New Members of the Executive Council for 2012/2013 at the Tofamamao retreat in late March 2012

SUNGO members celebrate the success of the Organisation during its 14^th AGM

Almost 50% of SUNGOs new Executive consists of new members representing various member organisations. As SUNGO farewells its Immediate Past President Vaasiliifiti Moelagi Jackson who served 2 consecutive terms as the National President for SUNGO, she also welcomes a new hero Seumanuula Moana Clarke to steer the organisation for the next 2 years in support of her newly elected council members.

The Samoa Umbrella for Non Governmental Organisations (SUNGO) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 1^st February 2012 at the STA Fale, Mulivai where its Audited Financial Accounts for the year 2010-11 including the annual budget and work plan for the year 2011-12 were tabled and approved by its members.

Members of the organisation praised the success of the organisation though there were lots of challenges faced during the past financial year. Members also moved a motion that SUNGO should step up its focus on helping weak organisations to become successful.

“I challenge the new Executive that building and helping our members must become the priority of SUNGO in the years to come” says Vaasiliifiti in her final speech as President of SUNGO.

I offer to commit myself to the services of the organisation in my term as President”, says Seumanuula Moana Clarke in her opening speech as President.

More than 50 members attended the meeting from both Upolu and Savaii to witness the progress of the Organisation into achieving its vision and mission as outlined from the Strategic Plan 2011-2016. The Opening Ceremony started with a prayer by Rev. Feterika Motu, the Assistant Minister EFKS Tuanai.

Members have voted and as results the new Executive Council was elected as follows;

Office Bearers:

National President: Seumanuula Moana Clarke (Animal Protection Society),  Vice President: Vaasiliifiti Moelagi Jackson (Faasao I Savaii Society)

National Secretary: Lia’I Iosefa (Samoa Family Health Association) - later replaced by Leveti Auvaa,  National Treasurer: Raymond Voigt (Beekeepers’ Associations of Samoa Incorporation)

Board Members:

Tafua Breda Tipi-Tufuga (Goshen Trust), Rev. Reupena Leau (Piu Community) ,Mailo Sio (Vaiusu Catholic Youth), Saumalu Saufoi (Taulasea Samoa), Namulauulu N Potoi (Samoa Aids Foundation), Alaifea Laititi (PPSEAWA), Tuala Ponifasio (Nuanua O Le Alofa)

Reserve Board Members:

Solomona Hafoka (Tanugamanono Methodist Youth), Unasa Peau (Sosaiete O Atina’e o Aiga), Rev.Feterika Motu (Courier of Samoa)

Two months after the Civil Society Forum discussions of more Women in Parliament, SUNGO met with the Bills Committee to  present its submission on the proposed Constitutional Amendments. The unified approach covered overall views of CSO members. SUNGO representative Lemalu Nele Leilua presented the submission. A positive way forward that would save Samoa in the future was the key message the Women in Leadership Group presented with their support behind the constitutional amendment. Secretary of WILG Vaasiliifiti Moelagi added; “Let us tell the world that we are truly a civilized nation”. Traditionally, they believed that the race between brothers and sisters in political leadership could only be optimistic if their roles as advisors are to be considered. There were also some issues raised on possible alternatives to guarantee their positions into parliament. However, this did not mean that they could be written off as free riders, as this would defeat the purpose why amendments were anticipated in the first place.

After the submission was delivered, the chairman, honourable MP Tuisa Tasi Patea gave the opportunity to his committee members to reflect upon the issues raised in the submission. All provided positive feedbacks. They complimented SUNGO on a very comprehensive report and the initiative to collect public opinions on the issue. They agreed that matters regarding women should also be dealt with by women.

However, one suggestion made was that the issue of discrimination against women should have also been included in the submission.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman advised that SUNGO should consider approaching the Electoral Committee. “The best alternative is to cater for all possible angles to ensure Parliamentarians’ support is enough when the issue is debated”, he said.

The committee and he especially congratulated SUNGO once again for hoisting these issues and acquiesceit to the Bills Committee for discussion and consideration. He added that he is fully satisfied and accepted every recommendation as proposed.

Overall, in marked contrast to other submissions made, the SUNGO group adopted a non confrontational approach to this issue based on dialogue and negotiation. The submission was successful .

Now the wait begins.