Samoa

The treaty was first implemented in 1987 between the US government and Pacific island countries.

Our correspondent in Pago Pago says American Samoa will be watching the talks as its two tuna canneries depend on sufficient fish supply for their survival.

An interim agreement, valid only for 2015, allows the US purse seiner fleet to fish in the exclusive economic zones of the Pacific Island Forum Fisheries members.

The meeting is set for the 3rd to 5th of August in Brisbane.

They played out a thrilling 30-30 draw in round two in Sacramento, Samoa denying Fiji victory with a last gasp penalty by Patrick Fa’apale, and both reached the final with unbeaten records in the six-team competition.

Injuries have robbed coach Stephen Betham of hooker Motu Matuu (delayed concussion), scrum-half Pele Cowley (shoulder) and centre Paul Perez (rib), the latter having scored a brace of tries in the draw with Samoa.

The move comes on the tails of a concerted effort at last month’s South Pacific Tourism Event in Melbourne, Australia, to portray the country as an affordable exotic destination.

With most of its visitors travelling from the traditional markets of Australia and New Zealand, Samoa has set its sights on Europe, North America and the burgeoning Chinese market.

There is no doubt that Samoa is serious.

At the Melbourne SPTE, Samoa Tourism had the largest display area staffed by a large number of officials selling several options for tourists and travel agencies.

The Archbishop of York John Sentamu has praised Samoa's switch to renewable energy during his visit which also saw him honoured with a chiefly title.

Dr Sentamu is raising awareness about climate change and global warming in his first visit to the country.

He says it's obvious it's happening and there's no need for more science on the issue.

"Somebody many, many miles away is creating the difficulties affecting you. How do we actually stop other people fouling your home? So we need leaders that are actually going to be capable of doing this."

The team arrive in Sydney next week for the Netball World Cup where they'll meet Jamaica in their first pool match.

The coach Marcia Hardcastle says when she started at the helm in 2012, Samoa had five homegrown players - now they have none.

She says there are obstacles in getting players from around Australia and New Zealand together and well prepared.

"Because we still have overseas players and players within New Zealand, it is very difficult and with the lack of funding they have as a country itself for netball, that is difficult to get them in once place."

The Samoans looked to be slipping to a surprise defeat after Canada's Sale Sharks wing Phil Mackenzie raced over for an opportunistic converted try to put the home side 20-16 up with four minutes left.

But Samoa punished a needlessly conceded penalty by setting up a line-out on Canada's goal-line with just seconds left.

And when Canada knocked on from the set-piece, Sakaria Taulafo was on hand to touch down for the winning score.

Canada had raced into a 13-0 lead through a try from centre Nick Blevins and eight points from the boot of full-back James Pritchard.

The Chamber’s membership was endorsed by the PIPSO’s Board and the PIPSO Council Members were informed of the new member at the recent 9th Annual General Meeting held at the Sofitel Hotel in Nadi, Fiji on 3rd July.

PIPSO’s current Chair, Klaus Stunzer said that the inclusion of the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce to PIPSO’s membership is an exciting development.

“There are trade opportunities for the businesses in American Samoa with the rest of the Pacific. With the recent inclusion, this takes the regular membership to 15 Countries.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation granted the extention, saying there is still no available U.S. carrier to provide services between the main island of Tutuila and the Manu'a island group.

Since operations began last year, Polynesian says it has performed several medical evacuations from the Manu'a Islands.

The airline says it has also transported a significant number of passengers, including government employees and engineers.

Eight people were interviewed by an independant panel, with 29 having initially applied for the vacancy.

Among the candidates is interim coach Fata'ali'i Milovale, former Fijian sevens great Waisale Serevi, former Manu Samoa international Muliagatele Brian Lima, and 2010 World Series winning playmaker Uale Ma'i.

SRU Chief Executive Officer Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai says the main goal is qualifying for next year's Rio Olympics.

He also says the experiment of involving Australia and New Zealand in the games has been a failure, with the two countries winning a huge number of medals.

Professor Narsey says smaller Pacific nations like Norfolk Island, Cook Islands, Nauru and Niue actually win more medals at the Pacific Games per head of population than the larger countries.