Social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and others are the reason that cyber bullying is becoming such a problem, and this is cyber bullying.
For some reason people feel less inclined to be polite if they think they can remain anonymous. They can also get horrible messages out faster to more people.
The students involved need to be charged with cyber bulling and be dealt with accordingly. Cyber bullying is becoming a huge problem everywhere, not just in Samoa.
Samoa needs to show they are going to have zero tolerance for cyber bullying no matter what parents think.
It is dangerous and kids are starting to commit suicide over being cyber-bullied. This must be dealt with now and to the full extent of the law or it will escalate into more tragedy than we are already seeing. Kids will die!
“We have been living here for so long and the issue with water is not new to us,” he shared with the Village Voice team while working at his in-laws place yesterday.
“The pipe only reaches the end of the road. The water from there can only be used for our toilet and washing, nothing else.”
“So the only place we collect water from is when it rains, and when the rain stops then we have to go down the road and get it from a small spring.
“The problem with the spring there is when the first person collects water; the second person has to wait for one hour until the spring gets water again.”
“So we are only connecting that pipe for our toilets at the moment because it is not good for sustainable use.”
Mr. Iese also mentioned that water is very much needed every day, and if we don’t have water, it’s a real struggle at the end.
“It is really hard for us because if it doesn’t rain, then we will not have water to cook our food, as well as drink.”
“I think the only way for us to cope with this struggle is by getting a water tank to store and manage our water.
“We are still trying to save money for it, but then it is really hard because my wife and I don’t work, except on our plantation.”
For anyone willing to help Mr. Iese ease his struggle, he can be contacted on the number +685 7256168.
The “unfortunate” increased permit fees targeting only American Samoan born citizens entering Samoa will be addressed at the Two Samoa Talks next month in Apia.
This is according to the American Samoa Attorney General, Talauega Elesalo Ale in response to the Samoa Observer questions following the increase of permit fees for U.S. nationals.
“I am aware that Samoa is raising its fees targeting specifically U.S nationals born in American Samoa only.
According to the Press Secretary, from 9 October, 2017 the fee for a permit for up to 14 days will double to $US20; for urgent issuance the fee will be $US30 and for multiple entries for 12 months will cost $US150. For U.S national overstayers there will be a new fee of $200 tala, or $US80, in addition.
“Samoa is an independent sovereign country and she is free to impose whatever fees she wishes to impose on travelers to her shores, even if these fees are specific to those of us born in American Samoa.
“We have no plans to respond in kind by raising our fees against Samoan citizens.” Talauega further stated the fees they have in place do not target just Samoa citizens, they apply to all countries.
“If anything we offer lower fees and special permits to Samoan citizens and try to make it easier for Samoa citizens to enter American Samoa.
“In any event, I am sure this issue will be addressed at the Two Samoa Talks next month,” said Talauega.
According to the Press Secretary, the delay in granting entry permits for Samoan nationals to travel to Amerika Samoa has led to complaints registered with the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
“It’s an inconvenience that government has been trying for years to resolve with the territorial government as the bottleneck originates from American Samoa and her permit-approving procedures.
“For instance, American Samoans wanting an entry permit to enter Samoa can apply in person to Samoa’s Consulate Office in Fagatogo and received their permits the same day.
“But for local residents, they are required to email a passport copy, a return ticket and contacts of their sponsors in the territory to the American Samoa Immigration Office.
“Government has exhausted avenues to streamline the processing of entry permit request from our side,” explained M.P.M.C.’s Chief Executive Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo.
“But while we have streamlined our permit processes, we still have to comply with American Samoa’s procedures.”
As the leading government agency organizing the Two Samoa talks to take place in Apia next month, Agafili says that the entry permit issue will be one of the issues on the agenda.