CDC Report: Samoans just aren’t as healthy as The winners of the Dio- other Pac Islanders cese of Samoa Pago Pago’s 2 2017 summer cricket games held last week at Fagaalu Park — the east side zone Senators suggest (Sone Falelima i Sasa’e — fences & security who won after chasing down the 19 points scored by the guards for schools west side team. 6 [photo: Leua Aiono Frost] Summer Basketball League winding down
B1 ONLINE @ SAMOANEWS.COM Taoto i le fa’amasinoga C M le talosaga a Y K Rev. Tofaeono DAILY CIRCULATION 7,000 B9 PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2017 $1.00 Assessment of LBJ Samoa-born Palagi boy returns services will be dis- home after nearly 5 decades by Blue Chen-Fruean 1968, Brian was born at the LBJ only four years old and they Samoa News Correspondent Medical Center in Fagaalu. He lived in government housing for cussed today in DC For his 49th birthday, Brian was only 17 days old when his about three months. Afterwards, Cruz Conboy knew exactly family left American Samoa and they lived at the school in Nua DELEGATION OF LOCAL WITNESSES SET TO TESTIFY where he wanted to celebrate. he never returned — until two (back then, they had living On a tiny island in the South weeks ago. His brother Mike quarters), and later relocated to by Sabrina Sinapati Pacific where he was born — graduated from Fia Iloa High Leone where Brian says he was Special to Samoa News American Samoa. School (which was closed and baptized. An oversight hearing on “Assessing Current Conditions and Brian, a Palagi man whose classes combined into Samoana His ‘bond’ to the island, Challenges at LBJ in American Samoa” will take place today in parents relocated to the terri- High School) in 1968 — the he said, was felt in the 1990s the nation’s capital. tory back in the 1960s, returned same year they moved back to when he went to get a passport Invited witnesses already in Washington DC to answer inqui- home to Long Beach, CA last the states, while brother Roy and was told by the US gov- ries are: Thomas Bussanich Director of the Budget Office of Friday after visiting his birth- was in the 11th grade (at the ernment that he needed a new Insular Affairs, Department of the Interior; Taufete’e John Fau- place, accompanied by his same school) and sister Teresa birth certificate and that he was muina CEO of Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center; Dr. brother Mike. was attending Fia Iloa Elemen- an “American National.” “So, Reese Tuato’o LBJ’s Chief of Internal Medicine; Sandra King- It had been almost five tary School. from that time on, I felt more Young, Medicaid Director for the American Samoa Medicaid decades since Brian last felt “My brother [Mike] said he of a bond to the island,” Brian Agency; and Motusa Tuileama Nua, Director of the AS Depart- the warm air of the island. His misses the people and his friends said. “I have always wanted to ment of Health. story begins back in 1968, when the most from the island,” Brian come back because internally The oversight hearing, according to the hearing memo issued his parents moved half way said via email to Samoa News (most people over here don’t by Doug LaMalfa, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Indian, across the world after his father yesterday. “He said he also seem to understand this) Amer- Insular and Alaska Native Affairs, is to “evaluate and discuss the Roy was hired on contract to misses the Samoan life.” ican Samoa feels like home to current state of the healthcare facility and the quality of the treat- work as a school principal at In California, Brian works me even though I was only 17 ment accessible to American Samoans.” Nua Elementary School (now for the Long Beach Unified days when we left the island.” The hearing which will be streamed live at 10a.m. today on: known as Alataua Lua Elemen- School District at John Muir He continued, “My parents
Some of the spectators who came out to enjoy the 2017 summer cricket games of the Diocese of Samoa Pago Pago that were held last week at the Fagaalu Park. [photo: Leua Aiono Frost]
Translated by Samoa News staff demeanor crimes, including sion following an incident in FOURTEEN PEOPLE public peace disturbance, tres- October 2015 when he was TAKEN INTO POLICE passing, and property damage. found with marijuana by cus- CUSTODY OVER THE They will appear early next toms agents at the airport, upon WEEKEND month for their next court arrival on a Hawaiian Airlines It was a busy weekend for hearing, and all were given con- flight from Honolulu. Loma, police responding to calls for ditions of release — such as no who at the time resided on the assistance. contact with any government US mainland, was visiting rela- Fourteen people were witnesses in this case. tives in the territory and has taken into custody and held According to court informa- been unable to return to the at the Territorial Correctional tion, the homeowner told police US due to his felony case still Facility over the weekend. They that he and his wife had just fin- pending in local court. appeared yesterday morning for ished with evening prayer when At this Friday’s hearing, their initial appearances before they heard the sound of shat- the court is expected to hear a District Court Judge ProTem tering glass coming from the motion from the government Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde. kitchen. They then noticed that to dismiss the felony charge The courtroom was crowded their house was being stoned, against the defendant, who has with family members. with several more rocks hitting been out on bail while his case Some of the arrestees were the house and landing within goes through the judicial pro- released on their own recog- the vicinity. While exiting the cess. Noted is that his previous nizance, while others had to house, the homeowner was private attorney Mark Ude post bail. Of the 14 taken into injured after a beer bottle that has left the territory and is not custody, 10 were charged with landed on the outside stair- expected to return. When Loma various misdemeanor charges case of the house shattered was in court late last month for including public peace distur- and a piece of glass nicked his a status hearing, Chief Justice bance, and causing trouble in a forearm. Based on available Michael Kruse continued the family. There were two suspects court information, it appears hearing, giving the defendant arrested for allegedly assaulting that there were several people and the government time to their wives and two others involved in a fight against two hold discussions on the case. arrested for violating conditions brothers, who were taken to the The Court recommended that of their probation. hospital for medical assistance, the defendant obtain legal rep- The highest number of after suffering minor injuries. resentation unless Loma still arrestees from one incident was The brothers — Siaosi and wants to represent himself five, following a report called Lolesio Mikaele — were among going forward. into the Leone Police Substa- the five charged in this case. Loma said he can no longer tion around 9p.m. last Friday It wasn’t immediately clear afford another private attorney from Seetaga village, where what caused the fight or the because he has no job to get a home was stoned by a large stoning of the house, but it money to pay for his legal rep- number of unknown people. appears there was some sort of resentation. The court suggested According to court information, dispute in the neighborhood. the defendant use the services the Leone substation received BRIAN BENJAMIN LOMA of the Public Defender’s Office, at least four separate calls for The High Court is holding which initially represented help, including a call from the a status hearing this Friday on Loma. homeowner. the government’s case against (Original Samoan stories in The defendants in this case Brian Benjamin Loma, who today’s Lali section of Samoa were charged with various mis- is charged with drug posses- News) Page 4 samoa news, Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Fiji Airways’ Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Andre Viljoen (left) and Polynesian Airlines Chief Executive Seiuli Tupuivao Alvin Tuala signing the MOU in Apia, on Monday (Samoa Time) to jointly pursue a range of commercial opportunities and partnerships. [Courtesy photo] Samoa and Fiji Samoa Gov’t receptive to Airways ink MOU Water Power Top-Up initiative ASPA SAYS THEY ARE NOT CONSIDERING SUCH AN INITIATIVE (BASED ON A PRESS Partnership Alliance Agree- RELEASE) — Monday, July ment between Samoa Airways (BASED ON A PRESS RELEASE) — He noted that while the government water 24, 2017 — Samoa’s new inter- and Fiji Airways. M.P.M.C. Press Secretary — The Samoa Gov- system, under the umbrella of the Samoa Water national airline, Samoa Air- “The MOU we signed today ernment has taken on board suggestions for a Authority, (S.W.A.) is meeting the majority of ways and Fiji Airways today gives both airlines a broad and Water Power top-up initiative identical to the residents water needs, there is also the Village signed a Memorandum of strategic framework of how Cash Power top-up for electricity. Water System assistance program complemented Understanding to jointly pursue the Pacific Partnership will The suggestion was made by Taimi ma le by projects financed and implemented by non- a range of commercial opportu- be negotiated and finalized”, Palemia weekly television program host Tole- government organizations. nities and partnerships. Seiuli stated. “Under the MOU, afoa Pili Afamasaga Asiata and it has tickled SWA services 85% of the population and pro- Under the proposed partner- there will be specific routes like Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele vides water treatment plants for existing water ship, Fiji Airways will provide Samoa to New Zealand and Malielegaoi. sources in rural areas. About 18% of the rural initial support to Samoa Air- Australia that will be solely “With a lot of people complaining about population, or more than 32,000 people in 54 vil- ways to help launch its inter- managed by Samoa Airways expensive water bills, is now the perfect time for lages, participate in independent water schemes, national services to and from and other routes where both government to look into implementing a Water which are owned and managed at the local level. Apia to Auckland and Sydney Airlines will jointly manage Power top-up initiative identical to the Cash “And our development partners are also through the use of its estab- through codesharing and Power?” Toleafoa inquired. pouring in millions of tala worth of grants every lished infrastructure in sales, interlining.” “Cash Power is resolving huge outstanding year to improve our water and waste water commercial, operations and According to Viljoen, “Fiji electricity debts and with an identical Water system especially in sanitation,” the Prime Min- maintenance. Airways is very pleased the Power scheme, wouldn’t it give the customer the ister was quick to note. “We are happy to play a sup- MOU has now been signed so choice to use water conservatively depending Of the Water Power top-up suggestion, Tui- port role to help reboot Samoa’s both airlines can progress and on the family’s income power and at the same laepa acknowledged that it is time for govern- international airline following conclude negotiations on the time address the outstanding unpaid water bills ment to revisit their initial plan for such a system the Samoa Government’s deci- Pacific Partnership Alliance as mounting?” to be in place. sion to end its partnership with soon as possible. The Prime Minister said, “… In fact, the The Taimi male Palemia program is televised Virgin Australia”, said Fiji Air- “Fiji Airways is very opti- same idea was on the table a decade or so ago Wednesday night by TV1 and viewed worldwide ways’ Managing Director and mistic with the proposed part- but it vaporized, as government at the time was on
Members of the Seui Mautonu Purcell and Faalogoifo McMoore family are coming together to celebrate their family reunion, which kicked off Sunday and closes tomorrow in Nuuuli. [photo: Leua Aiono Frost] ➧ Samoan born palagi boy… Continued from page 1 they called home was real to Samoa flag on their shirt. I just them but only in pictures for hope I am representing my me. But I felt a part of it because home well,” he said. I was born there.” With regards to his recent Brian said that since he is visit, Brian said, “It felt amazing from here, he made up “Amer- to finally see and experience ican Samoa” racing shirts to my birthplace. I saw the place run 5k, 10k, half-marathons, where I was born, where I was marathons and compete in tri- baptized, where my family lived athlons from sprint distances all and drove all over this beau- the way up to full Ironman dis- tiful island. When people told tances (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile me ‘welcome home’ it made it bike; 26.2 mile run). feel more real. So, now it is up “And I wear this shirt to me to figure out how to be proudly. It is my hope that over more involved with the island here I will see more people while living in Long Beach, racing with the American California.”
Brian Cruz Conboy running in the Long Beach Marathon with his “American Samoa” shirt. Brian was born in the territory in 1968 and returned two weeks ago for his first visit since he left 49 years ago. [photo: courtesy] Page 6 samoa news, Tuesday, July 25, 2017 Senators suggest installing fences and hiring security guards for schools by Fili Sagapolutele damages to school facilities, an individual who is on campus unless they go through part Samoa News notes that in Samoa News Correspondent resulting in the government every night. He believes police of the school campus. So if a the past, ASDOE had worked Some senators have sug- forking out money for repairs officers wouldn’t be able to visit fence is built, those families on installing surveillance cam- gested that the Education and replacement. all the schools in the territory will have no way of getting to eras at certain schools, espe- Department hire security guards The Tualauta senator noted every night. Regarding the use an access road, he said. Addi- cially those that are constantly to watch over public school that over the years, ASG offi- of village mayors, Muagututia tionally, Jennings said many of broken in to. While not all of the facilities at night and over the cials including those from appeared to disagree and the school facilities are built on schools have surveillance cam- weekend to prevent break-ins ASDOE have voiced con- claimed that some pulenu’u are land belonging to and owned by eras, some do have them, and and damages to school property. cerns on the issues of break- not honest in their work; and families in the village where the these have helped police iden- The suggestion, along with ins and property damage at when the pulenuu witnesses a school is located, and building tify suspects in recent cases. recommendations to build the schools. He said this pro- relative on the school grounds, a fence on the property would Earlier this year in March, fences around all public school posed law makes it clear that the village major will not speak be difficult. (Families who a surveillance camera captured campuses, was made last Friday anyone found on school prop- up. He believes a security officer own land on which two schools an alleged suspect who broke during a Senate Public Safety erty without prior permission is is the best solution to enforcing on the western side of Tutuila into an office at Tafuna High Committee hearing on a Senate considered to be trespassing and the proposed law. Other sena- are built told Samoa News — School, and video surveillance bill giving the government will be criminally charged. The tors supported suggestions of when asked for comments over footage quickly surfaced on authority to charge a person hearing gave senators a chance hiring security guards for night- the weekend — that they have social media. who is present, without prior to share recommendations on time patrol for schools as well been informed in past years Samoa News later learned permission, on private or public ideas for ASDOE to look into, as ASDOE looking at installing about ASG wanting to build a that the alleged suspect was a school grounds from 10p.m. to such as building a fence around fences around all schools to fence but they have objected. minor. Because cases regarding 5a.m.Under the bill, such an all school campuses and hiring close off campus grounds. “We just don’t want a fence,” minors are not open to the offense would be misdemeanor nighttime security officers to There are some public schools said a family member, “because public, it’s unclear whether any trespassing. Testifying at the assist with enforcing the bill, that already have steel wire it will block the land belonging charges were filed. hearing were Attorney Gen- if enacted into law. Sen. Tauaa fencing. to my family.”) On the issue Following vandalism at eral Talauega Eleasalo V. Ale S. Vaouli noted the importance Regarding the installation of employing night security Leone High School and Leone and Education deputy director, of ASDOE working with the of school fences, Jennings guards, Jennings also noted Midkiff Elementary School in Philo Jennings. The Senate Office of Samoan Affairs in an acknowledged its importance the importance of the issue in early March this year, Education committee chairman, Sen. effort to make it easy to enforce and explained that ASDOE helping to enforce the proposed director Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga Fa’amausili Mau Mau Jr., said the proposed law. He suggested has looked into this same issue law, but there is no funding for publicly called on the entire if the bill is enacted into law, it that village mayors be involved in past years. However for a such a purpose. community — including vil- is the police who will enforce it. in the enforcement process, variety of reasons, he said it Sen. Satele Galu Satele Sr., lage mayors and village aumaga Sen. Magalei Logovi’i, one instead of putting the entire hasn’t always been feasible for who supports the idea of hiring — to assist in protecting public of the three senators who spon- burden on police. all school campuses. security guards for all schools schools in their villages. sored the bill, explained that Sen. Muagututia M.T. Tauoa He pointed out there are in the territory, strongly rec- To repair and replace the goal of the proposed law suggested that ASDOE hire and families who live behind school ommends that ASDOE include property damaged at the two is to help the ASDOE address assign security guards to each campuses and it’s difficult for in its fiscal year 2018 budget, schools, ASDOE said, cost over the problem of break-ins and school in the territory, so there is them to get to the front area funding for this purpose. $10,000. samoa news, Tuesday, July 25, 2017 Page 7 Pacific flavors to tickle palates at Auckland Food Nine Pacific Island food and ready and in some instances beverage companies from five already have a presence in the countries will showcase and sell New Zealand market. Typi- their wares of packaged foods cally, these companies are moti- and drinks at the Auckland vated, have developed strong Food Show this week. brands and their packaging Among the products that reflects the innovation of the will be on show will be a range product itself,” he added. of biscuits, snack foods, arte- The Auckland Food Show is sian water (in biodegradable a consumer show that connects bottles), innovative coconut- a large number of exhibitors based products (like ‘coconut with thousands of dedicated jerky’), chocolate, cocoa and food lovers in Auckland and health products based on organ- further afield in Wellington and ically grown turmeric. Christchurch every year. The nine export compa- Mr Greenslade said PTI nies from Papua New Guinea anticipates that ‘Pacific Hub’ (PNG), Fiji, Samoa, Tonga featuring these nine companies and Niue will be housed in will get the same high profile individual booths at a special, they received last year, intro- E-Life Wild Turmeric made in Samoa Pacific-themed stand called ducing many of them to other [photo from website] the Pacific Hub, hosted by New Zealand based stand- Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) New holding businesses that were Zealand. also exhibiting at the show to PTI New Zealand is the eco- source the Pacific’s excellent nomic development agency of ingredients for their own prod- the Pacific Islands Forum Sec- ucts or to partner with them. retariat, engaged in trade facili- “The Auckland Food Show tation and investment promo- provides a good platform for tion in 16 Pacific Island Forum our Pacific companies to build countries and its participation inroads into the retail market by in the Auckland Food Show is a meeting with potential distribu- part of its Pacific Path to Market tors and building a relationship program. with thousands of New Zealand Pacific Path to Market is an consumers,” said Joe Fuavao, export capability building pro- PTI NZ Trade Development gram conducted in the countries Manager. that are being featured at the The companies featured at show. this year’s show are PNG’s Par- “The program is designed adise Foods; Fiji’s Flour Mills to familiarize the participating of Fiji (FMF), Pleass Beverages, companies to understand the J Punja and Tavulomo Coconut New Zealand market and what Processing Ltd; Samoa’s Wilex their products and their compa- and E-Life Wild Turmeric, Niue nies should look like to break Vanilla International from Niue into the New Zealand market,” and Tonga’s Tupu’anga Coffee. Michael Greenslade, PTI NZ Last year, the show attracted Trade & Investment Commis- more than 30,000 visitors and sioner & CEO says. more are expected to visit this “Selected participants have year. shown that they are export (Source: Radio NZ) ➧ Samoa and Fiji… Continued from page 4 through Fiji Airways’ long-haul between Fiji’s National Air- network which includes direct line and our own National Air- flights from Los Angeles, San line is a testament to the strong Francisco, Hong Kong, Sin- bonds that we share as island gapore into Nadi and potential nations in the Pacific Region connectivity opportunities pre- and embraces our Pacific sented through its larger net- Way of doing things”, the PM work with its other airline part- concluded. ners,”, he explained. [Source: M.P.M.C. Press “The proposed partnership Secretary]
FAIRNESS We make an issue of it every day. If you want to comment about our fairness, call Samoa News at 633-5599 Page 8 samoa news, Tuesday, July 25, 2017 Introducing In New Zealand, the ORIGINAL Korean Saimin Bowl Johnson parries que- SAMYANG ries on British politics WELLINGTON, New snap election, which left Prime Zealand (AP) — British For- Minister Theresa May severely $7.95 eign Secretary Boris Johnson weakened, hadn’t gone to plan. brushed aside questions “The election did not evolve case .75¢ bowl Tuesday in New Zealand about entirely in the way that the gov- 12x86 grams infighting in his Conservative ernment had hoped for or would Party and speculation about him have wanted,” he said. “OK. making a leadership bid. I’m going to put that out there. Johnson used his renowned But, but, but, the Labour Party wit to parry questions during did not win.” a joint media conference with He said the government still New Zealand Foreign Minister had a workable majority. Gerry Brownlee, following a Asked about whether he was meeting with Brownlee and contemplating a bid to become C M Prime Minister Bill English. prime minister, Johnson said Y K Asked about British politics, the British people want a gov- Perfect for work, Johnson said he’d been trav- ernment that gets on with the eling in Japan and now New job. play and any day! Zealand. “They’ve got that with The- “Any such activity’s com- resa,” he said. “And we are pletely passed me by,” he said. going to deliver a great Brexit “Nor am I aware, no-one has deal. sent me any news of any such A deal that works for our Now available on Island Distributed by Y.S.J. Limited at a store near you. infighting.” European friends, for the U.K., Nuuuli (684)-699-4470 He said that last month’s but also, of course, works for New Zealand.” Pressed again on whether he could rule out a leadership bid, Johnson said the British people “see no vacancy nor do they see any need for any more political kerfuffle.” Johnson said he had agreed with his New Zealand coun- terparts on many issues, including the threat that North Korea posed, sharing intelli- gence information, and fighting terrorism. “I think to an almost embar- rassing degree there was a total failure to disagree on any point of substance,” he said. He said New Zealand was at, or near, the top of Britain’s list for countries it wanted to com- plete a free trade deal with once it had left the European Union. Asked whether the access of New Zealanders to Britain through ancestry or working holiday visas would be affected by Brexit, Johnson said Britain would remain open to talent but the country also needed to manage and control immigration. “That does not mean that we are in any way going to make life more difficult for New Zea- landers,” he said. “On the contrary, we mas- C M sively value, we love kiwis Y K coming to our country.” Brownlee said Brexit doesn’t mean an end to the strong rela- tionship that New Zealand enjoys with Britain. He said the priority in any free trade agreement with Britain would be to protect the current access New Zealand has to British markets through the EU. While in New Zealand, Johnson also visited the quake- affected township of Kaikoura and unveiled a striking British memorial at the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington. He was due to travel to Aus- tralia later on Tuesday. samoa news, Tuesday, July 25, 2017 Page 9
C M Y K
The Spyderco Assist Salt C79PSYL is a safe, light and superbly crafted rescue/fishing knife. [Photo by Barry Markowitz, 7/17] Cool Stuff: Spyderco Rescue/Fishing Knife By Barry Markowitz stainless. glass breaker, one handed opening, combo serrated/ Fishermen and first responders don’t need flash No need to compromise with H1 …you have the plain blade, blunt safety tip, aggressive ample grip, techie tools, they need reliable functionality as their life best of all worlds. reversible pocket clip, and high visibility yellow, the is on the line every day they work. In Spyderco’s own words: Spyderco Assist Salt Knife is as comfortable in an elec- Spyderco came up with their H1 steel process that “The Spyderco Assist Salt Knife has a blade made tricians pocket, or on a hiking trail, as it is on the high is more rust resistant than regular stainless steel, yet out of a PH (precipitation hardened) steel that doesn’t seas. keeps a sharp edge like carbon steel. rust. H1 steel is naturally hard, and it will hold a sharp- The Assist Salt 4.87 inches closed, 8.55 inches The stainless vs carbon mix has always been the ened cutting edge equivalent to many carbon steels. H1 open, has been listed for $164, but easily available for dilemma. Real workers who rely every hour on their has 1 percent nitrogen instead of carbon, so it cannot $99. Check out all their fabulous models at Spyderco. knives go for super sharp carbon, while those of us who rust.” com Spyderco needs to build our island cars with H1 use them more casually in work prefer the tidy look of Packed with an integral rescue whistle, recessed steel. Rust sucks. Thanks Spyderco! Back by Popular Demands!
C M Y K Page 10 samoa news, Tuesday, July 25, 2017
FILE - In this Oct. 16, 2016, file photo, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at a signing ceremony by foreign ministers during the BRICS summit in Goa, India. India and China have faced off frequently since fighting a bloody 1962 war that ended with China seizing control of some territory. India‚Äôs army chief warned in July 2017 that India‚Äôs army was capable of fighting ‚Äú2 1/2 wars‚Äù if needed to secure its borders. The dis- pute was discussed briefly without resolution by Xi and Modi on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Hamburg, Germany. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File) India and China face off in border standoff NEW DELHI (AP) — It was the tiny Hima- China refers to as “Southern Tibet,” as well as layan kingdom of Bhutan that sounded the alarm: 38,000 square kilometers (15,000 square miles) Chinese soldiers had arrived with bulldozers and of another plateau called Aksai Chin. excavators, and were building a high-mountain Bhutan said the road China has been building road near India’s border — in an area the two would run from the town of Dokola to the Bhuta- nuclear-armed Asian giants have disputed for nese army camp at Zompelri. decades. Bhutan’s foreign ministry called it a “direct India responded to the call by sending troops violation” of agreements reached in 1988 and last month to evict the Chinese army construc- 1998 to maintain peace and refrain from uni- tion party from the Doklam Plateau. Within a few lateral action in the area pending a final border days, Indian media were running leaked video settlement. “Bhutan hopes that the status quo in footage of soldiers from both sides shoving one the Doklam area will be maintained,” it said in a another atop a grassy flatland. June 29 statement. The tense standoff has only escalated, raising Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang concerns in both capitals of an all-out military said last week that India’s border guards, in conflict. Both sides have made threats while responding to Bhutan’s call for help, had “ille- simultaneously calling for negotiations. gally trespassed the boundary into Chinese ter- The U.S. State Department has urged the ritory” when they confronted the Chinese army two sides to work together toward a peaceful construction team. resolution. A STRATEGIC AREA India told China last week that it was ready to For India, securing the Doklam Plateau is seen hold talks if both sides pulled their forces back as essential to maintaining its control over a land from the disputed border area. But China coun- corridor that connects India’s mainland with its tered on Monday by insisting the road was being remote northeastern states. built on its sovereign territory, and warned India India has said the Chinese road project not to “push your luck.” threatens its access to the corridor, while China India, taken aback by the escalation, has said has questioned why India should even have a the two governments reached an agreement in say in a matter that concerns only Beijing and 2012 that the status of the Doklam area — which Bhutan. falls between China and India on a Bhutanese India’s army chief warned earlier this month plateau — would be finalized only through joint that India’s army was capable of fighting “2 1/2 consultations involving all parties. wars” if needed to secure its borders. A look at the key background of the dispute: Indian analysts said China appeared to be AN OLD QUARREL trying to pre-empt settlement negotiations by India and China have faced off frequently since establishing a Chinese presence in Doklam. fighting a bloody 1962 war that ended with China “China has been trying for a long time to gain a seizing control of some territory. Troops from tactical advantage in this sector,” having already both sides still regularly patrol other unmarked established dominance along the Indian borders territories, though neither side has fired any shots at Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, said secu- in decades. Negotiations since 1985 to settle the rity expert Uday Bhakar, a retired Indian navy boundary dispute have seen little success. officer. “The Chinese did not expect this resolute The land they’re currently arguing over spans Indian response, and that’s why the standoff has 269 square kilometers (104 square miles) on a continued.” sparsely populated plateau in western Bhutan, The dispute was discussed briefly without which has no diplomatic ties with China and resolution by Chinese President Xi Jinping and coordinates its relations with Beijing through Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the New Delhi. sidelines of the G-20 summit earlier this month But India and China have rival claims to other in Hamburg, Germany. It is expected to be taken Himalayan areas as well, including 90,000 square up again when Indian National Security Adviser kilometers (35,000 square miles) in what India Ajit Doval visits Beijing for another security considers its state of Arunachal Pradesh and forum on Thursday and Friday. samoa news, Tuesday, July 25, 2017 Page 11 ➧ Assessment of LBJ… Continued from page 1 ignated by the Capital Improve- enrollment eligibility require- ment Master Plan and these ments in the other territories. funds were utilized to “renovate Medicaid and the State Chil- and expand three key wings of dren’s Health Insurance Pro- the hospital: the labor, delivery gram (CHIP) funds pay for care and operating room.” provided at the LBJ Tropical Last February, a bi-par- Medical Center determined by tisan Congressional delega- the portion of the population tion (CODEL) of members with income that would have on the Committee of Natural fallen below the program’s Resources traveled to the Pacific income eligibility threshold of territories and toured the LBJ 200% of the Federal Poverty Hospital where they met with Line. administrative staff to discuss “There is concern that since the conditions at the facility. the funds are matched by fed- Hospital administrators eral dollars at a rate capped expressed their concern to the annually and additional Med- CODEL members “that poor icaid funds provided to the ter- conditions at the hospital have ritories are set to expire in 2019, created a major issue for the that American Samoa will not island’s veteran population be able to utilize all available seeking medical care.” funding offered through the Another area of concern had Affordable Care Act before the to do with American Samoa’s expiration deadline,” the memo treatment under both current notes. and future federal healthcare The subcommittee will dis- program, specifically Medicaid. cuss potential solutions to these Under the current Medicaid challenges with the invited set up, territories receive capped panel of those who work in funding set by the Federal American Samoa’s healthcare Medical Assistance Percentage field. (FMAP) at the level of 55% “By shedding light on these “American Samoa uses a specific issues affecting the ter- unique method to establish ritory, this hearing will focus on income-based eligibility within potential solutions to existing the program unlike typical problems.”
➧ CDC Report… Continued from page 2 centage among Guamanian or the percentages among Gua- Chamorro adults (16.1%), and manian or Chamorro (25.6%) higher than but not significantly and Native Hawaiian (26.3%) different from the percentage adults, and higher than but not among Other Pacific Islander significantly different from the adults (12.9%); and, percentage among Other Pacific *The percentage of Samoan Islander adults (18.5%). adults who participated in lei- Other key findings and sure-time aerobic and muscle- more details on the report strengthening activities was can be viewed on C M Y K FILE - In this April 27, 2017 file photo, singers Luis Fonsi, left and Daddy Yankee perform during the Latin Billboard Awards in Coral Gables, Fla. Fonsi and Daddy Yankee hre rejecting the use of their hit song “Despacito” by the government of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro it its July 2017, campaign to change the country’s constitution. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) ‘Despacito’ singers veto Venezuelan lead- er’s campaign remix CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) Maduro is pressing forward — There’s a new take on the hit with his pledge to hold a July Latin pop song “Despacito.” 30 election to select delegates And this one is not garnering to a special assembly that will accolades from its producers. be tasked with rewriting the Venezuelan President troubled nation’s constitution Nicolas Maduro premiered a despite international outcry and remix of the song by Puerto a protest movement that has left Rican duo Luis Fonsi and Daddy at least 97 dead. Yankee Sunday, transforming More than 7.5 million Ven- the record-setting single about ezuelans recently voted in a a slow, romantic seduction into symbolic referendum against a campaign jingle for his con- the constituent assembly and tested constitution rewrite. the opposition has vowed to “For the unity and peace of hold a 48-hour strike in protest our country,” the remix begins. this week. “The constituent assembly Opposition leaders fear moves forward.” Maduro will use the constitu- Fonsi and Daddy Yankee tion rewrite to further consoli- took to social media Monday to date his power and silence any veto the new spin on their song, critical voices. which recently became an even Supporters of the president C M bigger hit with a remix featuring swayed to the catchy remix Y K Justin Bieber. while dressed in matching “My music is for everyone T-shirts and baseball caps to listen to and enjoy, not to be featuring campaign slogans used as propaganda that intends Sunday. Maduro often sings to manipulate the will of a and dances while giving people who are screaming for forceful speeches aired on state their liberty and a better future,” television. Fonsi said in a message posted “Is that video approved?” he to his Twitter account. asked after the song concluded. “What can you expect from “Yes!” the crowd responded a person who has robbed the in unison.Panamanian singer lives of so many young people Erika Ender, who composed filled with dreams?” Daddy the song with Fonsi, also Yankee said on Twitter, along gave thumbs down to the new an image picturing a news story recording.“To see a song that I about Maduro’s take on the co-wrote used without permis- song crossed out in red. “That sion to promote campaigns tied you illegally appropriate a song to the regime that has a country (Despacito) doesn’t compare unhappy and suffering, far from with the crime you commit and making me happy, enrages me,” have committed in Venezuela.” she wrote on Instagram.