Samoa

Kamala Chandrakirana, who heads the U.N. Working Group on discrimination against women in law and in practice, said the 10-day visit later this month was the first fact-finding mission by a U.N. human rights experts group to Samoa.

She said the group would visit the capital Apia and villages in Upolu and Savai'i to gather information about discrimination against women, including violence and women and girls.

With a passionate Samoan crowd on the sideline for Saturday’s opening match, New Caledonia coach Matthieu Delcroix believes the atmosphere will add to the challenge as many of his players make their first appearance on the international stage.

“It will be a tough draw to begin this tournament,” he said.

“We know that it will be a tough game because the players from Samoa will be in their home so it will be difficult.”

Although he’s approaching the game cautiously, Delcroix is still confident that his side is well-prepared and eager to prove themselves.

The signing this week brings the project another step closer to launch and Samoa’s climate and energy security goals. 

Known as ‘IMPRESS’ (“Improving the Performance and Reliability of RE Power System in Samoa”), the new project focuses on mitigation. It forms part of the Government’s plan to move away from fossil fuels and reach a target of 100% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025.  

Hosting an international cricket tournament is a special occasion for any nation and there is hope an event in Samoa will inspire a new generation of players.

The island nation is set to host the 2018 ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup – East Asia-Pacific Qualifier 2017 and the host’s coach is excited by the prospects for the event.

Winning the tournament means automatic qualification for the 2018 ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup to be played in New Zealand in January next year.

Coach Imran Adi leads a group of Samoan cricketers he believes have exciting futures.

The countries are Guam, Samoa and Tahiti.

Tonga was initially confirmed to host the 2019 Pacific Games but withdrew the right to host a few months ago saying the cost of hosting the event will affect the economy.

In press statement the PGC said it is delighted with this response and thanks the three countries for stepping forward with their intention to host the 2019 Pacific Games and delivering a strong vote of confidence in the importance of the Games and the benefits of hosting them.

The Chairman of Digicel's board Pepe Christian Fruean said the ground would be broken next month for a hotel to be built on government land in Sogi.

He said the hotel would be a $40 million investment and would cater to business travellers.

RNZI reports Digicel Samoa is soliciting bids for the design work.

According to the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi, the plan is also aimed at maximizing economic and social benefits derived from the use of these tuna resources for Samoans.

The National Tuna Management Plan 2017-2021 was launched by Acting Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa in Apia last week.

Minister Laaulialemalietoa said the tuna fishing industry has been one of the leading export earners for Samoa since the early 1990s and it is facing major challenges to realize its desired benefits and returns. 

After finishing bottom of their group in their debut last year, a fresh-faced Samoa team has rallied all the experience they can for this year’s campaign with hopes to improve on home soil.

Argentinian FFA B Licence coach Guillermo Schiltenwolf has been appointed to guide the squad from the sideline, and some key recruits have recently joined the camp in Samoa as they prepare for redemption.

The clinic was officially handed over to the community by Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Samoa, Amanda Jewell last week.

The clinic will provide first aid, over the counter medication and basic health assistance for minor injuries for people living in the area.

It will also be a base for any visiting medical teams to conduct Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) screenings and other health services.

The building was partially funded by Australia through its Direct Aid Program which provided WST $21,137.33 for the purchase of building materials.

Samoa's economic growth is yet to return the levels seen before the 2009 earthquake and tsunami, which devastated the country's southern coast.

RNZI reports part of the government's plan to help the recovery is to revitalise agriculture and increase exports.

The fund, supported by the government with Australia and the Asian Development Bank, aims to provide support to agribusinesses, many of which are family owned.

The ADB said since its launch in 2015, the project had performed well, helping sectors including cocoa, coconut, root crops and poultry farms.