tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16345202.post114358339161764732..comments2010-01-22T05:15:16.774-11:00Comments on Mr Lavalava: Samoan Politicsjthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13693028411158072271noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16345202.post-1143626323996483362006-03-28T22:58:00.000-11:002006-03-28T22:58:00.000-11:00A letter in today's Observer actually sheds more l...A letter in today's <I>Observer</I> actually sheds more light on the World Bank issue:<BR/><BR/>In 1999, the Government of Samoa signed a loan with the International Development Agency (IDA) for the Infrastructure Asset Management Program for up to 8 years in two phases.<BR/><BR/>...<BR/><BR/>Of particular interest...is the Risk Management component. Part (iv) of this components looks at Reform of Land Registration, information and management.<BR/><BR/>It had been discussed that it will involve the development of the Torrens System to replace the current Deed System for land registration which ownership "names" replaces the current deed system.<BR/><BR/>---<BR/><BR/>This, it would seem, is the heart of the matter. The statement issued by the SDUP and the Samoa party alleges that the intention of such an agreement is to promote development by allowing customary land to be used as security for mortgages and other loans. The big change would be the shift of land registration from matai titles (which are shared between families and across generations) to individual names.<BR/><BR/>Tuilaepa has responsed pretty sharply to their allegations. He's ordered the Attorney-General to initiate legal proceedings against the leaders of both parties for "deliberate misrepresentatio of the truth and grossly defamatory statements" against Government. Where this one goes next is anyone's guess.jthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13693028411158072271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16345202.post-1143602998062044742006-03-28T16:29:00.000-11:002006-03-28T16:29:00.000-11:00This is interesting stuff. I would be interested t...This is interesting stuff. <BR/><BR/>I would be interested to hear more about the World Bank Land Reform Program - sounds like typical World Bank behaviour to me... bullying countries to smooth the path for greater private sector ownership and control of resources!<BR/><BR/>Some collegues of mine (including Em) have been looking at some of these issues in Laos where an Australian firm is implementing the land titling program sponsored by the Bank (there are few AYADS working on it too). The program is facing some real challenges, particularly in relation to land ownership of ethnic minorities for groups like the Hmong where land inheritance practices are quite different to those of the (majority) low-land Lao. They need to tread very carefully....<BR/><BR/>You should talk to John Connell about the health and migration issues - I am sure he would be interested to hear your in-country perspectives given the topic of the book he has been writing recently... Drawing some links between the migration of skilled professionals and its impact on general politics and political outcomes would be interesting too...<BR/><BR/>Look forward to an update on the election outcome! We go to the polls here too on Sunday - with only one party running the outcome is perhaps equally, if not more, inevitable than it sounds like it will be there!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com