testing algorithm, utilising rapid tests. The number of people tested in Papua New Guinea has more than tripled between 2007 and 2008.

‘There are genuine signs of progress across the region,’ said Dr Shin Young-soo, WHO’s Regional Director for the Western Pacific. ‘But, of course, continued strong commitment, including political will, is going to be necessary if we are to get to grips with this problem.’