Sasina Deal Draws Wary Reactions

Faamolemole email mai aiaiinga e uiga i lea mataupu.

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:54:51 +0100

E le tele se manatu o se manatu foi e fia faailoa, ae e lelei lava ona faamalamala lelei se mataupu, ma lou faaaloalo lava Faafetai Vagana Stephanie Ela Avea Vagana - Vagana Ela Stephanie Avea Vagana

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Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:34:49 +0100

My grand dad is Misiuepa Leasi Nanai Leituala. His funeral was in Sasina last month (Oct. 2008) and i was there. I truely hope that my village has gotten all the money in the world for our land. Our land is precious and i just hope and pray that this is all worth it. Sasina people better get a DISCOUNT at this place and they better give Sasina people first choice on jobs. ;D - Emilynora Leituala

Thank God For Sasina's Future

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 22:42:59 +0100

Well, even though the village chief once prohibited Sina from landing on their shores so many years ago, as the traditon is told, this time the chiefs of Sasina have allowed another type of queen to come to their shores. This time there is no sa sanctioned against them. In fact most of the trouble did not come from the villagers themselves, but from the politicans in Apia. That is where most of the road blocks came from. I have been to Sasina, and i have personally seen how they are living. This new development will give them a future and a hope. The people of Sasina are the first persons in line for the jobs, and they get money each year for the duration of the project on top of their jobs. Now the villiagers do not need to go to upolu or off island, they have a great future right where they live. the best part about this project is that there is not one aficasi there. This is all Samoan people. This is a victory for the non aficasi's. The true Samoans. Now they will be getting ahead. No wonder why the aficasi politicans in Apia stalled this project and tried to derail it. They were really trying to keep down the Samoans from getting ahead. All I can say is watch out. The best golf course in all of the Samoas is in Sasina. This took vision this took courage this took decisive action this took heat and but now hope can be captured and hopefully the other villiages and their matai will be able to see the success of Sasina and implement similar things. one day they will not need a palagi's company, because they are now being empowered and enriched to do it all themselves. I wish the best for the Samoan people and this project. Heck what is 600 acres when they control 66,000 all the way to the top of the mountain. - Palagi Joe

Response

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:28:41 +0100

To those that took offense to my comments and questions about if the locals around Sasina and sasina were informed fully as to what this project will be about., well, you mistook it wrong. I am an individual w/a Samoan last name, and yes, I don't live on Savai'i but my aiga comes from there. What I do find offensive, is someone who does not know me, who says that my name is "Iraq" - it just shows me that you are indeed ignorant. Too bad! Sooooooo sad! So, my next question is, will you continue to have rights to the Beaches to swim and fish? And may I suggest that before you make comments on the Hawaiian Kingdom and our Beloved Queen, that you do your homework thoroughly? You may contact me if you want, and I will be more than happy to assist. And by the way, I will be in Savaii w/in the next couple of months to visit family - I bet you 9 out 10 times that they have no clue as to the planning of this project in its entirety, but only a select few. - ikuaaloha

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Fri, 25 Jul 2008 18:16:10 +0100

Recruiting Samoan Professional outside.

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:18:22 +0100

That doesn't mean,people of Sasina's village w out of work. Absolute nonsense. This outsider w give them training how to run the Resort & keep them alive. My dear Tama fanau Samoa it doesn't work that way the Hospitality Industry. The people they graduate from NUS,believe me its different completey industry. Doesn't matter if ur a lawyer ,teacher,banking,accounting,they have no idea how to operate this industry. They have to work in this Industry for 2yrs to get experience to perform & get motivating to do the works. Yes,the outside Samoan professional,is a good idea,that if they bring their professional Resume to get in. We all have to help this project for the people of Sasina as well as Savaii... I am very happy & about time the Government do something for our Big Lonely Planet.(Savaii) God Bless Sasina... Moana - moana

typical hater!!!!!

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:14:13 +0100

it never seems to fail that everytime a samoan tries to expose what our culture has to show for the outside world, another numb skull such as that individual quoting those texts say negative remarks. We come from a rich culture, a back ground where the rest of the world needs to know. And if having this kind of a project is what we need to give jobs to our communities boost our economy without blemishing our beautiful land and heritage so be it. We are the last standing culture in the south pacific. How many samoans do you know that once they get jobs, degrees, and benefits come back to samoa.....none....why because there is no jobs....NOW since we have the oppurtunity in our grasp (ie: clinics, schools, aquariums, etc.) we can fill those positions with our people that leave our homelands to further their education. And by the way, just because the hawaiian investors are leasing, it doesn't mean they have full control of the land....if you were smart enough you would look it up in the dictionary what the word LEASE would mean. Secondly, I SAW the lease agreement, and yes I am one of those who carefully looked through the contract to make sure that the SAMOAN people get their fair piece of the pie. The overall person in charge of the project is my father, and as long as he and I can remember, we are doing this for the people....just because there would be world class golf courses and so forth being built. It would not drop any fellow businesses such as hotels and so forth....the more tourists come in to Sasina for the golf tournaments the more hotels will be filled in...the more resteraunts will be in demand....sooo if you're gonna hate you'll just lose out....if you look into this as an investment, be prepared for the near future because tourism will boost in Samoa and I promise you it will benefit everyone...I have been to Italy, France, Amsterdam, Spain, Portugal, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, United States ( all over), England, Japan, Korea, and so forth...I currently hold several degrees...and work as a surgical tech....for someone to say that samoans are only good for janitorial jobs and is especially samoan themselves, Im ashamed to call them my fellow sisters and brothers...You take a good look at some of my accomplishments...Im one of many samoans with expertise backgrounds, so for you to say something like that is just saying that you haven't done nothing with your life and that you're ignorant and stubborn to do anything about it but you're JUST PLAIN IMMATURE!!!!! MY LOVE IS TO THE LAND AND OUR PEOPLE I PRAY THAT ALL WILL SEE THIS AS GOOD EXSPOSURE AND BE OF GOOD BEHAVIOR BECAUSE THAT IS HOW PEOPLE WILL REMEMBER YOU BY. - big uce

Apology Accepted....

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:00:03 +0100

Apology accepted Pulili, you have a right to your opinion and its a valid one. It's already taken care of. Why do you think the lease is projected to 120 yrs., and it is reviewed every 5 yrs. Like I said everything has been researched...it was not an overnight planning or a quick get to riches project... and the parties involved are not politicians or fiaola either, they are just what their company name is: South Pacific Development Group, LLC.... hint..."Development" & "Group" & "Pacific"....their goals are just that. There are other incentives......besides the lease payments.....etc. The only thing I say to all Samoa is Tapuai Mai because there is alot to be done... Pau le mea ia tatou fiafia ma faafetai ma sii le viiga i le Atua ua ana ia foaiina mai lea company e fesoasoani mo le tatou atunuu i le faatoaina ma faaaoga lelei le laueleele e self sufficient ai le tatou malo faapea fo'i le tausiga ma le tautuaina o tatou aiga. It is an all win, win project. In future time we have no problem hosting any global events....etc. Look at whats happening in our sister island American Samoa. There are not enough places to accommodate all the reps from the pacific. Hotels are filled, schools, villages....etc are being use as altenatives. All in all, this project is going to benefit not only Sasina but everyone in Samoa and our country. Tapua'i mai Samoa, ma faalagolago i le Atua ina ia taunuu faamoemoega o lo'o taumafai atu ai nei nisi o fanau a Samoa. In fact now is the time for all the sons/daughters of Samoa to come back home and use the knowledge and training they have recieved from all over the world, to uplift your families, villages and country..... - Seek & You shall find

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Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:04:24 +0100

Utumalama, this is the right time for you to put your talent/s to use back home. Because everybody in your Sasina family needs all of you. All professions.... Hey, for the Sasina people who are supporting your families from there, well now there is a chance for you to support your families right at your door steps...no commuting and nobody other than an elder/s of your family to listen or an - Seek & You shall find

No Hidden Truth...

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 07:53:43 +0100

Okay...Fine, there are limitations to things....not everything needs to be revealed, unless there is a real need for it...and there are people qualified to explain to you about this project. What i am trying to say is, get your information from the right people instead of a third or second party...cause it would not be the truth. And we all know...truth are exaggerrated and altered from second hand information. That's why I am suggesting to get it from the right people or person. THE ONES WHO PLANNED IT. The Investors and the group of Samoans who planned it, not the people on this forum. The media news do not reveal the truth...90% of the information published are not true...they interpretted them in the wrong way or exaggerated or even alter... And its funny I am just wondering why is everyone making a big fuss about MONEY deposit into the Samoan Bank..."WHY??????"..... Do you really think these multi-millionaires or rather Billionaires investors....yes.....you see the "s" after millionaires and billionaires....yep...there are more than one, two, ....etc millionaires and billionaires and do you see the word "Group" in their name.... Well that should tell you everything about them. Go ask them .... very straight forward...there is information on their website to contact them. Don't be afraid or shy, this is your chance to meet or get to know someone or people who have 20 digits amounts in their checking accounts...or even the petty cash accounts. Asked them. - Seek & You shall find

Sasina, =) please excuse if any of my posts

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 03:30:35 +0100

offended you! Because seeing some of names on the posts being made on here are actually relatives of mine and after having read some of the posts you sound very familiar to me. My deepest apologies if I disrespected or offended you and/or families in any way. Truth be said I pray that the Sasina project benefits the village, the community, its people and Samoa. I want our future generations to flourish from this major development and that these foreigners pay Sasina for what its worth! ALL I'M SAYING IS SAMOA IS PRIME REAL ESTATE! THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO ABOUT GREED FAMILY! LIKE I SAID THE PROPERTY VALUE WILL SKY ROCKET IN 10 YEARS TIME AND $200 PER ACRE FOR 120 YEARS ?????? THAT'S HIGHWAY ROBBERY! THEY ARE GETTING AWAY WITH A HELLA BARGAIN! Well, that is just my opinion and hopefully my concerns will be proven wrong. Praying for the best!!!! :-* Manuia - Pulili

Please lets not be Ignorant, please, tell me we ha

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:33:01 +0100

What happens when people hide truth and facts? It comes out eventually is the answer. Public knowledge and Public veting on need to know is critical in a Democracy. Understand one thing. I will only believe my eyes and ears. I tend not to believe what you tell me as truth. Citizens of Samoa have a right to know what these so called Investors have in mind. This is a large project and will need public discussion and open debates. We need to understand the footprint of the project, complexities of plans, environmental issues, timeline and other events that occurs when a project of this size is proposed. You want another project that goes no where or another Investor give you empty promises they cannot keep? This Project will need a 10% commitment letter of credit. Do these Ivnestors with their ravaged website have the $40million-$50million dollars to be deposited into the Samoan National Bank in 24 hours from today? If the monies can be tranferred in 24 hours than the deal is GOOD. If the check bounces from Apia to Faleolo then its time you ask the Investors, Where is the money honey? - Okay--- fine

Sasina Deserve That!!!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:18:34 +0100

:) I AM A REAL PERSON FROM SASINA. MY NAME IS UTUMALAMA.IONATANA. I COME FROM THIS FAMILY NAME LEASI AND MATAGALU SASINA. I THINK SASINA DESERVES THAT. ITS VERY GOOD FOR ITS PEOPLE ESPECIALLY THE TEENAGERS AND STUDENTS. IM PROUD OF IT AND CANT WAIT TO SEE IT !!!!! - Utumalama

INQUISITIVE MINDS WANTS TO FIND OUT...

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:45:09 +0100

Tenari you sound like a reporter or one of the sons/daughters of Samoa whom has been educated much.... If you really want to find out about the SPDG's plans/goals, I strongly suggest to go back to the SPDG's website and asked them yourself. I am sure they wouldn't mind fulfilling your wish. Look on the top right hand corner of the website and you will find where you maybe able to find help for what you need. Good luck on your venture. God Bless & Take Care.... - Seek & You Shall Find.....

Who gets what?

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:44:53 +0100

Is Newsline able to get any more details about the deal signed? Who's entitled to what and for how long, etc? Based on the (lack of) facts available a reader can do little but hazard a guess at the intentions of these "investors" and whether or not Sasina was sold out or is making a long over due development decisions. More info please! - Fotu

Read first their objectives and goals for SASINA!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:38:35 +0100

I wanted to know more about the plans/goals of SPDG and found myself impressed with what they want to achieve in Sasina. This not only will create jobs but also will help preserve our culture. My mother comes from a village in Savaii and years ago it was populated with families everywhere. Now most families have left and there's mainly the elders and some families. People, mostly the youth have ventured out to Upolu, overseas to look for work or go to school. When I visit my grandmother it's just so quiet...population has decreased. Now with more resorts popping up in Savaii there's jobs available for villagers. With this huge project in Sasina and with preservation of culture and land a highlight...hopefully more of the young ones with benefit and not have to venture out of Savaii. I was able to get on the SPDG website where I highlighted the points that really caught my attention and made me realise that this might be a great thing to happen to Savaii. [quote] From - http://www.southpacificdg.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=30 SAMOA - SAVAII VILLAGE RESORT The Savaii Village Resort will be developed on the island of Savaii in the country of Samoa (previously known as Western Samoa) by South Pacific Development Group, LLC (SPDG). The Resort will be as much of a community development project as it will be a vacation destination/resort project. Since the principals of SPDG reside in Honolulu, Hawaii and have had the benefit of witnessing a myriad of mistakes in Hawaii’s development over the course of time, the theme that they have adopted for the Samoan project is “What would you have done with Hawaii, knowing what you now know?” In other words, the project will be based on an unflappable commitment to preserve the indigenous environment and culture of Savaii. SPDG will never allow profitability to become a priority over social and environmental responsibility. In addition to timeshare condominiums, a world-class golf course, luxury private homes, low-rise hotels, a recreational marina, cruise port, helipad and retail shopping facilities, the Savaii Village Resort will build community infrastructure including, but not limited to, a medical clinic, a new school (K-12), a library/computer learning center, a community recreational center and a cultural center dedicated to preserving the Samoan culture and traditions. The Savaii Village Resort will also focus on cutting edge utility infrastructure development by incorporating new and unique elements such as a hydrogen park, solar and ocean power, deep cold water retrieval for air-conditioning and golf course irrigation, and a myriad of other “green” infrastructure innovations. The goal will be to show the rest of the world what can be done in terms of building a highly profitable resort community while still preserving the environment and culture. Once successful development is underway, SPDG has access to additional land on the other major island of Upolu, in Samoa. The same development approach taken in Savaii will be applied to Upolu. SPDG will build a profitable resort destination with a commitment to preserving the environment and to building community resources for the people of Samoa. [/quote] - tenari

Patience: Time has its Virtue...

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 07:24:46 +0100

To Non-respect that you weren't informed "formally", but according to the law there was a 90 days public notification of the project. I guess you missed it.... There was no objections or even a single comment about it. If you want to see the money, asked the members of the families in Sasina. I thought Samoans were brought up to be "Respectful". I am sorry but I don't think you are a Samoan then. With the kind of language you use. Who do you think approved it....PM...and the members of the cabinet and it has been on the news. So, with all due respect to you. Can you go back to your village in Samoa and find out if everything is alright at your village...are they unify? Do they have enough courage to try out something new to better their village and help our country? And if you are wondering about Investors...I will give you a hint....who are multi=millions in America, then that would answer your question. Non-Respect you are my fellow Samoan. You are Samoan, I am a Samoan and the people who worked on this project are Samoans. Right now if these people explain every detail of things they did, it will take another ten yrs to make you understand. But for right now...just be patience...let time heal your curiousity. Respectfully acknowledging your dilemma. God Bless & Take Care - Samoa with Love

Stop already, make me informed----Show Me the Money Honey!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:54:43 +0100

with no due respect-- Samoa was never notified until it hit the news that a deal was completed so with respect, Sasina is not an island to itself. The Country is to be considered. With that said, lets hear the deal and understand if these so called Investors have a pot to piss in( loosely said, lets see the money buddy) - With all Non-Respect

Monetary Benefits.....

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:35:05 +0100

Thank you Priceless and Passing By for your comment and alertness. To assure your feelings of bargaining and concerned about the price. Yes, money may be known as the root of all evil but it is the lust for money or being greedy that causes the evil not money. Money is good and neccessary for our welfare but wanting too much is not neccessary. I strongly suggest that you can verify that by researching the Bible and what it says about money. So, I feel the price is just right...not too much and not too small either, but just enough for anyone in Sasina to buy one of those luxury homes that is going to be build. God bless you two and take care...thanks for the concern. Oh, and by the way "Sole" I assure you that Sasina will still have authority in their village with or with out the development. - Samoa with Love

Hoooray for Sina & Cheryl---RE: Amaral's Comment.....lol

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:12:54 +0100

In addition to Sina & Cheryl's acknowledging Beverly Amaral's (hmmmm isn't that an Iraqian last name "Amaral"....lol... Beverly, just because we are Samoan doesn't mean we are uneducated. Remember it is not how hard you work, but how smart you work, to succeed or to achieve. But we do appreciate your concern about our well being. So, don't worry but be happy for us. In fact, you will be the first one to be invited to the opening of the new resort....lol... And then submit your opinion on it. Oh...just a suggestion...go look up the word "LEASE" there you will find out it doesn't mean "SELL OUT OUR PEOPLE". With best regards to Beverly and her confused mind. God Bless and take care....T.N.T - Samoa with Love