NEWSPAGE 25 November
2009

(Photo: New Zealand Government)

NEW ZEALAND: Waikato’s Pacific people celebrate

(Photo: Samoa Government)

SAMOA: Parliamentary Updates
Source: Government Press Secretariat Press Release

Ministry of Health representatives to attend health and wellbeing programme

Cabinet has approved participation by representatives from the Ministry of Health of the World Health Organization (WHO) Fellowship on Physical Activity to be held in New Zealand on November 21 to December 18, 2009.

The main focus of the programme is:
• To enhance the skills of the health workers in conducting the fitness exercise programmes,
• Sharing fitness and awareness programmes with other participating countries,
• To broaden the knowledge and up skill health workers in running the programme and,
• Promote and further the fitness exercise programme.

The fellowship is funded by the World Health Organisation. Representing Samoa are Sera Vaafuti, Kolisi Viki and Perese Upulasi.


Cabinet approves $30,000.00 for Samoa Shooting Federation

Cabinet has approved financial assistance of $30,000.00 to assist the Samoa Shooting Team for their preparations for the Oceania Shooting Federation 2009 Continental Championship to be held in Sydney, Australia on the 23rd November - 2nd December 2009.

It is very important for the Samoa Team to participate in this event not only for exposure in terms of competition and experience but also this event qualifies shooters for the Commonwealth Games and World Champs in 2010. Participant at the Oceania Games will also prepare shooters for the South Pacific Games in 2011.

A Team of thirteen shooters has been selected for the Games. The coaches together with one reserve will be travelling together with the team.


Government donates for Samoa Hockey Federation

Cabinet has approved financial assistance of $25,000.00 to assist the Samoa Hockey Federation of the Pacific Hockey Cup Tournament to be held in Suva, Fiji, on the 5 - 13th December 2009.

This is Samoa’s first time to participate in this Hockey Tournament. The Samoa Federation aims to win points for Samoa at this Tournament even though the Hockey Games has just been introduced into the country.

Countries that will be participating in this Tournament include; Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, Solomon, Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Rarotonga. The Samoa Team will be selected from our very own local players.


Tenix Robt Stone Awarded Contract

Cabinet has approved the proposal by the Tenders’ Board to award the Contract for Refurbishment of the Hydro Generator, Transformer for generating electricity to the Tenix Robt Stone Company from New Zealand.


Aumau Ming Leung Wai reappointed as Attorney General

Cabinet has reappointed Aumua Ming Leung Wai as the Attorney General for the next three years.

Only two expressed interest for this position when it was advertised. After reviews and interview by the Special Committee, a decision was made for Mr Aumua to be re-appointed.


Minister of Trade to attend WTO Ministerial Conference

Cabinet has approved the participation by the Minister of Commerce Industry and Labour, Deputy Prime Minister Afioga Misa Telefoni to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) 7th Ministerial Conference to be held in Geneva Switzerland from 30 November to 2 December 2009.

Matters in the discussion agenda will include review of WTO work, review of ongoing negotiation programmes and the WTO’s role in rebuilding the economy.

Afioga Misa Telefoni is expected to deliver a three-minute speech at the conference in regards to trade challenges faced by Samoa.

Samoa’s delegation includes Associate Minister Hans Joachim Keil, CEO Auelua Samuelu Enari and Senior Officer Nella Tavita-Levy.
 

(Photos: Australian Defence Force)

AUSTRALIA: Australian Navy Commander honoured by King of Tonga
Source: Australian Defence Force Press Release

The Commanding Officer of the Royal Australian Navy’s heavy landing ship HMAS Tobruk, Commander Peter Thompson, was honoured by the King of Tonga, George Tupou V, at a ceremony on 21 November 2009, at the Royal Villa in the Tongan capital, Nuku’alofa.

Commander Thompson was presented with the Officer of The Royal Military Order of St George, in recognition of the humanitarian relief effort that the Australian Government, and in particular the Australian Defence Force, has provided in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that struck the Pacific Island region on 30 September this year.

King George Tupou V said it was, “Very much appreciated what the Australian Navy and Australian Government had done to help the communities of Tonga affected by the tsunami.”

Commander Thompson said, “This Operation has been a chance for the Australian Defence Force, in particular the Royal Australian Navy, to help our Pacific neighbours during a time of crisis and support the local agencies with their relief efforts.

“I am honoured and humbled to receive this award on behalf of the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Government,” Commander Thompson said.

The Officer of the Royal Military Order of St George is the fourth-highest military honour that can be awarded by the King of Tonga.

HMAS Tobruk has provided support to the nations of Tonga and Samoa, carrying over 500 tonnes of humanitarian aid supplies, and assisting local groups and agencies such as the Red Cross in their work in affected communities.

The most recent delivery of humanitarian aid has brought the total assistance to Tonga and Samoa by the Australian Government, non-government organisations and the Australian community to $13 million.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Commander Peter Thompson, RAN, is honoured by His Majesty, The King of Tonga, George Tupou the Fifth, by being appointed as an Officer of the Royal Military Order of Saint George, whilst HMAS Tobruk was in the capital city of the Kingdom of Tonga, Nuku 'alofa on Operation Samoa Assist.

Photo 2 - Commander Peter Thompson, RAN (right), stands with His Excellency, Dr Bruce Hunt, The Australian High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga (middle) and Brigadier General Tau'aika 'Uta'atu, Commander Tonga Defence Services (left) in front of the King's villa after the ceremony.

(Photos: World Footy News)

NAURU: Nauru rebuilding but confident - Under-16s Oceania Cup 2009
Source: World Footy News

With the first-ever Oceania Cup fast approaching, WFN has been talking with the six nations sending their best young talent to Fiji come the second weekend of December.

The tournament will see Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga, Nauru and hosts Fiji fielding under 16s teams, with matches played over the three days from Friday 11th of December until the following Sunday at Cathedral College in the Fijian capital Suva.

The Oceania Cup is also expected to produce the core group of the World 18 for next year's Australian junior state championships, opening the door for Pacific talent to be on AFL club lists within a matter of years, as well as a catalyst for a senior Oceania Cup next year.

In our first team preview, we spoke with the Hon. Mathew Batsiua M.P., president of the recently reformed AFL Nauru, about the junior squad ready to represent the tiny, but footy-mad Pacific nation.

Mr Batsiua tells us the competition has been full revamped in Nauru this year, with a new constitution and office bearers. "I am the new President, Rayong Itsimaera is Vice President, Mike Aroi is Secretary, Samuel Grundler is Treasurer, and Andy Cain and Ann Hubert are ordinary members"

"The NAFA (Nauru Australian Football Association) is now defunct, therefore the competition is now under a new League called AFL Nauru. This year saw us hold a pre-season comp with four new clubs participating, and a twelve-week full season with six clubs participating. We had great support from AFL Oceania who donated the first sets of jumpers for the pre-season competition, along with some balls and equipment to get things going."

"We also started junior competitions for the U/17s with four teams and U/14s with three teams, along with our version of AusKick called 'Our Kick'."

As well as the rebuilding of senior and junior football structures, the AFL Nauru is keen to find the funds to build a grass oval on the island. Currently all games are played on Linkbelt Oval, which famously has a surface of crushed rock and can be severely inundated by rain.

Mr Batsuia says "One of our main targets is to build a grass turf, for safety reasons, but also to facilitate proper development of players skills and growth of the game. You'll see that we play under very tough playing conditions, yet our boys account for themselves very well against much bigger nations who are well supported and have excellent facilities. Just look at the outcomes of the International Cup 08."

"The full season was again strongly supported by AFL Oceania who sent over a trainer who conducted coaching and umpiring clinics as well as training sessions with all teams ranging from juniors to seniors. They also donated uniforms for the umpires. We were also very fortunate to receive sponsorship from Cargo Transport Systems a freight forwarding company based in Brisbane, who supported the League through 5,000 dollars cash sponsorship and trophies."

"We also received fantastic support from the new telco in Nauru, DIGICEL, who sponsored all jumpers used by teams in the full season."

The AFL Nauru senior Grand Final saw the Stingrays beat the Barracudas, but besides the main event, the day was also the first public appearance for the junior team heading for Fiji. Mr Batsuia rates the 23-member squad as a fairly even side, although three players expected to stand out are Yoshi Harris, Yoshi Kepae and Rico Scotty.

One aspect that greatly assisted Nauru's development leading up to the 2008 International Cup was an exchange program which saw Nauruans play footy for clubs in the area around Stawell in country Victoria. Unfortunately for the islanders, the program then went into hiatus this year due to visa troubles at the Australian end. Mr Batsiua states "We hope to reactivate the Stawell football exchange next year, however we still cannot find the right visa arrangement that adequately support our purpose."

"There are new visa arrangements now in place that will assist a bit, however these new arrangements are more geared towards elite sportspersons and it still does not adequately cater for the arrangements we have with the country leagues in the Stawell area."

With a population of less than 10,000, Nauru will be the smallest nation on display in Suva. However, with the nation's famous passion for the game and a rejuvenated domestic structure, the Chiefs will be keen to show they can match it with the rest of the field.

Photo Captions:

Photo 1 - Hon. Mathew Batsiua M.P., president of the recently reformed AFL Nauru, with members of the junior squad.

Photo 2 - Linkbelt Oval, which can be severely inundated by rain.
 

(Photo: Tauapai Laupola)

USA: EFKASFBF North Carolina celebrates first anniversary
Source: Tauapai Laupola

Ekalesia Fa'apotopotoga Kerisiano Amerika Samoa Fort Bragg/Fayetteville, (EFKASFBF) North Carolina celebrated its 1st Anniversary on November 15, 2009. Afterwards, the Ekalesia hosted a brunch/dinner for everyone that attended. Reverend Missionary Manaomia Tauanu'u and Faletua Se'ela also celebrated their first year as missionaries at Fort Bragg/Fayetteville, NC. This Congregations is very blessed with the musical talent of Missionary Tauanuu who has organized the church choir into one that can be easily recognized with the big choirs back home or closely match the wonderful sounds of the Kanana Fou Choir. The EFKASFBF may not have the numbers, but the sounds remind of church service in Samoa. Reverend Missionary Tauanu'u and the key leaders of the EFKASFBF have been the focal point of everything that has made this new Ekalesia a successful one today. Our many thanks to Kanana Fou, its Elders and the Missionary committee for their selection of Missionary Tauanuu.

The EFKASFBF wants to recognize members who have departed the Church due to military obligations or have retired. They were the original members who played a significant role in the formation of our EFKASFBF here in Fort Bragg/Fayetteville North Carolina. They were Major (Retired) Tauapa'i Laupola and family, CSM Tuileama Nua and family, SFC (Retired) Taisi Steffany-Alo, and many others too many to mention.

Our mission started with 159 members and we currently have 127. The EFKASFBF has 10 members, soldiers, that are currently deployed. As in any other church with military members, they constantly have their normal fluctuation of numbers as soldiers and their families come and go. The EFKASFBF has baptized 11 since it started a year ago. The following deacons are serving the EFKASFBF: Mr. Fuimaono Ponafala, Mr. Ailao Ofisa, SGT Keresema Penu Alaimaleata, SSG Faasiusiuga Taumua, SGM John Letuli and SSG Taumo Sami. New positions for key leaders of the EFKASFBF were also elected at the anniversary celebration. Reverend Missionary Tauanuu was re-elected and will continue to be the Chairman, SSG Tauamo Sami as the Secretary, and CW5 Robert Kokolua Yandall as Treasurer. Sergeant Filemoni Fanuaea was re-elected as the leader of the Choir, Mr. Anthony Lafaele as his assistant, and Mr. Tia Tiapula as the Choir Secretary. The Youth Group Leader is Mr. Falefia Ponafala with Mr. Falesa Kilisi serving as his assistant, and Mrs. Moefiti Maea as the Secretary. The Mafutaga a Tina is led by Missionary's wife, Faletua Se'ela Tauanuu.

One of the EFKASFBF ongoing project is their continued search for a church of their own. EFKASFBF is very close to finding one. The EFKASFBF is currently co-sharing times and spaces with a local church that allowed them to worship when times are available. The EFKASFBF continues to pray that one day in the near future, they will be able to gather and worship in a place they can call their own. The EFKASFBF is hoping for a place that Samoan service members and their families away from home can come together to worship and conduct fellowships, regardless of their denominations; a place where there is a piece of home is always there, and we can be at peace in worshiping and serving our Lord.

Photo Caption: Members of the Fort Bragg/Fayetteville North Carolina Ekalesia Kerisiano Church, celebrating their first anniversary on 15 November 2009.
 

WORLDWIDE: Japan assists projects in Pacific region
Source: Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Press Release

The Government of Japan is contributing US$200,000 for several Pacific regional projects to help strengthen stability in the region

This is part of Japan’s annual contribution to the activities of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

The funding will support the:

• Marketing Support Fund: US$70,000.00
• Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO): US$30,000.00
• Strengthening Legal Governance: US$100,000.00

“The Forum Secretariat, on behalf of the people of the Pacific commends Japan for giving the stability of the region the priority that it deserves by approving the three projects submitted by the Secretariat for funding,” says Feleti Teo, Acting Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

Mr Teo added “The projects are consistent with the outcomes of Pacific Alliance Leaders’ Meeting (PALM) held in Japan early this year.”

The Marketing Support Fund is an on-going project that provides small grants to exporters and importers in Forum Island Countries (FICs) to help improve their skills and understanding of market requirements. The project was in the past implemented by the Forum Secretariat but the responsibility has now been given to the Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO), the Pacific Plan-mandated peak body for the region’s private sector.

The other project funding for PIPSO will support the institutional strengthening of the Organisation as well as its member National Private Sector Organisations (NPSOs) in each of the 14 FICs. This is to enhance the NPSOs’ roles in private sector advocacy and policy dialogue with their respective governments and relevant regional and international institutions.

For the Strengthening Legal Governance project, initial activities are the conduct of two sets of scoping studies with one on legal legislative services and the other covering judiciaries, courts and tribunals. These scoping studies will determine the challenges and issues facing FICs in these fields, and explore the possibilities of deeper regional cooperation and integration to assist in addressing them.