Samoa

That’s how the Samoa Law Reform Commission, (SLRC) which is tasked to revisit the act in attempts by government to detain the growing number of drug and narcotics related offenses in the country.

To that extend, discussion papers to update the 50-year old act are now with Cabinet for approval before public consultations begin.

However, the SRLC review has unveiled some alarming findings, according to a release from the Prime Minister's Office.

The American Samoa director of agriculture, Filifa'atali Mike Fuiava, imposed the ban the week before last, pending tests to determine the disease causing mature taro to be deformed and inedible.

Meanwhile most stores and restaurants in the territory that used to rely on taro from Samoa, are being supplied by local farmers.

However one of the oldest stores on the western side of the island which has been getting taro from Apia has not sold taro since the ban was imposed.

Earlier this year it emerged the territory had purchased two helicopters as part of an interim air service without consulting the New Zealand government.

Emails obtained under the Official Information Act reveal a Tokelau public servant advised New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority that Polynesian Airlines would be the service operator.

RNZI reports the arrangement also involved a private Samoan tourism company and earlier emails show Talofa Airways was interested in a similar investment.

“We turn to him for guidance and to take charge of our waka as we sail forth in faith, and believing that he is in control,” said the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo as he officially opened the new Pacific Immigration Directors Conference Secretariat in Apia this week.

The secretariat which relocated from Fiji co-funded by the governments of Australia and New Zealand at a cost of $230,000.

In his budget speech, the government MP for Safata i Sisifo, Lea'ana Ronnie Posini, called on the Minister of Education, Loau Keneti Sio, to look into the high number of students being enrolled by several government schools.

The MP, who is a Parliamentary committee member for education, has revealed the number of students in at least one class had reached 70.

He suggested the reason for the high number of students is for financial benefit for the school committee and for the head principal to receive more money in their salaries.

And as usual it is the perfect vehicle for lawmakers to voice the needs of their respective constituencies.

That was crystal clear with the overwhelming support echoed in parliament yesterday morning as Members of Parliament gave their verbal approval to support the government’s proposed spending for the next 12 months.

From there the wheels went into motion for the PIDC to relocate to Apia from its Suva Fiji location.

That is now a reality with the dedication of the new PIDC Secretariat in Apia located on the 3rd floor of the Development Bank building today to commemorate the relocation coupled with Samoa again hosting the 20th annual PIDC meeting in Apia this week.

The PIDC’s return to Apia on a permanent basis also signifies a new era in regional border security and control.

While officially opening the conference today, Samoa’s Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the ever evolving security threats due to organized transnational crimes place all our Pacific states at risk and it is vitally significant that these are properly addressed at all fronts.

“The complexity of these crimes requires effective planning, timely response, advanced equipment and collective efforts from all PIDC member countries,” he said.

Tuilaepa also highlighted the formidable challenge posed by climate change for Pacific States.

Barrett's try, sparked after captain Ben Smith had pounced on a dropped ball on his line, was the catalyst for the world champions to take control of the game.

RNZI reports Barrett grabbed a second try in the second half while Anton Lienert-Brown, Ardie Savea (2), Sonny Bill Williams, Israel Dagg, Julian Savea, Codie Taylor, Vaea Fifita, TJ Perenara and Sam Cane all crossed for the All Blacks.

This follows the official signing ceremony of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus in Tonga this week.

Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Samoa.

PACER Plus is a trade and development agreement aiming to encourage economic development of Pacific Island Countries.