August 2012

In Samoa there are tensions between villagers and the Malo. The village of Satapuala calls for PM  to recognize their grievances in respect of their land taken from their ancestors in order to build Samoa's Airport in 1942. A US funded hospital scheduled to be built on land opposite the airport is stopped by the village until their plea adequately responded to by the Samoan PM. Tensions rise as the two parties have yet to sit down and talk. More attention to their plight is sought by Satapuala when they built a rock fence on the road blocking traffic. Armed police  involved and discharge gunshots in to the air. Village retreated. Work at building site resumed under police protection. Land issue remains unresolved. PM claims that the Member of Parliament of the electorate was seen to be involved with staging the village blockage and has violated his MP duties. PM refer to the matais of Satapuala especially those behind the protests as "stinky pigs"

Concurrently, the village of Maagiagi protests the Malo because of non adhering to agreements previously made regarding the use of their river for hydroelectricity project where requiring users to pay cash for use. Village claim they agreed to give their river and water for government use in return for free electricity. Tension continues and issue is yet to be resolved.

This is also the month that the Annual Pacific Island Forum is held. Venue for this year is the Cook Islands. Mrs Hilary Clinton, Secretary of USA attended this forum.