Archive

During the American Samoa Bar Association forum held last week, at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium, the question about the Citizenship clause — where US nationals would receive US citizenship automatically — became one of the interesting foci of the event.

Gubernatorial candidates who attended this forum were Afoa L Su’esu’e Lutu, Lolo Moliga, Save Liuato Tuitele, Dr. Salu Hunkin-Finau and Tim Jones, while Faoa Aitofele Sunia was absent.

Moderator for the event was Tapaau Dr Daniel Aga.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi gave a lead to Prime Ministers and Heads of Government around the world, by shaving his hair off for cancer awareness and support for the fight against cancer, according to a press release sent by Savali. 

Witnesses in Samoa told Samoa News that cabinet members, business community, Tautua Samoa Party were present when the PM had his head shaved bald. The Cancer society made about WST $70,500 for the Shave it or Save it fundraiser for the cancer,

An interesting “existing vulnerability” cited in the assessment of American Samoa’s energy supply disruption is the over 60% loss in drinking water before it can be sold, and this means the territory is paying a high price for electricity to pump water that never brings in any revenue.

The comprehensive assessment report title ‘Addressing the Threat of Long-Term Energy Supply Disruption: A Strategic Energy Assurance Plan (EAP) for American Samoa’ was conducted by the U.S. based Westmoreland Associates.

The federal court in Honolulu has set for Oct. 26 a hearing on the Bank of Hawai’i’s motion for injunctive relief, which seeks among other things, to prevent the American Samoa Government and its attorneys from seeking claims against the more than $800,000 that is to be deposited at the federal court registry.

The hearing will be presided over by U.S. District Court Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi, who has given ASG until Oct. 24 to file any opposition motion.

A Samoan businessman charged with producing cocaine and possession of narcotics has been denied bail and name suppression.

He is 47 year old Niulevaea Ropati Ioane of Pesega and Faleula.

His lawyer Maiava Visekota Peteru applied for her client’s name to be suppressed and that he be released on bail.

The District Court denied both applications given the seriousness of the alleged offences.

Talamua online reports that Ioane will be back in court today for the police to finalise the charges against him and for the Court to set a hearing date.

People in Samoa are being urged to replant cleared areas in order to conserve water.

The call follows almost a week of rationing in the capital Apia, following months of public warnings to people to reduce their water use.

The Samoa Water Authority’s managing director says rain over the past couple of day has replenished the main reservoirs and only the Vailima area remains on rations.

Tainau Titimaea says although water levels are far healthier than at this time last year, climate change-related shortfalls will continue to have to be managed.

Collaboration between Pacific Island governments and non-governmental organisations is being suggested as one of the ways to help young people find employment.

A global report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation on youth skills highlights the importance of second chance programmes for students who drop out of school.

Fans of the Telesa Trilogy in Brisbane and Sydney welcomed author Lani Wendt Young with music, dance, fashion and fabulous food on the Australia book tour for the launch of the second book – ‘When Water Burns.’ Dedicated readers extended the invitation to the author several months ago and then worked tirelessly to organize events which included community book signings, school visits and launch party celebrations.

The long awaited new vacuum truck for the Department of Public Works arrived early last week and was tested last Friday in the Ottoville area, which is one of the worst hit areas for flooding during and after heavy rains.

Ten acres of land seized by gun-wielding Police officers two months ago for the construction of a hospital in Satapuala, has caused raised eyebrows once again.

Villagers nearby question why the Government was in such a hurry to clear the area – through the use of the Police force and guns - when a few months later, nothing has materialised.

As of yesterday, the grass in the area had grown back. Tree shoots have started to resurface since work there stopped in early September.