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.

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.

Tuilaepa made the invitation during the Bank South Pacific launch on Thursday night where the Director of Airlines PNG. who is also the Bank South Pacific Chairman Sir Kostas Constantinou was present.

Having learnt that Sir Constantinou was the Director of Airlines PNG Tuilaepa made the request. “I always note that you are a kind of gentleman that when you promise something, you will never fail,” said Tuilaepa.

Played in front of a pack PNG Power Dome, PNG surged to the lead at the second quarter after trailing the Samoans at the first quarter break 13-19.

At half time, PNG have put their nose in front 30-28.

The entertaining netball match has two more quarters to play.

Winning the toss, the Samoans went into bat first and got off to a bad start as the first 3 wickets fell in close succession for only 13 runs.

This brought to the crease, captain Regina Sela Monika Lili’i who momentarily turned their innings around smashing 30 runs.

But her dismissal brought about a batting collapse as the rest of the batting order all scored below 20 runs.

After the full 20 overs bowled, Samoa finished at 9/103.

PNG’s Tanya Ruma was phenomenal picking up 3/11 followed by Norma Ovasuru who finished with 2/8.

A traditional ceremony took place giving Hansen the title of Tupuivao in the village of Vaiala in Apia.

The family of a former MP Patu Ativalu Togi II decided to honour Hansen because of his close friendship with one of his nephews.

The powerlifter is perfecting her form in preparation for the 2015 Pacific Games in Papua New Guinea.

She will represent Samoa in the male-dominated sport. 

"I just want to encourage others," she says.

"There are so many opportunities for women out there. They just don't know how strong they are."

Fuamatu, wo lives in the Auckland suburb of Onehunga, was born in New Zealand but worked in Samoa for eight years as a sports co-ordinator.

It was during this time she discovered all of the benefits of being involved in sport.

The young Samoan woman arrived today (Monday), and said the jet lag associated with the long journey had already made her to miss home and family.

But the FIFA and Oceania certified assistant referee is not new to the international scene, having officiated in five regional Oceania sanctioned events already.  

Salamasina said that the PNG women will be hard to beat on their home soil and are favourites to claim their fourth consecutive gold medal.    

Samoa will be fielding a women’s team only in the Pacific Games.

From PACNEWS