Stephen Howes Journalist Profile

Articles

Combating cancer in Samoa: Prevention, early detection, and a healthier future

2 months ago | samoaobserver.ws | Stephen Howes |Shen Shiwei |Eliorah Malifa |Sonia Palmieri

Cancer is a growing global concern, and Samoa is no exception. According to the National Cancer Policy and Action Plan, the increasing prevalence of late-stage cancer diagnosis and lifestyle-related cancers presents significant challenges to the healthcare system. However, many cancers can be prevented, detected early, and treated effectively. By raising awareness and adopting healthier lifestyles, we can significantly reduce the cancer burden in Samoa.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Samoa with a shared future

2 months ago | samoaobserver.ws | Stephen Howes |Shen Shiwei |Eliorah Malifa |Sonia Palmieri

On New Year’s Eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2025 New Year message, extending best wishes to people around the world, comprehensively summarizing the fruitful results achieved in advancing Chinese modernisation in 2024, and demonstrating China’s determination and confidence in promoting global governance reform and deepening solidarity and cooperation among the Global South. China and Samoa are both natural members of the Global South.
Celebrating Seleagaia Toluiva Keneti: A trailblazer in Samoan rugby and advocate for safeguarding in sports

2 months ago | samoaobserver.ws | Stephen Howes |Shen Shiwei |Eliorah Malifa |Sonia Palmieri

Seleagaia Toluiva Keneti, known as Toluiva, has long been a dedicated advocate for the development of rugby in Samoa, and her recent appointment as the Rugby National Development Manager at Lakapi Samoa is a testament to her hard work and leadership. Her journey, while marked by challenges in a traditionally male-dominated space, has paved the way for significant change, not only for the growth of the sport but also for the safety and well-being of its participants.
The current political situation and the way forward

Jan 19, 2025 | samoaobserver.ws | Stephen Howes |Shen Shiwei |Eliorah Malifa |Sonia Palmieri

If you are a Samoan citizen residing in Samoa with functioning common sense, then there is no need to panic about the current political situation. Political party internal conflict is a norm in every democracy. A recent example in the Pacific is Tonga. The Kingdom’s former Prime Minister, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, resigned from his office late last year due to party conflict. As a citizen of this country, I am excited about the current political situation for many reasons.
Will free agency fix Pacific Australia labour mobility?

Nov 11, 2024 | thenational.com.pg | Stephen Howes

Recent articles by Matt Withers and Sophia Kagan have argued that (a) the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (Palm) scheme suffers from unacceptable levels of worker exploitation, and (b) one solution is to allow Palm workers to move between employers. I have addressed the first claim elsewhere. In fact, when surveyed, workers overwhelmingly express satisfaction with the Palm scheme.
Unpacking Palm worker asylum seeking

Nov 10, 2024 | thenational.com.pg | Stephen Howes

The first blog in this two-part series made two main points: that the total number of Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (Palm) scheme workers on farms is falling, and that the number of Palm workers applying for asylum is now in the hundreds per month. The blog argued that these points may be related. It is a risk for employers that workers that they have paid to recruit and travel to Australia may claim asylum and leave.
Will free agency fix PALM?

Nov 10, 2024 | devpolicy.org | Stephen Howes

Recent articles by Matt Withers and Sophia Kagan have argued that (a) the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme suffers from unacceptable levels of worker exploitation, and (b) one solution is to allow PALM workers to move between employers. I have addressed the first claim elsewhere. In fact, when surveyed, workers overwhelmingly express satisfaction with the PALM scheme.
Unpacking PALM worker asylum seeking

Nov 7, 2024 | devpolicy.org | Stephen Howes

The first blog in this two-part series made two main points: that the total number of Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers on farms is falling, and that the number of PALM workers applying for asylum is now in the hundreds per month. The blog argued that these points may be related. It is a risk for employers that workers that they have paid to recruit and travel to Australia may claim asylum and leave.
Pacific PALM workers applying for asylum in record numbers

Nov 5, 2024 | devpolicy.org | Stephen Howes

Data just released from the Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations shows a sharp decline in Pacific workers engaged in short-term (seasonal) agricultural work, with the total falling from 18,905 in July 2023 to 14,355 a year later in July 2024, a decline of 24% in a single year.
Data-driven strategies for boosting refinery efficiency and reducing downtime

Oct 8, 2024 | engineerlive.com | Stephen Howes

Words by Stephen Howes, product manager – connected devices at IMI. Unplanned downtime and operational inefficiencies significantly impact refinery profitability. Plant managers must balance maximising uptime with essential maintenance tasks, yet a lack of cost-effective solutions to tackle root causes makes this task more challenging. This not only hurts profitability – it also increases CO2 emissions.