Samoa

Tuila'epa told reporters in his first New Year's weekly radio programme that American Samoa can lodge an application to join when Samoa hosts the Forum in September.

He said if American Samoa decides in the future to become an independent country, being a member of the Forum would be a good move.

Tuila'epa said the two nations would not only work together but it would also mean a stronger voice for both on the world stage and within the United Nations.

Nafanua, Leilani and Emma are 14, 12 and 10-years-old respectively, and their dad Xavier Lui is teaching them the traditional skills of Pacific sea voyaging.

Emma says she likes seeing turtles, riding the bow of the va'a ("boat" in Samoan), and feeling connected to her culture.

"It uncovers the history and you can make your own history while you sail, go on that big boat and make your own," she says, gesturing to the Samoan Voyaging Society's double-hulled canoe, the Gaualofa.

It has been more than seven months since the owners of BlueSky, Amper SA, first made it known that it was in negotiations with ATH for the sale of BlueSky, which includes operations in American Samoa, Samoa and the Cook Islands.

Amper later announced that it had accepted a binding offer of $US79 million from ATH.

Tuilapea, who attended the inauguration of American Samoa's Governor, told KHJ Newssaid that he has reservations.

Tuilaepa did not mince his words when reminding the high achievers that things are very different when they’re away from their parents.

“You must not be deterred. When you go to the foreign countries in which you will study you will see things much differently. Temptations and opportunities will be much greater and the risks of failing will increase. Don’t destroy your future over these simple pleasures,” he said.

The scholarships have been provided by the governments of Samoa, Australia and New Zealand.

Samoa is currently connected to the internet via satellite and the older American Samoa – Hawaii Cable System.

According to Samoa’s Minister for Communication Information Technology, Afamasaga Rico Tupa’i this needs to improve to meet the growing demand for connectivity.

“Our active Samoa Submarine Cable company are also in talks with Tahiti for an additional connection from there as well,” he said.

The minister also indicated that Samoa will not only rely on the submarine cable project linked to the Southern Cross Cable in Fiji.

Reverend Kasiano Leaupepe's remarks were in relation to a Constitutional amendment bill presented for its first reading by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi last week during the last sitting of parliament for 2016.

Reverend Leaupepe told the Samoa Observer the Constitution of Samoa in its preamble already speaks about Samoa being founded on God, based on Christian principles, Samoan customs and tradition.

He said this was sufficient and any further insertions of Christianity into the Constitution are unnecessary.

Father Kevin Mears, a Wellington based Marist priest, died at Kaikoura Hospital several hours before he was due to conduct a Christmas Eve service. He was 81.

Stuff.co reports Mears had spent about 12 years in Samoa. He arrived in 1963 and taught at Chanel College. Mears was known for his energy and stamina which saw him return frequently over the years working on various projects for the college.He also had strong ties with Wellington's Samoan community.

Police spokesperson Su’a Le Mamea Tiumalu says the issue surfaced when security cameras caught footage of children on the streets at night.

“They are about the ages of 10 to 12 and they were caught on camera late into the night. There is no law where the police is authorized to detain them, but it can be in some form of neglect,” said Su’a.

Led by Andy Leleisi'uao, around 25 people marched from the Samoan Consulate in Mangere via the Mangere Lawn Cemetery to Mangere Mountain to remember the eight killed on December 28, 1929, in what has been coined, 'Black Saturday' by historians.