Archive - Dec 2011 - Article (News Story)

The closing of the Samoa Bowl IX Volleyball action at the American Samoa Community College gymnasium, was an eye catcher, as they played out the finals in what was a very challenging day for all teams.

American Samoa’s girls All Star team that was said to have been eliminated from the round ups, had a chance to fight for second and third place, as they recorded their first win of this year's Samoa Bowl events against Hawaii, in a very determined match up.

It’s happened — the weekend came sooner than usual for the tiny South Pacific island nation of Samoa, as reported by The Associated Press (AP). When the clock struck midnight Thursday, the country skipped over Friday and moved 24 hours ahead — straight into Saturday, Dec. 31.

American Samoa lost traditional leaders, cabinet directors, a sports icon and other dear ones in 2011 that ended with the official withdrawal of American troops from Iraq and the territory was blessed with no war casualties for our own Toa o Samoa, this year.

The territory was also blessed with no major disasters, from cyclones to earthquakes and tsunamis.

The last earthquake and tsunami in 2009 claimed the lives of 34 people.

Using his weekly radio program, Congressman Faleomavaega Eni reiterated his “firm stand of opposing” a proposal by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to expand the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary - to include five additional sites.

During a recent meeting with NOAA officials, Faleomavaega says he stressed to them his strong opposition to this plan, adding that this is a major federal issue and should have included the U.S. Congress and not just one division of the federal government.

(Wellington) —Former Manu Samoa and All Black Stephen Bachop's alleged assault on his partner was caught on CCTV cameras outside Wellington central police station. Police have charged Bachop with assault for allegedly taking his partner's arm and pulling her towards a taxi to go home.

He intends to defend the charge, and the CCTV footage has been handed to his lawyer. Bachop was arrested outside the Victoria St police station on October 24 after celebrating the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup final win over France.

The games are a group effort, from the teams that play, to the officials and coaches that support the teams by making sure everything is run smoothly and above board, and of course without saying: Encouraging and making the necessary adjustments.

Samoa's ''great date robbery" scuttled the birthday celebrations of 775 residents and poured cold water on 43 wedding anniversaries in the island nation.

December 30 was rubbed off the Samoan calendar after Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi decided to move the dateline in a bid to aid his nation's business community.

Residents went to bed on December 29 and woke up on December 31 – aligned with New Zealand time.

American Samoa downed Samoa, 18-7 in 7 complete innings. In the 2nd game played on Wednesday between Team USA and Team American Samoa, USA was able to take the victory in a very close game, 4-1.

KOSEMA LEAFI

Alleged drug defendant Kosema Leafi denied the unlawful possession of marijuana when he was arraigned in HIgh Court this week.

With the “not guilty plea” to one drug count, the court has set a pre trial conference for next month, at which time, it will be revealed, whether an agreement has been reached or if the case will go to trial.

The charge against Leafi stems from an incident last week when police found a marijuana cigarette on the defendant, who was in the town area at the time.

During Christmas week Community and Natural Resources (ASCC CNR) staff held the first two of four community meetings to discuss ways to promote healthy living habits. The meetings took place on Tuesday at the Fagaitua Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS) hall and at the CCCAS hall in Tula on Thursday.