Samoa

RNZ reports weightlifter Ele Opeloge originally placed fourth in the, 75kgs and above, women's super heavyweight division, in Beijing.

But a review of test samples in August found silver medallist, Olha Korobka from Ukraine, and bronze medallist, Mariya Grabovetskaya from Kazakhstan both tested positive for banned substances.

Tuaopepe Vui Asiata Jerry Wallwork, who also coached weightlifter Ele Opeloge at the Beijing Games in 2008, said while the silver medal was welcome he felt she has had her glory stolen from her.

The nominees are based on surveys and inspections carried out by the Tourism Standards Committee and the STA Research and Statistics team.

The Awards will kick start the New Year and will be held on 7th January. 

Three nominees have been revealed for each of the 12 Awards categories, which reflect the various aspects of the Tourism Industry and Visitor Experience (as listed below). 

National Tourism Excellence Award  

Return to Paradise Resort 
Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa
Seabreeze Resort

Higgins admits all of Joseph Parker’s next fights from here on are going to be more difficult than any of the fights he’s been in.

“We can’t have a time frame for unifying all belts. I mean that is the goal but we intend to do it within Parker’s career,” he said.

“The closest would be in four years, hopefully, without him sustaining any injuries,” he added.

Higgins spoke to Loop Samoa during the historic Champions Walk at Eleele Fou Parade held by the government of Samoa today, to formally introduce the heavyweight WBO belt to the country.

Ten days on from his historic achievement, only now is Joseph Parker's success beginning to hit home.

Parker, his parents Sala and Dempsey and uncle ventured to Aufaga, a seaside village of the Samoan Prime Minister, on Tuesday. Parker and Duco Events promoter David Higgins also hold chief titles there.

Upon arrival, hordes of topless children and adults swarmed as one to walk in and embrace their local hero. Flags flew and banners sat outside the fale, where a traditional ceremony was held.

RNZ reports the airline is operating three Twin Otter aircraft to service the inter Samoa route as well as flights to Tau and Olosega, Manu'a

The Polynesian station manager in Pago Pago Toe Loia said Apia bound flights are packed while flights to Pago Pago are fairly light.

Some of the travelers are heading to Hawaii and opting to catch the Fiji Airways weekly flight to Honolulu.

Mr Loia advises travelers to be at the airport on time and make sure those needing entry permits to Samoa obtain them form the Samoa Consulate.

RNZ reports the chief justice, Patu Falefatu Sapolu, has set the hearing for the 16th January after the prosecution filed a response against the stay application.

Meanwhile three of the four incite to murder charges against Fuiavailili have been withdrawn.

Other charges include unlawful possession of a firearm, intimidation and using insulting words.

The prosecution is seeking to have most of the charges heard in the district court but the defence is asking for all charges to be heard in one court.

RNZ reports the board of the GCF, which is the agency set up by the United Nations Convention on Climate Change to help developing countries, has just ended meeting in Samoa.

This year's meeting approved $US98 million for climate change initiatives in the Pacific.

This includes $US23 million to strengthen climate change information in Vanuatu's tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, water and fisheries sectors with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.

The office said one of the remaining lawyers was carrying out duties of acting director but there was no cabinet directive for the return of Ms Chang and of the suspended assistant director Muriel Lui, who is a senior lawyer and prosecutor.

RNZ reports the Attorney General Lemalu Herman Retzlaff was given powers of the director temporarily in September after a cabinet decision on the suspension of the assistant director.

It followed a cabinet decision to appoint a three-member tribunal to evaluate the performance of Ms Lui and Ms Chang.

The two storey building was built with assistance of $691,054.16 from the Government of Australia.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio and Education Chief Executive Afamasaga Karoline Fuatai; Australia’s High Commissioner, Her Excellency Sue Langford; Member of Parliament for Lefaga, Afioga Toleafoa Ken Poutoa and members of the Savaia community.

Reverend Keneti Leaupepe led the short prayer service to bless the new building.

The project was funded by the US government at a cost of USD$660,000.

Saanapu’s school building was damaged by Cyclone Evan and while the most critical needs of the school were addressed immediately by the Government of Samoa, but there was still a need for further repair and improvements.

The new additions include construction of a new 420 square meter school hall, perimeter fence, dual water tank and pump system, including water tower tank stand, with improved drinking water station.

There were also various repairs to the existing main school building.