Update from Samoa Deputy PM Misa Telefoni: Tourism, Media, Disaster Relief, Trade & Labour; David Tua; Adeaze; Yandall Sisters
Misa Telefoni is the Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, Minister of Commerce and Labour; Minister of Tourism.
STRENGTH IN ADVERSITY
Moving On
It has barely been a month since 29th September but the resilience of our Samoan people has been a beacon of light, a real anchor and the foundation of our recovery. We have buried our dead, mourned our losses, and are well on the way to complete rehabilitation. The psychological scars will linger, some memories will refuse to fade completely, but ultimately the emotional healing will be complete. It is now time TO MOVE ON.
Socialism in Action
Government’s decision to assist with $18 thousand dollar’s worth of building materials, regardless of the cost or contents of the dwelling damaged is commendable. The owner of an old shack or “fa’ase’e” gets a better home worth at least $18,000. Those who could originally afford the $100,000 to $200,000 residence still get $18,000.
The decision to relocate and the process involved is best left to the individuals. Socialism in action is commendable, social engineering is culturally unacceptable in Samoa.
Tourism Sector Starts Rebuilding
Our advisers, KVA Consult, are yet to finalise their final recommendations. For those uninsured beach fales, with Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) guaranteed loans, an agreement with SBEC on how to proceed is being considered. At the nationwide meeting we called on Tuesday 13th October there was already a strong view that we needed to move on. There were at least 300 people at the meeting – a record number since I became Tourism Minister.
Government’s move to offer $18 thousand dollars’ worth of assistance to homeowners is definitely one option for the uninsured small beach fale operators.
Strong Media Support Appreciated
Last weekend I was in Australia in Brisbane for the PACER PLUS discussions. Australia’s Minister of Trade, the Honourable Simon Crean, was kind enough to let me announce our “VISIT SAMOA” campaign during his Press Conference, and the media response was overwhelming. We led the Sky News all night Saturday on the 24th October, and into Sunday morning. We made the national news Sunday on Channels 7, 9 and 10. We were on national radio. By Monday the 26th, we were in the print media.
In Aotearoa we made TV One News on Tuesday the 27th October. The full interview was on TVNZ online, and we are grateful to TV3 for running it here with CEO Matatamalii’s Samoan commentary. There has been a positive response from radio and the print media.
With the capable assistance of our Australian and New Zealand managers, Papalii Lorenzo McFarland and Fasitau Ula, we achieved over $1 million’s worth of publicity before we had aired our first commercial or put in our first print advertisement.
Cabinet approved a $500,000 marketing blitz for our main markets and we launched it in style. The media’s response was heart warming and we have invited them back to witness the determination of our people to rebuild our tourism industry.
David Tua’s Back
Cameron did not know what hit him. The referee should have stopped the fight earlier. The ugly side of boxing is serious physical and mental damage is always possible. I represented government in Las Vegas when David lost the World title to Lennox Lewis on points. He would have won that night if he was in the great form that he is in right now!
I only have two pieces of advice for David: keep doing what you’re doing and collect some promotional fees from Burger King.
We are proud of David, and congratulate him for the deserved victory and for all the dedication, sacrifice and hard work he put into this great comeback victory. Welcome back David Tua!
Decent Work Youth Employment
We need to do a progress report on the implementation of the historic Decent Work Agreement we signed earlier this year. This was a landmark event, involving our workers, employers, government and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Tomorrow morning, Monday 2nd November at 9.30am at Sanalele Complex, we are holding a tripartite workshop with the emphasis on youth employment opportunities.
The Temporary Work Placement Programme will also be launched. This is an excellent scheme offering 6 – 8 week holiday work for youth. Government’s role must always focus on educational opportunities, trades training, the provision of job opportunities and a stable macroeconomic environment to enable our private sector to thrive.
We thank the Chamber, Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters, National University of Samoa, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour and MYSC. We especially thank the International Labour Organisation’s Ofelia Eugenio and Elisapeta Eteuati (who are our ILO country field officers) for facilitating this important workshop.
Tsunami Relief
We all received tsunami relief with a difference last night during the Scribe inspired concert. They have raised over WS$1million and counting – thanks to all the artists including Adeaze and my Purcell cousins the Yandall sisters. The Yandall sisters do an awesome version of my mother’s composition Farewell Samoa. My own personal favourites are South Seas Island Dream and It is Only a Memory, but the national favourite is Can’t you see I’m Sorry.
Fulton Hogan
It is good to have you back in Samoa Fulton Hogan. They have agreed to completely resurface and reseal the Lalomanu and the new Saleapaga roads. They were brought back to Samoa by Sua Mene from Christchurch (Commonwealth medalist and Bernice Mene’s dad) and our thanks go out to Stephen Wright and all the team at Fulton Hogan. This is a tremendous contribution to the tsunami reconstruction effort.
On Wednesday the 28th October, last week we received the first 4 containers courtesy of Sofrana Unilines. There was water, building materials, gas stoves and cooking equipment, and a whole container donated from former Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard of Hubbard’s Foods. The children of Falealili, Aleipata, and Lepa will enjoy Aotearoa’s best breakfast cereals, among the special treats.
Best Portion of a Good Man’s Life
We are back to Wordsworth! To paraphrase President John F. Kennedy, a great man slain in a previous tragedy – a tsunami of bullets Never in the history of mankind has so much been owed to so many by so few. Samoa’s appreciation goes out to all our development partners, friends, and all who have expressed alofa in our time of adversity.
The Churches have made the greatest contribution ever in our nation’s history. And it is still coming in – later this month Papaliitele Tihati and Auimatagi Cha Thompson fly in to distribute their assistance. Rhema South Pacific (Kelly Duininck Ministries) have over $300,000 in cash and provisions. Our special thanks to Reverend Pattie Duininck and the team at Rhema (South Pacific) Bible Training Center.
It is “that best portion of a good man’s life. His little, nameless, unremembered acts Of kindness and of love”. Many local lawyers will remember Adam Bell, who worked with me in the late 1980s when I was Attorney-General. He sent $1000 AUD for the Government of Samoa Tsunami Victims. Former Manu Samoa Filipo Purcell Saena donated $5000 AUD from Samoa’s Victoria Community in Melbourne to Red Cross. He played for Manu with another Purcell – now M.P Solamalemalo Purcell Keneti Sio. The Allen family in Auckland, Pat and Cathy, sent $1000 NZD for Red Cross, and $1000 NZD for an Auckland fundraiser.
We thank the volunteers, the fundraisers – Laauli Michael Jones, Tuigamala Vaaiga Tuigamala, David Tua, just to name a few. The tireless efforts of Teleiai Edwin Puni from that great village Samatau.
You are too many to name, but you have seen our peoples’ gratitude in their smiling faces. You have helped the nation’s healing with your great kindness.
Lest we forget – we thank all our partners in development – governments, international agencies, the NGOs such as Red Cross, and of course our own Disaster Management Office.
Ua malie toa, ua malo tau.
Ua faamao fai o le faiva.
Faafetai, Faafetai, Faafetai tele lava.
Samoa Tourism Exchange
Last Friday 3oth October, we held a very successful Tourism Conference. Reverend Pattie Duininck gave us a great spiritual foundation with an inspired invocation. Henry Hunkin’s beautiful voice and Gwendolyn Tuaitanu’ s great dancing of the taualuga. The tourism industry gave us their usual great support: Pulepule Steve Young (President), Nynette Sass (CEO) and many Samoa Hotel Association members who attended.
We were all particularly impressed with inspirational speeches by Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale of Sinalei Reef Resort, Koroseta Legalo Faofao Beach Fales in Saleapaga, and Sili Apelu of Taufua Beach Fales in Lalomanu.
We thank Tony Everitt of South Pacific Tourism Organisation who played a leading role as commentator and facilitator. Our overseas speakers included Chris Flynn of Pacific Asia Travel Association, Paul Yeo CEO of Travel Agents Association of New Zealand, and Donna Meredith of Keystone Corporate Positioning.
Media relations involve both the message (and its timing / positioning) and the messenger. Successful publicity campaigns require a lot of hard work and determination.
But at the end of the day – it comes down to us Samoa. From the string band at Faleolo Airport, to the smiling faces at hotel receptions. Our visitors need our warm alofa and must enjoy “The Time of Their Lives” during their holidays in Paradise.
Dedication
This column began by recognizing and paying tribute to, the resilience of our Samoan people.
We are a loving people – full of alofa.
But never in our wildest dreams did we expect such a response. This flood of goodwill and generosity.
Jesus said it is much more blessed to give them to receive – but He also gave us the parable of the Good Samaritan.
What else can we say – as a nation, as a people?
To you all, each and every one of you. Every government, person, company and organization.
We say –
Thank you.
We pray God blesses you all, always.
Have a happy and blessed November Samoa – another year has almost come and gone, and Christmas promises new hope, love and happiness and prosperity.
God Bless you all
Misa Telefoni
$18K per family who lost their homes – Where is the rest of the monies that were contributed for NZ, US, etc.? Will there PUBLIC visibility to the funding that poured into both Samoa’s? The monies & funding that poured into are solely for the rebuilding process of those who were impacted. Funding and relief is NOT FOR MATAI’S, GOVERNMENT WORKERS, and any opportunist that would prey on the generosity of others, and take advantage of excess funding. Accountability should not be subject to tradition – as the funding came in from all over the globe! This pouring in is not “fa’a Samoa” please keep the alofa visible to avoid embarrasing news of misused funds by greedy leads, like the mata gaoi governor in Tutuila. He needs to go to prison for the mis-use of almost $3M is squandered monies.
Do it right.
Terry Leifi