Neu: 2002-05-01 Contents of this issue:
1. Vivian Wins 2. Image Update 3. Island Briefs 4. Taro APlenty ======================================================================== May 1st, 2002 1. Vivian Wins : Niue today has a new leader. Young Vivian (66) the long -timeHakupu Village representative in the Legislative Assembly mustered enough support from Niue Peoples Party MP's and independents in the Legislative Assembly to oust former Premier Sani Lakatani. Mr Vivian defeated an Alliance of Independents nominee for Premier, Hunukitama Hunuki, by 14 votes to six. Mr Lakatani was not nominated. And Speaker Tama Posimani was dumped today, replaced by new comer Atapana Siakimotu (54) a former consul-general in the Auckland office.He's a former high school teacher and director of education with wide ranging interests in Niuean art and culture. His wife Loseligi is deputy director of education. Mr Siakimotu defeated Mr Posimani by 11 votes to nine on a second ballot. Mr Vivian's election came as no surprise. The Niue Peoples Party caucus withdrew support for Mr Lakatani after discontent over failure to attain economic goals and the apparent lack of consultation with the party faithful. Mr Vivian is likely to announce his Cabinet this week. The public gallery in the Fale Fono was packed as the Legislative Assembly members were sworn in by the Clerk of the House. The new Speaker was elected first followed by the Premier. 2. Image Update: The Samoa Visitors Bureau is in the process of updating Samoa's promotional images and tourist information to present an image of Samoa as not only a friendly and family-oriented tourist destination, but also showcasing a people with an authentic and vibrant culture. Said senior bureau official Mosi Su'a:"We are compiling a product that will portray Samoa to overseas markets as a top destination of value and an experience not to be missed." The new material will be used to update brochures, CD ROMs, magazines, general advertisements and the bureau's website. Marketing pair Oscar Netzler and Fasitau Ula are in Savai'i taking photos and gathering information on how the big island and its attractions can be promoted. They will also be on the lookout for potential models who would "truly encapsulate the true essence of Samoaness." ( Samoa Observer/PINA Nius Online). 3. Island Briefs: The Niue Assembly meets today to elect a Speaker and Premier. Its ten days since the general election and voters have been keen to learn who will be their leader for the next three years. There has been political wrangling following the re-election of all members of the previous Legislative Assembly with an increasing number of factions formed to back their nominations for Premier. Major contenders are the top poller and travel agent Toke Talagi, long time politician Young Vivian and former NZ Army sergeant Sani Lakatani. The Niue Peoples Party has been split over support for Young Vivian and sidelining former Premier Sani Lakatani. The Alliance of Independents claiming seven MP's are refusing comment on who they will support for the top job. However its understood they propose to nominate former Speaker John Funaki to replace Tama Posimani. Voting will be by secret ballot. Political observers say there are strong indications that there will be on going political wrangling on Niue. "The island is at a critical stage of development and bickering is only going to drive more residents offshore to New Zealand or Australia," said one observer. 4. Taro APlenty: Nearly 800 sacks of taro are on the way to Auckland NZ from Niue. The Reef Shipping company's MV Southern Express loaded the cargo after calling at the island on Tuesday ( Niue time). Fifteen containers were unloaded including two motor vehicles and a large amount of timber and building materials. __END__
