27 JUNE 2000 APIA (Pacnews) ---- Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
has stopped Samoan medical students from returning to Fiji for their own safety.
The Prime Minister made the announcement last week after a meeting between Cabinet
and parents of the 37 students that the government has decided to delay the
students' return to Fiji because the political situation in Fiji is still volatile.
The Cabinet decision follows a comment on Televise Samoa by the Health Minister,
Misa Telefoni Retzlaff that Samoan medical students were keen to complete their
studies.
"It appeared they were one in wanting to return (to Fiji), especially those
in their final year," Misa said. "There are five of our students finishing
their medical studies this year ... and they are keen because they have only
one semester to go," he said.
"Some of them do not have to sit any more exams too, only practical work
that has to be done."
Assurances from the dean by fax that the students' safety will be guaranteed
has not been enough for
the Samoa Government.
"They should not go," Tuilaepa said, noting that the safety of students
was a priority. He said the Fiji
government was like a drifting boat and there has been no assurances on a government
to government level.
Tuilaepa told the students' parents that opportunities for education are always
there and if students miss out this year they can resume next year. On the other
hand, a student has only one life, which cannot be replaced.
Exams at the Fiji School of Medicine will start later this week.
American Samoa students attending the school, returned to Fiji on Friday...PNS
(ENDS)
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