American Samoa Legal Aid now accessible in Manu’a Page - 2 Brain disease seen in most football players in large report In Sports Pili a le kovana e si’i ai tau o The majority of participants in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) were all smiles yesterday totogi i luga o le Uafu when they were issued their very first paychecks. The trio pictured at far right are our very own Samoa News Le Lali interns. Read story for full details. [photo: Sabrina Sinapati]

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PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA WEDNESDAY JULY 26, 2017 $1.00 The wait is over — Medical expert: Public Defender’s Office never SYEP paychecks issued paid for her work DHR: DELAY WAS DUE TO LATE SUBMISSION OF TIME CARDS SHE ASSISTED IN THE DEFENSE OF A MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER OF HIS WIFE by Blue Chen-Fruean Samoa News Correspondent by Rhonda Annesley, editor statement: ‘By checking here, The more than 800 youth who are currently working under the Summer Youth Employment Pro- It would seem the finan- you acknowledge the risks of gram (SYEP) this year did not receive paychecks this past Monday, which was government payday. cial woes of American Samoa not receiving the report and Since then, Samoa News has been bombarded with phone calls and email inquiries from parents are pervasive — affecting all agree to pay in full as long as wanting to know when their kids are going to get paid. areas of government, including reasonable efforts have been “We need my daughter’s SYEP check so she can have bus fare and lunch money,” said one the Public Defender’s Office. made to ensure delivery’.” mother, who added that they live in a secluded area and her daughter walks — rain or shine — to And while a shortage of law- Continued contact hap- catch the bus every morning to get to her job site. yers is its oft complaint, this pened, Godoy says, and on Dec. When contacted for comments yesterday, Makerita Enesi, Deputy Director of Employment time, a complaint is being made 19, 2016, Fiaui requested the Training for the Department of Human Resources (DHR), which oversees the SYEP, said paychecks against the Public Defender’s invoice be sent right away for for the majority of the summer workers were released yesterday afternoon. Office for not paying the bill of payment. Samoa News understands that the few workers who did not get paid yesterday will most likely a consultant it used to assist in She said, “I gave him receive their checks in a supplemental run set for later this week. the defense of a local man who my opinions on the case. He A DHR official explained that the issuance of paychecks is something that they have no control was charged with the murder of requested further work to assist over. She urged parents to be patient and understand that inputting information for 800 people is not his wife. him with his defense. an easy task, and there is a routing process that involves paperwork being shuffled through different Samoa News was recently “On December 29th, we pro- government entities for review, including approval from directors whose departments employ SYEP contacted by an off-island vided the work product he had (Continued on page 7) medical expert, Tara M Godoy, requested. BSN, RN, LNC, who says the “On January 5th, 2017, local Public Defender’s Office we contacted him to confirm never paid for her work — receipt of the work product to review and report on dis- and to inquire about the unpaid covery submitted for the case invoices. He responded with: of Mataupu Mamona, a father “Hi Tara, that was tried for the murder of I am in receipt of the ques- his wife that his 9-year-old son tions. And the two invoices claimed he witnessed. have been submitted. C M Godoy is a Forensic and I will be meeting with sev- Legal Nurse Consultant, who Y K eral of the doctors and nurses met Douglas Fiaui, who is head toward the end of next week, of the local PD Office, at a con- and will let you know how ference in Las Vegas in early things go with the questions. 2016, where she had given a Thanks” presentation on strangulation. The Mataupu Mamona case She told Samoa News her “areas went to trial on January 24th of expertise include strangula- of this year, and according to tion, blunt force trauma, and Godoy, contact with Public general medical record review Defender Fiaui has not hap- and analysis.” pened since January 5, 2017, She said, “I followed up with despite multiple attempts to Mr. Fiaui after the conference reach him by both phone and and at that time he indicated email. Roadside fundraisers are again on the rise as school sports associations, church youth groups, he had a case he wanted me to Godoy has not been paid and various organizations take to the roads to raise funds for different activities. These Tafuna High assist him on. for her work to date, and said, School students were seen in the Nu’uuli area last Saturday, holding up “Car Wash” signs. “On October 19, 2016, I “We have contacted him at least Samoa News has received calls from irate drivers asking if this type of fundraising is against the was provided discovery on the once a month and at times once law? It is against the law — has been for about 16 years — and the last time this issue was brought case and Mr. Fiaui submitted a week. When I called, I would up was in the Senate in 2015, where the same concerns arose. The law prohibits fundraising by information on my website, reach his staff and they would anyone standing, dancing, or sitting on the roadside. Fundraising is, however, allowed as long as it’s including checking a box that indicate that they ‘told him to held about 25 feet from the curbside; but there shall be no music. acknowledges the following pay it’.” [photo:THA] (Continued on page 7) Page 2 samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017 “Green substance” in Pago Harbor identified as dye, not toxic by Blue Chen-Fruean other individuals had reported Samoa News Correspondent to him that they too had wit- Commander for the United nessed the same disconcerting States Coast Guard (USCG) substance. Lolo told Lt. Stiehl Marine Safety Detachment Unit and AS-EPA Director Ameko in Pago Pago, Lt. Tanner Stiehl Pato that he was bringing the confirmed to Samoa News yes- matter to their attention, so they terday that one of the three inci- can investigate, “to ensure that dents mentioned by Governor the substance is not harmful to Lolo Matalasi Moliga in a July the environment or people.” 13th letter to the USCG and Lolo said he wanted both AS-EPA involved a product ground and marine sources to that is not petroleum-based but be investigated properly, and in consistent with dye used in the addition, “I would like to know fishing industry. the source, if it is harmful, how Lt. Stiehl said the substance long it lasts in the water; and if is not toxic, which is one of the it is an approved chemical, if it concerns voiced by Lolo in his is being used properly, and if letter stating that on three sepa- there are alternatives.” rate occasions over the span of The Governor requested a two weeks, he had seen a green report on any information on the substance floating in the waters matter, and urged that an inves- of Pago Harbor. tigation be launched immedi- According to the Governor, ately, if one was required. (Continued on page 9) American Samoa Legal Aid now accessible in the Manu’a Islands PAGO PAGO, AS — July cant meets the citizenship, 24, 2017 — The American financial and priorities eligi- Samoa Legal Aid (ASLA) is bility criteria for ASLA’s free happy to announce that it has civil legal services. established four ASLA stations An applicant who is eligible in Faleasao, Fitiuta, Ofu and and whose case is accepted by Olosega — in Manu’a — after the ASLA Office can use the receiving a Technology Initia- station to discuss the client’s tive Grant from the Legal Ser- case on Skype with an ASLA vices Corporation. attorney or paralegal and if The grant funds the Manu’a appropriate print, sign, scan, Islands program — Access to send or receive by email, etc. Legal Aid Project — which is the client’s case documents. to aid low income Manu’a resi- This will allow the ASLA dents to access free civil legal client to remain in Manu’a and The majority of workers under the Summer Youth Employment Program were issued paychecks aid services provided by the not be required to expend funds yesterday, while the few who didn’t get paid will receive their checks through a supplemental run ASLA Office in Tutuila. and time to physically travel to scheduled for later this week, according to the DHR. [photo: Sabrina Sinapati] The Manu’a ASLA sta- the ASLA Office at Tutuila for tions are located at the CCCAS case interviews and processing Faleasao Hall (for Faleasao of case documents. and Ta’u village residents), The ASLA stations may AOG Fitiuta Minister’s Office, be used by Manu’a residents CCCAS Ofu Hall and CCCAS without regard to church affilia- Olosega Minister’s Office tion and there is no user fee. (for Olosega and Sili village The ASLA TIG grant pays residents). for the internet service fees, Each of the four Manu’a telephone service fees, equip- ASLA stations has a table with ment, office space fees, etc. chairs, landline telephone, during the grant period. The desktop computer with internet four pastors have kindly vol- service, printer with copier and unteered to oversee each of the scanner functions, and an elec- Manu’a ASLA stations as part tronic signature pad. of their ministries. According to ASLA Execu- Further information on the tive Director Fainu’ulelei L.P.F. four Manu’a ASLA stations Ala’ilima-Utu, Manu’a resi- may be obtained from the dents who wish to obtain civil ASLA Office (telephone no. legal services from the ASLA 633-3300/3301). Office at Tutuila should ask the On behalf of the ASLA relevant pastor at the Manu’a Board of Directors, Fainu’ulelei ASLA station for permission to wishes to express ASLA’s use the ASLA station to discuss gratitude to Rev. Elder Iosefa the applicant’s civil case with Autele of the CCCAS Faleasao, the ASLA Office at Tutuila. Pastor Fred Scanlan of the AOG The applicant will sign a Fitiuta, Rev. Lamese Fa’afili of sign-up sheet and be required the CCCAS Olosega and Rev. It was all smiles for these girls who received their first paycheck yesterday, for work under the to do an intake with an ASLA Elder Tootoo Seanoa of the Summer Youth Employment Program, administered by the Department of Human Resources. paralegal to determine if appli- CCCAS Ofu and their church [photo: Sabrina Sinapati] (Continued on page 9) samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017 Page 3

Translated by Samoa News staff hended, court information says suspect not far from the church. MOI KERESETA police officers detected a strong The husband told police the A 58-year-old man from odor of alcohol on the defen- wife didn’t need to call them and Faleniu, accused by the govern- dant’s breath. “he did not do anything wrong,” ment of breaking the glass door Upon arrival at the police according to court information. of a store, after the storeowner station, the defendant “was When told to go to the police refused to sell him beer because extremely intoxicated and trou- station, the suspect didn’t coop- he was already intoxicated, blesome,” according to court erate and stated that he needed was among the 14 people taken information, which noted that to see his wife and police offi- into police custody over the the suspect was “uncoopera- cers “don’t have to be involved weekend. tive and demanded” police to in their business.” Moi Kereseta, aka Mr. take him back home, and not to The suspect was then appre- Saleka, is charged with two prison. hended and en route to the counts of public peace distur- ANOTHER DOMESTIC police station, he allegedly told bance and third degree property VIOLENCE CASE IN officers that it’s possible “his damage — both misdemeanor COURT wife ran away and hid because charges. He appeared Monday A 52-year-old man, who he told her that he heard before District Court Judge Pro- allegedly threatened to shoot his rumors about her having [an] Temp Gwen Tauilili-Langkilde wife, was arrested last Saturday affair” with an unnamed man, for his initial appearance and afternoon and made his initial according to court information. was later released, to await appearance Monday morning At the police station, the another court hearing set for before District Court Judge victim allegedly told police that next month. ProTemp Gwen Tauiliili-Lang- she wanted to pursue the com- It was around 9:35p.m. last kilde, who set bail at $300. plaint against her husband. She Friday that police received a It’s unclear, as of yesterday, also told police that she would call for assistance “regarding a if the defendant has posted bail. “feel unsecured” if the suspect drunken old man” identified as If he is able to do so, the defen- was released to go home. The “Mr. Saleka” of Faleniu. dant — who is charged with husband requested a chance to The defendant, according to one count of private peace dis- talk to his wife, who replied by court information, was alleg- turbance by threatening to harm saying “no more”. edly making unreasonable another person — has been According to police, the remarks and yelling profanity ordered to find another place to victim had gotten off from work towards the storeowner. He also live, while his case is pending and just arrived home when she damaged the glass door at the in court. The defendant is pro- asked her children where her store entrance. hibited from making any direct husband was, and the children The storeowner told police or indirect contact with his wife, explained that their father left in that the defendant was intoxi- or any attempts to threaten her the morning and hadn’t returned cated when he entered the store. safety. Samoa News is with- home since. The victim then Although the defendant contin- holding the defendant’s name, called her husband and asked NEED a uously bothered the storeowner, in order to protect his wife, the where he was, which angered she didn’t pay him any attention victim in this case. him and resulted in his alleged WINDSHIELD? or give him any alcohol despite According to court informa- threat to shoot the victim, his demands. This led to Saleka tion, it was around 5 p.m. last who told her children she was allegedly breaking the glass door Saturday that police received a leaving the house and then ran at the store’s main entrance, request for assistance, with the away and called police for help. still demanding alcohol. It was wife telling police that her hus- The victim allegedly told Go to NAPA! a store employee who showed band had allegedly threatened police that this is not the first investigators where the defen- to shoot her when he gets home. time this has happened, as it dant lives, which is a house near Afraid for her life, the victim has “occurred several times,” the store. Both the store owner ran away from home and sought and she is aware that the hus- and the employee know the refuge in a church, where police band stores a gun in the house. defendant. When police went found her. Investigators who According to police, there was to find the defendant, unknown approached the victim said she no alcohol involved. male individuals directed them “was in a state of severe fear and (Original Samoan stories towards a bushy area near his paranoia,” and she claimed that published in today’s Lali sec- house, where the defendant was her “husband was after her.” tion of Samoa News.) allegedly hiding. Once appre- Police were able to locate the

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Pago Pago International Airport manager Tavita Fuimaono (left) and Airport Safety Officer, Aluese Te’i (right) taking a break from the FAA Western-Pacific Region 8th Airports Conference, NAPA SAMOA Anaheim Convention Center - Anaheim, California. The conference, under the theme ‘Ascending to the Next Level of Airport Safety, Sustainability, and Efficiency’ was held June 13-17. The American 699-NAPA/6272 Samoa delegation was led by Port Administration director Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele. [photo: FAA] Page 4 samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017 Pacific Island News in Brief

Congresswoman Amata with Secretary Price and other colleagues in American Samoa last year. [Courtesy photo]

Compiled by Samoa News staff Secretary Tom Price, and CMS Administrator Seema access on the islands, “continued the Congresswoman. AMATA ANNOUNCES CMS CHANGES TO Verma, and her staff for working with American Samoa Specifically, todays subcommittee hearing focused MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY and making this change,” concluded Amata. on numerous issues troubling the hospital including, Washington, D.C. — Tuesday, July 25, 2017 — AMATA AND NATURAL RESOURCES SUB- funding, staff retention, logistics, aging equipment, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is pleased to announce COMMITTEE HOLD HEARING ON LBJ water quality, and our veteran’s inability to utilize the that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Washington, D.C. –Tuesday, JULY 25, 2017 facility. To facilitate any new hospital, renovation, or (CMS) has changed the eligibility levels of Medicaid -Congresswoman Aumua Amata and the House Nat- construction, the Congresswoman has introduced leg- qualification in American Samoa from 200% of Fed- ural Resources Subcommittee on Indian, Insular, and islation that partners GAO with DOI, VA, and CMS to eral Poverty Level (FPL) to 400% FPL. The change Alaska Natives held an oversight hearing on the status perform a feasibility study on the proposal. will be effective on October 1, 2017. of LBJ hospital. Also in attendance was full committee Chairman “This is a vital step in ensuring healthcare for all The purpose of the hearing was to examine possible Rob Bishop of Utah who stated, “Rep. Radewagen has American Samoans. This will allow more people to avenues of improvement for both the hospital and the been a continuous advocate for healthcare access and qualify for Medicaid in American Samoa. After today’s people of American Samoa’s access to quality health- improving care conditions for the people of American hearing on LBJ we stand committed to improving the care. “Today’s hearing is the result of nearly two years Samoa. This important oversight hearing will help healthcare in the Territory, and I will continue to work effort which culminated in the CODEL to the Terri- the Committee build a record for reform going for- with my colleagues in Congress on this issue,” stated tory this past February,” stated Amata. “I have never ward.” “I want to thank Chairman Rob Bishop for Amata. been more encouraged about the possible opportunities his leadership and the members of this subcommittee “I would like to thank the Governor for his work before us to improve the lives of the people of American for their participation in this hearing,” said Amata. with CMS to get this change made. I would also like to Samoa. This hearing is just the first step in what I hope “I would like to especially thank Rep. Bruce Wes- thank the Department of Health and Human Services will result in substantial improvements to healthcare (Continued on page 5)

This undated US Federal Aviation Administration photo shows (l-r) retired FAA Honolulu district manager Ron Simpson; ASG Port Administration director Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele; retired FAA Western-Pacific Region Airports Division manager and FAA Honolulu district lead program manager, Gordon Wong, during the FAA Western-Pacific Region 8th Airports Conference, Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California. Taimalelagi led the Port Administration delegation to the June 13-17 conference, where they made a presentation on the local airport, the challenges it faces, and future improvement projects. Taimalelagi told Samoa News over the weekend that she was informed at the conference — themed ‘Ascending to the Next Level of Airport Safety, Sustainability, and Efficiency’ — that the FAA plans to announce in October this year, a “significant” grant funding to be awarded for airport improvements in American Samoa. FAA released last week on its website several photos of conference participants, including the local Port Administration delegation. [photo: FAA] samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017 Page 5 ➧ Pacific briefs… Continued from page 5 terman who does not sit in this hitting a perimeter fence causing Health Services and Ministry subcommittee but took his own one of the engines to catch fire of Health, staff from MWTI time to visit the territory and on impact. The lead assessor and Red Cross who participated participate here today. for the Emergency Response in the exercise and for making Finally, I would like to Drill was Nanai Junior Saaga, themselves available from their thank Faumuina Taufete’e John Assistant CEO for the Min- busy schedules to assess and Faumuina, CEO of LBJ and istry of Works, Transport and share their expertise and knowl- Tofoitaufa Sandra King Young, Infrastructure. “My role is edge on how we can improve American Samoa Medicaid to assess the overall execution our procedures and processes in Director for making the trip to of Polynesian Airlines’ Airport order to respond effectively to Washington to testify before Emergency Plan as documented emergency incidents. the subcommittee,” concluded in their Manual, Part 139 as “We are also grateful for Amata. they are the operator of Fagalii the assistance and support pro- POLY AIR CONDUCTS Airport,” Nanai explained. vided by the Village of Fagalii, EMERGENCY RESPONSE Other assessors included especially their Mayor, Samau DRILL FOR FAGALII the Police Commissioner, Su’a Lokeni Ieru, the untitled men of AIRPORT Fuiavailili Egon Keil, CEO for Fagalii and the taxi drivers from (BASED ON A PRESS Red Cross, Namulauulu Tautala Fagalii Airport Taxi Stand, RELEASE) — July 25, 2017 Mauala and Assistant CEO for employees of government (SAMOA TIME) — Poly- FESA, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga, agencies and other businesses nesian Airlines conducted its who all assisted in assessing the working at Fagalii Airport and Emergency Response Drill for coordination of the responses most importantly to our valued Fagalii Airport early yesterday from the Fire and Emergency customers for their under- morning. According to Poly- Services, National Health Ser- standing and patience with the nesian Airlines’ Chief Execu- vices, Police and Red Cross. slight delays to their flights Congresswoman Amata with witnesses Tofoitaufa Sandra tive Officer, Seiuli Tupuivao “We are extremely grateful to while Fagalii Airport was closed King Young, head of the local Medicaid office and Faumuina Alvin Tuala, “The whole pur- all the government agencies for aircraft operations during Taufete’e John Faumuina, CEO of LBJ Medical Center at an over- pose of this exercise is to gauge from the Police Officers, FESA the exercise,” Seiuli stated. sight hearing of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on the readiness and prepared- Officers, Medical Doctors [Source: polynesianairlines. Indian, Insular, and Alaska Natives. Its focus: the status of the ness of our own staff and those and Nurses from the National ws] LBJ hospital. [Courtesy photo] working at Fagalii Airport and key government agencies to respond to an emergency inci- dent that places the lives of people at risk at Fagalii Airport. “The drill allows us as an Airport Operator to continu- ously review and improve on our existing procedures and processes to ensure the respon- dents and support services are properly coordinated to mini- mize any potential loss of lives or damage to properties when an emergency incident happens inside our airport premises,” he added. The emergency response drill involved the simulation of an aircraft coming in to land at Fagalii Airport’s Runway 10 at 9.45am and burst one of its tires on landing resulting in the air- craft veering off the runway and

In The High Court of American Samoa TRIAL DIVISION HCPR No. 22-17 In the Matter of the Estate of SAVALI SAVALI, JR., By: LELEIGA E. SAVALI, Petitioner NoTICE oF HEARING oN PETITIoN FoR LETTERS oF ADMINISTRATIoN PLEASE TAKE NoTICE that a petition for letters of administration has been filed in the High Court of American Samoa, Territo- ry of American Samoa by LELEIGA E. SAV- ALI for the Estate of SAVALI SAVALI JR. Who died intestate on october 15, 2016. A hearing on this petition will be held on August 28, 2017 at 9:00am before the Tri- al Division of the High Court of American Samoa at the Courthouse in Fagatogo, American Samoa. All heirs of SAVALI SAV- ALI, JR. and interested parties may appear before the court on said date to respond to the petitioner.

Dated: 7-12-17 CLERK oF CoURTS

Published: 7/20, 7/21, 7/28/17 Page 6 samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017

A look at a fundraiser held in front of the Samoana High School gymnasium in Utulei last Saturday. Roadside fundraisers are becoming a common occurrence once again in the territory, as organizations and groups gather on the roadside to get money being thrown from passing vehicles. Concerned residents have shared their frustration with Samoa News, with some expressing worry that the practice can result in someone being seriously hurt. There is a law prohibiting anyone from standing, dancing or sitting on the roadside for fundraising. However, fundraising is permitted as long as there is no music in the background, and participants are at least 25 feet from the curbside. It should be noted that the ban is rarely enforced. [photo:THA] samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017 Page 7

POLY AIR CONDUCTS EMERGENCY RESPONSE DRILL FOR FAGALII AIRPORT [courtesy photo] ➧ The wait is over… Continued from page 1 participants. closes, the majority of the “There will be times when workers will return to school we encounter delays,” she said, in the fall, but some will have adding that for the most part, taken that first step into securing delays come about when time gainful employment where they cards for the SYEP workers are are working as interns, particu- not received on time. larly those who are interning “By the time their time with companies in the private sheets are submitted, payroll sector. has already been prepared and “This is something that’s sent,” she continued. very good for them,” Enesi said, Enesi told Samoa News referring to the SYEP workers. that the majority of the SYEP This year, the SYEP is workers were issued checks employing the highest number yesterday. of workers since the program This includes the more than was launched. 60 SYEP participants working What started off as a pro- in Ta’u and Olosega, in the gram to help young people learn Manu’a Islands, whose checks new skills in the working world are disbursed at the main Exec- has grown from 100-150 par- utive Office Building there. ticipants back in 2013, to 800 The youth employment pro- this year, in over 60 worksites gram officially opened Monday within the government and the morning, June 26 and the last private sector in both Tutuila day for the workers is next and the Manu’a island group. Friday, August 4th. According to the fiscal year Enesi said the opportunity 2017 budget, a total of $250,000 for young workers to gain on- is allocated for the SYEP, under the-job training and skills is the Special Programs budget priceless. category which is administered She said once the program by the Governor’s Office. ➧ Medical expert Public… Continued from page 1 Efforts by Samoa News to was facing charges of second- reach Fiaui for comment about degree murder, assault in the the unpaid consultancy bill and first degree, making false the affect this has on his office’s reports, and two counts of pri- resources have remained vate peace disturbance. unsuccessful. The police initially ruled the Samoa News should point case — the death of Mamona’s out that the Mamona was not wife — an attempted suicide found guilty for the murder of and the family proceeded with his wife, however, he was con- the funeral. victed of first degree assault, However, new information public peace disturbance, and surfaced afterwards, which led false reporting. He was sen- to the arrest of Mamona in April tenced in April of this year. of last year. The new informa- BACKGROUND tion involved the testimony of The Mamona case went to a Mamona’s nine-year old son, jury trial that began on Jan. 24, who said he saw his father 2017 on which Samoa News allegedly ‘kill’ his mother, by reported extensively. Mamona tying a rope around her neck. Page 8 samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017 Introducing Top Vatican official faces Aus- the ORIGINAL Korean Saimin Bowl tralian court on sex charges , Australia face devoid of expression as (AP) — The most senior Vat- he took a seat behind his legal ican official ever charged in the team. He said nothing during SAMYANG Catholic Church sex abuse crisis the brief hearing, which dealt made his first court appearance largely with administrative in Australia on Wednesday in matters. Though he has not a scandal that has stunned the yet entered a plea, his lawyer, $7.95 Holy See and threatened to tar- Robert Richter, told the court .75¢ bowl nish the pope’s image as a cru- that Pell planned to formally case sader against abusive clergy. plead not guilty at a future court 12x86 grams Cardinal George Pell, Aus- date. tralia’s highest-ranking Cath- “For the avoidance of doubt olic and Pope Francis’ top and because of the interest, I financial adviser, has -main might indicate that Cardinal Pell tained his innocence since he pleads not guilty to all charges was charged last month with and will maintain the presumed sexually abusing multiple innocence that he has,” Richter people years ago in his Austra- told the court. lian home state of Victoria. The The hearing lasted just min- C M details of the allegations against utes and was remarkably rou- Y K the 76-year-old cardinal have tine. Yet the image of one of the Perfect for work, yet to be released to the public, most powerful men in the Cath- play and any day! though police have described olic Church standing before the charges as “historical” a cramped courtroom over- sexual assault offenses — flowing with journalists and meaning crimes that occurred spectators was anything but. years ago. With its pedestrian setting Now available on Island Distributed by Y.S.J. Limited Pell entered the small court- of bland white-and-wood-pan- at a store near you. Nuuuli (684)-699-4470 room dressed in a black suit, eled walls and grey carpet, the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court could scarcely have been fur- ther in both geography and atmosphere from the ornate and hallowed halls of the Vatican. Though many clerics have faced allegations of sex abuse in recent years, Pell is by far the highest-ranking church official ever charged, and his case has rocked the Vatican. Pell entered the courthouse flanked by Victoria state police, and received a smattering of applause from several members of a local parish who attended the hearing to support the car- dinal. To them, Pell has been preemptively and unfairly con- demned before the facts of the case are known. “We’re coming here open- minded — we’d like to hear the facts,” said Trevor Atkinson, who has met Pell previously. “It’s really a matter of giving him a fair go.” To others, the appearance in court of one of the church’s most esteemed officials was a long overdue acknowledgement of the suffering felt by so many victims of clergy abuse. Julie Cameron of Melbourne stood outside the courthouse holding a painting of Mary cradling an infant Jesus — an image she said was symbolic C M of the church’s duty to protect Y K children. “This is where the actual Catholic Church has to go through renewal,” Cameron said. “It has to acknowledge the crimes that were committed on children.” As Pell left the courthouse, a dozen officers from the Vic- toria state police force formed a protective circle around him, pushing their way through a media scrum as protesters and supporters shouted at the cardinal. “We love you Cardinal Pell!” one woman yelled, while another screamed: “You were supposed to protect the children!” samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017 Page 9

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Etena Fou Church in Las Vegas, Nevada opened their very first A’oga Samoa to all the Samoans in the area, and it has been very successful. Tama Ailao and Doris Tofaeono along with Samuelu Tialavea head the program. Pictured is the church group with some of the youngsters participating in the A’oga Samoa. [courtesy photo] ➧ AS legal aid… Continued from page 2 members for partnering with ASLA acknowledges the ASLA in the Manua Access to support of the Legal Ser- Legal Aid TIG project. vices Corporation, Gover- ASLA’S PARTNERSHIP nor’s Office, Hon. Misaalefua WITH THEM WILL: Hudson, Hon. Fetui Fetu, Hon. 1. Significantly improve Faufano Autele, HC Te’i Tau- access to equal justice for low fasee, HTC Ale Tifi, American income Manu’a residents: Samoa Telecommunications 2. Eliminate or significantly Authority, Department of Port reduce travel costs and other Administration, Department of difficult circumstances faced by Commerce and the American low income Manu’a residents Samoa Power Authority. who wish to obtain civil legal Finally, Fainu’ulelei credits services based in Tutuila; and the ASLA Board of Directors, 3. Use modern technology attorneys and staff for their to deliver ASLA’s free civil commitment to eliminating and legal services to residents of reducing barriers to justice for American Samoa residing very American Samoa’s residents. far from the ASLA Office. C M ➧ Y K Green substance… Continued from page 2 According to Lt. Stiehl, the was taking the lead. USCG has confirmed that one Samoa News understands of the three incidents referred to the AS-EPA did collect water by the Governor involved a dye samples but no update could be used for fishing, but he couldn’t obtained from them as of press speak on the other two inci- time yesterday. dents, for which the AS-EPA

FAIRNESS We make an issue of it every day. If you want to comment about our fairness, call Samoa News at 633-5599 Page 10 samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017

Beverley Hastie, left, and Karen Baxter hold a sign supporting Cardinal George Pell outside Mel- bourne Magistrates’ Court Wednesday, July 26, 2017. The most senior Vatican official ever charged in the Catholic Church sex abuse crisis made his first court appearance in a scandal that has stunned the Holy See and threatened to tarnish the pope’s image as a crusader against abusive clergy. (AP Photo/Kristen Gelineau) Authorities warn virtual kidnapping scams are on the rise LOS ANGELES (AP) — The caller who rang Last week, a Texas woman became the first Valerie Sobel’s cellphone had a horrifying mes- person in the nation to be indicted in connection sage: “We have Simone’s finger. Do you want to with a virtual kidnapping scheme. Yanette Rodri- see the rest of her in a body bag?” guez Acosta, 34, of Houston is charged with wire Then came the sound of her daughter, fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud and con- screaming in terror. spiracy to launder money. She is facing up to 20 “She called me Mom (and said) ‘I’m terrified, years in prison for each of 10 counts if convicted. please help,’ “ Sobel recalled. The indictment alleges that Acosta and her In the hours that followed, the kidnappers partners used Mexican telephone numbers to talked her into wiring $4,000 for ransom. Only call people in Texas, California and Idaho. They later did she find out there had been no kidnap- allegedly fooled people into giving them tens of ping. It was a scam. thousands of dollars either through money drops “I was in bad shape for days,” she said. or wire transfers. On Tuesday, police and federal agents warned In some cases, the scammers choose area that so-called virtual kidnappings are on the rise, codes and make cold calls, hoping to catch an and dozens of people already have found them- unsuspecting victim, officials said. In others, the selves terrorized into giving money to con artists. crooks may use social media to obtain names Los Angeles police alone have received of children and other facts that can be used to more than 250 reports of such crimes in the past frighten specific victims. two years, and people have wired more than In Sobel’s case, she believes the phony kid- $100,000, said Capt. William Hayes, who com- nappers obtained her daughter’s voice, perhaps mands the Robbery Homicide Division. from her voicemail, and then altered it.”I was By comparison, actual kidnappings for convinced that this was real,” she said. ransom are rare. Los Angeles police typically Fear for a child’s safety can override skepti- receive 10 to 15 cases a year, including kidnap- cism, authorities said. pings performed by other family members and Even Los Angeles Police Department Sgt. acquaintances, Hayes said. O.C. Smith was victimized. Smith said he In the fake kidnappings, the callers demand received a cellphone call about two years ago that the victims remain on the phone so they while driving on a freeway. don’t have a chance to call their loved ones, offi- “There was a woman ... screaming ‘Daddy, cials said. Daddy help me. I’m in a van being taken some- “If you get a phone call like this, immediately where,’ “ Smith said. hang up,” Hayes said. “Contact that loved one.” Although he didn’t recognize the voice, Smith The FBI began investigating a spurt of cases said he couldn’t take the risk that it was his in 2013. A multiagency probe dubbed Operation daughter. The callers threatened to “put a bullet Hotel Tango identified at least 80 people in sev- in the back of her head” if he didn’t pay a ransom, eral states who had received such calls, although Smith said. not all sent money, said Gene Kowel, acting spe- He talked the phony kidnappers’ ransom cial agent in charge of the FBI’s criminal division demands down from $1 million to a mere $350, in Los Angeles. although in the end he never paid. While on the However, many of the crimes go unreported, phone with them, he managed to flag down Tor- he said. “It’s fair to say there have been thou- rance, California, police officers who were able sands of calls made to U.S. victims, primarily to call and verify that his children were safe at from Mexico,” he said. school. samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017 Page 11 Celgene Corp. to pay $280M to settle cancer drug fraud suit LOS ANGELES (AP) — directly to them to treat blood Celgene Corp. has agreed to cancers and tumors, the lawsuit pay $280 million to settle a said. whistleblower lawsuit alleging The FDA contacted Celgene the pharmaceutical company and sent letters warning about committed fraud promoting a its promotional efforts and for drug with a notorious history failing to warn about potential that was re-purposed to treat fatal risks from the toxic drugs, leprosy and another therapy for the lawsuit said. unapproved cancer treatments, “Their use in off-label federal prosecutors announced indications was tantamount Tuesday. to human experimentation,” The agreement settled a Brown’s lawyers wrote in one lawsuit in Los Angeles fed- court filing. eral court by a former Celgene “Celgene compounded this saleswoman who said the New by instructing its sales repre- Jersey-based company sub- sentatives to conceal the drugs’ mitted false claims to Medicare risks, including most notably and health care programs in 28 the potential for lethal blood states and Washington, D.C., clots.” which were all parties to the While Thalomid and Rev- settlement. limid, a successor derived “Patients deserve to know from thalidomide, were later their doctors are prescribing approved for limited cancer drugs that are likely to provide treatments, their widespread effective treatment, rather than promotion in advance of drugs marketed aggressively approvals led Celgene “from the by pharmaceutical companies,” verge of extinction to the multi- said Acting U.S. Attorney billion company it is today,” the Sandra R. Brown. lawsuit said. The lawsuit filed by Beverly In one of its annual reports, Brown was brought on behalf the company said in 1999 that of the U.S. government under 90 percent of Thalomid pre- a federal whistleblower law. scriptions were for cancer and She could receive as much as the drug earned more than $100 $84 million as her share of the million a year in sales through settlement. 2005, when it earned approxi- Celgene denied wrongdoing mately $389 million, the law- and settled to avoid uncertainty, suit said. Revlimid brought in distraction and expensive liti- more than $1.7 billion in 2008 gation, the company said in a and 2009, the lawsuit said. statement. The lawsuit also claimed Brown was an “immu- Celgene used false and mis- nology specialist” trained by leading statements and paid Celgene to promote Thalomid kickbacks to doctors to pre- and Revlimid drugs for cancer scribe the drugs. treatments that had not been A judge threw out the kick- approved by the U.S. Food and backs allegation last year, but Drug Administration, the law- allowed the lawsuit to proceed. suit said. Under the False Claims Act, Thalomid, another name Brown can receive 25 percent for thalidomide, a drug pre- to 30 percent of the settlement. scribed for morning sickness She would have been eligible in the 1950s and 1960s that for a smaller share if the gov- caused severe birth defects, was ernment had intervened to take approved by the agency in 1998 over the case. for treating leprosy. In 2012, a former banker Because Thalomid would earned $104 million — the only be useful to a fraction of largest individual government the few hundred leprosy cases whistleblower award — for diagnosed in the U.S. each year, helping expose a widespread the company developed a plan tax evasion scheme by the to promote the drug for cancer, Swiss banking behemoth UBS the lawsuit said. AG. For Brown, who brought Doctors can prescribe drugs the case in 2010 after leaving for other purposes if they think the company, it was a long and, they will be effective, and the at times, emotional experience, company marketed the drug attorney Thomas Bienert said.

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Please visit samoanews.com for weekend Page 12 samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017 US Navy fires warning shots near Iran ship in Persian Gulf DUBAI, United Arab Emir- McConnaughey said. near the end of then-President ates (AP) — A U.S. Navy “After the warning shots Barack Obama’s term, when the patrol boat fired warning shots were fired, the Iranian vessel USS Mahan fired shots toward Tuesday near an Iranian vessel halted its unsafe approach,” the Iranian fast attack boats as they that American sailors said came lieutenant said in a statement, neared the destroyer in the Strait dangerously close to them adding that the Iranian vessel of Hormuz. during a tense encounter in the created “a risk for collision.” The U.S. Navy recorded 35 Persian Gulf, the first such inci- Large ships can’t stop immedi- instances of what it describes as dent to happen under President ately on the water, meaning get- “unsafe and/or unprofessional” Donald Trump. Iran’s hard- ting close to each other risks a interactions with Iranians forces line Revolutionary Guard later collision. in 2016, compared to 23 in blamed the American ship for Video released by the Navy 2015. Some analysts believe provoking the situation. included a sailor giving a posi- the incidents at sea are meant in The encounter involving the tion off the eastern coast of part to squeeze moderate Presi- USS Thunderbolt, a Cyclone- Kuwait as the Iranian vessel sat dent Hassan Rouhani’s admin- class patrol ship based in Bah- directly in front of an American istration after the 2015 nuclear rain as part of the U.S. Navy’s warship’s bow. Another video deal, like hard-liners’ arrests of 5th Fleet, is the latest confronta- included images of the Iranian dual nationals. tion between Iranian vessels and ship off the Thunderbolt as Of the incidents at sea last American warships. It comes as its horn blared. The sound of year, the worst involved Iranian Trump already has threatened machine gun fire followed. forces capturing and holding to renegotiate the nuclear deal Iran’s paramilitary Revolu- overnight 10 U.S. sailors who struck by his predecessor and tionary Guard instead blamed strayed into the Islamic Repub- after his administration previ- the Thunderbolt for the inci- lic’s territorial waters. It became ously put Iran “on notice” over dent in a statement, saying the a propaganda coup for Iran’s its ballistic missile tests. American vessel moved toward hard-liners, as Iranian state tele- The Thunderbolt was taking one of its patrol boats. It said the vision repeatedly aired footage FILE - In this Feb. 11, 2016 file photo, members of the Iranian part in an exercise with Amer- Thunderbolt fired into the air of the Americans on their knees, Basij paramilitary force reenact the January 2016 capture of U.S ican and other coalition vessels “with the intention to provoke their hands on their heads. sailors by the Revolutionary Guard in the Persian Gulf, in a rally in international waters when the and create fear.” Iranian forces view the commemorating the 37th anniversary of Islamic Revolution, in Iranian patrol boat approached Iran and the U.S. frequently American presence in the Gulf Tehran, Iran. Mohsen Dehnavi, an Iranian cancer researcher who it, 5th Fleet spokesman Lt. have tense naval encounters as a provocation by itself. was denied entry to the U.S. previously headed a student branch Ian McConnaughey said. The in the Persian Gulf, nearly all They in turn have accused the of a volunteer paramilitary militia, footage aired on state televi- Iranian ship did not respond involving the Revolutionary U.S. Navy of unprofessional sion Thursday, July 13, 2017, showed. In comments to the channel to radio calls, flares and horn Guard, a separate force from behavior, especially in the Strait at the Tehran airport, he defended his travel to the United States blasts as it came within 150 Iran’s military that answers only of Hormuz, the mouth of the as solely intended for science and research. yards (137 meters) of the Thun- to the country’s supreme leader. Persian Gulf through which (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File) derbolt, forcing the U.S. sailors The last one to involve warning a third of all oil trade by sea aboard to fire the warning shots, shots happened in January passes. Man accused of smuggling king cobras in potato chip cans LOS ANGELES (AP) — The agents later served a A man was arrested on federal search warrant there and found smuggling charges Tuesday tanks with a live baby Morelet’s after customs officers inter- crocodile, alligator snapping cepted a shipment with three turtles, a common snapping live king cobras hidden inside turtle, and five diamond back potato chip canisters that were terrapins. Prosecutors say all of being mailed to his California the reptiles are protected under home, U.S. prosecutors said. U.S. law. Rodrigo Franco, 34, was Franco admitted to an agent scheduled to be arraigned from the U.S. Fish and Wild- Tuesday afternoon in Los life Service that he had previ- Angeles on a charge of ille- ously received 20 king cobras gally importing merchandise. It in two other shipments, but wasn’t immediately clear if he he said they all died in transit, had an attorney who could com- according to court documents. ment on the allegations. Federal agents also searched The three king cobra snakes Franco’s phone and found that — each about two feet (just he exchanged messages with an over half a meter) long — were individual in Asia about ship- found in March when Customs ping turtles and snakes between and Border Protection offi- Hong Kong and the U.S., pros- cers inspected a package that ecutors said. Franco said in was mailed from Hong Kong, those messages that he had prosecutors said. There were previously received live cobras also three albino Chinese soft- and planned to give five of the shelled turtles in the package, snakes to a relative of the con- authorities said. tact in Virginia, court papers Federal agents removed the said. cobras but delivered the turtles If convicted, Franco faces up to Franco’s home in Monterey to 20 years in prison. Park. samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017 Page 13 Kurdish official says US role essential in post-IS Syria KOBANI, Syria (AP) — marily Arab locals who will The Kurdish-led effort to secure govern and administer essential Raqqa once it is liberated from services. the Islamic State group will “Raqqa has been subjected require long-term U.S. political to destruction of its infrastruc- and financial support for the ture,” said Ahmed, highlighting battered city’s governance and the beating the city has taken in reconstruction, a senior Syrian the effort to retake it from IS. Kurdish official said Tuesday. “There are no more insti- In an interview with The tutions. (Raqqa) is destroyed. Associated Press in the Kurdish- This council has to be supported in the Pago Plaza - across from ASPA office. administered town of Kobani, to reconstruct and to secure the Ilham Ahmed said the U.S. role daily needs of its residents so in the fight against IS must not they can remain in their homes end with the liberation of the without having to migrate.” COME AND HAVE YOUR HAIR Raqqa but should continue as When asked when US forces a guarantor of stability until a currently offering advice and DONE BY PROFESSIONAL political future for the war-torn training to the Kurdish-led country is charted. troops in the battle will leave, HAIR STYLISTS: Ahmed is the co-president of Ahmed said she did not know, the Syrian Democratic Council, but added that they must con- the political wing of the U.S.- tinue to have a role until the Veronica & Mali backed Kurdish-led force cur- contours of a future Syria take rently fighting to liberate the shape. Call for an appointment or stop by and see us!! Islamic State group’s self- She said the Kurdish-led “Veronica is also a trained barber” proclaimed capital of Raqqa efforts to establish civil admin- from the militants. She is also a istrations in areas liberated from senior politician in the increas- IS will offer “a model” for other Tuesday - Saturday 9am to 4pm ingly powerful Kurdish group areas in Syria, by allowing local 633-0774 Mondays (Appointments Only) that declared areas of self- groups to elect civil councils to administration in northern Syria administer themselves. last year, sparking the ire of Raqqa, a predominantly Turkey, another U.S. ally. Sunni Arab city, was the first Wild New Zealand rabbits surf Ankara considers the Peo- city in Syria to be controlled by ple’s Protection Units, or YPG, the IS militants, who declared the Kurdish militia that forms it their de-facto capital in the backbone of the Syrian 2014. The Kurdish-led effort on sheep to escape floodwaters Democratic Forces, as linked to form a new administration to the outlawed Kurdish insur- could inflame tribal and Arab WELLINGTON, New Zea- since he left school at age 15 He says he herded the sheep gency in Turkey and fears their sensitivities. land (AP) — Three wild rab- and has never seen anything to higher ground. The rabbits expansion along its borders. Ahmed said the current bits managed to escape rising quite like it. He was trudging clung on for a while, but as “If the Americans want to Raqqa council will be re-formu- floodwaters in New Zealand by through pelting rain to rescue the sheep jumped through the protect the security of these lated once the city is liberated to clambering aboard a flock of a neighbor’s sheep from the water, they fell off. Horne says areas and protect their (own) include tribal notables not rep- sheep and surfing to safety on floodwaters on Saturday at their the rabbits then managed to country from terrorism, they resented yet because they are their woolly backs. South Island farm near Dunedin climb a nearby hedge to safety. must continue until a demo- still under IS control. Sixty-four-year-old Ferg when he spotted the bedraggled He says all the sheep — and cratic system is built in Syria,” Ahmed said her group’s Horne says he’s been farming rabbits hitching a ride. rabbits — survived. Ahmed said. She said the U.S. effort needs U.S. political and should recognize that the crisis financial support for the recon- in Syria is not only about struction of Raqqa but also for defeating IS but also about the legitimacy of her group’s building a democratic system effort in creating the new polit- that protects against radical ical structure. groups taking over again. Ahmed’s group has been Kurdish forces have gained campaigning for a federal confidence in light of open U.S. system in Syria, arguing it support to their forces, particu- will ensure representation and larly as the battle for Raqqa took autonomy for ethnic and reli- off. Despite Turkish protests, gious groups. She said Syria’s the U.S. sent new weapons and Kurds, long ostracized before vehicles to the YPG to enable it the war, can no longer be in the fight against IS. ignored in any future serious The U.S. has up to 1,000 negotiations over the country’s troops in Syria mostly involved future. in training and advising the The campaign for Raqqa local forces against IS. The U.S. city began on June 6, with administration has made clear it swift advances from the east does not intend to be engaged and west. But two weeks later, in post-liberation governance the campaign stalled amid stiff or rebuilding. U.S. officials say resistance from IS militants. once Raqqa is liberated, the Ahmed said it is normal for the SDF will hand over local gov- campaign to slow down “as the ernance to the Raqqa Civilian battle nears its end.” Council, a local group of pri-

ACCURACY We make an issue of it every day. If you want to comment about our accuracy, call Samoa News at 633-5599 In this image made from July 22, 2017, video, two rabbits sit on the back of sheep as they avoid rising flood waters on a farm near Dunedin, New Zealand. Three wild rabbits managed to escape rising floodwaters in New Zealand by clambering aboard a flock of sheep and surfing to safety on their woolly backs. (Ferg Horn via AP) Page 14 samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017 California knocks Trump as it extends climate change effort SAN FRANCISCO (AP) global threat. — Gov. Jerry Brown and his “If we don’t do something predecessor, Arnold Schwar- about it, it is the end of the zenegger, stood side by side world,” Brown said. Tuesday to cheer the extension Cap and trade “is an absolute of one of the most ambitious requirement for the survival programs in the U.S. to reduce and the world,” he later told fossil fuel pollution, while reporters. condemning President Donald The signing follows a fre- Trump’s failure to see climate netic push by Brown and his leg- change as a deadly threat. islative allies to craft a plan that Schwarzenegger, a Repub- businesses and environmental- lican, joined Brown, a Demo- ists would find acceptable. crat, for a sunny outdoor cer- In the end, the extension was emony overlooking San Fran- supported by a wide range of cisco where the governor signed groups that said it’s the most legislation to extend a program cost-effective way to combat limiting emissions of climate- climate change. But it met changing carbons that both fierce opposition from environ- have urged the world to emu- mental justice groups that said late. Within view of the city’s it’s riddled with giveaways to skyscrapers on Treasure Island, the oil industry, including too a man-made low-lying island many free pollution permits. threatened by rising seas from Some Republicans and anti- climate change, the signing was tax activists said it would lead full of open rebukes for Presi- to higher prices for food and dent Donald Trump, who with- energy. “Gov. Brown and his drew the United States from cadre of climate change extrem- the global Paris accord to cut ists won’t be happy until Cali- carbon emissions. fornia leads the nation in wind, “America is fully in the solar and poverty,” Republican FILE - This April 7, 1998 file photo shows capsules of the drug thalidomide at the Celgene Corp. Paris agreement. There’s only state Sen. Ted Gaines said in a in Warren, N.J, printed with a symbol warning pregnant or soon-to-be pregnant women against use one man that dropped out,” statement Tuesday. of the drug that had caused thousands of infant deformities. Celgene has agreed to pay $280 million Schwarzenegger said of Trump Brown’s ceremony echoed to settle a federal lawsuit alleging it committed fraud by promoting a drug for leprosy and another on Tuesday. “America did not one in the same spot 11 years therapy for unapproved cancer treatments, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday, July 25, 2017. drop out.” Schwarzenegger ago, when Schwarzenegger (AP Photo/Mike Derer, File) also pointed to the bipartisan signed the measure that autho- support that lawmakers in the rized environmental regulators Democratic-dominated Legisla- to create the cap-and-trade pro- ture gave to extending the cap- gram. Schwarzenegger pointed and-trade program by 10 years. to support from eight Repub- “This is a very important lican lawmakers, saying they message. A message that we have shown that the GOP can have a functional government get behind free-market solu- in California where Demo- tions to climate change. crats and Republicans work That measure required the together,” he said. state to reduce its carbon emis- The program puts a limit on sions to 1990 levels by 2020 carbon emissions and requires — a target the state is on track polluters to obtain permits to to meet. Legislation approved release greenhouse gases. It had last year set a new, much more been due to expire in 2020. aggressive goal to reduce emis- Both governors have hailed sions another 40 percent by the cap and trade as a successful 2030. Under the program, some way to reduce emissions that permits to pollute are given hasn’t taken the steam out of the away while others are auc- economy of the nation’s most tioned, generating billions of populous state. dollars in revenue for the state. Brown repeatedly evoked the The money is a key funding darkest of scenarios Tuesday, source for programs that reduce calling the rapidly changing cli- greenhouse gas emissions as mate from the pollution of coal, well as a planned high-speed gas and other fossil fuels second train between San Francisco only to nuclear programs as a and Los Angeles. 2 hurricanes roar in Pacific far off Mexico coast MEXICO CITY (AP) — meters) south of the southern Two hurricanes and a tropical tip of Baja California, and it is storm are moving through the heading west-northwest at 12 Pacific Ocean off Mexico late mph (19 kph). Tuesday, but forecasters say It is expected to remain a they do not pose an immediate hurricane for the next two days. threat to land. Former Tropical Storm The U.S. National Hurricane Irwin grew into a hurricane with Center says Hurricane Hilary winds of 90 mph (150 kph). It is a Category 2 storm with too is headed away from land. maximum sustained winds of No coastal warnings or 105 mph (165 kph). Its center watches were in effect Tuesday. is about 475 miles (765 kilo- samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017 Page 15 Rights groups ask Duterte to retract threat to bomb schools MANILA, Philippines address, Duterte condemned (AP) — Human rights groups the insurgents for destroying asked the Philippine president bridges and torching schools Wednesday to retract a threat in the countryside but said the to order airstrikes against tribal insurgents were sparing Lumad schools he accused of teaching schools which he alleged were students to become communist operating under rebel control rebels, warning such an attack without government permits. would constitute a war crime. “Get out of there, I’m telling U.S.-based Human Rights the Lumads now. I’ll have those Watch said international bombed, including your struc- humanitarian law “prohibits tures,” the president said. “I attacks on schools and other will use the armed forces, the civilian structures unless they Philippine air force. I’ll really are being used for military pur- have those bombed ... because poses,” adding that deliberate you are operating illegally and attacks on civilians, including you are teaching the children to students and teachers, “is also a rebel against government.” war crime.” “By calling for an attack on Left-wing Rep. Emmi de schools, Duterte is directing Jesus of the Gabriela Women’s the military to commit war Party asked Duterte to retract crimes,” Carlos Conde of the the threat, saying government Human Rights Watch said in a troops may use it as a pretext statement. to attack indigenous, or Lumad, Conde urged Duterte to sign schools and communities in a 2015 international political the country’s south which have statement, the Safe Schools come under threat from pro- Declaration, that commits gov- military militias in recent years. ernment to support the protec- Angered by recent com- tion of students, teachers and munist rebel attacks on gov- schools in times of armed con- ernment forces, including a flict. Duterte ascended to the Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte poses for selfies with stock traders during his visit for the road gunbattle last week that presidency last year after cam- first time at the Philippine Stocks Exchange to mark the 10th anniversary of the stock listing of wounded five members of paigning on his extra-tough Phoenix Petroleum at the financial district of Makati city east of Manila, Philippines, Tuesday, July his elite presidential guards, approach on crime as a pros- 11, 2017. Duterte said a disastrous siege by Islamic State group-aligned gunmen on a southern city Duterte has called off peace ecutor and later as mayor of of Marawi may end in 10 to 15 days but the threat posed by the brutal group will continue to plague talks with the Maoist guerrillas southern Davao city. He has the country. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) and threatened their perceived remained popular despite thou- sympathizers. sands of deaths in his nation- In a televised news confer- wide anti-drug crackdown, and ence he called late Monday his continuing popularity and shortly after delivering his the ineffective opposition have annual state of the nation apparently emboldened him. ‘Wonder Woman 2’ sets December 2019 release date LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman” “Wonder Woman 2” is set to is still chugging along at the storm theaters on Dec. 13, 2019. box office, with over $389.7 Warner Bros. announced the million from North American date late Tuesday. theaters. It recently surpassed “Wonder Woman” star Gal “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. Gadot is set to reprise her role 2” to become the top domestic as Diana of Themyscira. But a earner of the summer movie director has yet to be set. Patty season and the second-highest Jenkins is still in negotiations of the year, behind “Beauty and for the job. the Beast.” Page 16 samoa news, Wednesday July 26, 2017

C M Y K

The atrium area of the EOB in Utulei was jammed packed yesterday afternoon after participants in the Summer Youth Employment Program were notified that their paychecks were ready for pick-up. [photo: Sabrina Sinapati] Blind Aboriginal ® musician dies in The New “McAiga ” Australia aged Breakfast Platters 46 SYDNEY (AP) — A blind Aboriginal musician renowned for singing in his native language with a heart-rending voice and a unique guitar-playing style has died, his recording label said Wednesday. He was 46. Geoffrey Yunup- ingu, whose is now referred to by local media as Dr. G. Yunupingu because of cultural sensitivities among northern Australian Aborigines around naming the dead, died Tuesday after a long illness in a Darwin Hospital, west of his ances- tral country known as Arnhem Land, Darwin-based Skinnyfish Music said in a statement. “Yunupingu is remem- bered today as one of the most important figures in Australian music history, blind from birth and emerging from the remote Galiwin’ku community on Elcho Island off the coast of C M Arnhem Land to sell over half a million copies of his albums Y K across the world, singing in his native Yolngu language,” the statement said. His debut album “Gur- rumul” released in 2008 hit triple platinum in Australia, silver in Britain and topped charts in other countries. He released another two top- five studio albums —”” and “” — and performed around the world for audiences including former President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull tweeted that Yunup- ingu was “a remarkable Austra- lian sharing Yolngu language with the world through music.”