HRRP MANIFESTO
THE 2001 ANAVATAU – AN ELECTION PLATFORM OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS
PROTECTION PARTY (H.R.P.P.) FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SAMOA
2001 - 2006
INTRODUCTION:
It
is twenty years since our Political Party came into being. The HRPP was
established in 1979 and at its inception, became the official opposition party
to the government of the day led by a very young Prime Minister Honourable
Tupuola Efi. That government, through its deliberate use of the powers of a
Commission of Inquiry as a political instrument to cause, the arbitrary and
prejudicial dismissals of senior public servants gave rise to the decision to
name our political party, the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.)
The
HRPP successfully contested the 1982 General Elections and became the Government
for the first time. In the subsequent four general elections of 1985, 1988,
1991, and 1996 the HRPP received the support of the country to continue in
government except for the period from 1986 to 1987 when internal differences
within the HRPP split the party and a coalition government took office.
The
HRPP encountered many obstacles and challenges in its efforts to provide sound
stewardship of our nation. In 1982, after the HRPP had formed the government,
the primeminstership was taken away from the leader of the HRPP because of an
electoral petition instigated by the then leader of the opposition. This
unfortunate event led to the present legal requirement for electors’ Ids
(official identification cards issued by the Registry of Electors and Voters) in
an effort to curb a recurrence of similar incidents in future.
Eventually
in December of 1982, the HRPP was able to resume in the government benches under
the leadership of Hon Tofilau Eti Alesana. When Tofilau took office, he was
faced with the massive task of rebuilding the national economy and replenishing
the government's coffers. Indeed,
the Government of the day under Honourable Tupuola Efi’s leadership had
virtually driven the country into bankruptcy.
Samoa’s credibility with donors and the international Agencies was in
an all-time low.
Such
had been the sorry state of the economy and exhausted government finances that a
wage increase sought by the public servants could not be met. This resulted in
the Public servants Association’s (PSA) general strike in 1981, which went on
for three months. The poor economic management by the previous government had so
badly depleted the country's foreign reserves that basic foodstuffs were in
acute short supply. Samoan people were forced to stand in long queues just to
buy basic necessities like rice and canned fish. At the time the only meat that
could be imported in any quantity was chicken back which was not only mostly
bone and fat but nutritionally unacceptable.
Towards
the end of 1985, the HRPP lost the government benches due to internal frictions
within the party. Consequently, a coalition government took office. Fortunately,
the financial policies set down by the HRPP government and the economic recovery
programmes it had set in train were continued by the coalition government.
This
ensured that any regression was avoided due to the stronger position of public
finances and the improvements already made to the economy under the previous
HRPP government.
When
the HRPP again took office after the 1988 general election, it had to contend
with setbacks to the economy as a result of several major natural disasters. In
1989, heavy floods caused extensive damage to the country's roads and bridges
infrastructure. This was followed by the cyclones Ofa (1990), Val (1991) and the
gale force winds of Lyn (1993), which caused unprecedented devastation within
the space of a few years to the whole of Samoa. In 1993, as well, the taro
blight wiped out the taro industry. When the HRPP government introduced the
VAGST, it was met with street protest marches. The leader of the opposition with
a changed Title Honourable Tupua Tamasese was prominent in these protests and in
a public speech infront of the government buildings in 1984 he referred
disparagingly to the capital and infrastructural developments on the reclaimed
area as being inedible. As leader
he preferred public spendings on food only. Further protest marches were made in
1997 and 1998 in back-door efforts to oust the HRPP government through means
which avoided the will of our people through the due process of elections. In
1997 - 1999, the economy of the nation faced the threat of the effects of the
Asian Currency and Economic crises.
These
were the major crises that challenged the stewardship of the HRPP governments.
In each and everyone of these crises, the government did not hesitate in
responding decisively and effectively as the evidence of the continued growth in
the national economy and the confidence of the majority of the people in the
government clearly demonstrated. In not one instance during these crises did the
HRPP seek the help of the opposition, which unlike the government back in 1981
sought the aid of the HRPP to try and resolve the PSA three month’s strike.
The
HRPP in government has a well-tested and proven track record. Our government has
not only demonstrated each time the ability to decisively resolve crises that
have beset Samoa but our overall record in the management of the National
economy is unmatched amongst the Pacific island nations.
The
Human Rights Protection Party is a matured institution; the party's history so
attests. It is already fully prepared, as demonstrated emphatically by the great
strides in Samoa's economic development and prosperity under the stewardship of
successive HRPP governments. The HRPP attaches great value and recognises very
clearly the key contributions that communities in villages and rural districts
around the country make to sustain the economic development of our nation and
safeguard the integrity of our Samoan culture and traditions. This HRPP has
consistently responded with measures, which include good roads, electricity,
piped water to name a few, to improve life in the villages and rural areas.
Indeed, the well-known foundation motto of the HRPP has always been: "What
is good for people who reside in Apia, is most assuredly also good for people
living in all parts of Samoa"
Our
party is not in the business of making empty promises. The HRPP is an
action-oriented party. When we say that an activity will be done to improve the
prosperity and welfare of Samoa, we know it can be done, and it shall be done.
This has been and will always be the promise of the HRPP.
The
HRPP has continued to respond to the wishes of the people of Samoa and done its
very best for our nation. The HRPP stands by its record of the achievements made
in the economy and in the services available to all our people in town and all
parts of Samoa.
If
the HRPP is again given the mandate by the people of Samoa to govern, we pledge
to provide a decisive and effective government, which can meet the needs and
aspirations of our nation.
SUMMARY OF
POLICIES AND ACTION STRATEGY FOR
DEVELOPMENT, 2001 -
2006
Many
of the policies and developmental activities for 2001 -2006 are being
systematically implemented already. Some of these will be completed this year
while others, because of their implementation timetables will either be launched
before or after the general elections. This is the reason why even on the eve of
the elections, the opening and closing ceremonies for various activities are
still taking place. The HRPP is action oriented and we want to get things done.
Delaying the commencement or the completion of activities to meet the needs of
our people because of the elections is unacceptable and simply will not be done.
Developmental activities will start as their implementation time falls due, and
the activities that are already ongoing will not be delayed. The policies, and
developmental activities making up the strategy of our party is not based on
conjecture but on the certainty that these will be implemented. Actions have
already been set in motion to obtain the financial resources and to provide the
required personnel capacities within the government services to implement
developmental activities within the 2001 - 2006 period.
The
action strategy as set down will further enhance the good progress already
achieved in Samoa's development. At the same time, prudent management of the
government's finances will be exercised at all times to keep the cost of living
under control and maintain a healthy foreign reserves position. In 1979 - 1982
before the HRPP took office the economy shrank and inflation rose as high as 30%
in some of the years. Foreign
reserves balances too were exhausted. Last year, the national economy grew by
7%, while the cost of living rose only by 1%. Foreign reserves were maintained
at between $175 -200 million. This is the excellent position of Samoa's economy
exemplified by these healthy indicators that an HRPP government will continue to
strive to achieve. Development of good living standards, quality education and
good health standards are the key to the future prosperity prospects of the
nation. Education and Health
therefore remain priority sectors in our development.
STRATEGY OF THE HRPP:
1.
Education
The
fundamental policy of the HRPP for education in Samoa is the improvement of
quality and standards of instruction at all levels. Sufficient opportunities
must also be provided on an equity basis in pre-schools, special schools for the
handicapped, primary and secondary schools, colleges, Polytechnics, the
University and in the determination of scholarship awards. Emphasis shall be
given to quality instructions at the primary level to prepare students well for
secondary and tertiary education.
Activities
programme
(a)
Construction of new multi levels school buildings at Malifa and
other locations. The cost of the project inclusive of other related improvements
to Primary Schools generally is estimated at $21 million to be funded by the
Asian Development bank from 2001.
(b)
Provision of computers and other essential audio equipment to
schools which have not accessed these modern teaching techniques.
(c)
Revitalising the Teacher retraining programme particularly in
specialised subjects.
(d)
Increasing the financial assistance of the government to church and
specialised schools from the current $2 million talā to at least $3 million
talā per annum.
(e)
Continuation of assistance to village schools from bilateral aid
programmes of donor countries and international agencies.
(f)
Continuation of the programme to tar-seal the Access roads to all
schools.
2.
Health:
Healthy
and educated people have much to contribute to the advancement of society.
Consequently, good Health and Educations are high priority sectors. More than
$3million is spent each year to send patients for treatment overseas. For this
reason, emphasis is given to preventative medicine and providing specialised
treatment in Samoa.
Activities
programme
(a)
Setting up of renal dialysis services in Samoa.
(b)
Improvement of services to the public to:
(i)
Reduce the waiting period for treatment for outpatients
(II)
Proper rationalisation of the services of doctors and nurses to district
hospitals.
(c)
Refurbishment and Improvements to the surgery and Maternity
facilities of the National Hospital. Funding of $21 million will be provided for
by World Bank to start in 2001.
(d)
Strengthening of programmes to reduce the incidence of communicable
and non-communicable diseases.
(e)
Active support to and promotion of insurance services to include
cover for the costs of expensive specialised treatment for our people.
(f)
Continuation of the overseas medical treatment scheme for treatment
unavailable in Samoa.
Basic
Infrastructure (roads,
electricity, water wharfs and telecommunications)
Adequate
and good infrastructure is necessary for all other developmental activities
whether by government or by individual persons, to take place properly.
Additional resources will be earmarked each year to construct and maintain basic
infrastructure to help accelerate the development of the country. The activities
development programmes in the various infrastructure categories are:
3.
Roads and Bridges:
Projects
currently constructed for completion in 2001.
§
Two
lane bridges at Lelata and Tuaefu to improve traffic flow in these areas.
§
Cement cause way at Lalomauga
§
Sealed
Road at Ologogo , Savaii
§
Sealed
Road at Paia/Safotu, Savai’i
§
Improved
access to new water pump for Saleaula Water supply system.
Roads
and bridges to be constructed/and or upgraded
4.
Electricity:
Increasing
the electricity output: to meet expected demand shall become the top Priority of
the EPC. The following strategy is
proposed to meet this objective.
§
Afulilo
power station capacity is to be expanded by raising the level of the Dam by one
metre. Also new diesel generators
shall be procured as required. (Total
cost $35 million)
§
Uninterrupted
power supply for Manono ($2 million)
§
Development
of electricity power generation for Savaii from Hydro ($100 million) as well as
procuring diesel generators for Vaipouli and Asau.
§
Continuation
of the programme to connect electricity to new areas that require electricity.
5.
Water:
§
Completion in 2003 of the current programme to provide clean
filtered water from Siusega to the District of Samatau and Falelatai (Upolu) as
well as from Vailoa to Pu'apu'a (Savaii) ($54
million from the European Union)
§
Continuation of the programme to improve water supplies to elevated
areas and those that have yet to receive water supplies for 24 hours ($20
million)
§
Continuation of the programme to provide clean filtered water to
all households.
§
Construction of a sewerage system and treatment plant for the town
area ($60 million to be funded by EU under the new Agreement)
6.
Ports:
§
Work to extend the main wharf at Matautu by 200 meters and
increasing the container park area will commence in 2001. (To be funded by Japan
at a cost in excess of $54 million). The increase in the number of visits by
cargo vessel and passenger ocean liners has made urgent the extension of the
current wharf which is already proven to be too small for our fast growing
economy.
§
Further investigations will continue into the Asau and Aleipata
Wharfs to determine the desirability and feasibility of utilising these white
elephants on which substantial investments were made by previous governments
prior to the advent of the HRPP administrations.
7.
Telecommunications:
§
Improvement of telephone communications to all parts of the country
through landlines and cellular telephones. These improvements could be completed within two years.
§
Expanding Internet and other latest information technological
changes to support distant education and tele-medicine development.
8.
Agriculture:
Land
is the heritage of Samoa. Much of Samoa's lands however still remain under-utilised.
To accelerate agricultural development will require the urgent review of present
programmes to focus more on village agriculture and land development to generate
greater productivity at the village level and at the same time, boost efforts to
the development of new markets for our agriculture produce.
Activities
programme
§
Providing a new programme of budgetary and externally funded
support to village agriculture (ADB contributes $10 million for this programme
starting 2001)
§
Continuation of research into blight resistance taro varieties to
distribute to farmers. Currently 18 new varieties have been distributed. The
same research and distribution procedures to be extended to other crops.
§
Construction of a heat treatment plant to cleanse fruit fly
infestation from fruits in efforts to develop fruit export industry to overseas
markets (Estimated cost - $3 million)
§
Construction of an abattoir to meet health requirements and export
standards for meat products.
§
Setting a new programme of plantation roads to be constructed by
Public Works.
§
Establishing new guidelines and criteria to assist entrepreneurs
involved in the active marketing of agricultural produce.
§
Construction of a special wharf in Apia to provide safer mooring
for the growing fishing fleet (funding support of the Peoples Republic of
China).
9.
Lands and Environments:
Protection
and conservation of the environment is a topical issue in the world today given
mounting concerns over environmental degradation, global warming and sea level
rise around the world today. Samoa
has established a special division for the environment and conservation to deal
with issues in this increasingly important area. Samoa also hosts the South
Pacific Regional Environment Programme with its headquarters at Vailima.
Activities
Programme
§
Protection of coastal lands including the construction of seawalls
and the relocation of roads inland in selected areas ($8 million)
§
Protection of water sources and water catchments areas ($3 million)
§
Protection of the biodiversity of animals and plants in
conservation areas: ($5 million) Conservation areas in addition to the
attractions of experiencing a living culture and Traditions of a nation are also
attractive destinations for the Eco-Tourists to visit and to experience.
§
Prudent management of government lands in the consideration of
requests from villages for land for plantations. The Land Board has established
procedures now to guide its decision-making. These procedures will guide the
resolution of any land discussions (and disputes) with the villages fronting the
locations of Government owned lands.
10.
Tourism Industry:
Tourism
is a growth industry for Samoa benefiting tourism service providers like the
airlines, tourist operators in town and in villages, taxi and bus services,
handicraft makers, hotels and all other economic sectors. (the forecast for 2001
is $130 million in tourism receipts).
Activities
programme
§
Further improvements are expected in the management of Polynesian
airlines with long range plans to utilise larger passenger aircrafts. The
present smaller and older aircraft B737.300 will need to be released early to
ensure that the Company is strategically positions for the acquisition of the
additional larger B737-800 aircraft in September this year.
§
Review of the incentives to attract new hotel investments and Hotel
expansions as well as export oriented industries to create new employment
opportunities.
§
Continuation of programmes that support tourism and tourism related
development such as the beautification of villages and tourism scenic
attractions; the improvements of
roads, rural water supplies, telecommunications and health services.
§
Continuing improvement of air and sea transportation services
between Upolu, Savaii and American Samoa.
11.
Broadcasting - Television
and Radio (2AP)
The
introduction and/or expansion of television, and radio services were introduced
under the HRPP stewardship. The immediately Preceding administration which the
first HRPP Government succeed was extremely negative in liberalising these
services. The expansion of private FM radio stations provides a wide range of
choices of new coverage and music programmes in addition to the government's
broadcasting services in the TV Samoa and the 2AP.
Activities
programme
§
Construction of new offices for the government broadcasting
services.
§
Upgrading of equipment in Apia and Salelologa.
§
Establishment of an office of 2AP in PagoPago to improve
broadcasting services between
Samoa, Tutuila and Manu'a.
§
Improvement of the TV Samoa reception in all parts of Samoa.
§
Development of educational programmes between the NUS and TV Samoa
to be broadcast on television.
§
Further improvements to Television programming to suit the viewing
requirements of the general public.
12. Police and Prisons
Improvements are needed to further raise the standard of Police work and
Fire Services.
A reorganization of the management
and various divisions of the Police Department in line with the structural
reforms in other government agencies is necessary.
Activities
Programme for Police –
Ø
Reorganization of duties in the various divisions of the department
and the establishment of improved guidelines for promotions
Ø
Construction of a police training center as well as a remand
facility to rehabilitate young offenders.