Community Briefs Compiled by Samoa News Staff AMERICAN SAMOA CELEBRATES NURSES WEEK American Samoa is celebrating Nurses Week, May 4-9 with the theme: Making a Difference Every Day. At a church service on Sunday honoring nurses, Gov. Togiola Tulafono said American Samoa nurses provide quality care of patients and they "give of themselves to care for others.' He said everyday nurses in the territory continue to serve faithfully, and their kindness and commitment to medical excellence improves the quality of life for many, and they work tirelessly and with compassion. "We celebrate the role of nurses in providing health care to our people," he said. "We salute our nurses for their outstanding public service and dedication to caring for American Samoa." A full week of activities has been planned and includes the LBJ Nursing Services Award today, a nurses ball on Thursday and games on Friday. There is also a Nurses Week competition for the best banners, essays and poetry (English or Samoa) honoring nurses. ANZ 'NEW WAY OF BANKING' SYSTEM NOW IN PLACE ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank announced yesterday the implementation of their new banking system in American Samoa, which now replaces their 20 plus year old system. A press conference was held yesterday announcing that ANZ's "new way of banking" is now in place. The project has cost over $5 million and ANZ said this is further evidence of the bank's commitment to the local community. The new banking system incorporates innovative technology, such as digital cameras and card and check swipe machines to ensure everyday transactions are processed more efficiently. As an additional security feature, customers have the option of having their photo taken and linked to their accounts. The new banking system allows ANZ to provide additional products and services, giving customers better choice and increased flexibility in how they choose to bank. Internet Banking will also be available later this year. ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank President and CEO Gary Ayre said at the launch of the new system that despite all the concern in the community about increasing minimum wage rates and the future of the canneries, "we at ANZ Amerika Samoa Bank still believe in the future of American Samoa and are prepared to do our bit to ensure that [the] future is a strong one." "This new system places us near the cutting edge of modern banking technology and while our customers may not notice much difference initially, in time the benefits will be very clear to them," said Ayre in a statement. "With new technology, simplified processes, a greater variety of products and services and more efficient transaction processing, customers will have a better experience, every time. It's all about exceeding our customer's expectations." DATATEL SELECTED TO BUILD ASCC COMPREHENSIVE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM Fairfax, Va., based Datatel Inc., announced yesterday that the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) has selected Datatel Colleague and Datatel ActiveCampus Portal software solutions to build a comprehensive administrative system and enhance services to students, staff, and faculty at the community college. The newly acquired Datatel technology and professional services will replace a legacy system used by the higher learning institution. ASCC chief information office Grace Mareko said the college chose to partner with Datatel because the college was impressed with Datatel's experience in higher education, as well as its stability, solid reputation, and advanced technology. With ActiveCampus Portal as Colleague's front-end, Mareko said ASCC expects "to bring the different parts of our campus closer together to ensure our students' success." Gov. Togiola Tulafono signed into law recently a bill appropriating $500,000 from the ASCC Land Grant funding for ASCC to set up a new and modern computer system. JOINT COMMITTEE TO MEET IN AUGUST TO DISCUSS FUEL RESEARCH The Joint Bulk Fuel Purchasing Committee of the two Samoas will be meeting in August to discuss findings of a research into the possibly of American Samoa and Samoa joining together in purchasing imported fuel. American Samoa identified two types of petroleum products they had in common with Samoa - lube oil and marine diesel. The Joint Bulk Fuel Purchasing Committee was established during last year's inter Samoa talk held in Apia. Both sides agreed that there are benefits to be made by having a joint purchasing arrangement for the bulk purchasing of fuel. Gov. Togiola Tulafono and Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi concur that bulk purchasing was favorable given the capacity of both Samoas to store large quantities of fuel. American Samoa's membership on the committee are ASPA and the American Samoa Co-operative, which oversees operations of the Utulei Tank farm. The Office of Petroleum Produce has been researching and gathering information to be presented to a committee, expected to be called after the 10th Pacific Arts Festival. Reach the reporters at news.newsroom@samoatelco.com. © Osini Faleatasi Inc. dba Samoa News reserves all rights.