August 2017
![[photo: ASG]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/centennial%20bldg.jpg?itok=Oenx-XyW "[photo: ASG]")
The power of the Pacific ocean continent
![The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Secretary-General, Dame Meg Taylor. [Photo: RNZI]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Forum%20Sec%20Gen%20%20copy.jpg?itok=IcuwPY4A "The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Secretary-General, Dame Meg Taylor. [Photo: RNZI]")
The secretary general of the Pacific Islands Forum says Pacific countries need to realise they make up an ocean continent.
Pohiva says Tongan public will decide if govt right
!['Akilisi Pohiva [Photo: RNZ/Koro Vaka'uta]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/eight_col_pohiva%20copy.jpg?itok=T54y1QGQ "'Akilisi Pohiva [Photo: RNZ/Koro Vaka'uta]")
The interim Prime Minister of Tonga, 'Akilisi Pohiva, has welcomed the reasons given for the Kings decision to dissolve parliament and to call an early election
Toughen-up culture costs lives
![Jane Stevens, who lost her son to suicide, says the latest suicide statistics show the system is failing. [Photo: Supplied to RNZ]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/suicide.jpg?itok=YawQUZFw "Jane Stevens, who lost her son to suicide, says the latest suicide statistics show the system is failing. [Photo: Supplied to RNZ]")
A mother who lost a child to suicide is calling for urgent change after it was revealed more than 600 New Zealanders took their own lives in the year to June.
Cool Stuff: Steripen, UV Water Purification
![Steripen UV light water purifiers are key for emergencies, but may also be an everyday carry item for you in the Territory. With a Red Cross endorsed rechargeable unit by micro USB, external backup battery, computer, or solar panel, you know you are in safe hands. [Photo: Barry Markowitz]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/UV%20light%20water%20purifiers.jpg?itok=59OzYEpp "Steripen UV light water purifiers are key for emergencies, but may also be an everyday carry item for you in the Territory. With a Red Cross endorsed rechargeable unit by micro USB, external backup battery, computer, or solar panel, you know you are in safe hands. [Photo: Barry Markowitz]")
Our island lives sometimes parallel disasters like Hurricane Harvey, even on a good day.
Op Ed: INADEQUATE HEALTHCARE FUNDING FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS
In my initial op-ed, we began with the discussion of LBJ’s foray into the world of electronic medical records (EMR) as an example of American Samoa’s struggles managing the public funding for the b
Supplemental budget $11Mil + — more than half for personnel
![Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga [SN file photo]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/GovLolo_0766_3.jpg?itok=daEamfqu "Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga [SN file photo]")
Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga’s proposed fiscal year 2018 Supplemental Budget totals more than $11 million and includes some $6 million in personnel cost.
Six contestants to vie for Miss American Samoa title next month
![Miss American Samoa Incorporated (MASI) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and all former Miss American Samoa titleholders will be honored during a slideshow at next month's pageant. The names of the six contestants who will be vying for the title this year have been announced. Last month, MASI, along with the American Samoa Visitors Bureau, provided the fue, tanoa, and ula (pictured) for the 2017 Northwest Tatau Festival, held in Washington state. [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean]](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/MASI.jpg?itok=ryRtvzMx "Miss American Samoa Incorporated (MASI) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and all former Miss American Samoa titleholders will be honored during a slideshow at next month's pageant. The names of the six contestants who will be vying for the title this year have been announced. Last month, MASI, along with the American Samoa Visitors Bureau, provided the fue, tanoa, and ula (pictured) for the 2017 Northwest Tatau Festival, held in Washington state. [photo: Blue Chen-Fruean]")
Six local beauties will take center stage next month to compete for the coveted Miss American Samoa 2017-18 title.
ASHSAA football season
Leone Lions wide receiver, Ali’itoa Langkilde returning a kick off during practice yesterday morning at the school field, in preparation for the upcoming ASHSAA football season that is scheduled to
Fautuaina afioga Faipule ina ia vave fai fa’aiuga i pili tupe a le malo
Le afioga i le ali’i faipule ia Timusa Tini Lam Yuen ma le Loia Fautua a le maota o sui, susuga Nathaniel Savali. [ata AF]
I le toe taliu mai ai i fanua o le afioga i le Fofoga Fetalai o le maota o sui i le atunu’u i le vaiaso nei, sa ia fautuaina ai loa ta’ita’ifono o Komiti a le maota o lo o iloiloina pili tupe a le