Cool Stuff: Unbelievable Sexual assault trial ... - Samoa News

[Pages:16]PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2018

$1.00

Vasa accepts plea agreement in DHSS food stamp fraud case

Page 2

Former customs agent sentenced in airport marijuana bust

Page 3

C M Fa'atofala'iga aiaia fefa'ataua'iga Y K ma le ulaula tapa'a

ONLINE @

DAILY CIRCULATION 7,000

Le Lali

Just prior to the landing nal approach, the veteran crew of Hawaiian Airlines inaugural Airbus 330200 to American Samoa decided to celebrate their historic journey with a group photo acknowledging Miss Paci c, Matauaina Gwendolyn To'omalatai. See Cool Stu below for great story about HA Captain Kevin Hardin and local Alton Halani Fa'asala, and for more photos of ight -- see inside.

[Photo by Barry Markowitz, 2/5/18, 8:50pm]

Cool Stuff: Unbelievable Sexual assault trial involving Equator Boy 13-year-old schoolboy gets underway

By Barry Markowitz

by Ausage Fausia

edly drove his car toward the nesses including the victim, his

The great joy of Hawaiian Airlines inaugural Airbus 330- Samoa News Reporter

victim's school, but instead of teacher and the police officer

200 flight to American Samoa was magnified a million times The jury trial of a busi- stopping in front of the school who investigated the case.

over for veteran pilot, Captain Kevin Hardin at the Governor's nessman who is charged with to drop off the victim, the Morris told the jury that the

Lounge reception -- where he met Alton Halani Fa'asala and attempted sexually assault of defendant allegedly continued Santa Clause hat the victim

his parents. Who? And so? And the magical story goes....

a 13-year-old school boy over his vehicle toward the road to was wearing that morning was

On February 15, 1989, ten days shy of an exact 29 years, two years ago began yesterday Vaitogi, and further to the dead- found by police on the top of

Alton Halani Fa'asala was born directly over the Equator on a in the High Court.

end road up to Mt. Logotala. Mt. Logotala, the scene where

South Pacific Island's Airways flight, Captain Hardin piloted.

The government charged The government claims that the alleged crime took place.

Alton's birth certificate was scribbled on the official flight Salene Singh with 4 criminal the victim started to be con-

plan. Yup you proudly show off your LBJ or Moto'otua Hospital courts; attempted sodomy, cerned when the vehicle did not DEFENSE REMARKS

birth certificate and our boy Alton one ups you with his flight attempted sexual assault, stop at his school.

Uiagalelei told the jurors that

plan birth certificate. You can't make this kind of story up... its attempted sexual abuse in the At that time, the defendant this trial would be difficult for

way, way too cool. Alton is truly our first Cool Stuff, a Coolio first degree, and kidnapping. allegedly told the victim that all of them, because it involves

Equator Boy at birth. He is our personal "International Man of A six-member jury -- four they are going to the beach first. a minor child and sexual accu-

Mystery". So... Alton, where were you born? When you achieve females and two males -- was The defendant's vehicle headed sations against his client.

great things in life where do they build the monument? Do you selected on Monday.

to the top of Mt. Logotala, and He asked the jurors to not

represent American Samoa, Samoa or the whole Pacific in your During opening statements, when the vehicle reached a make up their minds after just

next Olympic Games?

prosecutor Robert Morris secure area on the top of the hearing the government's wit-

Captain Hardin, Alton, parents Nick and Leatumauga Fa'asala explained to the jurors what the road, the defendant stopped his nesses, but to wait until both

enjoyed a beautiful reunion that seemed to seal the wonderful re- government is saying -- that the vehicle, and allegedly pulled sides present their evidence.

energized relationship between the American Samoa Govern- "facts of the case are simple," down his pants, exposed his "We have a job to do in this

ment, and Hawaiian Airlines. The momentum of this relation- while defense attorney, Mar- private parts to the victim and case. My job is to represent my

ship mainly appears to favor you, the traveling public.

cellus T. Uiagalelei informed started touching the victim in a client, counsel Morris's job is

Check the pages of Samoa News because... drum roll the jurors that they must not get sexual manner. The defendant to make sure he prosecutes my

please... we will publish Alton's official flight plan birth certifi- to a conclusion in the case until also told the victim to touch his client for all these accusations,

cate in the next few days.

they have heard evidence from private parts.

and your job is to make sure my

Alton, you are truly a blessing to us all.

both sides of the case.

According to the govern- client receives a fair trial in this

Morris' co-counsel is ment, the victim told the defen- case," the defense said.

Woodrow Pengelly, who is dant that he can't do what he "So that's why I ask you

assisting him throughout the wants him to do. The victim was to keep an open mind because

CM

proceedings.

then able to get out of the defen- this always comes down to

YK

dant's vehicle and walked down who you're going to believe.

PROSECUTOR'S

from the mountain and finally At the end of this trial, the gov-

OPENING REMARKS. got down to the main road.

ernment's theory of the case

The government claims The defendant followed the makes no sense," Uiagalelei

that on the morning of Sept. victim and when he got to the concluded.

18, 2015, the victim who was victim, convinced him to get After attorneys from both

a 13-year-old boy at the time in the car so that he could drop sides presented their opening

of the alleged incident was him at his school. The victim remarks, the court then recessed

standing on the road in Vai- agreed and got inside the defen- to await the arrival of the victim.

togi, waiting for a bus to go to dant's vehicle and the defendant After a 20-minute recess, the

school. The victim was wearing dropped him at school.

court was reconvened and the

a Christmas uniform, including Inside the classroom, the government called the victim as

a Santa Clause hat.

government stated that the vic- their first witness to testify. That

While waiting for a bus to tim's teacher saw the victim testimony will be reported on in

go to school, a green pick-up crying that morning, while he Wednesday's edition.

driven by the defendant stopped was telling other students what The trial resumes at 9 a.m.

in front of the victim and the had happened. That is when today.

Hawaiian Airlines Captain, Kevin Hardin, was happily surprised to meet Alton Halani Fa'asala, born ironically almost exactly 29 years ago, on a long ago ight Hardin ew to American Samoa.

[Photo by Barry Markowitz, 2/5/18]

defendant offered the victim the teacher asked the victim to The case is being heard by

a ride to school -- the victim explain what had happened and Acting Associate Justice Elvis

agreed and got inside the defen- police were called for assis- P. Patea, assisted by Associate

dant's vehicle.

tance. In this case, the govern- Judges Mamea Sala Jr and

The defendant then alleg- ment plans to call three wit- Paepae I. Faiai.

Page 2 samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Hawaii man wants Vasa accepts plea agreement

in DHSS food stamp fraud case people to know he

didn't send missile alert byAusageFausia

A few family members of of guilt.

Samoa News Reporter

the defendant were also present The court then scheduled

District Court Judge Fiti in court during yesterday Vasa's sentencing for April 28,

Sunia has dismissed one count proceedings.

2018 at 8:30 a.m.

of criminal fraud against one of When Vasa's case was On the new matter to which

the defendants -- Jane Vasa -- called, Pengelly informed the she pled guilty, the court did not

from the Department of Human court that the government is not set up a bond and the govern-

and Social Services (DHSS) prepared to put up any evidence ment said it was not opposed

food stamp program, after the for the probable cause hearing. to an O.R. (own recognizance)

government was unable to pro- Sunia acknowledged the gov- release for Vasa.

vide sufficient evidence to the ernment's move and ordered Sunia then ordered that the

court during her preliminary that the felony charge against defendant be released on her

examination (PX) yesterday the defendant be dismissed. own recognizance.

morning.

Sunia also acknowledged She was cautioned that she

A plea agreement that was that the court had received a is not to leave or attempt to

filed under seal has been pre- "new filing" from the govern- leave the territory, and she must

sented to the court, where ment under seal, which includes appear in court whenever her

Vasa agreed to plead guilty the new charge of misdemeanor case is called. The other two

to stealing, a class A misde- stealing and also a plea agree- defendants in this case, Toeava

meanor, punishable for a term ment between the government and Liren Zhang a.k.a Kevin are

In this July 21, 2017 le photo, Je rey Wong, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency's operations o cer, shows computer screens monitoring hazards at the agency's headquarters in Honolulu. e photo originally accompanied an Associated Press story in July about Hawaii preparing for a missile threat from North Korea. Some online news organizations used the AP photo in their coverage of the Jan. 13, 2018 false missile alert in Hawaii, leading some people to believe Wong was the person who sent the false alert. e AP did not use the image in coverage of the false alert. Wong says he has received threats and harassment because of the use of the image online. (AP Photo/Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, File)

of imprisonment of up to 1 year, and the defendant.

scheduled to appear in court this

or a fine of up to $1,000 or both. In the agreement, which week for their PX hearings.

Vasa, who is out on a surety was read out in open court by Toeava is facing 19 crim-

bond of $10,000 appeared in Sunia, it stated that the defen- inal counts and is scheduled to

the District Court yesterday dant agreed to plead guilty appear in court this morning at

morning for her PX hearing. to the crime of misdemeanor 10:30 a.m. for his PX.

She was accompanied by her stealing. When asked about her Kevin, who is facing 17

attorney, Assistant Public plea, Vasa, who sat next to her criminal courts, is scheduled to

Defender Ryan Anderson, while attorney replied to the court, "I appear in court on Friday, Feb.

Assistant Attorney General plead guilty."

9, 2018 for his PX.

Woodrow Pengelly represented The court also noted that the Sunia has set bail at $450,000

the government on behalf of defendant's plea of guilty was each for Toeava and Kevin, and

HONOLULU (AP) -- When an erroneous alert was sent out last month telling people in Hawaii that there was an incoming ballistic missile, Jeffrey Wong was an island away from the state's emergency management agency office where he works as an oper-

prosecutor Robert Morris, who was in High Court handling a jury trial that started yesterday morning.

voluntary after she was advised by her attorney. The court also was satisfied that there was a factual basis to support her plea

both defendants are currently in custody at the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF), unable to post bond.

ations officer.

Wong helped gather hundreds of panicked guests at his hotel

on the island of Kauai to seek shelter in a restaurant until he con-

firmed the alert was a mistake.

Then an Associated Press photograph circulated picturing

Wong months earlier at the agency's Honolulu operations center

on Oahu island -- and people mistakenly thought Wong was the

"button-pusher" who sent out the alert, wrongly accusing him in

online comments of causing widespread panic and confusion.

Wong told The Associated Press last week he quickly learned

how cruel the internet can be: "A lot of anger, a lot of ignorance

came out as a result of that."

He added: "It's very hurtful to be wrongly accused, wrongly

marked as an individual that's responsible for actions that (Continued on page 7)

NORTH CAROLINA IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE

DISTRICT COURT DIVISION CUMBERLAND COUNTY

FILE NO.: 17-CVD-5920

MANAOMIA TAUANUU and SEELA TAUANNUU,

) ) )

Plainti s, )

VS.

)

)

GRACE TANIELA and

)

NELI CHRISTIAN TAUEETIA, )

Defendants.

) )

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION

TO: NELI CHRISTIAN TAUEETIA

TAKE NOTICE that a pleading seeking relief against you has been led in the above-entitled action. e nature of the relief being sought is child custody of the minor child, TAFAILAGIIMOANA TANIELU, born July 21, 2016.

You are required to make defense to this pleading no later than March 30, 2018, and, upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. Your defense must be led with the Clerk of Court of Cumberland County, P O Box 363, Fayetteville, NC, 28302, and a copy served upon the undersigned.

is 23rd day of January, 2018.

COOPER, DAVIS & COOPER /s/ Robert L. Cooper

By: ____________________________ Robert L. Cooper Attorney for Plainti s P O Drawer 1598 Fayetteville, NC 28302-1598 (910) 483-3843

Published: 2/7, 2/14, 2/21

Speaking during yesterday's day one of the two-day Tobacco Control Enforcement Workshop is Kolisi Viki of Samoa, who is based at the Apia o ce of the World Health Organization that oversees issues pertaining to tobacco and diabetes covering Samoa, American Samoa, Palau, Niue and Tokelau.

Front row, shows Health director Motusa Tuileama Nua (second from right), along with other dignitaries at yesterday's session, held at Tradewinds Hotel.

[photo: Leua Aiono Frost]

"Lady Doritos"? It's not

happening, PepsiCo says

NEW YORK (AP) -- Don't The phrase "lady Doritos" Nooyi said in an interview on

expect to see "lady Doritos" trended on social media after the Freakonomics podcast.

on store shelves. The company PepsiCo's longtime CEO Indra "They don't like to crunch too

behind the cheesy chips said Nooyi said on a podcast that loudly in public. And they don't

Tuesday that it's not developing unlike men, women don't like lick their fingers generously and

a line of Doritos designed spe- to lick their fingers after eating they don't like to pour the little

cifically for women, despite a bag of Doritos.

broken pieces and the flavor

widespread online speculation "Women would love to into their mouth."

that it was.

do the same, but they don't,"

(Continued on page 7)

samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Page 3

Former customs agent sen- Employment Opportunity

tenced in airport marijuana bust

LOOKING FOR CREATIVE WALL PAINTING ARTIST.

by Ausage Fausia Samoa News Reporter

Before the court announced on what he meant by that. its sentence, the defense Sources told Samoa News

Please send resume to P.O Box 3838

The 22-year-old customs attorney, William R. Olson that the defendant did explain to

agent that was convicted of of the RDA Law Firm called the Probation officer who inter-

importing a controlled sub- two witnesses to the stand; the viewed him everything about

stance, to wit; marijuana into the defendant's grandmother and the speaker and the drugs that

territory in March of last year his church Minister.

were hidden inside, together

was ordered to serve an impris- According to the grand- with the "names" of the person

Employment Opportunity

onment term of 20 months at the mother's testimony, her "son" or persons who own the drugs.

Territorial Correctional Facility is an obedient boy who loved Siaumau was sentenced to a

and pay a fine of $5,000.

to attend church activities and term of imprisonment of 5 years

GRANDVILLE REFRIGERATION AIR CONDITION & ELECTRICAL SERVICES

During Titifalaula Siau- youth functions. He does not and a fine of $5,000. The prison

is seeking a REFRIGERATION TECHNICIAN

mau's sentencing yesterday, drink beer nor smoke cigarettes, sentence was suspended, and with at least 3-5 years experience. Please email resume to

Chief Justice Michael Kruse but she suspects that perhaps the defendant was placed on took the time to explain in detail this changed in her son's life probation for 5 years pending

grandvillehvac@.

about the defendant's case when he started to hang out with serving 20 months detention

while members of his family his new friends.

with no release except for a

including his father and his In a follow up with her state- genuine medical emergency or

grandmother and church mem- ment about her son's friends, at the request of the court.

bers were listening.

Kruse asked the witness to tell After serving 6 months of

According to the Chief the court who are her son's detention, the court will enter-

Justice, Titifalaula Siaumau friends she was referring to. tain a motion for work release

was initially charged with the The witness stated she does not provided that the defendant can

offense of importing of a con- know their names.

be gainfully employed.

trolled substance into the terri- In conclusion, she asked the Kruse told the defendant and

FOR LEASE

tory, a class D felony, punish- court to release her son so that his attorney that gainful employable by an imprisonment term they can be together as a family. ment does not include family

2,400 SF Warehouse space (new)

of up to 5 years and or a fine of The defendant's church farming nor employment with

up to $5,000.

Minister also testified to the any businesses associated with

6,900 SF Warehouse space

He was also charged sepa- court that Siaumau is a hard- his family. He can be employed

rately of conspiracy to distribute working young man, who by the government but not by a controlled substance -- mari- loved to offer his time to help Customs or Homeland Security.

21' High ceilings with

juana in the territory, a class B with a lot of church activities He was also ordered to pay a felony, punishable by impris- including youth functions. He's fine of $5,000, attend and com-

10' wide awnings in the front

onment of not less than 5 years a young man whom he never plete substance abuse coun-

and not more than 15 years. sees smoking or drinking.

seling, and he must also agree

Under a plea agreement, the In his own words, the defen- to random testing. Lastly, Kruse

May be leased separately or together

government agreed to dismiss dant apologized to the court stated that Siaumau had initially the more serious class B felony for his actions and begged for posted a cash bond of $10,000

Secure gated lot, large parking area

charge, conspiracy to distribute another chance so that he could and failed to show up at an a controlled substance, and go back home and be with his earlier hearing. After that, the

Conveniently located across

the defendant agreed to pled family, his wife and kids, and court issued a bench warrant, guilty to a class D felony, the also to attend his church spiri- which resulted in his arrest, and

from Procurement

importing of controlled sub- tual activities.

it was at that same time his prior

stance into the territory.

Siaumau said that he had attorney moved to withdraw.

Kruse then stated that on learned a lot from his mistake According to Kruse, the

For information call 252-1735 or 258-4471

Mar. 27, 2017, a package -- while he was detained in prison court is mandated to forfeit

actually a speaker box -- arrived for 119 days.

bond, however the court will

at the Pago Pago International He assured the court that if entertain any motion within 10

Airport aboard Hawaiian Air- he is given another chance, he days, and if nothing is filed, the

lines and was addressed to a will do his best to stay away $10,000 cash bond will be for-

Felix Penerosa, an employee of from trouble and focus on his feited to the government.

CSL Cargo Services. He further job to take care of his grand-

explained how the drugs were mother and family.

found and what the CSL sub- Prosecutor Christy Dunn

sequently told customs officers echoed the defense attorney's

that the package belonged to the request, to sentence the defendefendant, who asked him for dant to a probated sentences, his help for mailing a speaker and allow him to go back home

An important message for

from some of his family mem- and seek employment to take

bers from off-island.

care of his family. Olson stated

While in custody, the CSL that Siaumau is a productive

TMO WINDOWS PLUS Customers:

agent told police that he never member of society who does

agreed to being used as an not have a criminal history. addressee of the package. Kruse told both attorneys The government claimed that that if they look at the pre-sen-

Kindly make your way to our office this month

approximately 5 lbs of mari- tence report, there's a lot more juana was found inside the evidence in there that bothers

(February) to take care of your outstanding

speaker.

the court. He did not elaborate

past due invoices.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Samoa News welcomes and encourages Letters to the Editor. Please send them to our email news.newsroom@ Box 909, Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799. Contact us by Telephone at (684) 633-5599 Contact us by Fax at (684) 633-4864 or by Email at news@ Normal business hours are Mon. thru Fri. 8am to 5pm. Permission to reproduce editorial and/or advertisements, in whole or in part, is required. Please address such requests to the Publisher at the address provided above.

If you do not come in to settle your past due accounts within 30 days, I, Frank Gaisoa, will put your names and amounts owing on the local newspaper and air it on the local radio stations, especially the person still owing us from 2014.

Page 4 samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018

They spoke out pre#MeToo and cheer it, with

note of caution

herself in 2003 as the survivor

of one of the nation's most

notorious sex crimes, the 1989

rape of a jogger in New York's

Central Park. But "I don't want

people to feel pressure that `Oh,

now I have to go on TV.'"

Long after Meili was raped

and beaten into a coma in an

attack that became a symbol of

urban breakdown, her family

was wary of her going public.

But the investment banker-

turned-nonprofit-executive

wanted people to know her as

more than a "rape survivor," a

In this Feb. 3, 2018 photo, Schenectady City Councilwoman Leesa Perazzo poses at her home in Schenectady, N.Y. She lived for decades with the personal impact of being raped at 16, and two years ago a newspaper published her account. She thought telling the story could help other victims but worried that people might think she was lying to get attention, though her attacker had been prosecuted. Disclosing her own rape "was terrifying and amazingly empowering, all at the same time," Perazzo says, but she's glad she did it."

AP Photo/Hans Pennink)

"brain injury survivor" or the "Central Park jogger."

Ultimately, "I felt proud to say, `Hey, I'm going to say that I'm those labels ... and I'm also a person who loves and can be loved,'" says Meili, 57, who wrote a book about her recovery and became a motivational speaker. She encourages sexual assault victims to let someone know, whether privately or publicly.

In the name of #MeToo, countless people have spoken up about being sexually assaulted or harassed. Some are actresses or pop stars; others are private citizens. All have gone public despite the risk of being

NEW YORK (AP) -- The vilified or threatened online

newspaper was about to come or being branded troubled or

out with Leesa Perazzo's attention-hungry.

account of being raped at 16. After a quarter-century,

She was relieved. And petrified. Lauren Leach-Steffens remem-

She had never told her story bers a former boyfriend asking

so publicly but thought it could her whether she was making too

help other victims. Yet Perazzo, much of it when she first pub-

a Schenectady city council- licly discussed being raped by

woman, worried that people schoolmates at 13. She says she

might think she was lying to get felt as if the disclosure cast her

attention or that the crime would as "the person with the problem"

become inseparably attached to in other people's eyes.

her public identity.

Later, as a behavior science

Going public about the rape professor at Northwest Missouri

"was terrifying and amazingly State University, she would tell

empowering, all at the same students who confided in her:

time," the 52-year-old Per- "I'm open about this, but I don't

azzo says. The repercussions know that you should be open

she feared didn't come to pass. about it."

Instead, other women confided Now, "I would say they're

their own experiences and going to get less blowback," at

thanked her for speaking out. least offline, says Leach-Stef-

"It changed me, and I'm fens, 54. After #MeToo erupted

grateful for that," she says.

from the sexual assault and

Now, little more than a year harassment allegations against

later, she and other sexual- Hollywood producer Harvey

assault victims who came for- Weinstein, the sentencing of

ward before the #MeToo move- sports doctor Larry Nassar for

ment emboldened multitudes molesting gymnasts and other

of women are heartened by its young athletes became another

message of speaking out and powerful forum for speaking

strength in numbers.

out.Some 200-plus women

It can be healing and liber- and girls, including former

ating to come forward, say vic- Olympic team gymnasts, told of

tims -- or survivors, as many being abused by Nassar. Some

prefer to be called. To Perazzo, requested anonymity. But many

disclosing the rape meant "I'm did not, despite the possible

not going to feel stigmatized by consequences of going public.

it anymore or feel like I care if "Every time someone

you're judging me."

Googles them, for the rest of

At the same time, she and their lives, they will see the

others know how difficult and sickening things we're talking

risky it can feel to go public, and about here today," said one

they caution that not everyone victim, former gymnast Marion

should feel compelled to do so. Siebert. "When they apply for a

"I've seen these women gain job, when they go on a first date,

strength by making the choice they won't be able to be the

to share their story," says Trisha ones to fully make the choice

Meili, who publicly identified

(Continued on page 7)

Senators follow the money -- ASHCable and StarKist civil penalty

by Fili Sagapolutele

Responding to more questions from the com-

Samoa News Correspondent

mittee, Tonumaipe'a said, "More than $2 million

The more than $1 million that the American is in the reserve account" which can only be used

Samoa Government received as dividends plus if requested by the governor, in the event of a

corporate tax payments in connection with the "cash crisis" when there is just no cash available

American Samoa Hawaii Cable (ASH-Cable) for ASG operations.

LLC have been deposited in an ASG "reserve However, he said that if such cases arise, this

account" at the Territorial Bank of American account must be reimbursed and that signatures

Samoa (TBAS).

on this account are himself and the governor.

This according to ASG Treasurer Uelinitone Local law states that any new revenue

Tonumaipe'a, who along with Attorney General received by the government after a fiscal year has

Talauega Eleasalo Ale, were witnesses at yester- already started, is subject to Fono appropriation

day's Senate Budget and Appropriations Com- and approval before it is spent. And this is made

mittee hearing, which was continued from last clear in all provisions of any fiscal year budget

Friday.

law.

What the committee is looking for is specific Talauega informed senators that this new

details of how much money was actually received money will be submitted by the administra-

by the government from ASH-Cable, where tion when the next budget review comes up

ASG is a minority shareholder and Florida-based and stressed that this money is subject to Fono

eLandia Technologies owns the majority shares. approval before it is spent.

The committee also wanted to know the total tax Also raised during the hearing is the where-

payment by eLandia.

abouts of the $2.6 million of American Samoa's

Committee chairman Sen. Magalei Logovi'i share of StarKist's $6.5 million civil penalty for

said senators want information and a firm expla- violation of federal environmental regulations in

nation in order for them to respond to questions waters of the territory.

from their constituents, who are seeking answers The ASG witness said the government has not

as to where or how the money has been spent. received this money. (See Samoa News edition

Talauega provided for the committee, a two- Jan. 4, 2018 for details.)

page resolution -- the Unanimous Consent

OTHER ISSUES

Agreement -- approved by the members of Sen. Fonoti Tafa'ifa Aufata had inquired

ASH-Cable that outlines the non-cash and cash about off-island bank accounts for the govern-

distribution of the undersea fiber cable compa- ment and Tonumaipe'a explained that there are

ny's dividends, that was effective Nov. 14 of last two -- and both at Utah-based Zions Bank. T

year.

he first one is the payroll account for direct

Total cash dividends total $1.65 million, deposit and the second one is the $3 million

with eLandia getting $1.10 million and ASG for the State Small Business Credit Initiative

$550,000.

(SSBCI) program, which are federal funds and

According to the agreement, eLandia will according to fed regulations, can only be depos-

transfer a total of $1,024,749 to ASG to pay its ited and held by a US financial institution.

liabilities for tax years 2015 and 2016 while the The US Treasury Department's SSBCI

remaining $72,251 -- of the $1.10 million -- program is administered by ASG Commerce

stays with eLandia.

Department. The local program is called Amer-

Talauega informed senators that ASG's divi- ican Samoa Venture Fund.

dends as well as eLandia's money to pay corpo- For clarification purposes, Samoa News notes

rate taxes was received last December.

that Tonumaipe'a was only speaking about the

Asked by the committee as to where this more ASG bank accounts under the Treasurer's pur-

than $1.5 million is at this point, Tonumaipe'a view and it doesn't include bank accounts for

said he was directed by Gov. Lolo Mata- ASG semi-autonomous agencies, such as the

lasi Moliga to deposit this money in the ASG ASG Employees Retirement Fund, which is gov-

"reserve account" held at TBAS.

erned by its board of trustees.

Girl Scouts lobby to relabel

bridge named for segregationist

ATLANTA (AP) -- Hun- expressed doubts that his col- lawmakers to strip Talmadge's

dreds of Girl Scouts from leagues in the Republican- name from the bridge. Their

across Georgia gathered inside controlled legislature would be formal request came about a

the state Capitol on Tuesday, eager to rename the bridge and month after deadly violence

offering cookies and smiles as risk angering their conserva- erupted in Charlottesville, Vir-

they sought to convince law- tive base in an election year. ginia, where white suprema-

makers to get their founder's But that was before he knew the cists rallying in support of Con-

name affixed to a Savannah bridge had never been officially federate statues clashed with

bridge that currently honors a named.

counter-protesters.

white segregationist.

Stephens said his proposal On Tuesday afternoon, the

The bridge may bear former has more than 50 legislative Girl Scouts held a news confer-

Gov. Eugene Talmadge's name, supporters and will likely get ence inside the Capitol as law-

but Rep. Ron Stephens said he more, once others learn about makers and lobbyists swooped

recently learned the state leg- the technicality.

up rapidly disappearing Thin

islature never officially named "We don't want to rename Mints and Samoas.

the bridge for Talmadge. The anything," Stephens said. "Once Naming the bridge after Low

Department of Transportation it's done, it's for a reason. But I would be especially fitting, as

never gave it an official name, have it in writing from legisla- scouts frequently hold "bridging

nor did lawmakers. Legisla- tive counsel, the people who ceremonies" by walking across

tion to do so passed the House write our bills, that it never offi- bridges when they graduate to

in 1991, but never passed the cially was named."

their next rank, said Sue Else,

Senate, he said.

The Department of Trans- the CEO of Girl Scouts of His-

Buoyed by this technicality, portation did not immediately toric Georgia.

Stephens, a Savannah Repub- respond to a request for com- "Juliette was a true bridge-

lican, introduced a bill to name ment on Stephens' argument. builder," Else said. "It's just a

the bridge after Juliette Gordon Backed by their national natural fit that the 40,000 Girl

Low, who founded the Girl organization, the Georgia Scouts who visit Savannah

Scouts in the coastal city more scouts' campaign began after every year should be welcomed

than a century ago.

Savannah's city council in Sep- by this iconic bridge."

Last month, Stephens had tember unanimously asked state

(Continued on page 7)

Pacific Island News in Brief

samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Page 5

On Trump's desk: Dems' classified memo on Russia

probeDems' classified memo

compiled by Samoa News staff

"Our Government has also SAMOA MAN GETS LIFE

WASHINGTON (AP) -- ment is intended to counter the

THREE SAMOA MEN IN built a hospital to help with JAIL SENTENCE FOR President Donald Trump met GOP memo, which criticized

CUSTODY ON MURDER the average Samoan's medical

MURDER

with a top Justice Department methods the FBI used to obtain

CHARGES

needs, and refurbished schools Faranisisi Mikaele, a official Tuesday to review a a surveillance warrant on a one-

Samoa police have charged to make sure your children are 29-year-old from Malie, has classified Democratic memo on time Trump campaign asso-

three men with murder fol- given every opportunity for been sentenced to life imprison- the Russia investigation, less ciate. The president has until

lowing the death of a 43-year- the best education. U.S.A.I.D, ment after being found guilty than a week after he brushed the end of the week to decide

old man at a village east of the our development agency, has of murder. The defendant aside objections from the same whether to make it public.

Faleolo International Airport worked with you on climate appeared before the Court on agency over releasing a Repub- On Tuesday, White House

last weekend. TV1 Samoa change adaptation and disaster charges of unlawful act namely lican account.

press secretary Sarah Huckabee

reported police as saying the risk reduction."

assault, which caused the death The dueling memos -- Sanders said Trump met with

victim was drinking alcohol "Our Peace Corps pres- of Toetu Tone, a 28-year-old and Trump's silence so far on Deputy Attorney General Rod

with the three accused men at ence here is a daily reminder male of Sinamoga. The prose- whether he will release the Rosenstein to discuss differ-

Sapulu village when a fight of our commitment to you and cution's alternative charge filed Democratic version -- have set ences between the two memos,

broke out which is alleged to our pledge to continue to work was manslaughter.

up a standoff between Trump and "we are undergoing the

have led to his death.

together in every corner of your This follows an Assessors and congressional Democrats exact same process that we did

A police investigation islands to help where we can." Trial held last week before and deepened partisan fights on with the previous memo, in

resulted in the arrest of the The U.S, being Samoa's Supreme Court Justice, Leiatau- the House intelligence panel. which it will go through a full

three men who were in custody second largest trading partner alesa Darryl Clarke.

The memos have become the and thorough legal and national

awaiting court appearances on and close neighbour, allows Prosecuting the case was recent focus of the committee's security review."

26 February. Their names were both countries to enjoy exten- Lucy Maria Sio, while Tufuga probe into Russian meddling in The House panel voted

not released.

sive cross-cultural ties, robust Fagaloa represented the defen- the 2016 election, taking atten- unanimously Monday to release

(Source: RNZI)

trade with one another, and dant in this matter. The incident tion away from investigations the Democratic memo, sending

ENVOY HIGHLIGHTS also confront similar economic, occurred back in January 2016, into whether Trump's campaign it to the White House.

SAMOA'S SPECIAL RELA- environmental, and sustainable where Toetu was found dead was involved.

Separate Russia investi-

TIONSHIP WITH THE US fishing challenges and concerns. not far from his family home. The Democratic docu- gations are underway by the

The United States, for more "The United States-Samoa (Source: Samoa Observer)

(Continued on page 9)

than a century, has enjoyed bilateral relationship is con-

close bilateral relations with sistently strong and mutually the Government and people of beneficial. We look for ways

Human Resource Department, Tafuna PO Box PPB, Pago Pago American Samoa 96799

Samoa. The point was high- to partner with Samoa on eco-

Phone No: (684) 248-1234, Option #5

lighted by the U.S. Ambassador nomic development, raise

Email: humanresource@ Website:

to Samoa and New Zealand, Samoa's maritime domain

Scott Brown, in Samoa last awareness capability, address

PUBLIC JOB POSTING

week. He was speaking during climate change and manage a reception at Vailima to com- its effects, as well as increase

Position Title

PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST

Posting Date January 30, 2018

memorate the U.S.-funded people to people ties," Mr. Department Procurement

Deadline

February 12, 2018, 4:00 pm

school renovations at Safata Brown said. Mr. Brown shared Division

Support Services

District and other projects. In the importance of people in any attendance was the Head of bilateral relationship and why

Position Type

Career Service (12 months probation)

Pay Rate

$14.06/hr - $15.38/h4

Job Grade/Status H/5/B-H/7/B, Non-Exempt

State, His Highness Tuimale- the U.S. values the Samoan Reports To Procurement Supervisor

aliifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, people. Our commitment

Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame to the Pacific region is just as

Naomi Mataafa, Cabinet Minis- strong as it ever was, and this

ters, Members of the diplomatic will not change. I look forward

corps, and invited guests.

to working with all of you," he

Mr. Brown said Samoa and said. (Source: Samoa Observer)

the U.S. had enjoyed long-term SAMOA PM SAYS LETTER

economic benefits.

TO LUAGALAU PLOTTERS

"You may have noticed

A FAKE

many American compa- Samoan Prime Minister,

nies and products are already Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi,

present in Samoa. U.S. com- is concerned that a war of words

panies employing Samoans between himself and social

include McDonald's, Ford media bloggers may turn ugly.

Motors, Sheraton, Coconuts A letter supposedly written

Beach Resort, Western Union, to two former Samoan cabinet

National Pacific Insurance, ministers convicted of the

Matson Shipping, First Solar, murder of their colleague, Lua-

and Netvo," he said.

galau Levaula Kamu, and alleg-

"And South Pacific Distrib- edly signed by Tuilaepa, has

utors just commenced selling been labelled a fake in a media

its beverage products in Samoa release by the prime minister.

this week and another Amer- He said it was a threat to

ican company, Dr. Bronner's public security because when

is going to start using Samoan "one's reputation is slandered

coconut oil to produce its soap and defamed without just cause

products this year."

or proof, it will also impact the

"Samoan fishing vessels can pride and integrity of families

offload their catch directly at the and relatives which may pro-

StarKist Cannery in American voke anything to happen".

Samoa. This has been a fan- Tuila'epa was quoted as

Major Duties & Responsibilities

e Procurement Specialist is responsible for managing, administering, and maintaining contracts for ASPA. is position is responsible for assuring compliance with ASPA Contract Policy, dra ing initial agreements as needed, reviewing and processing contracts from dra to nal agreement, and maintaining a centralized contract database. e Procurement Specialist is also responsible for resolving any existing contract con icts, serving as a liaison between internal and external parties during contract development and negotiation stages, performing legal research, and reviewing and making recommendations on outside contracts proposed to be entered into by ASPA. is position is also responsible for: ? Managing vendor relationships and overseeing order placement (including raw materials). ? Tracking overall spending and improving bidding processes. ? Performing price negotiations, purchase order creations, order tracking and management, and price dispute

resolutions. ? Finding quality goods or services at an acceptable price that meets ASPA's needs. ? Soliciting bids to procure a variety of required goods and services. ? Assisting with contract termination procedures. ? Performing basic analyses for firm fixed-price or similar contracts. ? Participating as a team member on an acquisition management review team or on an equivalent assignment. ? Conducting basic procurement procedures and techniques; performing commonly used contract methods and

types related to pre-award, post-award and/or price/cost analysis functions to perform well-defined and precedent contract actions. ? Analyzing business practices and market conditions to evaluate bid responsiveness, contractor responsibility, and contractor performance. ? Presenting factual information; composing memoranda, minutes, and reports; drafting contract provisions and supporting documents. ? Soliciting sources of supply and analyzing prices, discount rates, delivery dates, transportation charges, previous performance, commitments and indications of nancial responsibility, and recommending the most advantageous o er. ? Assigning work in terms of objectives, priorities and deadlines and providing additional assistance with new or unusual assignments. ? Planning and carrying out recurring work using established procedures, conferring with the supervisor or higher-level specialists as necessary on technical problems. ? Reviewing purchase orders, contracts, change orders, addendums etc. for accuracy and for compliance with the ASPA procurement rules. ? Renewing, preparing, authorizing, and/or recommending contract extensions, approving and verifying invoices and contract pay applications to be paid. ? Analyzing and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of market trends, pricing availability, capacity, technology and supplier capability relative to products and parts.

tastic win-win situation for the saying that he had "been told

Minimum Requirements

fishing industry in both of our that the 20-year-old letter was

countries."

penned by a prisoner and it was

Mr. Brown explained: "The proven at the time to be a fake."

United States also makes indi- The prime minister says this

Education Experience

Bachelor's degree preferred and/or paralegal certification by diploma from accredited institution. Three to five years experience in contract draft, review and/or administration is preferred. Additional experience including legal research with a focus on corporate and contract work is a plus.

rect gestures of friendship to Samoa through the World

is the first time he has seen the letter and it is a forgery.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

? Must be proficient in Windows and MS Office Programs, including Word, Excel and Access. ? Must be detail oriented, organized, have an ability to work independently and to multi-task

Bank, Asian Development In 2000 Leafa Vitale and Toi

? Must possess knowledge of organizational documents and have ability to perform legal research.

Bank, Global Climate Fund, Aukuso were jailed for plotting and I.M.F. This assistance the murder of cabinet colleague includes large grants and low Luagalau the previous year.

? Must be personable, responsive, able to interact with attorneys and work with various other people in the Netowork including Senior Leaders, Department Directors and Administrators, as well as third parties.

interest loans for infrastructure Toi died while serving his projects that promote economic sentence. (Source: RNZI)

Qualified applicants: Please submit a completed ASPA Employment Application with a copy of your resume to ASPA (address listed above) by the deadline. Please attach copies of credentials and transcripts. Candidates selected for hire must pass examinations (when applicable), pre-employment clearances & test negative on employment drug test. ASPA reserves the right to

development.

waive education and experience requirements as necessary.

An Equal Opportunity Employer * A Drug Free Workplace

Page 6 samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Amtrak engineer Why Trump has little influence ordered to stand trial on rising or falling stocks

in Philadelphia crash

September.

Lewis said evidence at the

hearing -- including testimony

from an injured passenger and

gruesome details of tattered

cars and strewn limbs -- should

have been sufficient to warrant

a trial.

"The victims are going to

have their day in court, which is

all they have ever sought," said

Thomas Kline, the lawyer for

the family of a victim that kept

the case alive by filing a private

criminal complaint after city

In this Dec. 20, 2017, le photo, Brandon Bostian, the Amtrak engineer involved in a 2015 derailment in Philadelphia that killed eight people and injured more than 200, departs a er a hearing at the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia. During a Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, hearing, prosecutors were set to argue that charges should be reinstated against Bostian, a er involuntary manslaughter charges were thrown out Sept. 12, 2017, by a judge who determined the evidence pointed to an accident.

(AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

prosecutors declined to bring charges.

Eight people were killed and about 200 were hurt when the Washington-to-New York train rounded a curve at more than twice the 50 mph (80 kph) speed limit and hurdled off the tracks.

National Transportation Safety Board investigators concluded Bostian lost his bearings while distracted by radio chatter about an incident with a nearby train. They found no evidence Bostian was impaired or using a cellphone.

Bostian, 34, remains free on bail but must give up his passport and call court officials

PHILADELPHIA (AP) weekly. He opted not to attend

-- Amtrak engineer Brandon his Feb. 21 arraignment.

Bostian sat stunned Tuesday Bostian's lawyers declined

as a judge reinstated twice- to comment on the ruling.

rejected criminal charges and They've argued before that

ordered him to stand trial for his speeding was a momentary

a deadly 2015 train wreck in lapse from an otherwise safety-

Philadelphia.

conscious engineer.

Judge Kathryn S. Lewis Bostian has been on unpaid

ruled that another judge erred in leave from Amtrak since the

dismissing the reckless endan- crash. He is suing the govern-

germent and involuntary man- ment-owned railroad, alleging

slaughter charges at a hearing in

(Continued on page 10)

FILE- In this Nov. 9, 2016, le photo an image of President-elect Donald Trump appears

on a television screen on the oor of the New York Stock Exchange. President Trump has

maintained an uncharacteristic silence since the stock market took a nose dive, notable for

a businessman president who regularly points to the rising market as evidence of the success

of his presidency and economic policies.

(AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- into a market that Trump long news. The January U.S. jobs

For months, President Donald treated as a sure-fire triumph. report showed that Americans'

Trump boasted about having The same investors who average hourly wages, which

steered the U.S. stock markets cheered Trump's tax cuts and have lagged for years, had shot

to record high after record high. stayed calm amid the threat of up 2.9 percent over the pre-

What a difference a few days a nuclear attack from North vious 12 months -- the fastest

can make.

Korea are now dreading the risk such increase in more than eight

The market free-fall, explo- of higher inflation and the pros- years. And Trump's $1.5 tril-

sive volatility and now partial pect of rising interest rates engi- lion in tax cuts promise a further

recovery of stock prices have neered by the Federal Reserve dose of economic stimulus.

served as a stark reminder that and other central banks.

But the prospect of faster

Trump, like his predecessors, Beginning immediately after wage growth carries poten-

isn't commander in chief of the his 2016 election all the way tial downsides, too. Inflation

U.S. economy -- or the finan- through last week's State of could end up being higher than

cial markets. The markets pivot the Union address, the presi- expected, which could lead the

on forces that owe at least as dent repeatedly claimed credit Fed and other global central

much to computerized trading for a surging stock market and banks to raise the short-term

programs, overseas investors increases in Americans' retire- rates they control faster than

and global central banks as they ment saving accounts. On investors had been expecting.

do to a president's policies and Twitter, he declared that stocks There is also the risk that the

force of personality.

would rise even higher once his Fed could overshoot, as it some-

The Dow Jones industrial $1.5 trillion tax cut was "totally times has throughout its history,

average went on a wild ride understood and appreciated." and raise rates so much or so

Tuesday -- ricocheting between Investors and the trillions of fast as to cause an economic

losses and gains -- to close up dollars they control, it turns out, downturn.

more than 560 points, or 2 per- have minds of their own.

The markets, in short, have

cent. The gains weren't enough, "This is a healthy reminder had to adjust to the risks of

though, to offset the dizzying that there are risks in the higher inflation, more govern-

drops from the prior two days market," said Mark Doms, a ment debt and the potential for

of frantic trading.

senior economist at Nomura central banks around the world

Anxiety has settled deep Securities. "If you invest in the to simultaneously reduce their

stock market, there are ups and economic support by raising

downs. We just hadn't had too rates -- perhaps aggressively. In

many downs recently."

an era of computerized trading

It's not just stock prices that that moves in microseconds,

have been tumbling. Bond prices these adjustments can cause the

have been falling and interest markets to violently whipsaw as

rates have been rising on U.S. they did Monday afternoon and

Treasurys. The result is higher Tuesday morning.

loan costs, which make it more For now, the Trump adminis-

expensive for the government to tration is choosing to emphasize

borrow and more burdensome the possibility of faster wage

for Americans who need to take gains. But it's not apologizing

on debt to buy homes or cars or for placing so much emphasis

to pay for college.

on the stock market's perfor-

In the 1990s, James Car- mance. At a House hearing

ville, an aide to President Bill Tuesday, Treasury Secretary

Clinton, declared that the bond Steven Mnuchin was asked

market, not just elected offi- whether the administration

cials, had power to shape White would take any responsibility

House budget policies. The for the recent market drops.

bond market, in setting federal "I think we will still claim

borrowing rates, determined credit for the fact that it is up 30

just how much the government percent since the election," he

could afford to borrow.

said.

"I used to think if there was Yet while Trump has

reincarnation, I wanted to come bragged in public about record

back as the president or the pope stock prices, in an interview last

or a .400 baseball hitter," Car- year with The Associated Press,

ville said. "But now I want to he acknowledged the trade-offs

come back as the bond market. that result from linking his pres-

You can intimidate everybody." idency so closely to the finan-

What the Trump adminis- cial markets.

tration may find frustrating is "You live by the sword, you

that markets have plunged off die by the sword, to a certain

of relatively positive economic extent," he said.

 Lady...

Girl Scout...

Continued from page 2

samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Page 7

Continued from page 4

is Sept. 26, 2014, le photo shows Nacho Cheese avored

Doritos in Philadelphia. Don't expect to see "lady Doritos" on

store shelves. e company that makes the cheesy chips said

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, that it's not developing a line of Doritos

designed speci cally for women, despite widespread online spec-

ulation that it was.

(AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Nooyi, who has run the But PepsiCo said the inter-

soda and snack company for pretation of her comments

more than a decade, later said to mean that female-friendly

the company is "getting ready Doritos were in the works were

to launch" snacks that are "inaccurate."

"designed and packaged dif- "We already have Doritos

ferently" for women. "Women for women -- they're called

love to carry a snack in their Doritos," the company said in a

purse," Nooyi said.

statement Tuesday.

Hawaii...

Continued from page 2

affected, in a negative way, a yellow sticky note in the back-

lot of people within the state of ground that appeared to have a

Hawaii and possibly around the password on it, which people

world."

circulating the photo after the

Wong said he wanted to set false alert pointed out as a

the record straight so the public reason to criticize the emer-

knows he didn't send out the gency management agency --

alert. The employee who did prompting even more online

has been fired. That man, who rage.

spoke to reporters separately on Fearing for his safety, Wong

the condition that his name not took screen-shots and print-outs

be revealed, said he was dev- to Honolulu police and filed a

astated for causing panic but police report four days after the

believed at it was a real attack Jan. 13 false alert. Authorities

at the time.

are conducting a first-degree

Wong, who oversees day-to- terroristic threatening and

day operations at the agency, harassment investigation, said

said he neither hired the other police spokeswoman Michelle

man nor did the man report Yu.

directly to him. He said the While Wong has been over-

former employee's supervisor whelmed by the criticism he

does report to him.

has endured, guests at the hotel

The AP took the photo in where he was attending a civil

July 2017 to accompany a story air patrol conference praised his

about Hawaii preparing for a efforts to keep them safe.

North Korean missile threat. "We appreciate your actions

The news agency did not resend greatly and are grateful that

it after the false missile alert, you happened to be there and

but people found it online and showed yourself to be strong,

recirculated it on social media. calm and positive," Marc Tiar,

Some of their comments who was vacationing with his

called for Wong to be shot and family, wrote in an email to

water-boarded and there were Wong after returning home to

also racially derogatory com- Nevada. "We are safe at home

ments with some people ques- in Reno now, but my family

tioning his loyalty to Hawaii and I will never forget that day

and the U.S., he said.

or the man who made sure we

The photo also included a would be as safe as possible."

They...

Continued from page 4

on when to talk about what first about whom they want to

happened."

tell and how, what they hope

Artist, writer and activist will come from it and whether

Charlotte Farhan has found they can handle reliving the

support and common cause in ordeal and fielding questions.

sharing her story in 2016 of "Know that you don't have

being raped at a party when she to share your story to be a sur-

was 15. But she has also faced vivor," says Farhan, 34, of

online vitriol.

Portsmouth, England. "You

She suggests others think have survived. That is enough."

Girl Scouts Veronica Ward, 11, right, and Audra Duncan, 12, look at a signed banner on display at the Georgia Capitol during a rally to convince legislators to strip the name of segregationist former Gov. Eugene Talmadge from a Savannah bridge in Atlanta, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018. ey hope the bridge will be renamed in honor of Girl Scout's founder Juliette Gordon Low.

(AP Photo/David Goldman)

Rep. Teri Anulewicz, who served three terms between to the legislature."

D-Smyrna, is a troop leader 1933 and 1942. The old bridge A similar effort to remove

and mother of a Girl Scout. She was replaced by a new bridge in Talmadge's name in 2013 failed

said she is giving Stephens' bill 1991 and the name carried over, after the former governor's

her full support because of the Stephens said.

descendants lobbied hard at the

impact the organization had on Talmadge railed against the state Capitol to oppose it.

her when she was growing up. New Deal for offering blacks For Zora Felix, a 13-year-old

"Being a scout taught me hope of economic parity with Girl Scout from Douglasville,

that it was good to lead, it was whites. He defended whites- the issue is obvious. The fact

good to put yourself out front," only primary elections in that the bridge honors a seg-

Anulewicz said. "And a lot of Georgia. And he once pro- regationist is "shocking," and

times for girls, they're not nec- claimed a black man's place should be changed, said Felix,

essarily given that implicit OK was "at the back door with his who is black.

that it's good to put themselves hat in his hand."

"2017-18 has been the year

in leadership roles."

A spokesman for House for girls and empowerment,"

Since 1956, the span Speaker David Ralston said Felix said. "What better way to

crossing the Savannah River it is too early in the process to honor this than by naming the

at the Georgia-South Carolina comment on Stephens' bill. A bridge after the founder of the

line has borne the name of Tal- spokeswoman for Gov. Nathan Girl Scouts?

madge, a populist Democrat Deal said the issue is "best left

American Samoa Government

OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT

INVITATION FOR BIDS

IFB-010-2018

Issuance Date: February 2, 2018

Closing Date: February 13, 2018 No later than 2:00p.m. (local time)

1. INVITATION

Sealed bids are invited from qualified firms to provide "Utulei, Su'igaula and Faga'alu Park Shoreline Protection" for the Office of Parks and Recreation.

2. RECEIPT & OPENING OF BIDS

Sealed bids will be received by the Chief Procurement Officer, American Samoa Government, Tafuna, American Samoa 96799, until 2:00 p.m. (local time), Friday, February 13, 2018 at which time and place the sealed bids will be publicly opened and read.

3. MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING

A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Meeting for all contractors will be held on February 9, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of Procurement-Conference Room. Bids will not be accepted from bidders who are not present at the pre-bid meeting.

4. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

Electronic copies of contract documents, including Plans and Scope of Work can be examined or obtained from the Office of Procurement during regular business hours free of charge.

5. The American Samoa Government reserves the right not to accept the lowest or any bid.

6. The American Samoa Government reserves the right to waive any informality in bidding as may be in the best interest of American Samoa Government.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Affirmative Action

DR. ORETA MAPU CRICHTON Chief Procurement Officer

Page 8 samoa news, Wednesday, February 7, 2018

CM YK

Miss Paci c, Matauaina Gwendolyn To'omalatai surprised Hawaiian Airlines inaugural Airbus 330-200 passengers with a gi package from the airlines. e airbus

service o ers 40 additional seats and as well as three di erent levels of service: First Class,

[Photo by Barry Markowitz, 2/5/18, 6:50pm]

Rare dinosaur discovery in Egypt could signal more

finds

MANSOURA,

Egypt

(AP) -- A skeleton has been

unearthed in Egypt's Western

Desert, where ancient sands

have long helped preserve

remains, but unlike most finds

this one isn't a mummy -- it's

a dinosaur.

Researchers from Mansoura

University in the country's Nile

Delta discovered the new spe-

cies of long-necked herbivore,

which is around the size of a

city bus, and it could be just the

tip of the sand dune for other

desert dinosaur discoveries.

"As in any ecosystem, if we

went to the jungle we'll find a

lion and a giraffe. So we found

the giraffe, where's the lion?"

said Hesham Sallam, leader of

the excavation team and head of the university's Center for C M

Vertebrate Paleontology.

YK

Sallam, along with four

Egyptian and five American

researchers, authored an article

in the journal Nature Ecology

& Evolution published Jan. 29

announcing the discovery.

Experts say the find is a land-

mark one that could shed light

on a particularly obscure period

of history for the African con-

tinent, roughly the 30 million

years before dinosaurs went

extinct, between 70 million and

80 million years ago.

Named "Mansourasaurus

Shahinae" after the team's

university and for one of the

paleontology department's

founders, the find is the only

dinosaur from that period to

(Continued on page 12)

 ................
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