Samoa

RNZ reports the director, Mauga Precious Chang, faces two charges of dangerous driving and will appear in court on the 13 September.

The commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil, is yet to enter a plea to four charges including perjury, unlawful detention, providing false statements and disorderly conduct.

The government said for reasons of fairness and equality before the law, it was important an objective view was sought for the cases.

Tuilaepa will also attend the 71st United Nations General Assembly in New York on 13 September – 4 October 2016.

The recruitment process is being conducted at the Don Bosco Technical College.

The team from New Zealand includes two employers and representatives from the Ara Canterbury Institute of Technology.

The team from the Ara Institute presented carpentry tools and equipment for the Don Bosco Technical School yesterday.

The AK-47 weapon was handed in to police by the customs to be destroyed during an arms amnesty, but instead it had been kept in the armoury and used during police raids.

The acting Police Commissioner, Afamasaga Michael So'onalole, said he had ordered the investigation after complaints from the public and media inquiries after allegations of the weapon being carried by a senior officer during raids.

He said the registration of the unlawful gun under the name of the police ministry was thought to have been ordered by the suspended police commissioner.

During the launch yesterday evening, Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi spoke of the importance of waterfront attractions around the world.

“Waterfronts are special places across the world. They have been key features of cities throughout history and are sources of economic strength. Ours fit this mould perfectly,” he said.

Tuilaepa says the development will benefit locals as well as tourists.

RNZ reports this comes after Samoa's Ministry of Health confirmed a tourist, whose tattoo got infected, had tested positive for HIV.

The tattooist, Petelo Suluape, told a meeting of local tattooists and top health officials who got together to discuss safety measures, that the blood test result was a wake up call.

He said the tattooist's organisation now had a consent form for anyone wanting to have a pe'a or tattoo, that they will need to have a health clearance, including a blood test.

Vaatausili Nansen was initially unsure about the response he would get about his display of elei materials and dresses during the 2^nd Pacific Agribusiness Forum in Apia.

 “To my surprise, I have received just a few buyers from New Zealand and Australia. But most of my earning came from other Pacific island buyers and it’s a relief because I thought It was going to be a failure standing out here trying to sell Samoan clothing and designs to our neighboring Pacific islands,” he said.

Nansen made more than $1,500 tala in the past two days of the conference.

Alofa Alofa made his international debut for Samoa against Canada in November 2014

The 25-year-old, who can play at centre or on the wing, left French Top 14 side La Rochelle this summer.

Alofa began his career in rugby league with Sydney Roosters but switched to union in 2013 and has featured for West Harbour and New South Wales Waratahs.

"He is a dynamic and powerful player with the ability to break the line. His versatility is an added bonus," Quins director of rugby John Kingston said.

A group of young people found the deceased’s body at a plantation around mid-day last Friday and reported the matter to police.

"We cannot say whether it's murder, But I can tell you that the case is far from suicide and we are treating it as a homicide case," said Police spokesperson Sua Le Mamea Tiumalu.

"The deceased had gunshot wounds on his back, multiple gunshot wounds around the spine and injuries to the back of his head," he added.

The man is reported to be originally from Faga, Savaii but was living in Faleatiu as an in-law.

RNZ reports about 120 delegates are attending the three-day conference 2nd Pacific Agribusiness Forum in Samoa's capital.

Tuilaepa told growers, manufacturers, restaurant and hotel owners at the Apia conference that the influx of imported food had contributed to health problems for islanders.

"Consumption of fruits and vegetables is low and vitamin and mineral deficiencies widespread," he said.

"We often experience food-borne illnesses which compromise the ability of Pacific food products to meet export standards."