American Samoa

The European Commission said on Wednesday the countries, and 20 others on the list, have strategic deficiencies when dealing with suspicious money flows.

Věra Jourová, a Commissioner with the body, said it stands ready to work closely with the countries to address the issues.

In a statement, the US Treasury Department rejected the inclusion of American Samoa and Guam, along with Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

It said the review process was flawed and little warning was given to the countries and no opportunity to respond.

In December a two month old child from New Zealand was admitted to LBJ Hospital with symptoms of the disease.

The Department of Health is driving a campaign to promote immunisation after recent cases were recorded in the Northland region of New Zealand

Medical Director Joseph Tufa said parents should make sure their children are protected from the potentially deadly disease.

The department has asked parents to provide proof that their children have received the meningococcal vaccine and booster shot.

Filifaatali recently accompanied Samoan officials from the Western United States Agriculture Trade Association on visits to large commercial plantations on Upolu and to the Fugalei market.

He said American Samoa's quota free status for exports to the US offered opportunities for crops like taro from Samoa to be sent to the US, using Pago Pago as a gateway.

He also said American Samoa didn't have the land resources of Samoa to grow the quantity of taro that would make such a venture commercially viable.

However, US District Court Judge, Clark Waddoups, has denied the request for "intervention of right", ruling the issue is adequately addressed by federal defendants, the US government, State Department and its top officials.

Despite the mixed result attorney, Michael Williams, who is part of the team representing the territorial government and the Congresswoman, said the decision "is a victory for the people of American Samoa" because the case continues.

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.

A ban on taro exports from neighbouring Samoa was lifted last month.

Director, Filifaatali Mike Fuiava, says he hopes to meet with taro importers to get their input on quantities that should be allowed in weekly.

But he says efforts to convene a meeting have not been successful yet.

The director says he may have to set a quota for each importer to avoid a saturation of the taro market.

But consumers appear to have welcomed the lifting of the ban as major supermarkets now have a good supply of taro.

KHJ News reports seven packages which tested positive for crystal methamphetamine, or ice, were found in the LBJ mail earlier this week.

The packages were addressed to various divisions of the hospital including the nursing division, the Tafuna Health Center and the Department of Health.

Hospital CEO, Faumuina John Faumuina, said one package was delivered by the Procurement Department to the Nursing Department, who returned it saying "they were not aware of such an order."

Lopaoo said Samoa had achieved remarkable results in negotiations with their American Samoan counterparts which would lead to the resumption of exports to the territory.

He said his Ministry had been dealing with the matter alongside staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Samoa's Deputy Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa also met with Governor Lolo Moliga during her Flag Day visit.

Governor Lolo then wrote to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi encouraging Samoa to lift the ban.

The fibre optic cable, a branch of the system running from the United States to New Zealand, landed via the vessel Responder which was anchored offshore laying the cable to the Fogagogo landing station.

Speaking at the cable landing ceremony on Saturday, Hawaiki CEO Remi Galasso said it would provide strategic infrastructure for American Samoa and make it one of the most connected territories in the Pacific.

It followed last year's suspension on imports imposed by American Samoa out of fears the neighbour's taro could carry a virus.

The Samoa Minister of Agriculture Lopao'o Natanielu Mu'a advised Filifaatali of the ban which was in response to more stringent conditions required by American Samoa for taro imports.

Lopao'o was concerned at the new requirement that American Samoa inspectors would first inspect plantations of taro exporters to the territory.