Samoa

RNZ reports Mauga was charged with negligent driving causing injuries, dangerous driving and failing to stop to check if anyone involved in the accident had been injured.

The New Zealand based prosecutor Satiu Simativa Perese was hired by the government to prosecute the case and says it is too early to say if he will appeal.

"I will look at the judge's reasoning to see what has been decided and then we will make another call, decision after that. But we have rules to obey and it is improper for me to say anything at this point."

Leone Bridge was destroyed by cyclone Evan in 2012 which is one of the most frequently used by container loaders, construction vehicles, and other heavy utilities to pass through.

The completion of the bridge is possible through the assistance of the Australian Government, who allocated about $13 million dollars in assistance to rebuild bridges.

Government of Samoa struggled with extra costs and transportation after the bridge was destroyed in cyclone Evan.

The 420 square feet complex along with a security fence, and three water tanks fitted with automated pumps is part of renovations in Samoa included under a USD$660,000 grant from the US Defense Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster and Civic Aid.

The new addition comes four years after cyclone Evan, which damaged most parts of the school and village living in the coasts.

RNZ reports Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi has appointed three commissioners including politician Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Lei'ataua, Auckland University of Technology's Tagaloatele Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop and the National University of Samoa's Leasiolagi Malama Meleisea.

Lei'ataua is a former speaker of the house and cabinet minister who represents the A'ana Alofi No. 2 constituency.

 MS Bishop is accompanied by Labor Senators, Hon Penny Wong and Claire Moore on the trip.

The visit to Solomon Island, Vanuatu and Samoa is aimed at meeting with the Prime Ministers and Foreign Ministers of each country on a range of issues including regional stability, development challenges and emergency responses.

Ms Bishop said the visit to Solomon Islands will reiterate Australia's continuing commitment to peace and stability after the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) withdraws in June 2017.

Interim head coach Naca Cawanibuka ‏described it as a "tough day at the office" while Captain Osea Kolinisau tweeted that he was "Proud of the boys. A good start to the season and we will come out stronger next week."

Fiji still had the most players named in the tournament dream team, with newcomer Setareki Bituniyata joining Kolinisau and Jerry Tuwai.

Fiji have been drawn in Pool B in Cape Town, alongside France, Kenya and Japan.

Presenting at the High Level Roundtable talks on "Mainstreaming biodiversity into the food and agriculture sector" in Cancun, Mexico last week, Samoa outlined the national, regional and international strategies and policies that help guide its work in achieving this.

"Our current Strategy for the Development of Samoa 2012 – 2016 clearly identifies environmental sustainability as one of our four key national priority areas.

Upon arriving to Samoa Last week she says she had an amazing time on island meeting her fellow contestants.

“It’s been an amazing couple of days here, I am just seizing the moments leading up to the Pageant and learning the culture here and experiencing all these new things, like the food and the making of the Tapa (siapo),” she said.

The Frontline Associate at the Bank of Cook Islands is only 21 years old and is the most active members of the competition.

 The new departure lounge cost $US31.7 million to build with funding coming through a loan from China.

The Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the project is part of the government's initiative to improve infrastructure.

"With the completion of the whole terminal building upgrades and the Samoa Airport Authority's new vision to be the Pacific's hub of air travel it is the government's hope that more new air carriers will make use of the new airport facilities to boost our tourism, trade and transport," said prime minister Tuilaepa.

The prosecution has been given time by the court to file a response to the application, which will be heard next Monday.

Meanwhile the case against the suspended police commissioner has been adjourned without a plea to 12 December to allow police to finalise all the charges.

The charges against Fuiavailili include unlawful possession of a firearm, intimidation, using insulting words and one charge each of attempting to procure murder, to incite murder and to counsel murder.

Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia