Samoa

There are still concerns the 2008 Land Titles Registration Act, or LTRA, alienates Samoans from their customary land rights.

Otago University political scientist Iati Iati recently completed research into customary land laws, which he said provides important insights into an issue that has divided many Samoans.

Dr Iati said Samoa's constitution was drawn up when the land system was based on deeds.

The general secretary of the Congregational Christian Church, Vavatau Taufao, has challenged Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi to admit the government's finances are in a poor state.

The two have been embroiled in a war of words for more than a month after the government introduced a law requiring church ministers to pay tax.

Reverend Taufao told the Samoa Observer that the government was seeking extra revenue sources because it can't control its spending.

He also questioned the cost of the recently upgraded international airport.

The women are from the Nofotane Project, a two-year programme aimed at upskilling women who have married into villages where they no longer have direct family support.

Research from Samoa Victim Support shows these women, who are known as nofotane, are more prone to domestic violence and abuse.

UN Women Samoa's Papali'i Mele Mauala'ivao said the project aimed to economically empower nofotane, help them contribute to their communities and gain a sense of pride.

Papali'i said 5000 women were trained, 500 new entrepreneurs established and 237 villages were reached.

Samoa coach Martin Tamasese said the final victory will hopefully buoy the team as they now prepare to make the step up to meet their Group B opponents in Solomon Islands; New Caledonia, Tahiti and Fiji.

“It’s not done for us, we have to now prepare for the next stage,” Tamasese said.

“But coming into this game we wanted to continue with our counter-attacking and putting pressure on the defence.

“We were trying to achieve a request for ten goals, but nine goals is more than enough for us.”

The chief executive of the Ministry of Justice Papalii John Taimalelagi told KHJ this morning that his office has received the Cabinet decision paper and confirmed that the extension was for nine months only.

He said the mandatory retirement age for court judges was 68 years and Patu is older than that.

Tuilaepa said the decision was made by him because he knew there were court cases the Chief Justice had presided over that needed to be dealt with only by himself.

That makes Tonga’s job in today’s closing match a tough one with the hosts having to overcome the disappointment of not being able to follow in the U-19 side’s footsteps and replace it with the fervour that comes with winning in front of home fans.

But first local fans will be treated to a face-off between Cook Islands and American Samoa, two sides who have been seen off by Samoa, and held equal standing with Tonga.

The ballot is open to Samoan nationals aged between 18 and 45. 1100 names of people are drawn annually who can then apply for residency.

In 2012, applications for the Samoan quota were just over 7000 but in the last round a record 16,500 applied.

Massey University's Paul Spoonley said a review was needed given Samoa's fast growing population and New Zealand's unique relationship with the country under the Treaty of Friendship.

Earlier this month a pair of one-year old infants died shortly after being given the MMR vaccination at a hospital on Savaii.

A post mortem has been completed, with results expected to be released within days.

Health investigations are also ongoing, while a police inquest is scheduled to take place next week.

Dr Ananda Amarasinghe of the World Health Organisaion's Western Pacific division was in Samoa and says MMR vaccine fatalities are extremely rare.

Samoa went on though to batter American Samoa 10-3 at the Qualifier.

The Samoa coached, Martin Tamasese side opened the match well, but was offhand which allowed American Samoa back in.

“I think the boys when they scored those four goals they think it’s done but I sent a message that the game is 90 minutes,” he said.

Tamasese is also pleased that his side isn’t dependent on the goal scorers, with the team’s performance showing they are skilful at finding the net from all over the park.

Visual artist, Ioane Ioane, last lived in Samoa over three decades ago when he spent six years of his childhood on Faatoia Upolu.

His interest in the sea started with his late grandfather who worked for the NZ Union Steamship Company in Apia and was the captain of the Monono traditional long boat that was used for racing.

He told Sara Vui-Talitu he is leaving in four weeks time to take up the residency, worth $NZ15,000.

The residency is in partnership with the National University of Samoa.