prison

A signing ceremony between the Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, Senta Keisuke and the Minister for Police and Prisons, Faualo Harry Schuster to formalize a new Grant Assistance for Japan’s Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) was held on Thursday at the Police Headquarters in Apia.

The ceremony was for two projects of up to USD 666,925 (approximately SAT 1,774,000) in total.

The justice ministry's chief executive, Palai'i John Taimalelagi Afele, said outside work programmes have been suspended until an investigation is completed.

Meanwhile two prisoners, who escaped from Tafa’igata Prison on Sunday, are still at large.

Pati Chong Nee and Aniseko Vaelei are considered dangerous.

Chong Nee is a notorious prison escapee. He and Vaelei are serving time at Tafaigata for a history of crimes including burglary, robbery and being armed with a dangerous weapon.

Tialavea Tionisio Hunt said with 40 inmates, the current prison at Vaia'ata is overcrowded and needs upgrading.

"The prison house at Vaiaata looks like a family house with barred windows and a door. It's not your typical prison house and quite frankly I don't think any other prison in the world looks like the one we have in Savaii," said Tialavea.

Edinho, a former Santos goalkeeper, handed himself in to police on Friday after a Brazilian court ordered his return to prison.

His solicitor said they would take their appeal to the Supreme Court following the latest failed attempt to quash the conviction.

"As he always did, Edson showed up when the arrest warrant was issued," Eugenio Malavasi was quoted as saying by A Tribuna.

In quotes reported by UOL, he said: "We're discussing the sentences and interposing extraordinary appeals.

In Samoa, the acting assistant commissioner for Tafaigata prison says allowing more prisoners to spend time with their families during the weekend is one option being considered to stop prisoners escaping.

Sagaga Galu Frost says at the moment, only a select group of inmates have been picked to spend every second weekend with their families.

Frank Bainimarama has recommended to the president that Colonel Vasu be dismissed and Kameli Ratuvakalevulevu be made the acting commissioner.

Colonel Vasu was in court for allegedly approving the purchase of goods worth more than US $60,000 from the Naboro Mini-Mart in which he is a company director.