Samoa

Tuilaepa signed the Headquarters Agreement yesterday to mark the official relocation of the PIDC Secretariat from Suva to Apia.  

The PIDC was established in 1996 and boasts a membership of 19 immigration agencies from the Pacific region.

Representing the PIDC at the ceremony was current Chair, Vaosa Epa and Vice Chair Damien Jacklick.  The signing ceremony was held in Cabinet’s Chambers at the FMFM II Building in Apia.

Prohibiting corporal punishment in homes, raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility from ten, prohibiting parents and guardians from using children as street vendors and introducing compulsory free universal primary education are some of the main recommendations in the report.

Samoa was commended for this year ratifying or acceding to several optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, including sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and the involvement of children in child conflict.

"Samoa's Archives and the Museum of Samoa were both established in 1999, the National Archives became an authority when the Public records Act came into force in 2011," said Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi at a ceremony held at the Malifa Museum of Samoan History.

"A board for the archives was establish later in 2013 as a result of this act. They are currently located in the old Apia Primary School, which was ideally refurbished last year for this purpose," he added.

Police spokesperson, Superintendent Maotaoalii Kaioneta Aliisolia said the victim was allegedly stabbed during a group fight at Eleele Fou.

"We have apprehended the suspect accused of (allegedly) murdering the young man's life and he's a nineteen year old male. We’re continuing with investigations as to how the fight broke out and as well as to find the rest of those involved," said Maota.

"There were reports of gunshots being heard during the fight.  However, after interrogations no confirmation or witnesses have come up regarding such," he added.

Samoa’s remoteness and small population means it is highly dependent on air transport to connect the country to larger markets, and to facilitate important industries such as tourism. In 2013, more than 20 percent of Samoa’s gross domestic product (GDP) was from the travel industry, meaning continued and sustainable investment into aviation infrastructure is vital.

The workshop hopes to inform senior Government officials of the requirements and good governance practices to help the public administration sector deliver its services in a professional and transparent manner.

A family travelling to Pagopago saw their plight and stepped in to help.

"We unfortunately could not take them in to our home because of the inflow of family members coming for my sister’s wedding, but they claimed they were okay to wait it out at the airport for one more night," said Lubuto Siaosi, who received a call about the men from his aunt who was at the airport.

"An official at the airport was accommodating to their needs, restrooms and shower facilities," he added.

The family provided the men food and water over the weekend.

Thirteen minutes into the game, PNG flanker Micheal Foster found an opening to belt a powerful right footy into the goal to lead 1-0.

Samoans fought hard to cross into the PNG territory but faced a strong Komolong-brother combination that held them off the half-way line.

Raymond Gunemba then bagged the second goal for PNG in the 32nd minute with a stunning dribble in front of the goal mouth, avoiding the Samoan opponents before slotting it behind the net for 2-nil.

After leading 2-0 at half time, the host team added six more goals on the board, beating the helpless Samoans in a one-sided match.

PNG’s flanker Michael Foster opened the second half with his second goal before striker Nigel Dabinyaba added another point for a clear 4-0 lead.

Raymond Gunemba finds the net once again after a cross for his second to put PNG on the line for a decider to qualify as forward Koriak Upaiga sealed the deal with a chip over the goalkeeper for a 6-0 lead.

According to RNZI, the Minister of Finance, Sili Epa Tuioti, said too many Samoans had suffered damage to their health.

The National Health Services will get $US35 million dollars of the 44 million allocated to health in new national Budget.

It includes three million for the National Kidney Foundation and $2.5 million for the overseas medical treatment scheme.

The budget has also proposed increasing taxes on tobacco and alcohol.