Archive - Jan 14, 2012

Nine graduates from the ASCC Nursing program were honored Thursday night in front of guests that included college and government officials, loved ones and friends that packed the Lee auditorium.

The graduates were "pinned" and took the ‘Nurses Pledge’ in a ceremony that with remarks and speeches took several hours.

LBJ Medical Center's financial shortfall is still in limbo following a letter from LBJ board chairman Moananu Va to LBJ chief executive officer Mike Gerstenberger yesterday afternoon informing him that the board of directors “has agreed to delay the rate increase for another 20 days” after meeting with Gov. Togiola Tulafono and the Fono yesterday morning.

The initial fee hike that was to be implemented on Christmas Eve was postponed until today (Jan. 14), to await the outcome of the government’s efforts to provide funding to the hospital.

While Faleasao, Manu'a residents are "rejecting" the inclusion of waters around Ta’u island in the proposed expansion of the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (FBNMS) the Manu'a matai that heads up ASG's Office of Samoan Affairs says the management plan will provide numerous benefits to the people of American Samoa for generations to come.

A petition, signed by 43 Faleasao residents ranging from ages 20 to 74, was submitted last week to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Gov. Togiola Tulafono said in his State of the Territory Address on Monday that ASG remains committed to resolving the long standing federal “high risk” designation on the local Department of Education's funding and progress is being made on ASG's Corrective Action Plan (CAP).

HIGH RISK DESIGNATION

A former Member of Parliament for Aiga i le Tai described as a “hero of the fa’asamoa” has passed away.

Leva’a Sauaso, of Apolima, died upon arrival at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital on Wednesday night, Dr Penehuro Tapelu confirmed. Dr Tapelu could not comment on the details of Leva’a’s death.

But Assistant Police Commissioner, Le’aupepe Fatu Pula said a firearm is believed to have caused the death. He confirmed that a firearm was involved.

While suicide is suspected, the Assistant Commissioner said it’s too early to say.

The Territory will continue to benefit from the University of Hawaii's Football Program's great respect for the talents of Samoans. New University of Hawaii Head Coach Norm Chow, wisely checked out everybody's favorite coach, Tony Tuioti, and retained him as the only carryover from last year's staff.   Rumors are Tony will move from Defensive Line Coach to Linebacker Coach.

The Pacific Trades Initiative to support the Christchurch Rebuilding held its open day in Wellington, on Wednesday.

CEO for the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) says the initiative is “a nationwide programme providing up to 300 fees-free (scholarships) additional places in trades training over the next two years to support Christchurch’s earthquake recovery, stimulate demand for trades related training in the Pacific Community, and contribute to New Zealand’s overall economic development.”

DANIEL CHANG SR

Chief Justice Michael Kruse has accepted a plea agreement between the government and an elderly Asian man accused of inappropriately touching a minor.

Daniel Chang Sr was initially facing five felony charges of first degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor.

In the plea agreement, the defendant pled guilty to the amended felony charge of second degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child a misdemeanor, while the government moves to dismiss the remaining charges.

This year will be a crucial year for fisheries as islands nations would need to finalise their fishing treaty with the United States as well as firm up on a regional strategy on fisheries for the equally important economic partnership agreement (EPA) negotiations with the European Union.

Samoa’s economic freedom score is 60.5, making its economy the 86th freest in the 2012 Index. Its score is 0.1 point worse than last year, with a significant improvement in monetary freedom offset by declines in freedom from corruption and the control of government spending. Samoa ranks 13th out of 41 countries in the Asia–Pacific region, and its overall score is above the world and regional averages.