KEY POINTS:
Freedom of the press and the integrity of journalists are under attack this week in Samoa.
The owner of the largest radio station in Samoa, Radio Polynesia, Maposua Rudolph Keil, has made a dramatic stance against freedom of some working journalists in Samoa.
Maposua yesterday issued a letter to Radio Polynesia news team prohibiting them from attending Press Conferences by Saleimoa Vaai Asiata the most recent leader of the Samoa Democratic United Party and current Member of Parliament.
In his letter to his news team, Maposua said: "You will not ever attend another Press Conference held by Honourable Asiata Saleimoa Vaai at his office at Fugalei. Should he wish to announce his news item over the air using our facilities he will have to pay for it, otherwise I will not allow it to be broadcasted due to harmful and unproven topics he uses in his press conference."
Maposua, a vocal media owner, went on to say: "Further I have indicated at our numerous discussions that you should report and praise the Government on the many good project.."
News editor of Radio Polynesia News Ms Ame Sene has yet to make a statement in regards to the matter.
The Journalists Association of [Western] Samoa has expressed their dismay at the order by Maposua on his journalists.
South Pacific Games
On the Government front, more money is expected to flow through our islands this year.
The Government has just announced Samoa's budget for the next financial year starting June 30th.
We are expected to make SAT$945,940.00 ($478,360) after current and development expenditures amounting to more than SAT$500,000,000.00.
Spending has increased overall due to the South Pacific Games and revenue has also jumped by more than SAT$20 million due to the games.
Speaking of SPG, a confirmed number of 4649 athletes will be taking part in this years South Pacific Games in Samoa.
The cut off date for entering teams was the 27th of April.
President of Samoa Association of Sports and Olympic Committee (SASNOC), Vaeolenofoafia Vui Tapasu Leung Wai says that 6500 people are expected to attend.
The number includes about 1500 officials and spares for the teams which were not included in the final count.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Infrastructure workers are busy sealing the roads, covering potholes, extending bridges and main roads all in preparation for the games.
All major bridges on the island of Upolu are under construction at the same time to make the August 1st deadline for game preparations.
Independence
Tomorrow Samoa will celebrate its 45th year Independence, unfortunately without our beloved Head of State, His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II.
This will be the first ever Independence of Samoa without a presiding Head of State.
The Cabinet is expected to make a decision by the June 15.
The potential Head of States of course are the current holders of the two remaining Paramount Titles, Soalauvi Faaletoa Tuimalealiifano II and Tupua Tamasese Efi.
The two along with Cabinet and Parliament were honoured today by the family of the late Malietoa for their contribution to the funeral.
The gifts of more than 20 dead cows, 100 large fine mats, 100 dozens of corn beef and more than SAT$5000.00 cash was given to the Government as part of cultural procedures which follow any funeral in Samoa.
Life expectancy
But funerals should not be a worry for some Samoans for a while at least, the Statistics Department has confirmed that life expectancy of Samoa has increased by three years.
Life expectancy for Samoans is now up to 70 and 73 plus according to latest statistical calculations by the Statistics Department.
The previous recorded life expectancy for both men and women was 68-70 but has now increased by a good five years from minimum expectancy age.
But is this a good thing, according to Assistant CEO of Preventive Health Services and Public Health Mr. Andrew Peteru, the increase in life expectancy in Samoa could be due to a number of reasons.
"No proper analysis has taken place to decipher this change but it could tribute to better access to health services."
Better medical facilities, more access to treatments and medication and more exercise are just some of the factors attributed by Mr. Peteru to the increase in life expectancy.
"People are now being treated earlier and have access to treatment so they are able to live longer," he said.
Mr. Peteru did say that the improvement in life expectancy does not necessarily reflect good health.
Living longer according to him does not essentially mean living longer and healthier.
In the village beat, I have been informed through the coconut wireless from the village plantations that a major title on the island of Savaii has been reclaimed by its rightful heirs after one of the most anticipated Lands and Titles court case in the last ten years.
For the first time the Chiefly title TuiSafua, which originates from the times of Tagaloalagi, the mythical and legendary creator of Samoa was linked to the present.
TuiSafua, which translates King of the planners, is said to have been one of the right hand men of Tagaloa.
"He was architect of the land, he planned and laid out Samoa in it's current form," said Vaasiliifiti Moelagi, a descendant of TuiSafua.
So as Samoa marches for our 45th year of Independence I would like to wish you warm and sunny greetings from the land laid out like a sleeping fish, by the planner of land, the Tuisafua.
Manuia le aso
