NEWSPAGE 16 November
2009

(Photo: Arts Council of New Zealand)

NEW ZEALAND: Masters of Pacific art honoured at 2009 Pasifika Arts Awards

(Photos: Australian High Commission)

SAMOA: Fire truck for Samoa Fire Services dedicated to lost fireman, Peter Letiu
Source: Australian High Commission Press Release

A fire truck from Australia to replace the fire truck destroyed during the tsunami officially joined the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services fleet today.

Speaking at a special ceremony to mark the arrival of the fire truck at the Apia fire station, Commissioner of Samoa’s Fire and Emergency Services, Seve Tony Hill said the truck is dedicated to volunteer fire fighter Peter Letiu who lost his life during the emergency.

“The dedication of the fire truck in Peter’s honour is a fitting tribute and will ensure that he will forever remain part of our Fire and Emergency Services family. I am very pleased that Peter’s wife Nele and daughter Mile are here today for the naming of the truck in his honour,” Commissioner Hill said.

“Thank you to the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade for the donation of the fire truck. It will be a very big help with our local fire-fighting efforts to keep all Samoans safe.”

The fire truck, valued at more than A$300,000, along with fire fighting and medical equipment has been donated by the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) to replace one destroyed during the tsunami. It arrived in Samoa on the Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Tobruk on Monday.

Kevin Ottrey from the MFB, who is in Apia conducting driver education and training for Samoa’s Fire and Emergency Services, said the new truck symbolises the close working relationship enjoyed by the MFB and Samoa’s Fire and Emergency Services.

“We were saddened by news of the death of Peter Letiu and we offer our sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues on their loss,” Mr Ottrey said.

“The new fire truck, named in Peter’s memory, is an important part of the MFB’s partnership with the Samoa Fire Services which also includes help with strategic planning, logistics support and operations training”.

“It is a little known fact that MFB has enjoyed a close partnership with the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services since the 1990s. Prior to the tsunami, an MFB officer travelled to Samoa to conduct a needs analysis of the Samoan Fire Service, resulting in the development of a three-year assistance program including providing fire safety assistance, urban search and rescue training and officer development opportunities.”

Mr Ottrey said the new fire truck is the first of three appliances that will be donated to Samoa’s Fire and Emergency Services by the MFB over the next year.

Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Matt Anderson said the visit by HMAS Tobruk to bring further aid relief and supplies, including the new fire truck, are part of Australia’s ongoing assistance to Samoa in the aftermath of the tsunami.

“The fire truck is a practical expression of Australia’s help to Samoa and reflects the close links and friendship enjoyed between our two countries.”

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Peter Letiu's daughter Mile unveils the dedication to her father on the new fire truck.

Photo 2 - Mile tries on her dad's hat along with family.

Photo 3 - Peter's wife Nele and daughter Mile go for a ride in the new fire truck named in his memory.
 

(Photo: Australian High Commission)

AUSTRALIA: Three Samoans awarded prestigious Australian Leadership scholarships
Source: Australian High Commission Press Release

Three Samoans have been awarded the prestigious Australian Leadership Awards (ALA) scholarship to undertake postgraduate study in Australia and participate in a special leadership development program.

The AusAID funded ALA scholarships, valued at up to ST$300,000 each, have been awarded to:

• Teleiai Lalotoa Sinaalamaimaleula Mulitalo - currently a legislative drafting consultant, will complete a four year Doctor of Philosophy (School of Law) at the University University of Queensland.

• Talelelei Akeimo- currently a senior policy analyst with the Public Service Commission, will complete a Masters of Public Policy at the University of Sydney.

• Elita Tooala - currently the principal research officer with the Ministry of Finance, will complete a Master in Business Administration at the University of Western Sydney.

In congratulating the three winners, Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Matt Anderson said that through the ALAs, they will be able to extend their education and participate in a unique development program to enhance their leadership skills, build networks and increase their understanding of regional development challenges.

“The ALA scholarships are highly competitive, based on leadership qualities and academic achievement and I would like to congratulate Lalotoa, Talelelai and Elita on their success. I am sure they will bring great credit to both themselves and Samoa.”

“As part of the scholarship, a special leadership development program is also offered which includes a conference in Canberra, regional workshops, leadership coaching and practice opportunities. This will help to develop their full leadership potential and understanding of development challenges at national, regional and global levels.”

Mr Anderson said 50 scholarships, including 15 from Pacific countries, are offered each year to current and emerging leaders in the Asia-Pacific region who have the potential to influence social and economic policy reform and development outcomes, both in their own countries and in the region.

Previous and current Samoan Australian Leadership Awards scholars include:

2009
Michael Soonalole, Chief Inspector/Legal Advisor of Ministry of Police and Prisons - pursuing a Masters Degree in Law at the University of New South Wales.

2008
Faaolo Utumapu, a Hansard Officer for the Ministry of the Legislative Assembly completed a Masters Degree in Communications and Media Studies at Monash University in Melbourne.

Mau Simanu, a Senior Lecturer at the National University of Samoa completed a Masters Degree in Engineering Management at the University of Technology in Sydney.

2007
Faamao Ualesi, a Senior Scholarship Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, completed a Masters Degree in Business Administration at Curtin University in Perth.

Mema Motusaga, a lecturer at NUS, completed a Masters Degree in Community Development at Victoria University in Melbourne.

Photo Caption: Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Matt Anderson with Teleiai Lalotoa Sinaalamaimaleula Mulitalo, Talelelei Akeimo and Elita Tooala who have been awarded an Australian Leadership Awards scholarship.
 

(Photos: Free West Papua Campaign)

PAPUA NEW GUINEA: IPWP launch PNG Chapter
Source: Free West Papua Campaign Press Release

The International Parliamentarians for West Papua Papua New Guinea Chapter was launched on 7th November 2009.

The official launch of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua PNG Chapter€ took place at the University of Papua New Guinea on the 7th November 2009. Hosted by the Governor of the National Capital District Powes Parkop MP and deputy governor of Western Province Mr Buka Kondra MP the day was a huge success. The main aim of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua is to advocate for and to ensure that the people of West Papua exercise their fundamental rights to self determination.

The event was attended by Benny Wenda, founder of the Free West Papua Campaign and West Papuan leader living in exile in the UK. Supporting statements were read out from MPs from around the world and lawyers from the group International Lawyers for West Papua.

Media Statement on the launch from Hon. Powes Parkop MP

In light of the Launching of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua in London on 15th October 2008, of which I am a founding member, I am pleased to announce the launching of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua 'The PNG Chapter'€ on Saturday 07th of November 2009 at the University of Papua New Guinea Botanical Garden.

The International Parliamentarians for West Papua is a concern international Parliamentarian group of legislators who simply want the people of West Papua to exercise the fundamental right to self determination just like all other people of the world because that right belongs to the people of the world.

The main purpose of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua is to advocate for and ensure that our people of West Papua exercise their fundamental rights to self determination, a right recognized globally and enshrined in the United Nations founding Charter and in the preamble of the United Nation Human Rights Charter.

The right to self determination is recognized globally as a fundamental right to be exercise by people of the world. It is also recognized as a preliminary right that must be exercised and enjoyed before one can benefit or achieve other rights such as social, economic or political rights. The right to self determination is therefore a prerequisite or fundamental to all other rights and history shows that the people of West Papua did not exercise that right to date.

The launching of the PNG Chapter is complementary to the efforts of the International Parliamentarians in Europe and USA in recognizing the right of the West Papuan people to self determination, that has been denied from them through the 1969 Act of Free Choice.

The launching of the International Parliamentarians for West Papua PNG Chapter is a show of support and commitment to the International Community and to the people of West Papua that we stand in solidarity to advocate for self determination for West Papua and by doing so we elevate the plight of the West Papuan People to a new level and hopefully in the United Nations.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - IPWP PNG Chapter.

Photo 2 - Hon. Powes Parkop MP.

(Photo: International Federation of Association Football)

SOLOMON ISLANDS: Solomons camp gear up for FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup
Source: International Federation of Association Football

As they gear up for their fourth consecutive FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup next week in Dubai, the word from the Solomon Islands’ camp is that the current squad has just the right blend of youth and experience.

The Oceania champions have failed to survive the group stages in all three of their previous attempts, but this year Solomon Islands coach Henry Koto has set his players the target of reaching the quarter-finals; this despite having been grouped alongside powerhouses Portugal and Uruguay, as well as hosts United Arab Emirates.

Speaking exclusively to FIFA.com, Koto said, “This isn’t the first time we’ve played in the World Cup - in fact it’ll be our fourth appearance. Consequently, our players have gained a great deal of experience from previous editions, which will help us achieve our goal of reaching the knockout phase.”

Asked for his thoughts on his Group A rivals, the coach said his charges would not be intimidated and were ready to do battle with anyone. “All three sides are good, but then so are we. We haven’t just come here to make up the numbers - we intend to compete. I believe the morale and togetherness of the squad will help us provide stiff competition.”

Solomon Islands’ opening fixture will be against Uruguay, a team they also ran up against at Rio de Janeiro 2006, when the South Americans won 10 - 5.

Looking ahead to the game Koto said, “The match against Uruguay will be very tough, especially as it’s the first game of the tournament. We played them in 2006, but we’re a different side now, and the players are keen to get off to a winning start.”

The 33-year-old believes his squad have a balance of youth and experience this time around, saying, “We’ve a lot of talent in the team, including some new faces and some old hands. James Naka is the elder statesman, having been with us since 2006, while Robert Laua, who’s very skillful, as well as very young, is our newest recruit.”

Koto added that the team’s successive appearances at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup have helped them develop not only their skills, but also the understanding between players. “The team has improved a lot since our maiden appearance in 2006. Back then we just weren’t good enough. Now, however, the experience we’ve accrued and our intensive training regime should make a difference.”

The coach concluded the interview with his tip for top honours in Dubai: “Portugal are a very strong team and the Brazilians are excellent. Without doubt, these are the two best sides in the tournament.”

Photo Caption: Players of the Solomon Islands sing their national anthem before playing against El Salvador in their group-phase match at Marseille 2008.
 

WORLDWIDE: Work towards implementation of Cairns Compact progressing well
Source: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Press Release

Preparations for the implementation of the Cairns Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination in the Pacific are progressing well.

At the 40th Pacific Islands Forum held in Cairns, Australia 4 - 7 August, Leaders expressed their deep concern that the Pacific region remains off-track to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015. This is despite continued high levels of development assistance over many years.

Leaders agreed there was an urgent need to establish a new development compact for the Pacific given the need to improve development outcomes, address the impact of the global economic downturn, and strengthen long-term economic resilience.

The key objective of the Cairns Compact will be to drive more effective coordination of available development resources from both Forum Island countries and all development partners, centered on the aim of achieving real progress against the MDGs.

The Forum Leaders also called on the International Financial Institutions to assist the Pacific Islands countries in responding to the global economic crisis, including through supporting better coordination mechanisms.

“As the implementing agency for Forum Leaders’ decisions, the Forum Secretariat has started holding discussions with Forum member countries and other stakeholders including other CROP and United Nations agencies to have a common understanding of what the Cairns Compact is advocating before work starts on implementing what the Forum Leaders want under this Compact,” Tuiloma Neroni Slade, Secretary General of the Forum Secretariat said.

Mr Slade said: “A lot of work needs to be done and it is important to ‘socialise’ the Compact by consulting widely on the key objectives and drivers for the Compact to ensure the broadest support and cooperation. In this regard a communication strategy to promote and explain the Compact will be pursued and developed at earliest practical opportunity. There is a need for wider consultation to ensure a buy in by Forum members, CROP agencies and other stakeholders.”

He added: “Existing mechanisms and processes must be utilised in the implementation of the Compact and avoid the creation of new mechanisms and processes. The Compact should be perceived as not creating new tasks but introducing a new way of doing old tasks.

An explanatory script has been finalised outlining what the Compact says and how it is envisaged would be implemented and what are its key deliverables. This has become the basis for wider consultation with members and stakeholders.

The Secretariat is also working on an implementation schedule for the Compact setting out tentative dates to guide its implementation and develop a programme and budget to facilitate the implementation of the Compact.

The Forum Economic Ministers’ Meeting (FEMM) held in the Cook Islands in October was also briefed on the scope of the Compact and the expected roles of FEMM on some aspects of the Compact In its decisions, the FEMM agreed to include the Cairns Compact as a standard agenda item in its future meetings.

Already the Forum Secretariat has used several key regional meetings and national donor roundtables to inform both Forum members and aid donors of the objectives and deliverables expected of the Cairns Compact. This will culminate in a proposed Cairns Compact Regional Workshop at the end of November for Forum members and development partners to make some clear decisions around the implementation schedule, resource requirements and division of labour in the Compacts implementation.