Mataafa Keni Lesa is editor of the Samoa Observer.

Pacific Scoop:
Opinion – By Mata’afa Keni Lesa.

Now that TVNZ has decided against appealing the decision by New Zealand’s Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA), we should all breathe a sigh of relief.



It’s a win for Samoa, the government and our reputation as a safe tourist destination.

The decision in question is one where the BSA found that a news item breached broadcasting laws. The item by reporter Barbara Dreaver said Samoa was awash with guns and drugs. Further, it said money from a growing drug trade was being used to buy guns for gangs here.


A complaint was laid through the Attorney General’s Office. It alleged breach of law and order, balance, accuracy and fairness.



BSA upheld the complaint. It found the report presented only one view and ordered TVNZ to publish a summary of its findings as well as pay costs.


“In the Authority’s view, the cumulative effect of such a dramatic introduction coupled with the information presented in the item was to create an impression for viewers that not only was the situation in Samoa extremely serious, but Government officials were complicit in the guns and drugs trade,” the ruling found.



“While the reporter’s information does show that there have been isolated incidences involving drugs and guns in Samoa spread over a number of years, it does not support the impression given in the item that Samoa was ‘awash’ with guns and drugs.”


TVNZ had considered an appeal. This week, however, spokesperson Megan Richards, said they have decided against it. She said they don’t have the resources to pursue the matter and that TVNZ will offer an apology.



The apology will no doubt be keenly awaited on these shores since TVNZ’s news is carried by two local TV stations. 
But how ironic. Here we are demanding an apology for a story about guns and drugs and yet in Samoa today, we’ve got a serious problem with the wide availability of fire arms. Drugs – marijuana especially – has been a problem for a long time.



Just last week, masked men – which reminded us of the masked men in Dreaver’s story – walked into Westpac Bank and held staff members there at gun point. They demanded the money and off they went with some $240,000.
A few days later, a man is killed at Faleatiu in a shooting incident where several guns were allegedly involved. Two other boys are fighting for their lives, as you are reading this newspaper.
And that’s not all.



Last month, the police revealed that a gang of young thieves being driven around in a white van has been terrorising homes and stealing from local residents. Some of these boys allegedly poisoned one family’s dogs and broke into their home.
At the Mulinu’u court house, not a day goes by without young people fronting up for drug-related incidents. Marijuana-related offences are rife. It is quickly becoming an epidemic, one that’s poisoning the minds of young people in this country.



Guns and drugs are a deadly combination. Obviously in Samoa, we are not awash with drugs and guns, as Dreaver’s story suggested. 
But there is enough evidence here to suggest we have a real problem. 
So as we await TVNZ’s apology, let’s take the time to re-examine ourselves and clean our backyard. Stop denying the problem. 


The thing to do is admit it and find ways to solve it.

Mata’afa Keni Lesa is the editor of Samoa Observer. This opinion piece was first published on the Samoa Observer website on April 14 2010.