Samoa in the Rudd

Written by Cherelle Jackson
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
It can be a combination of many things, the demise of Fijis stability, the rise in Samoas regional political popularity, or the shaky status of regional politics that has led to ever increasing friendly relations between Samoa and Australia. But lets not get ahead of ourselves here, it could possibly be that Kevin Rudd, the new Australian Prime Minister just has a soft spot for the Pacific, with Samoa close to the top of the list. Before Rudd came into power, Samoa was but one of the punching bags for John Howards bullying and arrogant political mannerisms in the Pacific. Oh and did I mention former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, he redefined the meaning of neo-colonialism. Rudd however brings a fresh new approach that is all but welcomed by Pacific island nations. Regional Consideration What with the signing of Kyoto Protocol and the injection of millions of dollars into Climate Change efforts in the Pacific, Rudd started off on the right foot. These initial efforts meant that Australia was serious about the protection of small islands from the impending effects of climate change. With Samoa, the Australian Government has invested heavily in all areas of development, but perhaps most refreshing since the introduction of demure Bob McMullan and the charming Duncan Kerr is investment in grassroots and minority issues. They include significant funding in projects involving people with disabilities, training and education, traditional sports, gender equality and the empowerment of women. Finally an Australian government who takes into account the diverse cultures of the Pacific. Port Moresby Declaration This was proven by the establishment of the Port Moresby Declaration which Rudd unveiled in Papua New Guinea earlier this year. The Declaration is Australia’s new Pacific Partnerships Framework which was welcomed throughout the islands for its culturally considerate approach. Unlike prior policies which takes one template and assumes that it suits all, this Declaration acknowledges that each island has its own set of unique challenges. The Declaration however identifies commonalities in the region for a more holistic approach. Financial Assistance The current total of Australian Aid to Samoa alone is estimated at $19.61 million for the period of 2008-2009. This includes investments to improve opportunities for employment and investment through support for Foreign Investment Advisory Service (FIAS) valued at $600 000 a year. In addition to that there is the Pacific Enterprise Development Facility also at $600 000, the Technical Assistance for Strengthening Pro-Poor Policy in the Pacific and projects on Economic Analysis. Samoa also benefits from the Pacific Islands Trade and Investment Commission funded at $1.3 million a year. There is also the Improved Service Delivery and Community Development and Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development. The Small Grants Scheme at $500 000 a year has seen many a village projects successfully sustained. Rudd lingo Those are just some of the contributions by Australia to Samoa, but that is not to mention the education of thousands of Samoans throughout the years. The work done by Australia so far has contributed in a tremendous way to the development of Samoa. All Rudd has to do now is continue his initial success to become one of the better leaders of the Pacific and maybe he should learn how to speak at least one Pacific language while he is at it, so we don’t feel left out. cheers Comments (3) Subscribe to this comment's feed good written by Malia, June 18, 2008 its good of Mr.Rudd to consider the small islands...hopes he continues the good work.......... sei vaai lelei written by sole, June 18, 2008 e lelei lava le alu fuafua, aua a fai o le na ua atagia mai ni faiga lelei a sia PM ausetalia ua i ai nei, ia o le a toe fai fua la o le a John Howard latou ma lana foreign minister ua tea atu? se o le mea o le faamalosi (encourage) ma tapili le afi o mea lelei ia mumu tele, ae o le toe taso'a atu foi o na upu negative e tutui ai na taitai ua mavae e faamanualia ai tagata o si na atunuu,,vaai lelei e le o se Atua le media e silafia loto o tagata,,e le o se fua faatautau (plumbline) amiotonu foi e na te taumafai ai e saveu ma faaali leaga o isi,,faataitai na lipoti mai na o mea lelei, ae tuu i le Atua na te faaalia mea sese o na tou silasila lea i le eseese. Nothing is for free in the world... written by Jack, June 23, 2008 It is good to hear about these big countries like Australia, China, Japan and others are doing good things for the Pacific nations & islands. But we need to be careful because nothing is for free...I just came back from Samoa and it seems like all the 99cents junks from China with lead and all other dangerous chemical in them are sold to our people triple the price. And it seems like our Bank of Samoa is going down hill when the foreign banks are thriving in our country. Most of these countries are spending money in developing sports so they can take players out of Samoa, pay them pennies while they pocket millions...be careful! Write comment Name Email Title Comment
Last Updated ( Monday, 23 June 2008 )

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