NEWSPAGE 09 October
2009

(Photo: Unitec)

NEW ZEALAND: Unitec urges Maori and Pacific Island communities to enrol now

(Photo: Samoa Government)

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

Search and rescue operations continue for the 6 remaining missing persons. To date there are 143 confirmed deaths.

International agencies, Government through the National Disaster Committee, Non Governmental Organizations, Churches, families and individuals both here and abroad are continuing the distribution and provision of assistance to the people both financially and in kind to the people who were affected one way or another by the Tsunami. Other organizations such as the Samoa Victim Support are sheltering a number of Tsunami victims who have lost their homes, let alone possessions and families through this disastrous occurrence.

Medical teams from both abroad and locally including the Red Cross Association are working continuously and relentlessly in providing the much needed treatment and care for all those who sustained injuries during the Tsunami and are either hospitalized or have been released to their homes and shelters. Three Tsunami victims were evacuated today by the Carrier Hercules to New Zealand for further assessment, and necessary operations.

Counseling, a need which has been identified as of major importance, is being offered through and by various Christian Churches and organizations throughout the country as well as abroad.

The clean-up process had already begun and is continuing though cautiously as the Police, Forensic Specialists, Government workers are still actively engaged in the search for the missing people.

Most essential services such as electricity, communications, water supplies and others are increasingly being restored and improved with the passage of time.

The earmarking and allocation of financial assistance which are channeled via the 2009 Samoa Tsunami Relief and Rehabilitation Account #3826921 and Ministry of Finance Direct Account #1200033 at the ANZ Bank (Samoa) Ltd is the responsibility of the Aid Coordinating Committee comprising of Treasury and other Government officials who will be reporting to Cabinet periodically.

Samoa’s usual and intending development partners are also advised to kindly contact the Acting CEO of the Ministry of Finance (Mr. Ben Pereira) at phone number 0685-7794147 for details of normal bilateral arrangements for assistance.

A Special Cabinet Sub-Committee is finalizing the program for National Memorial Service for those who lost their lives in the Tsunami.

This Service which will take place on Thursday 8th of October 2009, at 3pm at Apia Park Stadium. Following the Prayer Service which will be conducted by the National Council of Churches, a Procession will immediately proceed to Tafaigata Cemetery for the internment of the 10 deceased loved ones, whose families have concurred to have them buried at a special site, which will be designated specifically for 2009 Tsunami victims. A monument will be erected in the memory of all the victims and will be unveiled at a later date.

Government is declaring Thursday the 8th of October 2009 as a National Mourning Day for the entire country to remember the Tsunami victims, and a half day holiday from 12.00 noon is likewise being announced.

For more information, contact Ms. Vaosa Epa on 7770633 or 7520136.
 

(Photos: Riamoana Pasifika)

AUSTRALIA: 'Sumeo' comes to Brisbane
Source: Riamoana Pasifika Press Release

Well known Samoan comedian 'Sumeo' came to Brisbane for the first time last Friday on tour.

Sumeo had a busy schedule concerting in Canberra the Australian Capital Territory, Sydney and Brisbane. All stops for the comedian were met with a full house of supporters and admirers.

The tour was organised by Leilua Jerry Uesele, publisher of Samoa Sport Star and announcer for the Sydney based Radio station 89.3FM.

Sumeo's tour to Brisbane was helped along by Riamoana Pasifika on Friday at the Police Citizens Youth Community Centre (PCYC) Deception Bay.

The night's entertainment was opened up with a prayer by Reverend Osa Nanai and was followed by a minute of silence in respect for victims of the tsunami in Samoa.

Simply Savaii band was also there to provide a great range of music on the night.

The situation back home hindered many people from attending Fridays show understandably but Leilua and Sumeo will be coming back to Brisbane next year to perform and this one also is expected to attract a full house.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - (back row) Leilua Jerry Uesele, Levale Lio, Sumeo, Peni, (front row) Filisita Lemana, Tracy Su'a Nelson.

Photo 2 - Senorita and Peni, Levale Lio, Tracy Su'a Nelson, Sumeo, Filisita Lemana and Leilua Jerry Uesele.

Photo 3 - Josephine Skelton, Mary Swan, Tracy Su'a Nelson and Mathew Sauvao.

(Photos: U.S. Embassy)

USA: U.S. offer tsunami relief assistance to Samoa
Source: U.S. Embassy Press Release

The US Chargé d’Affaires in Apia, Arnold Campbell today reiterated the US Government’s commitment to assisting the Pacific Islands affected by the Tsunami as he presented Independent State of Samoa Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Honorable Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi with a US Government relief aid grant.

Mr. Campbell said that today’s grant of WST $251,900 (USD $100,000) underscores the US willingness to help and that the US stands ready to respond to additional needs as they are identified by Government of Samoa.

“We’re in constant communication with the Government of Samoa and other regional governments about the best way we can work together to assist the victims of the Tsunami,” Mr. Campbell said.

He further reemphasized President Obama’s and Secretary Clinton’s sympathy for those affected by the disaster and their continuing support for the Government and people of Samoa as they work to recover from this tragedy.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa expressed the gratitude of the government and people of Samoa for the grant, as it would help a long way to assist Samoans who have lost their homes and families.

Chargé Campbell made note that the Embassy was also in contact with various US NGOs in the country offering humanitarian support such as Samaritan’s Purse and South Pacific Business Development.

“Coordination and cooperation are key. As in any disaster we have to look to address the unexpected chaos in as effective and coordinated manner as possible. We need to address the real needs of people who have lost so much.”

US efforts in American Samoa are also ongoing with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in close and constant contact with emergency responders, and the US Coast Guard fully supporting the deployment of resources to those areas in need of immediate assistance.

Photo Captions: US Chargé d’Affaires in Apia, Arnold Campbell meets with Samoa Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Honorable Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi to present a US Government relief aid grant.

VANUATU: Van Beverage releases new kava drink
Source: Vanuatu Daily Post

Last week saw the first production run of “Lava Cola- Vanuatu Kava Cola” by long term Vanuatu business Vanuatu Beverages Ltd.

Lava Cola is a Splashe cola drink with a shot of kava extract in each bottle, equivalent to a “wan blo 50”.

Whether you drink kava regularly or you like kava but not the taste, it is ideal to have both on its own or accompanied with a few shells.

General Manager of Vanuatu Beverage, Jean Yves Charbot said: “We are very proud to be producing this pioneering Vanuatu product. It has taken us many months to perfect the right mix but we believe everyone will enjoy the end product”.

In regards to concerns that Lava Cola could detract from nakamal sales, Jean Yvess said: “In no way does this product compete with drinking kava at a nakamal and it will not affect nakamal sales in any way.

In fact it can help boost nakamal turn over, as it is an ideal kale for export after and during kava.”

The kava extract used in Lava Cola is made using patent pending water based extraction technology. The end result being that Lava Cola cracks the long term kava puzzle of making a kava drink that is palatable.

The long term prospects for the Lava Cola bode well for both Vanuatu Beverage and Vanuatu as a whole.

“If the domestic market takes to it, then it is an extra source of income for kava farmers across the country. However if the current level of overseas interest shown develops into export sales of Lava Cola, then it could the catalyst to revolutionize Vanuatu kava exports,” said the developers of the kava extract used in Lava Cola.

They also said “We also want to acknowledge the many centuries of testing and trialing done by ni-Vanuatu use in the development of kava and are currently in talks with MP Ralph Regenvanu to donate a portion of the monies from sales of the kava extract to set up a charity to assist such bodies as the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs.”
 

(Photo: Rugby League International Federation)

WORLDWIDE: Principle sponsor of the inaugural Rugby League Pacific Cup named
Source: Rugby League International Federation Press Release

Samoa and the Cook Islands have announced their squads to play a SP Brewery Pacific Cup qualifying match in Cairns next Saturday, October 17.

A crowd up to 7,000 is expected to bring Barlow Park alive as the two Pacific nations face off for a spot in the RLIF’s newest international tournament alongside Fiji, Tonga and host nation Papua New Guinea.

Samoa coach Willie Poching has named a powerful squad featuring UK stars Kylie Leuluai, Francis Meli and Tony Puletua as well as youthful NRL talent in Masada Iosefa, Misi Taulapapa and Joseph Paulo.

Cook Islands coach David Fairleigh has called on young Broncos utility Alex Glenn to lead his new-look squad.

The SP Brewery Pacific Cup kicks off at Lloyd Robson Oval on the weekend of October 24, with teams set to arrive in Port Moresby from October 19.

But all the action next week will be in Cairns, with both Samoa and Cook Islands set to take part in a week of festivities starting with an intercultural social evening on Tuesday, October 13.

A Mayoral Reception will take place on Thursday, October 15 at the city’s Council Chambers, while on game day the Cairns District Junior Rugby League will be conducting fundraisers to aid the crisis response in Samoa.

Cairns will be alive with international Rugby League throughout the week thanks to concurrent carnivals - Far North Queensland Sporting and Cultural Carnival and the "Jack Albert Shield" featuring 25-30 senior men’s, women’s and under-18 teams - involving an array of countries and cultures.

Both teams arrive in Cairns on Monday, October 12, and will train at Northern Pride Oval (Samoa) and Barlow Park (Cook Islands).

Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea continue their preparations for the inaugural SP Brewery Pacific Cup with their annual Origin fixture taking place this Saturday, October 10 in Mount Hagen.

Fiji has completed their internal trial and are set to name their tournament squad in the coming days while Tonga are busy preparing for a warm-up match against New Zealand in Rotorua on October 14 and are set to name a powerful line up prior to departing Australia on October 12.
 

SAMOA - SP Pacific Cup qualifier squad

COACH: Willie Poching

COOK ISLANDS - SP Pacific Cup qualifier squad

COACH: David Fairleigh