Archive - Feb 3, 2012 - Article (News Story)

The American Samoa High School Athletic Association (ASHSAA) Boys Basketball season, will be closing out its 4th week of action today, with the South Pacific Academy Dolphins going against the Faga’itua Vikings and the Manumalo Baptist Academy Flames, taking on the Fa’asao Marist Crusaders, with both of venues ‘To Be Announced’ (TBA).

The recent brouhaha about Sen. Tulifua Tini Lam Yuen voicing on the Senate floor what ‘everyone’ has alleged goes on in the Fono, as well as the government — the behind door deals, the pointed investigations into pet peeves, votes on behalf of friends and family, etc. is an interesting turn of events in this local campaign 2012 season.

In fact, I would like to thank Senator Tulifua for his remarks, because it has allowed a very public glimpse of what is going on behind the scenes with the 2012 gubernatorial campaign.

Signing two players from American Samoa is something the Oregon State football team hopes to build on to find more athletes from that part of the world.

Coach Mike Riley went there to have a home visit, tour five high schools, meet coaches and see where games are played.

He found linebacker Rommel Mageo out of Samoana High and defensive lineman Noke Tago from Leone High. Both are raw, but could develop into something.

All 21 members of the House have signed on, and yesterday approved, a non-binding House Concurrent Resolution calling on the LBJ Medical Center board of directors “to postpone or cancel” the proposed fee hikes set to go into effect next Monday.

LBJ board chairman Moananu Va last Friday sent a notice to the governor about implementing the fee hikes, saying that there has been no solid financial aid package from the government, although bills have been introduced and hearings held.

Bullying is happening in the government high schools, however it is under control, according to the school principals who spoke to Samoa News, saying their school is pro-active, meaning they act on it right away, when acts of bullying are identified.

Tafuna High School says they get about 3 cases a week, Leone High School at least two  cases a week, while Fagaitua High School and Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School note that there are hardly any such cases, but when it happens, they take it very seriously.

TAFUNA HIGH SCHOOL

The Fono has officially endorsed the governor’s nomination of Lealao Soloata Melila Purcell Jr. as director of the Department of Agriculture, after the Senate yesterday voted 11-3 to confirm the nominee, who was approved by the House last Friday.

When it comes to real estate, the most important point is location, location, location. When it comes to restaurants, the value of great service cannot be overestimated. Put those two together — terrific location, excellent service — and include, of course, the key ingredient — great food, done up right by a home-grown local chef — and you have a winning combination for a superb new dining experience in the territory.

Action during the Samoa Bowl X Golf Tournament held last Saturday to raise funds to send the American Samoa All Star Football team, to play in the International Federation of American Football Oceania Championships (IFAF) ‘Under 19’ football game against the Australian Football/Gridiron All Star team, that will take place in Brisbane, Australia later this month.

The winning team will then play in the IFAF Junior World Championships that will take place in the state of Ohio, in June of 2012.

Several motorists are disappointed with two new changes the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) has in place when renewing registration for private vehicles this year.

One man who wished not to be named said, he was not aware the stickers that used to be placed on license plates are now to be affixed on the windshield of the vehicle; while a couple said they were not aware the tint on the windshield of any vehicle is limited to a certain size.

THREE ASG EMPLOYEES FIGHT TERMINATION

The Administrative Law Judge Toetagata Albert Mailo has granted a request by the government for a continuance in the case of three Port Administration employees who are disputing their termination after they failed a mandatory drug test required of Port Administration Employees. The three men, who received termination letters on July, 2011 were Ierenimo Graf, Tu’ufuli Tu’ufuli, and James Memea.