BETWEEN THE LINES

SAYING IT OUT LOUD

Women, children and their loved ones from all over Samoa should be saying thank you to the Ombudsman and his team involved in the National Public Inquiry into Family Violence. 

While a report is still to come, we are heartened by the strong stance of this eminent group who are saying that the time for talking about this issue is almost done and that a comprehensive plan for our society to address these issues will require each and every one of us to ensure it works. 

Maiava Iulai Toma blasted what he says is a prevailing attitude that women contribute to acts of sexual assault against them through their behavior and choice of clothes. It supposedly fuels a primitive urge within men which leads to their lack of control.

What a load of rubbish!

And while thanks are being distributed, let’s not forget the brave victims who have testified and given evidence that has uncovered this so-called ‘justification’.

 

KEEPING IT REAL

We love it that Samoa For Real, presided over by Tauiliili Alise Stunnenberg organized a panel discussion on Saturday for interested parties to listen to speakers, ask questions and make comments to discuss ‘The Chinese Market: Do we have what it takes?’

What a shame it couldn’t have been made into a T.V. programme to reach a wider audience. 

By providing a comprehensive document of facts and figures about Chinese tourists throughout the Pacific from a side event held during the recent Pacific Forum meeting, those who attended were well-prepared to listen to those in the hospitality industry. 

Keynote Speaker, Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa spoke from a government and village viewpoint including wryly questioning our claim that in our culture, we are taught to happily serve. This she noted, does not always transfer over to serving guests and tourists in the hospitality industry. 

Definitely a very interesting and positive response to the topic came from a panel member, Siva Afi’s Lene Leota. Citing his recent trip to China, Leota took note of the activities and experiences he learned that the Chinese were interested in. He then was able to apply that knowledge to experiences we could offer here.

A positive take on the inevitable happening.

Samoa Observer

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