This year the I’a Lapo’a Fishing Tournament was a huge success for everyone involved. Despite the weather conflicts for the first 2 days the tournament went ahead on Friday 21st May with fishing concluding on Sunday 23nd May at 2pm.

We had a total of 22 boats register with over 100 contestants participating in the tournament itself. There were 60+ visitors from New Zealand, Australia and Samoa. Some came over on their boats while others flew in/out. We had 6 people who changed their flight details home so they could stay and complete the tournament when it was extended to the Sunday.

The Grand Slam Tournament of 2009 was a smashing success with three boats participating. Total pounds of fish caught was (xxxxx).

Our territory has been struck by one of Nature's most powerful disasters, a tsunami. Although most parts of the island escaped without too much damage two areas were hit hard. On the Southwest side of the island the villages Leone to Poloa were all struck by the massive wave(s), as well as the villages of Fagatogo through Satala and still other villages. The number of casualties is still being tallied as more bodies of people who were trapped and caught up by the waters are found. Many more who are currently listed as missing are still being sought.