NEWSPAGE 05 October
2009

(Photo: Families Commission)

NEW ZEALAND: Wiki spearheads benefit match for Samoan tsunami relief fund

(Photos: eventpolynesia.com)

SAMOA: Government update on the tsunami disaster
Source: Government Press Secretariat Press Release

The Government continues to provide primary health care, food, water and basic household items to those evacuated to established evacuation centers. Financial and in-kind assistance continues to pour in from local church organizations, business community, schools and individuals. Proceeds and goods from the radio-thon held by Samoa Quality Broadcasting and MCIT’s Radio 2AP were presented to the National Disaster Council to assist with relief efforts.

The Declaration of Disaster that was issued for the last 48 hours has been replaced by a Proclamation of Emergency.

Polynesian Airlines has assisted Samoans in American Samoa through the provision of discounted airfares and has offered the use of Faleolo Airport for naval services and releasing of cargos. Exemptions have been put in place to wave normal entry requirements for goods to enable the expeditious release of assistance to government’s disaster control center.

International agencies and governments (NZ, Australia and China) have also provided assistance through the provision of medical personnel and supplies, food, water and shelter, transportation and other experts. Samoa’s other development partners have also relayed their planned assistance towards relief efforts and expected to arrive in the next day (Japan, United States, EU, ADB).

The revised estimate of damage to infrastructure, public and private properties is around SAT$380million.

The Government of Samoa plans to hold a national funeral service to commemorate the lives of the tsunami victims, with planned burial at its public cemetery at Tafaigata on Thursday 8th of October 2009. This has been put back from Tuesday as earlier indicated to accommodate requests from families of the deceased that reside overseas that wanted to be present to pay their respects. This service will be held under the coordination of the National Council of Churches. In the meantime a special service for the victims will be held at the Methodist Church at Matafele on Sunday 4th of October 2009.

At the time of print, 135 deaths and 310 injured have been confirmed by the Ministry of Police. 117 of deceased have been identified as Samoan nationals and are listed below in the order that they were discovered. Identification of other casualties continues with forensic team assistance as the latest discovered corpses have decomposed. Search continues for eight (8) people believed to be missing.

1. Metita Sui (Koreti) Schwalger
2. Jerry Schwalger
3. Peter Leitu
4. Pili Poo
5. Mupenei Tofilau
6. Nonumaifale Tofilau
7. Siliva Eteuati
8. Falevalu Segifili
9. Amataga Tiotio
10. Vaisigano Lauvai
11. Siaea Areta
12. Tauavaga Tupuola
13. Sima Sepelini Okeni
14. Pula Sepelini
15. Maka Esera
16. Manino Faaaliga
17. Nuusilaga Aganuu
18. Masela Lafaua
19. Abish Schwalger
20. Quezon Lesa
21. Lafaua Rosa
22. Ranui Simanu
23. Merina Lesa
24. Lafotua Aiesi
25. Lua Tavale
26. Sara Amosa
27. Mauapi Amosa
28. Gwenlyn Taufua
29. Sue Taufua
30. Malo Uili
31. Sieni Ropeti
32. Aleki Laumoe
33. William Tau
34. Lafitaga Suafa’i
35. Siimamau Suani
36. Paepae Faia Toafa
37. Vinesa Toa
38. Sapi Pelesia
39. Mauapi Mafoe Seuala
40. Matala Taufua
41. Tusipepa Hanipale
42. Pefata Sa’u
43. Aneti Luafitu
44. Togafalea Alesaga
45. Puni Afoa
46. Kapeneta Viiga
47. Alema Tofu
48. Mafatua Sua
49. David Sootaga
50. Etimani Junior Taufua
51. Sefulu Taamu
52. Sivaisua Livigisitone
53. Lote Tuese
54. Faanunu Talapa
55. Losivale Faapoi
56. Lutia Faapoi
57. Tapuloa Taimane
58. Miriam Faletoi Fatu
59. Fili Tialeaiga
60. Siimoa Taufua Lauina
61. Leueta Lesa (Foti)
62. Tauaipolu Purcell
63. Otto Leuluaialii
64. Sili Taufua
65. Logo Letone Uili
66. Faapopo Toeuli
67. Seea Peilua
68. Saeni Purcell
69. Simone Anae
70. Taua Sagale
71. Ulalia Siatualauvao
72. Feagai Fatuesi
73. Asesa Toomalatai
74. Aloalo Sao
75. Tautua Silupe
76. Aliceannie Star Meredith
77. Sui Malia Esera
78. Salamina Talosaga
79. Filisi Tavita
80. Moana Fiu (Faasavalu)
81. Malo Mikaele
82. Pritchard Siu
83. Amoa (Ardnore) Meredith
84. Gardina Meredith
85. Hatonaina Lauvai
86. Shanna Faith Lanu
87. Moanalei Sarah Long
88. Palenapa Moeaia
89. Alavina Aiotaota
90. Jayson Siu
91. Nifo Siu
92. Tui Joe Annandale
93. Tuese Peilua
94. Teancum Charles Schwalger
95. Joseph Purcell
96. Ageagea Anetone
97. Ana Iulai
98. Anesone Tafia
99. Asipau Faofua
100. Gali Tafia
101. Ioali Anesone
102. Jay Jay Ulugia
103. Junior Livigisitone
104. Lauti Sio
105. Lolagi Magia
106. Maliumai Anetone
107. Maria Tinei
108. Marilyn Ulugia
109. Milo Soo
110. Milo Too Paipa
111. Pelesasa Etimani
112. Precious Malaga
113. Rachel Leuelu
114. Ronaldo Aleni
115. Selau Farani
116. Taufua Leifi
117. Teleise Aiesi

Due to sensitivities surrounding names of foreign visitors and their respective laws which restrict publication without prior approval of their relatives, the names of those foreigners who are victims of this disaster cannot be released.

For more information please contact Ms. Vaosa Epa on 7770633

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Peter Fatialofa surveys the devastation at Lepa first hand the day after the tsunami.

Photo 2 - Tuilagi MS Esera delivering food and water to survivors at Saleapaga the day after.

Photo 3 - Search & Find Operation team assist family bury Alavina Lopa’u Talosaga Aiotaota.

Photo 3 - Displaced families at Saleapaga now live in temporary shelters on higher ground.
 

AUSTRALIA: $2 million first response from Australia
Source: Riamoana Pasifika Press Release

The devastation in Samoa left family members living in Australia in a state of panic, especially those who had not been able to reach relatives by telephone since Tuesday 29th when the earthquake and tsunami hit villages on the South Coast of Upolu.

The response from Queensland Premier Ana Bligh and the Australian Government was immediate and effective, deploying urgently needed emergency relief to Samoa. In a meeting with local Leaders of the Samoan, Tonga and Indonesia communities in Brisbane on the 1st of October. The Premier asked Samoan families to try to hold back any full blown support for now, as the Australian Government moved in to help on a massive scale. This help was part of a $2 Million initial package of support to help Samoa respond to the immediate aftermath of the tsunami. Local help lines in Brisbane were set up for family members who had relatives living in devastated regions of Samoa. That help line is 1300Help.

Minister for Police, Corrective and Emergency Services Hon. Neil Roberts advised of the deployment of a 22 personnel strong Queensland Health and Emergency Services crew, including Queensland's Urban Search and Rescue Team landed now in Apia. "The highly-trained multi-disciplinary team's role in Samoa will be to offer medical support to recovery team members and tsunami victims. This initial deployment is for up to five days," said the Premier.

According to Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts,"this was the biggest deployment so far for Queensland's Urban Search and Rescue Team. "These officers trained hard and are one of only eight teams in the world officially sanctioned by the United Nations for heavy urban search and rescue capability," he said. A 25 bed mobile field hospital followed the team on an Australian Defence Force Aircraft after the initial Australian medical assistance response team departed Brisbane.

A media release from the Premiers office gave details of the magnitude of professionals who accompanied and helped Samoa in this time of need. The 22 strong team included:

* Urban Search and Rescue team from the Department of Community Safety with members to support health workers and provide damage assessment and incident management capability.

* Medical Team Commander Dr Colin Myers - Director Emergency Department Prince Charles Hospital.

* Dr Ellen Burkett - an experienced emergency department physician from the Princess Alexander Hospital.

* Dr Steven Cooke - a senior Anaesthetics Consultant from the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital in Brisbane.

* Dr Keith Towsey - a senior trauma and burns Consultant from the Royal Brisbane. Towsey is also a member of the Australian Defence Force Reservist who was previously deployed to Afghanistan.

* Dr Barbara Ford - a Senior Public Health Physician from the Queensland Health Population Health Service who has had extensive experience in post Tsunami situations.

*These Doctors were supported by three emergency medicine and theatre experienced nurse practitioners and on senior public health nurse practitioner and three senior paramedics.

Other emergency supplies provided by this first response included; tents, tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets and water containers.
 

(Photo: The National)

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: New policies promoting healthy practices unveiled
Source: The National

The Department of Community Development last Friday launched three internal polices covering different health aspects to promote healthy practices within the department.

The three policies - Swine Flu Containment Plan, Occupational Health and Safety Policy and the HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy - were created to promote the department’s “Our wellness programme”.

Assistant secretary for community environment, Peter Simbakua, said the new policies were the result of a 12-month regional training workshop which showed that there was a need for a non-health sector approach to create a better health system that promoted a healthy lifestyle.

Mr Simbakua said the department realised there was a National Health Promotion Programme in existence but nobody was aware of this, which prompted them to take this on board and make people aware of its existence.

He said the Swine Flu Containment Plan would now be used as a template for any diseases that call for a national response, such as the cholera and dysentery outbreak.

Mr Simbakua said the launching of these internal policies was the result of a working dialogue between the secretaries of the departments of community development and health and also to promote the “Our wellness programme”.

Health secretary Dr Clement Malau said he was very happy that this department was personalising health into their workplaces, as it follows the Health Department’s plan of putting the human face of development in health first.

Dr Malau said he hoped to work closely with the department and see that more Government agencies and departments take these activities on board.

The three internal policies and the programme were launched by the Community Development secretary Joseph Klapat, Dr Malau and World Health Organisation (WHO) representative Dr Eigil Sorensen.

Photo Caption: Community Development secretary Joseph Klapat, Dr Malau and World Health Organisation (WHO) representative Dr Eigil Sorensen.
 

SOLOMON ISLANDS: NZ Governor-General joins RAMSI contingent for village visit
Source: Solomon Times

The Governor-General of New Zealand, His Excellency, Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, and Lady Satyanand, visited the north-west of Solomon Islands' Guadalcanal Province on Saturday to take part in a village visit as part of their official visit to Solomon Islands.

Sir Anand and Lady Satyanand visited the village of Veravaulu on Saturday to observe a RAMSI Community Outreach activity. They were welcomed by local chief Morris Taovia, who presented the Vice-Regal couple with gifts, before members of the community sang the Solomon Islands national anthem.

In his remarks to the people of Veravaulu village, the Governor-General greeted his audience in the official languages of the Realm of New Zealand: English, Maori, Cook Islands Maori, Niuean, Tokelauan, and New Zealand sign language. He also introduced himself in both Solomon Islands pijin and in Gari, the language spoken in the area surrounding Veravaulu villlage.

The RAMSI Community Outreach program is important in a country where the majority of people only have access to information through word of mouth. The program is used by RAMSI to visit communities in different parts of Solomon Islands and to explain its work to ordinary Solomon Islanders.

Taking part in Saturday's visit were representatives of the approximately 100 New Zealand police, military and civilian representatives currently serving in Solomon Islands, including RAMSI's Deputy Special Coordinator, Justin Fepulea'i. Sir Anand met earlier in the day with RAMSI Special Coordinator Graeme Wilson, who updated the Governor-General on RAMSI's progress, and its partnership with the Solomon Islands Government.

"By engaging with people working with RAMSI, my awareness of the mission's activities has increased, and I have learned about the impact of RAMSI on grassroots Solomon Islanders. I wish to congratulate members of the mission for their commitment and hard work," said Sir Anand. "As a result of the work of many men and women from across the Pacific, the quality of life for the people of Solomon Islands has been greatly improved."

Sir Anand also asked those in attendance to pause to remember those who had lost their lives in the recent tsunami in Tonga, Samoa and American Samoa. Both Tonga and Samoa contribute personnel to RAMSI, with a number being given compassionate leave to enable them to head home and support loved ones.

Sir Anand and Lady Satyanand then visited the Visale Catholic Mission, where they had lunch with the local community and toured the Young Women's Vocational Training Centre which is run by the Sisters of the Order of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate.
 

(Photo: International Rugby Board)

WORLDWIDE: Samoa defy tsunami to win Pacific Mini Games gold
Source: International Rugby Board Press Release

Still reeling from the devastating effects of a giant tsunami on their country earlier in the week, Samoa's Sevens players have won the Mini Pacific Island Games Gold to put a smile back on their people's faces.

Under par at the Namibia Sevens two weeks ago, the Samoans this time defied the odds to overcome favourites Fiji in a fine final in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, winning 38-12.

Mikaeele Pesamino scored an imperious hat trick of tries and former IRB Sevens Player of the Year Uale Mai was back at his dazzling best at scrum half.

"It is a great achievement, given what has happened in the last few days in Samoa," said new Samoa Sevens coach, Stephen Betham.

"I think the boys were full of passion today for their family and friends back home, who have been devastated by the Tsunami."

Samoa, Fiji and all of the Pacific Island countries are now awaiting the crucial IOC vote on Friday, October 9, which will decide whether Sevens will be included in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

"It would provide us minnows of world sport with a wonderful opportunity to showcase to the world the skill and passion of our players and countries," added Betham, whose side reached the semi-finals of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009.

"Going for a gold medal at an Olympics would be an indescribable feeling! We could not have imagined such a thing would be possible, but very soon that may be a wonderful possibility."

Sentiments echoed by the Samoa captain, Rugby World Cup star Lolo Lui: "It would show the world what an exciting and fast game Sevens is. The wonderful atmosphere of Sevens tournaments such as Hong Kong, Dubai and Wellington would be mirrored at the Olympics," he said.

"This is a great achievement for us and we dedicate our win to the people of Samoa, our friends and family back home."

In the competition's other matches the bronze was won by Tonga, who had to come from behind before outclassing a valiant Niue team 38-12.

The Hosts, Cook Islands won the Plate Final against Papua New Guinea to finish fifth in the competition, the Solomon Islands finished seventh, while New Caledonia took the Bowl and ninth place.

The global Rugby family is pulling together to launch a number of fund-raising and aid initiatives to assist the people of the Pacific Islands and Indonesia and their respective Rugby families affected by last week's tsunami and earthquakes.

Mini Pacific Island Games - Day two results

Bowl Final - 9th/10th
New Caledonia 35-7 Wallace & Fortuna

7th/8th match
Solomon Islands 26-10 Tahiti

Plate Final - 5th/6th
Cook Islands 17-12 Papua New Guinea

Bronze Medal Match Tonga 38-12 Niue

Gold/Silver - Final
Samoa 38-12 Fiji

Photo Caption: Reaching Out - Samoa celebrate winning Pacific Mini Games Gold.