KEY POINTS:
Talofa yet again from sunny and humid Samoa, about an hour ago, Brian Lima, nicknamed the Chiropractor of rugby for his strong tackles and defence announced his retirement from the world of rugby this year.
The announcement comes at the eve of Samoas preparations for the looming World
Cup in France.
Brian Lima, perhaps the best rugby player produced by Samoa and developed locally is making his exit at a crucial time in Samoas rugby history.
The Samoa Rugby Union acknowledged the tremendous talent and skills of the star and his contribution to the development of rugby in Samoa.
"Although he has maintained a good fitness level throughout the years, times are not the same," Assistance Chief Executive Officer Peter Schuster said yesterday.
According to Schuster, Brian has had to work harder than the rest of the younger players.
"Talent is not enough to win games, players have to sustain their strength and Brian has always had to work harder," Schuster said.
Brian Lima has been described as the best Samoan rugby union player of all time.
Originally a wing, Lima moved to centre for Samoa in the last few years as new players took on the sides.
His title "The Chiropractor" came after a reputation of hard hits which reportedly rearrange the bones of his fellow players on the field.
He made his test debut for Samoa back in 1990.
Brian was the youngest player at the 1991 Rugby World Cup where he featured in the historical World Cup win over Wales.
He has played for the Auckland Blues, the Otago Highlanders, and also did a stint in Japan.
Brian has taken part in four Rugby World Cups and is expected to be in the line up for the France World Cup this year.
In other news, Dame Sylvia Cartwright former Governor General of New Zealand defended the use of Samoan cultural motifs by New Zealanders.
Told of concerns by local artists about the "overuse" of traditional Samoan tapa and tattoo designs in New Zealand, Dame Sylvia said: "This is a cultural concern that extends beyond the Pacific."
According to her, as world borders open in trade and international agreements and relations, the sharing and use of national designs are inevitable.
Dame Sylvia was in Samoa in her capacity as Chairperson for the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO to participate in NC Consultations.
Culture being one of the priorities of UNESCO Newsline sought Dame Sylvia's opinion increasing use of culturally significant designs in New Zealand.
"There is a large population of Pacific Islanders in New Zealand and a proportion of symbols and motifs have been imported with their cultures."
Dame Sylvia says the use of such designs and the mixture of Pacific Island art in New Zealand has "enriched" cultural designs.
In 2001, Samoan people were the single largest Pacific ethnic group, comprising 115,000 or 50 per cent of New Zealand's Pacific population.
On the more national front, the new Head of State of Samoa His Highness Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi was officially sworn in to the position on Tuesday this week amidst Members of Parliament, community leaders and invited guests.
Tuiatua was presented with the Grand Order of Samoa at the Parliament Building by four o-clock of 19th much to the relief many Samoans.
Tuiatua and his wife, Her Highness Afioga Filifilia Tamasese took the throne with much humility and ease.
Tuiatua a celebrated author, a historian in his own right and a passionate cultural Leader expressed his heartfelt thanks to Parliament for electing him into the seat of Head of State.
In his acceptance speech he said: "I ask: Who am I to deserve unanimous support? I ask this question with a heavy and humble heart for unanimity, bearing in mind history and my track record unanimity implies confidence and forgiveness."
He continued saying: "I have named my acceptance speech o le avega ma le faafafa meaning "the heavy burden I carry". I am happy and grateful for the opportunity to serve Samoa and our people as Head of State. Yet the burden I carry is this. Can I find my redemption through your forgiveness? The responsibility of reciprocating your confidence and your forgiveness weighs heavily with me. Thus the avega ma le faafafa. If I cannot meet your expectations, I hope you will be consoled by the Rev Oka's homily in the church service the day before the Flag Raising celebrations where he said, It is in forgiveness that you will find renewal and peace."
Tuiate and Masiofo Filifilia will now embark on five years in the office of the Head of State until the next HOS elections is due.
On the more personal side of things, the new Head of State has proven quite laid back since he was elected.
He told members of the media that he was on his way to the salon when he heard the news of his election: "After the hair cut, it still did not sink in," he said.
In his casual fashion Tuiatua headed for the tennis courts after the official presentation ceremony.
Meanwhile Journalists and members of the public who know Tuiatua have yet to get use to the official address of the humble man and his wife, now officially their Highnesses.
That's news from Samoa, once again with a captain at the helm of our ship, as in an old Samoan expression from the village beats.
Manuia le Aso.
