Samoa

Six scooters were gifted to the LTA by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, (MNRE) the leading local implementing agency in the government’s drive against Climate Change.

The introduction of electrical scooters will complement the LTA. fleet of petroleum-fueled motor bikes and vehicles, according to a release from the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

At the handover ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa said it is part of the drive by MNRE to reduce gas emissions.

In 2016, a hugely successful U-17 women’s tournament was hosted in Cook Islands featuring nine nations of which Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu, made their debuts at this age-group. For Fiji it was an historic outing after they finished third, narrowly beating New Caledonia in the match for third place.

This year will mark the debut of American Samoa, who have never participated in this competition, and the return to this level for Solomon Islands whose last outing was in 2010 when they finished a very respectable second.

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt said tentatively, the construction of the abattoir at Nu’u should start before the end of the year.

“$3 million tala from the World Bank is allocated for the Central Abattoir. The facility when completed will take over the processing of all meat products, from poultry, pigs, cattle and lambs before they can be sold commercially,” he said in a release from the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

But on Friday last week, it stopped for a short time to dedicate a new memorial at the Police Memorial Garden in honour of six RAMSI officers that lost their lives in the rebuilding of the Solomon Islands mission.

Three of them were from the Pacific nations of Niue, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

Speaking on their behalf, RAMSI’s Pacific Islands Contingent Commander, Leauapaau Logoitino Filipo acknowledged their contributions, commitment, bravery and ultimate sacrifice.

Despite opposition from a handful on MPs, the country's parliament has passed the Income Tax Amendment Act.

The MP for Urban West, Faumuina Wayne Fong, said it should have been a tax on the church rather than individual pastors, while another MP, Sulamanaia Tauiliili Tuivasa, said church pastors should be exempt. He did not oppose the Head of State paying tax.

Sulamanaia said the revenue minister, Tialavea Fea Leniu Tionisio Hunt, was too quick to table the bill and there should have been more time for consultation.

The 2017/2018 budget which applies from next month.

Finance Minister Sili Epa Tuioti said the quick passage of the budget was an endorsement of the government's financial policy and management.

He said health and education were the main areas as the government is trying to respond on a timely basis to the needs of the people.

Sili said there had been a strong call for investment in infrastructure by improving water supply, improving roads and the need to ensure that government invest money in plantation access as well as increased agriculture.

The memorandum of understanding signed on Monday will advance the government's involvement in the selection process, which is managed by village leaders.

RNZI reports Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet chief executive Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo said information would now be shared with the government to ensure workers are prepared for their jobs.

Papali'itele Faamausili Moli, who is a son of the late head of state and title holder, Malietoa Tanumafili II, has been put forward, reportedly with support from all three branches of the family.

But family matai Papalii Titiuatoa Malietoa said that was not the case and it was not a unanimous decision by the late head of state's direct descendants.

He said Papali'itele Faamausili Moli got other people to say yes who did not belong to the family to get it through.

RNZI reports among items on the agenda was a region wide business travel card as well as streamlining processes for issuing work visas.

The Forum secretariat's trade policy advisor Veniana Qalo said barriers to regional labour mobility were identified.

"The high cost of processing visas and permits and the delays in the issuance of work permits. The contract duration limitations. The linkages between the employer needs and ability of employees. Also the lack of a skills database that the employer could draw from."

A commission is investigating alleged evidence tampering by an assistant police commissioner and a superintendent.

The evidence related to traffic charges against Ms Chang who was then the director of the National Prosecution Office.

The inquiry chairman, former Supreme Court judge Lesatele Rapi Va'ai, questioned Fuiavailili about the handling of the case against Ms Chang.

When asked by Lesatele if he had instructed the now suspended assistant police commissioner Samoa Mulinu'u to reinvestigate Ms Chang's case, Fuiavaili said he could not remember.