Latest news with #MissSamoa
Scoop
2 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Pacific News In Brief For 1 July
Article – RNZ A round-up of news from around the region, including Niue government announcing its budget for 2025. Niue – budget Health, education, social welfare and government salaries have receives a boost in the Niue government's new NZ$12.5 million (US$7.6m) deficit budget. Last week, the island's finance minister announced the largest expenditure of the government is to cover the salaries of its workforce and the cost of social services. TV Niue reported the health department gets the highest increase in this budget of more than $880,000, a 26 percent boost. Cook Islands – firearms Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has announced several new initiatives aimed at enhancing firearm regulation and safety across the Pa Enua (outer islands). Cook Islands News reported this includes the resumption of police-issued ammunition and plans to simplify the driving licensing process for tourists. Speaking in parliament, Brown confirmed that the Cook Islands Police has reinstated its role as the official supplier of ammunition to the Pa Enua. The move is expected to assist island communities in managing issues such as wild animal control. Papua New Guinea – chicken East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has raised concerns over a drop in chicken sales nationwide. Bird said the government banned the importation of frozen chicken from Australia and New Zealand with the pretext of protecting the Papua New Guinea industry from foreign competitors and diseases. He said it was a short-sighted decision and now as imported chicken stock runs out, the impact is being felt around the country. He said imported chickens retail at about 22 kina ($US5.33) per kilo, while locally produced chickens retail at about 40 kina. Bird said local chicken production will remain expensive because the chicken feed is imported and 80 per cent of the cost of producing a chicken is the feed cost. Samoa – festival A large Samoan festival – the Teuila Festival – has been cancelled this year. The festival, which features cultural performances and the Miss Samoa pageant, has been cancelled to avoid a timing clash with Samoa's general election. The Miss Samoa pageant has been rescheduled, to run from 27 October to 9 November. Fiji – ICC Fijian Nazhat Shameem Khan has been elevated to the topmost prosecutorial position at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Fiji Times reported the Office of the Prosecutor at the ICC has announced that deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang have taken over leadership, following prosecutor Karim Khan KC's temporary leave of absence. In May Khan, who is British, stepped aside pending the outcome of a United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services investigation into alleged misconduct. Nazhat Shameem Khan is a Fijian diplomat and former judge. Fiji/PNG – anniversary Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is poised to attend Papua New Guinea's 50th independence anniversary celebrations in Port Moresby on 16 September. Local media reports Rabuka praising his PNG counterpart James Marape for his leadership in strengthening the region and expressed Fiji's commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties with PNG. Fiji and PNG established diplomatic relations in 1975 and continue to build on their traditional, political, and economic partnership.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Pacific News In Brief For 1 July
Niue - budget Health, education, social welfare and government salaries have receives a boost in the Niue government's new NZ$12.5 million (US$7.6m) deficit budget. Last week, the island's finance minister announced the largest expenditure of the government is to cover the salaries of its workforce and the cost of social services. TV Niue reported the health department gets the highest increase in this budget of more than $880,000, a 26 percent boost. Cook Islands - firearms Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has announced several new initiatives aimed at enhancing firearm regulation and safety across the Pa Enua (outer islands). Cook Islands News reported this includes the resumption of police-issued ammunition and plans to simplify the driving licensing process for tourists. Speaking in parliament, Brown confirmed that the Cook Islands Police has reinstated its role as the official supplier of ammunition to the Pa Enua. The move is expected to assist island communities in managing issues such as wild animal control. Papua New Guinea - chicken East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has raised concerns over a drop in chicken sales nationwide. Bird said the government banned the importation of frozen chicken from Australia and New Zealand with the pretext of protecting the Papua New Guinea industry from foreign competitors and diseases. He said it was a short-sighted decision and now as imported chicken stock runs out, the impact is being felt around the country. He said imported chickens retail at about 22 kina ($US5.33) per kilo, while locally produced chickens retail at about 40 kina. Bird said local chicken production will remain expensive because the chicken feed is imported and 80 per cent of the cost of producing a chicken is the feed cost. Samoa - festival A large Samoan festival - the Teuila Festival - has been cancelled this year. The festival, which features cultural performances and the Miss Samoa pageant, has been cancelled to avoid a timing clash with Samoa's general election. The Miss Samoa pageant has been rescheduled, to run from 27 October to 9 November. Fiji - ICC Fijian Nazhat Shameem Khan has been elevated to the topmost prosecutorial position at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Fiji Times reported the Office of the Prosecutor at the ICC has announced that deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang have taken over leadership, following prosecutor Karim Khan KC's temporary leave of absence. In May Khan, who is British, stepped aside pending the outcome of a United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services investigation into alleged misconduct. Nazhat Shameem Khan is a Fijian diplomat and former judge. Fiji/PNG - anniversary Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is poised to attend Papua New Guinea's 50th independence anniversary celebrations in Port Moresby on 16 September. Local media reports Rabuka praising his PNG counterpart James Marape for his leadership in strengthening the region and expressed Fiji's commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties with PNG. Fiji and PNG established diplomatic relations in 1975 and continue to build on their traditional, political, and economic partnership.
Scoop
14-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
UNICEF Names Moemoana Safa'ato'a Schwenke As A Pacific Ambassador
Press Release – UNICEF Samoan climate activist & former Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Safaatoa Schwenke, has been announced as UNICEF Pacifics Ambassador. In her role as a UNICEF Pacific Ambassador, Moemoana will use her platforms and community engagement to help raise Suva, Fiji/Apia, Samoa, 13 May 2025 Former Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands, champions children's rights following a two-day visit to see UNICEF's activities in Samoa Samoan climate activist and former Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Safa'ato'a Schwenke, has been announced as UNICEF Pacific's Ambassador. The appointment, which has been made today at the Pacific Early Childhood Development Forum, follows a two-day field visit to meet children and their families in Samoa. 'I am deeply humbled to accept this appointment as UNICEF's Pacific Ambassador. This is a continued commitment to what I believe is the soul of our region: our children,' said Moemoana. 'I offer myself fully to the work ahead, grounded in uplifting the needs, dreams and voices of our children and young people across our Blue Pacific Continent. I have met thousands of children across the Pacific in all the beautifully diverse parts of our region and they have been my inspiration.' In her role as a UNICEF Pacific Ambassador, Moemoana will use her platforms and community engagement to help raise awareness of children's rights across the Pacific. This includes access to quality and inclusive education; health and nutrition services; water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities as well as protection from violence and abuse among other areas. 'Investing in our children means investing in a stronger Pacific. Our Pacific young people need us to be better, to continue being the leaders they deserve. And now, I carry that forward to be a voice for those who are still finding theirs, and to ensure that no child in our Pacific is left unheard, unseen or forgotten. Children are our greatest gift,' she added. 24-year-old Moemoana was crowned Miss Samoa in 2023 and then later also as Miss Pacific Islands in 2024. She is also a creative and performing arts practitioner and an avid siva afi (fire-knife dancing) performer. Moemoana, who refers to herself as a custodian of Pacific environment, culture, and people, is a dedicated advocate for children and youth with a particular interest in the effects of climate change on marginalized communities. She delivered a speech on climate change during the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and attended COP28. 'We are so excited to welcome Moemoana into the UNICEF family as an ambassador. Such a strong and inspirational role model for our young generation,' said UNICEF Pacific's Representative, Jonathan Veitch. 'Her dedication to preserving cultural values, art, and beliefs will inspire families to weave child rights into their cherished traditions at home – whether through dance, singing, or other unique ways – rooted in the rich heritage of the Pacific.' During her visit to Savai'i Island in Samoa, Moemoana met with children and families as well as health workers and teachers. She learned about the importance of quality health and nutrition services, especially for young children. In the Pacific, despite the good progress made in reducing child mortality over the past decades, not all children grow and develop to their full potential. 'During my time in Savai'i with UNICEF, I witnessed the strength of our communities, where health workers, schools, village leaders and families work together to protect the wellbeing of every child through immunization,' said Moemoana. ' In these remote parts of Samoa, care is rooted in culture, love, relationships, and service. True progress happens when communities lead, supported by partnerships that listen, respect, and empower. I remain committed to standing with our villages to ensure that no child is left behind.' Moemoana joins the current UNICEF Pacific Ambassadors including Pita Taufatofua and Gladys Habu.
Scoop
13-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
UNICEF Names Moemoana Safa'ato'a Schwenke As A Pacific Ambassador
Former Miss Samoa and Miss Pacific Islands, champions children's rights following a two-day visit to see UNICEF's activities in Samoa Samoan climate activist and former Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Safa'ato'a Schwenke, has been announced as UNICEF Pacific's Ambassador. The appointment, which has been made today at the Pacific Early Childhood Development Forum, follows a two-day field visit to meet children and their families in Samoa. 'I am deeply humbled to accept this appointment as UNICEF's Pacific Ambassador. This is a continued commitment to what I believe is the soul of our region: our children,' said Moemoana. 'I offer myself fully to the work ahead, grounded in uplifting the needs, dreams and voices of our children and young people across our Blue Pacific Continent. I have met thousands of children across the Pacific in all the beautifully diverse parts of our region and they have been my inspiration.' In her role as a UNICEF Pacific Ambassador, Moemoana will use her platforms and community engagement to help raise awareness of children's rights across the Pacific. This includes access to quality and inclusive education; health and nutrition services; water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities as well as protection from violence and abuse among other areas. 'Investing in our children means investing in a stronger Pacific. Our Pacific young people need us to be better, to continue being the leaders they deserve. And now, I carry that forward to be a voice for those who are still finding theirs, and to ensure that no child in our Pacific is left unheard, unseen or forgotten. Children are our greatest gift,' she added. 24-year-old Moemoana was crowned Miss Samoa in 2023 and then later also as Miss Pacific Islands in 2024. She is also a creative and performing arts practitioner and an avid siva afi (fire-knife dancing) performer. Moemoana, who refers to herself as a custodian of Pacific environment, culture, and people, is a dedicated advocate for children and youth with a particular interest in the effects of climate change on marginalized communities. She delivered a speech on climate change during the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and attended COP28. 'We are so excited to welcome Moemoana into the UNICEF family as an ambassador. Such a strong and inspirational role model for our young generation,' said UNICEF Pacific's Representative, Jonathan Veitch."Her dedication to preserving cultural values, art, and beliefs will inspire families to weave child rights into their cherished traditions at home – whether through dance, singing, or other unique ways - rooted in the rich heritage of the Pacific.' During her visit to Savai'i Island in Samoa, Moemoana met with children and families as well as health workers and teachers. She learned about the importance of quality health and nutrition services, especially for young children. In the Pacific, despite the good progress made in reducing child mortality over the past decades, not all children grow and develop to their full potential. 'During my time in Savai'i with UNICEF, I witnessed the strength of our communities, where health workers, schools, village leaders and families work together to protect the wellbeing of every child through immunization,' said Moemoana. ' In these remote parts of Samoa, care is rooted in culture, love, relationships, and service. True progress happens when communities lead, supported by partnerships that listen, respect, and empower. I remain committed to standing with our villages to ensure that no child is left behind.' Moemoana joins the current UNICEF Pacific Ambassadors including Pita Taufatofua and Gladys Habu.
The Independent
14-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Miss Pacific Islands pageant sparks diplomatic dispute after judges stopped at border
Accusations of fraud against a beauty pageant judge and a travel restriction barring their exit have resulted in a diplomatic row between the Solomon Islands and Samoa. Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt, head judge of Miss Pacific Islands, who is from Samoa, and judge Jane Glen Canas, from Vanuatu, were stopped from leaving the host country, Solomon Islands, on Monday, after claims that they interfered with the final results. The issue began on Saturday, when accusations of vote rigging began to circulate on social media after Miss Samoa, Litara Ieremia Allan, was announced as the winner after a tie between her and Miss Tonga, Racheal Guttenbeil. Brunt confirmed to the ABC that he had not been allowed to leave Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, when he tried to leave for Samoan capital, Apia, on Tuesday. He added that he was not given a reason as to why he wasn't allowed to leave. The Samoan government said on Wednesday that it had requested 'official information from the Solomon Islands Attorney General's Office on the circumstances surrounding the stop order' that prevented Brunt's departure, reported RNZ. 'The office of Samoa's prime minister wants to ensure legal representation for Leiataualesa is available, while awaiting official details from Honiara,' the statement said. Solomon Islands stated that a stop notice had been put in place by the minister for home affairs to prevent judges from leaving, according to Reuters. Solomon Islands said that it had lifted the notice on Wednesday afternoon but an investigation into 'alleged fraudulent activities during the crowning of the Miss Pacific on Saturday 8th February' was to continue. 'The stop notice was necessary to ensure that all judges were present to provide information or assistance in the investigation to resolve the issue of whether fraud was involved in the final results," the government said. Solomon Islands said charges could follow the investigation, and it may notify American Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu if it needs further information. Brunt has denied all accusations of rigging, telling Indepth Solomon's in an interview: 'I can honestly tell you that I don't even know where that allegation came from.' 'It's impossible for me to rig any scoresheets in front of thousands of eyes.' A lawyer by profession, Brunt has questioned the legal basis behind Solomon Islands' decision to prevent him leaving the country. 'There is no legal basis for Solomon Islands officials to have issued a travel prohibition order against us,' he told Samoa Global News. 'Once I am home, I will begin legal proceedings. I will demand an apology from the government of Tonga on behalf of its people for the libel and personal attacks on me, my children, my wife, and my late mother,' he said. Miss Solomon Islands pageant director Joyce Konofilia asked for calm, and confirmed that the government had taken over the investigation. 'I urge our people to remain calm, to bear with us for a little while the government is going through the investigation. We would like to protect the integrity of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the pageant does not come into disrepute,' she said. 'At this stage, the government has taken over, and Brunt was stopped from leaving the country. It's a bit beyond us now as the organisers of the event, we are now waiting for a final statement from the government to confirm whether or not they'll release Brunt to leave the country and what will happen next.' Pamela Naesol, who served as scrutineer at the pageant, explained the voting process to Indepth Solomon's and stated that established pageant protocols were followed. 'After the onstage interview results were entered into our spreadsheet, we saw a tie between Miss Tonga and Miss Samoa, with each receiving two votes,' Naesol said. In the event of a tie, the head judge, who in this case was Brunt, must cast the deciding vote. 'Jerry was the only one who could make the final decision. He voted for Samoa, giving them three votes to Tonga's two, ultimately crowning Miss Samoa as the winner,' Naesol said. 'I want to clarify that if the results were to be rigged, we would be the ones rigging the scores because no one has access to the results apart from me and my colleague, something that has never occurred.' Miss Tonga Rachael Guttenbeil has spoken up in support of Miss Samoa, saying: 'My sister Miss Samoa did so well ... as well as my other Pacific sisters. 'On the last day, the girls, we were sharing our thoughts… no matter what happens around us, we stand united, our bond is beautiful and should not be tarnished. If she's announced the winner, let her take the crown.' The pageant organisers finally issued a statement on Thursday, saying it 'recognises and deeply regrets the distress caused by recent disputes concerning the results'. 'Unfortunately, these allegations have escalated to the extent of subjecting contestants to degrading treatment and issuing threats against the lives of certain judges, thereby, detrimentally impacting the camaraderie and ethos of the pageant,' it said.
