Child Sex Abuse Inquiries Extend to Pacific As Police Investigate NZ School Principal; Hotline Set Up
Posted: December 19, 2009 Filed under: Analysis, Breaking News, Business, Community, Current, Name Them Shame Them, NZPacific, South Pacific Region | Tags: child sex abuse charges, NZ school teacher facing 41 child sex abuse charges, offender, pacific, pacific nation possible, sex Leave a commentIf you have information on this man Richard Fallowfield Joel, 61, who is facing 41 child sex abuse charges related to young boys, please call this New Zealand toll free number: 0800 337889
[tweetmeme]New Zealand media report this morning:
The investigation into a Wellington school principal accused of molesting six boys has spread to Thailand, Europe and across the Pacific.
“We have numerous witnesses to see and will undertake these inquiries over coming months,” he said. “Although there are still many more inquiries to complete, it is likely that further charges will be laid.”
Richard Fallowfield Joel, 61, principal of Rewa Rewa School in Newlands, is facing 41 child abuse charges and police say it is likely more charges will be laid.
A detective is flying to a Pacific country this week and inquiries are being conducted in Thailand where Joel was known to regularly holiday.
Inquiry head Detective Inspector Mike Arnerich thanked those who had provided information so far.
Part4: American Samoa Telco Role In No Tsunami-Warning System Examined
Posted: November 28, 2009 Filed under: Analysis, Breaking News, Business, Community, Current, Earthquake Tsunami Samoa/AmSampa 09, Environment, Name Them Shame Them, NZPacific, South Pacific Region, Tourism, US & Foreign Affairs | Tags: aleipata., AMERICAN SAMOA, american samoa tsunami, capital, CNN story, Community, corruption, disaster, earthquake, emergency, emergency tsunami siren, natural disaster, nz pacific community, pacific news, tonga tsunami, tsunami samoa, Village 3 Comments[picapp align=”center” wrap=”false” link=”term=american+samoa&iid=6701058″ src=”9/b/9/b/Clean_Up_Continues_0d48.jpg?adImageId=7877033&imageId=6701058″ width=”500″ height=”333″ /]
[tweetmeme]
This is part of an ongoing series on American Samoa post-tsunami and its disaster preparedness. In October, CNN broadcast a damning report on American Samoa’s misuse of federal funds intended for tsunami preparedness. Close to $23 million worth of funds to help the citizens.
On Tuesday 29th September 2009, in the early hours of the morning, an 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck the islands of American Samoa, Samoa and the Tongan island of Niuatoputapu. That earthquake triggered a destructive tsunami that killed close to 200 people on the official death count across all three islands. American Samoa’s official death toll, although no casualty list released, states 34 died; Samoa released an official casualty list of more than 140 dead including at least 70 children no older than 11 years old; Niuatoputapu lost 9 people including a child and an infant.
There was no island-wide emergency tsunami siren on that horrific day. America Samoa, though not releasing a casualty list citing patient privacy laws, state that 34 lives were lost.
The loss of lives on American Samoa prompted CNN to ask questions about where the millions of dollars of disaster preparedness . Those misused funds were inapprorpriately drawn down by the Treasurer of American Samoa, and the Governor’s Authorised Representative(GAR). They continually ignored express direction from both the US Administration and Ala’ilima to return funds to the homeland security budget.
One of the key players, who has perhaps displayed a degree of negligence in this tragedy, is American Samoa Telecommunications Agency. Despite signing a Memorandum of Understanding with American Homeland Security, prior to funds being frozen, they did not buy let alone install the island-wide emergency tsunami siren. Yet official records show in this box that they signed a document but failed to carry it out.
Below are the final installation of responses between Governor Tulafono’s Cabinet and the former Homeland Security Director reveal a wide difference between each one’s understanding and comprehension of the issues involved, and exactly what happened or didn’t happen.
GOVERNOR/SALA: On matters related to the sirens, Sala said that when he came on board, he found evidence of a study which had been done for an island-wide siren system. He agreed with the governor’s remarks to CNN that “it was only a study.”
AlA’ILIMA: This was way more than a study. The Territorial Office of Homeland Security had already entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) in May 2006 to purchase and install the sirens…In the memorandum it was clearly stated that the installation of the sirens was a top priority for the American Samoa Government and DHS funding was approved for the project before my termination.
GOVERNOR/SALA:A facilities manager at American Samoa Telco, who asked not to be identified, verified that it did order one siren, based on a survey done in 2006. “To date, ASTCA has not been paid for the one siren which was ordered for a test, he said. A full warning system was never delivered, per the ASTCA official.
AlA’ILIMA:Mr. Sala has obviously not read the Memorandum of Understanding. This was recognized as a top priority matter for the American Samoa Government and American Samoa Telecommunications Authority obligated itself to finance and install the sirens and then to seek reimbursement. Given that the Memorandum…was signed before the freezing of the funds, American Samoa Telco as an independent government agency could have followed the agreement, installed the sirens and then sought the contract reimbursement.
GOVERNOR/SALA: The Emergency Alert System is a separate matter. “We have the emergency alarm system, continued Sala, but NOAA was unable to deliver the EAS warning system equipment in a timely manner, after $250,000 had been advanced to them in 2004 to deliver the product.
AlA’ILIMA:As I mentioned earlier, Mr. Sala does not understand the development and integration of the Emergency Alert Systems. He also does not comprehend the problems we were working through with NOAA. The federal Department of Homeland Security was concerned about using the territory’s homeland security funds to buy NOAA equipment because NOAA, as a federal agency, had its own separate funding for homeland security. American Samoa, however, did not have an existing alert system like the individual US states already had before 9/11 with their own tie in to NOAA.
If we were to make the connection, we needed to pay for the equipment and give it to NOAA. This was the basis of our Memorandum of Understanding with NOAA. I am pleased to hear that FEMA recently agreed that such a system was warranted and that the NOAA option we invested into was the most cost effective alternative .This was a manageable federal issue but it required someone who understood the problem, which clearly Mr. Sala did not and apparently still does not after two and a half years on the job.
No response from Governor Tulafono or his Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Langford. FEMA, after initially posting a comment on the website which we replied with a request to correct our stories if need be, have not responded further. Ongoing silence from US agencies responsible for federal funding in American Samoa.
We will continue to follow this story and keep you posted on any developments.
Child Abuse Victims More Christian Than The Catholic Priests Who Abused (Ireland)
Posted: November 27, 2009 Filed under: Analysis, Breaking News, Business, Community, Current, health, Name Them Shame Them, NZPacific, Opinion & Commentary | Tags: abuse, Archdiocese of Dublin, catholic priests, childhood victims, Commission of Investigation Report into the Catholic, Dermot Ahern, ireland, paedophiles, sexual abuse 2 Comments[picapp align=”center” wrap=”false” link=”term=Catholic+priests&iid=226469″ src=”0222/a131f8ee-1fa1-4607-a085-91b3e1f41bd5.jpg?adImageId=7869750&imageId=226469″ width=”337″ height=”506″ /]
Early this morning NZ Time, pacificEyeWitness watched a moving speech, live on BBC, by Ireland’s Justice Minister on how the Catholic church and state agencies dealt with allegations of child abuse against 46 priests from 1975 to 2004. It was a damning report against the Church and state agencies. The Minister called on victims to come forward so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice and held accountable.
“I read the report as Justice Minister. But on a human level, as a father and as a member of this community. As I read it, I felt a growing sense of revulsion and anger. Revulsion at the horrible evil acts committed against young children. Anger at how those children were then dealt with and how often abusers were left free to abuse. But the white heat of our anger should not for one minute deflect us from what needs to be done. Persons who committed these dreadful crimes, no matter when they happened, will continue to be pursued. They must come to know that there will be no hiding place. That justice, even where it may have been delayed, will not be denied. There’s a clear duty on all of us to ensure that everything possible is done to prevent such abuse happening into the future. And if it does happen, that no-one is above or beyond the law.
Irish Justice Minister, Dermot Ahern, speaking this morning to a packed press conference in Ireland. Read the rest of this entry »
Part 3: Who Authorised Federals Funds Be Taken Away from Tsunami Preparedness American Samoa?
Posted: November 21, 2009 Filed under: Analysis, Breaking News, Business, Community, Current, Earthquake Tsunami Samoa/AmSampa 09, Environment, Name Them Shame Them, NZPacific, South Pacific Region, US & Foreign Affairs | Tags: AMERICAN SAMOA, american samoa tsunami, Breaking news tsunami, corruption, earthquake, Emergencies And Disasters, emergency, Evelyn Vaitautolu-Langford, Governor Tulafono, homeland security, Lei’ataualesā Birdsall Ala’ilima, mike sala american samoa, natural disaster, pacific news, Politics, usa, Village, weather 2 Comments[picapp align=”center” wrap=”false” link=”term=american+samoa&iid=6701059″ src=”9/3/6/7/Clean_Up_Continues_7678.jpg?adImageId=7697575&imageId=6701059″ width=”500″ height=”333″ /]
[tweetmeme]This is part of an ongoing series on American Samoa post-tsunami and its disaster preparedness. On Tuesday 29th September 2009, in the early hours of the morning, an 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck the islands of American Samoa, Samoa and the Tongan island of Niuatoputapu.
That earthquake triggered a destructive tsunami that killed close to 200 people on the official death count across all three islands. American Samoa’s official death toll, although no casualty list released, states 34 died; Samoa released an official casualty list of more than 140 dead including at least 70 children no older than 11 years old; Niuatoputapu lost 9 people including a child and an infant.
That catastrophic event has forever changed the landscape of the islands and also the hearts of those who have lost loved ones, lost their homes and lost their livelihoods. It is estimated that it will take years for the people to recover emotionally and psychologically from this national trauma.
The loss of lives on American Samoa prompted reporters to ask questions about where the millions of dollars of disaster preparedness funding went. American Samoa had no island-wide tsunami emergency siren on the day of the tsunami. The Governor’s office, through its Homeland Security Director Mike Sala, has provided lengthy responses to justify why it wasn’t needed on the day. That the nation was prepared on the day for the tsunami. Others disagree and that’s where we kick off today.
Part 3:
After the CNN investigation blew the lid on corruption in the American Samoa Government, we later received a fabricated “story” from the Governor’s office purporting to be a story published and written by Samoa News. The current Homeland Security Director for American Samoa, Mike Sala, said in an email that a Teri Hunkin was writing a story with him. He had cc’d Teri into the email sent to pacificEyeWitness.org. Teri Hunkin is a copy editor for Samoa News.
The “story”, among other things, pointed the finger at the former Homeland Security Director, Lei’ataualesā Birdsall Ala’ilima. We have, however, spoken to others and cited official correspondence that supports Ala’ilima’s version of events. Governor Togiola Tulafono and his then Lieutenant Governor, along with the Treasurer of American Samoa, were responsible for inappropriately drawing down homeland security funds intended for disaster preparedness. That is why on Tuesday 29th September, there was no island-wide tsunami emergency siren to warn the people.
They spent the money on other things and refused to comply with any instructions from US authorities to return the funds to the office of Homeland Security, which at that time was under the direction of Ala’ilima.
Yet despite all his rhetoric and speeches to young American Samoans at graduation time about honesty, Governor Tulafono and his Cabinet seems unable to hold itself accountable to the people. If Governor Tulafono did so, he, and his Cabinet, would have turned up for the Emergency Preparedness Hearings organised by the House in American Samoa this week. Yet each time, twice so far, the Governor and his Cabinet have found reasons to not attend.
Now we’ll follow more of the paper trail.
Who oversees and manages federal funds firsthand in American Samoa?
The Treasurer of American Samoa under the authorisation of the Governor or in his place, the Lieutenant Governor, or GAR Governor’s Authorised Representative.
With the disaster preparedness funds designated for American Samoa, what happened there?
In an email dated 19th January 2007, an official with America Homeland Security wrote to Governor Togiola Tulafono to express concern at the drawdown of homeland security funds by the Treasurer.
…the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was notified that the American Samoa Treasury, authorized by the Lt. Governor, executed drawdown of DHS Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) funds to pay the salaries of personnel not affiliated with this program.
This drawdown of emergency management funds to pay other personnel was done without the knowledge of its then Homeland Security Director, Lei’ataualesā Birdsall Ala’ilima.
Once Ala’ilima found out, he asked Treasurer to reinstate the emergency funding. To jog your memory, these are the funds that were intended for disaster preparedness in the event of a tsunami. But the American Samoa Government simply continued to ignore the authority of Homeland Security to stay away from those funds.
Instead, the American Samoa Treasurer, authorised by the Governor’s office, continued to blatantly misuse funds. They were simply a law unto themselves. They ignored a request from their own Homeland Security Director, Ala’ilima. They also ignored a direct command from US officials. That hints at the degree of sheer arrogance from the Governor and his Administration.
the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was notified that the American Samoa Treasury, authorized by the Lt. Governor, executed drawdown of DHS Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) funds to pay the salaries of personnel not affiliated with this program… The first event occurred on or about 15 December. Mr. Ala’ilima, when he became aware of this chain of events, requested that the Treasurer reinstate those funds to the EMPG accounts. Austerity measures (locally) were drafted by TOHS Director Mr. Ala’ilima in an attempt to once again remind everyone of the parameters of the “In Lieu of High Risk” letter ASG agreed to, dated 6 January, 2006. To our dismay, DHS was notified that the Lt. Governor and the Treasurer once again authorized a second draw down for similar purposes during the week of January 10. Subsequently, a chain of events unfolded to rapidly “freeze” all DHS funding to ASG until an audit between the ASG Treasury and DHS Office of Grant Operations can be conducted.
No Option But to Freeze Emergency Preparedness Funding
Finally, Department of Homeland Security was left with no option but to freeze all homeland security funding. That is very clear from a reading of official correspondence and talking to those familiar with American Samoa governance. Before funds were frozen, however, US authorities commended Ala’ilima to the Governor for this actions in trying to get the Treasury to reinstate the funds:
Mr. Ala’ilima has worked valiantly to promote the TOHS mission and align DHS practices and policies with the Homeland Security Grant Program Guidance, to ensure enhanced capabilities are the end result. Unfortunately, there are procurement delays, contractual authority, and several other factors that continually challenge TOHS from executing the program accordingly.
The Governor’s response to this official rebuke?
From: Ttulafono@aol.com [mailto:Ttulafono@aol.com]
Sent: Thu 1/18/2007 11:32 PM
To: [ ]
Subject: Re: DHS Funding ShutdownIn a message dated 1/16/2007 12:57:22 PM Hawaiian Standard Time, [ ]writes:
Many of the recommendations you have outlined below mirror the recommendations that have been brought before ASG leadership previously. I am hopeful that this recent travesty results in swift overhaul of current practices and becomes the catalyst to promote positive change to the TOHS endeavors — Protecting the American Samoa Citizens from Terrorism and Catastrophic Disaster. Your recommendations are sound, necessary, and long overdue.
Mr [ ], can you elaborate more for me about this paragraph of your email to Lei’ataua please. Particularly, the statements highligted above.
Finally, one direct question in this matter: What are the particular reasons for the shut down in the fundings for Homeland Security for American Samoa?
The Governor’s response is somewhat bizarre given the detailed explanations and warnings given previously. Instead of admitting wrong, there is a tone of belligerence and arrogance in his response. It is clear he did not appreciate the help Ala’ilima may have provided US Authorities in uncovering the misuse of funds that were being diverted away from disaster preparedness. Ala’ilima later lost his job. That has to be a most costly price to pay for those who perished on Tuesday 29th September 2009.
The Role of the Governor’s Authorized Representative, a post currently held by Evelyn Vaitautolu-Langford.
She is the second in command in American Samoa. Since the role of the GAR or the Governor’s Authorized Representative is a powerful one, we wanted to know about the current levels of responsibility for federal funds and in particular emergency preparedness funding. We sent questions to Evelyn Vaitautolu-Langford who currently holds the role. But no response as yet.
Next Friday: We look at the Memorandum of Understanding signed by American Samoa Government and the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority. This Samoa Telco was responsible for installing an island-wide tsunami emergency siren, that never happened.
CNN Report Part 1: Tsunami Warning Funds Sqaundered in American Samoa
CNN Report Part 2: An Avoidable Crisis?
Latest: Whistleblower Responds to American Samoa Governor’s Accusations
Alert on Sexual Predator in Mangere Auckland (NZ)
Posted: October 27, 2009 Filed under: Breaking News, Community, Current, Name Them Shame Them, NZPacific | Tags: cape road mangere, Community, counties manukau police, crimes against children, mangere, mascot avenue mangere, predator, sex attacks, young children 1 CommentMedia Statement
New Zealand Labour Party
27 October 2009
Mangere MP Warns Community To Look Out for Each Other
Labour MP for Mangere, Su’a William Sio says he wants the whole community to be vigilant and look out for each other while the police are investigating a series of possibly related sexual attacks on young children and young women in and around Cape Road and Mascot Avenue Mangere.
“Mangere needs to come together like a village and look out for each other until this sex offender is apprehended and incarcerated,” says Su’a William Sio.
“We all need to be particularly careful leading up to Halloween at the end of this week, and make sure that children are accompanied by an adult and young people are in safe groups of people they know and trust.
“The offending behaviour by this predator is completely deplorable.
“I’m appealing to our community to work with the Police and provide any information that can assist their investigation.
The Police have a what I understand is a 24 hour, seven days a week number in Manukau – (09) 261-1300, but if ever in doubt call 111.
Why You Cannot Turn A Blind Eye When Students Fight
Posted: October 23, 2009 Filed under: Analysis, Breaking News, Community, Current, education, Name Them Shame Them, Opinion & Commentary, US & Foreign Affairs | Tags: death in chicago school, student beaten to death, student violence, youth gangs in chicago Leave a commentThis disturbing video was recently aired in the USA. I’ve posted it here because the issues of schoolyard and schoolkid fights, and the growing incidence of violence among students, is a concern in many countries, not just the USA. May this be a salutary lesson to any who think this is cool. It isn’t. A boy died as a result. His death was preventatable. What is equally disturbing is the attitude of the videographer who shoot it.
The TV Network who aired the story issued an explanation this week as to why they bought and aired the video from the videographer, a student. Four Chicago teenagers have since been arrested and charged.
Police Hotline for Missing Toddler Aisling Symes
Posted: October 12, 2009 Filed under: Analysis, Breaking News, Business, Community, Current, Earthquake Tsunami Samoa/AmSampa 09, education, Environment, Fiji Coup, Fono Notices, health, Honour & Tribute, Jobs In The Pacific, Lighter Moments, Name Them Shame Them, Noticeboard Tsunami, NZ General Election 2008, NZPacific, Opinion & Commentary, Pacific Scholarships Awards, Politics, South Pacific Region, sports, Tourism, US & Foreign Affairs, US Presidential Elections 2008 | Tags: abduction, aisling symes, crime, kidnapping, missing child, missing toddler henderson, new zealand, police Leave a commentIf you have any information please call the hotline: 0800 4 Aisling (0800 4 2475 464)
Aisling has been missing for over a week today. This child needs to be found. Help find her. She needs to be home with her parents. If you know anyone, who has had anything to do with her disappearance, do the right thing and call the New Zealand police at the hotline on 0800 4275464.
Please call the HOTLINE f you have any information on Aisling’s disappearance.
Though we have been busy focused on the tsunami, and its devastation in Samoa, we have been closely following the sad story of two-year-old Aisling who disappeared from West Auckland, New Zealand. We thought she would have been found by now. But sadly, no.
Aisling went missing from her grandparents’ home in Longburn Rd Henderson reportedly after 5pm last Monday 5th October, 2009.
Henderson Police are continuing their search for Aisling [pronounced Ashling] Symes after she went missing from an address in Longburn Road, Henderson Monday 5 October at about 5.30pm.
Aisling is aged two years. She is a tall girl for her age, of European appearance, with light brown hair.
Aisling is believed to be wearing green parka jacket or ski jacket, blue jeans embroidered with flowers, and has white tennis shoes on her feet.
Police are eager to hear from anyone who has information about the disappearance of Aisling Symes. Please call the hotline if you have any information.
Major Site Changes at PacificEyeWitness
Posted: March 21, 2010 | Author: PacificEyeWitness.com | Filed under: Analysis, Breaking News, Business, Community, Current, Earthquake Tsunami Samoa/AmSampa 09, education, Environment, Fiji Coup, Fono Notices, health, Honour & Tribute, Jobs In The Pacific, Journal of Breast Cancer Survivor, Lighter Moments, Name Them Shame Them, Noticeboard Tsunami, NZ General Election 2008, NZPacific, Opinion & Commentary, Pacific Scholarships Awards, Politics, South Pacific Region, sports, Tourism, US & Foreign Affairs, US Presidential Elections 2008 | Tags: new announcement, pacificeyewitness undergoing changes, site changes at pacificeyewitness | 2 CommentspacificEyeWitness is undergoing some big changes and revamping the site. About time, we thought!
To search for posts submitted before April 2010, you can search and read them right here using the search button.
Thanks for your patience. If you want to stay informed of our changes and new postings, subscribe to our site. Thanks to our readers for visiting us!