By Plimun Web Design
Apia, Samoa
28° PCloudy Humidity: 84%
Waterspout shocks Siumu
A freak waterspout – at first described as a tornado - hit residents of Sa’aga S
Pacific partnership makes a difference in Samoa
The amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) departed Samoa, the f
Asau primary gets new building
Asau primary students now have a new school building filled with computers, desk
Market uncertainty as farmers wait… and wait
Farmers at the Fugalei Market are still waiting for the government to make up it
Minister defends trip
Minister of Finance, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga has defended his pursuit of funding f
Vailima wins top award
A new brew from one of the world’s smallest breweries on a tiny Pacific island h
Nu’u’ausala College celebrates
Boys and girls in the famous white and red uniform of Nu’uausala College now hav
Archives Samoa joins world celebrations
“E taua le tuana’imo le lumana’i.” Simply, “The past is important for the futur
Thirteen years of patience pays off
A mother of four children is giving non-stop thanks to God for what she calls “p
UN says Samoa has halved ‘extreme hunger’
Samoa has “halved the number of people who live with extreme hunger on a daily b
Church confirms bank plan
The largest church in Samoa, the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS)
Wishing upon a STAR
Transparent allocation of resources is a goal many countries aim for, but someti
Climatologist speaks at University
“Urgent adaptation measures to climate change are required to address issues of
Building confidence in industry standards
The Samoa Qualifications Authority is holding training on programme accreditatio
Twenty years milestone
Two decades ago, members of the region’s only environmental programme had to wai
Samoa welcomes first Brazilian Ambassador
Brazil’s first Ambassador to Samoa, Eduardo Gradilone presented his Letters of C
Samoa Air introduces Executive Suite
If you thought Samoa Air was unkind to obese passengers when they introduced the
Prison counsellor strikes $10,000 prize
For many, an attitude towards convicted criminals is to lock them up and throw a
PM looks to resume Hawaii flights
13 June 2013, Samoa News - Hawaiian Airlines would neither confirm nor deny a me
Samoa: Will the island be ‘exploited’ by Chinese firms?
13 June 2013 - Samoa is no stranger to colonisation. In 1830 Christian missionar
All smiles from Misa and Asi
Former deputy Prime Minister, Misa Telefoni was back in the country last week
Students boycott exam
Students of “Year 10 Light” at Avele College are not happy. They are upset afte
Companies can't patent genes, US court rules
Decision hailed by Australian lawyers challenging the patent on 'breast cancer g
Public servant charged over ‘ice’
An employee of the Quarantine Division has appeared before the Supreme Court acc
‘Island boy’ overwhelms
‘You can take the boy from the island but you can’t take the island from the b
Film to revisit the past
“I wanted to make a film from my view of those facts that happened before the ri
Rotary Apia reaches out
A gathering with the idea to fundraise for three projects to improve lives in Sa
Samoa to benefit from Pacific Patrol Boat project
Samoa is among several Pacific countries that will benefit from the continuation
SunWize confident about solar project
SunWize Technologies, Inc. (San Jose, Calif.) is designing and installing what w
Samoa Observer Editor-in-Chief addresses Rotaract
Power failure
One generator working at $91.2 million Fiaga Station A $91.2 million electric
Professional women more susceptible to breast cancer
Successful women may be more likely to develop breast cancer – and stress at wor
More Samoans become New Zealand citizens
Twenty-Six Samoans became citizens of New Zealand yesterday during a ceremony at
Shipping launches ‘I’aLele’
The Samoa Shipping Corporation Ltd has expanded its horizon to courier services.
Ford goes further at Chamber meeting
On Monday, Ford Samoa went further – thanking Samoa for allowing the company to
Samoa Air plans flying school
Samoa Air has its sights set on establishing Samoa’s first flying school.
Goods bring hope, save lives
Latter Day Saints (LDS) Charities and Pacific Partnership 2013 brought six palle
Vainu’upo ‘shares a smile’ with $5,000
Three days after the official launch of Digicel’s delightful ‘Share a smile’ pro
Top Aussie climate scientist visits
A top of Australian scientist is in Samoa to help the country tackle climate cha
Ex-Fire boss denies indecent assault
The former Commissioner of Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Seve Tony Hill
Tokelau promotes awareness against sex transmitted diseases
A workshop aimed at preventing and promoting safe sex against transmitted infect
Govt. ignores businesses
The private sector might be regarded as the engine of economic growth but you wo
The house that always shines
From the outside, a shelter may seem to reflect an image of hardship for women a
Giving a voice to the voiceless
“I really think that knowledge is power and when you train people to be able to
Bistro Tatau celebrates excellence award
Having just celebrated 10 years of culinary excellence in Samoa, what better bel
Matai killed, three arrested
A matai from the village of Salelavalu is dead following an incident at Sapapali
Prime Minister writes to Hotel Association
Amidst fears about the tourism industry in Samoa being in a “crisis,” Prime Mini
Acts of wheel kindness
An act of kindness and an act of law now means many Samoans will benefit from on
Next MDGs target bribery and corruption
Transparency International, the anti-corruption organisation, welcomes the propo
Slow start but smooth finish
They may have started slow but local first responders finished smoothly during a
No special audit for Finance office
Spending of $600,000 on refurbishment of ministerial offices will not attract a
Solar power to help keep prices down
Samoa has taken a small but significant step towards using more renewable energy
St. Mary’s launch countdown to 150th
In 362 days, students and former students of St. Mary’s Primary School and St. M
Last weekend Action-packed
Independence celebrations, fautasi race, hotel groundbreaking, a beauty pageant
Last weekend Action-packed
Independence celebrations, fautasi race, hotel groundbreaking, a beauty pageant
USP students dig deep
A group of students from the University of the South Pacific (USP) at Alafua are
PM details long history of “crooked investors”
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi may have labeled the latest Chinese
Pearl Harbour celebrates Independence early
Pacific Partnership and Samoa celebrated an early “Fourth of July” aboard the US
Segavao sinks the US navy
The Segavao III has added yet another win to their tally after beating Commodore
Taumeasina resort to cost $140m
Six months of work towards a new $140 million boutique resort on Taumeasina isla
Polynesian Cultural Centre adds Samoan umu
Marking its 50th anniversary this year, Polynesian Cultural Center is in the mid
Farm to table project paves way forward
The University of the South Pacific has done it again.
Wellington paramedics coming to help Samoa
Two Wellington Free Ambulance paramedics and a Wellington doctor are heading to
Women in business power up for production
Electricity is always one of the first things to go in a natural disaster, but t
Land and law site turns one
The country’s online database that gives the public free access to decisions on
Samoa, The Journey
Folauga a Samoa 1962-2012 “The intent was to have a pictorial record of the 50t
Bahai Faith holds convention
The Bahá'í Faith in Samoa held its 44th National Convention last week at the gro
Cancer Society shares health message
The Samoa Cancer Society greatly appreciates the support of the Prime Minister T
Lawyers told to uphold high standards
Six young lawyers who were admitted to the bar in the Supreme Court yesterday we
Young entrepreneurs honoured at Youth Awards
A taro planter, Chanel Moto’otua, yesterday gained top honours at the National Y
Remember that 1992 Toyota Tarago?
A Toyota Tarago at the centre of controversy early last year is still being driv
Chinese demands ‘economic suicide’
“The most obvious one being how will this venture benefit Samoa? Not very much i
Talo poised for big export boost
Research in Samoa into pinpointing and growing the ‘best’ talo varieties could o
Obesity neglected, W.H.O. finds
Many low- and middle-income countries are neglecting overweight and obesity as m
Church mourns passing of Dr. Samani Pulepule
Members of the Assemblies of God church in Samoa and abroad are mourning the pas
Church mourns passing of Dr. Samani Pulepule
Members of the Assemblies of God church in Samoa and abroad are mourning the pas
Civil Societies applaud long-serving chief
“The positive impact and legacy Roina is leaving behind is unforgettable” - Reve
Gun boat researchers deported from Samoa
Seven researchers were deported on Saturday and banned from entering the country
Eight charged over stone fight
Eight teenagers are due to appear in court next Tuesday following a stone fight
Electricity project powers up
Samoa will see the completion of its largest solar power project this year, acco
“Empty, “stupid” and “fantasy”
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi did not mince words when he blasted
Samoa bio-gas study potential for Tokelau
Samoa's feasibility study on bio-gas production, ongoing for nearly half a year,
Gifts encourage Loto Taumafai science fair
Gifts from the Pacific Partnership (PP) were presented to the management of Loto
$3,000 smile thanks to mum
Ella Ah-Yek was all smiles yesterday as she received $3000 from Bluesky’s Win Bi
‘Cyclone’ builds on lessons learned
Recent weather may feel like a cyclone some days but the one taking place today
Vaivase woman wins $4,000 jackpot
Rosemary Aroni from Vaivase was over the moon when she hit the jackpot of $4,000
Judge calls on Police to finalise charges
The District Court has granted a second adjournment in the hearing of allegation
Samoa – The Journey 1962-2012
A historical documentary of Samoa’s journey from gaining Independence in 1962, t
Another Chinese company eyes Samoa
One more Chinese company is looking at doing business in Samoa, reports said y
Ululoloa is not Tafa’igata
It appears members of the community have mistaken a street in Ululoloa for the T
Met Office warns of fire risk
Fire risk might seem a strange concern during pouring rain but the Meteorology O
Chanel College remembers 51 years
As the country was celebrating its 51 years of Independence last week, Chanel Co
Old pupils raise $100,000 for gym
On the last day of its 60th birthday celebration the Samoa College Old Pupils (S
Chief, teacher, friend will be missed
The Samoan community in Samoa and New Zealand is mourning the loss of a man desc
Bluezone, internet at your fingertips
Bluesky has come with another first for Samoa.
Tax deal signed
Samoa and Japan yesterday signed an agreement that allows an exchange of tax inf
Flag slasher wants to be smoke free
The man accused of slashing the national flag into strips days before the Indepe
New Aiga challenge kicks off to boost healthy Pasifika community
A new challenge has kicked off to encourage more of Auckland’s Pacific community
Samoa meal reminds sailor of Hawai’i
It was a fun day at Mulifanua for the locals and sailors of the Pacific Partners
Wendt reacts to award
Monday 3 June 2013, New Zealand - Author and emeritus professor Albert Wendt say
Samoan Church Leader, Elder O. Vincent Haleck, Returns to Pacific
Auckland, New Zealand — American Samoan-born general authority in The Church of
Stone fight fright
A woman whose house was caught in the middle of a stone fight between Moata’a an
Every breath I take
We're all doing it. All of the time. But are you doing it in the most enjoyable
PM ‘instructs’ police to reverse policy on media
Prime Minister Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has been reported as instructing p
Pasifika media groups face down failure
Pacific Media Centre, Monday, June 3, 2013, Auckland – There are more Pasifika m
How to beat addiction
According to doctors as many as one in five Australians has a problem with subst
‘SAMOA – THE JOURNEY’
Folauga a Samoa 1962 – 2012 At midnight on the last day of 1961, every church b
Government tables new budget
From Parliament release - With Samoa gearing up to celebrate 51st anniversary of
The Gift and Legacy of Language
In June last year, we celebrated fifty (50) years of independence.
US navy answers SOS call
The Special Olympics Samoa is one of the groups that will be benefitting from th
Coin Save license to be revoked in Rarotonga
Coin Save owner Tuituioaiga Weijie Weng is about to lose another store, this tim
More language resources go live
Two different approaches will ensure Samoan language resources continue to grow,
New Zealand High Commission supports ‘uso’
Along with Prime Minister Tuilaepa, and Health Minister Tuitama, on Friday High
Teacher shortage in maths, science a key concern
Would you like to become a teacher in future?
Forget the gym: Just 12 minutes' exercise a week is enough to stay fit, says study
Just twelve minutes of exercise a week could be enough to keep us healthy, new r
U.N.D.P. funds office for manufacturers, exporters
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) yesterday signed over an agreement
Samoa College celebrates 60th Anniversary
Despite poor weather conditions Apia was painted bright shades of red and yellow
Vaimasenu’u given top honour
Samoa’s first female Consul Vaimasenu’u Zita Martel was honoured with the Presid
From Apia to Jerusalem
A group of pilgrims will be making the long trip from Apia to Jerusalem in Septe
Sitting is the new smoking
Don't fall off your perch, but sitting is the new smoking and your chair is out
Police actions need investigation
The Pacific Freedom Forum has called for an investigation into recent Samoa poli
Proper tile fixing saves money
Install tiles the wrong way and it can end up costing builders thousands to chip
Small islands: “We are not begging”
Talks are well under way for Samoa to take a leading role in what is becoming kn
Samoa talo could be a world beater
PR SPC – 28 MAY 2013 – The region’s biggest technical organisation is prai
Satapuala case adjourned for sentence
Final submissions from lawyers for the Satapuala road skirmish case was filed in
U.S Pacific Partnership mission to arrive on Independence Day
There is yet another reason to celebrate Samoa’s Independence this year with the
Top UN official applauds Samoa
The United Nations (UN) has praised Samoa for playing a leading role in promotin
Parliament launches first ever newspaper - ‘Palemene’
Press Release, 30 May 2013 - The Parliament of Samoa today released the first ed
Speaker La'auli settles two year old debt
A man who began the week owed $52,000 by the Speaker of Parliament is ending it
Media too “passive” on climate change
On day two of the Pacific Media and Climate Change Training Workshop yesterday,
Tokelau group learns from Samoa business women
A team from Tokelau is in Samoa for the next fortnight to learn about developing
New virus called ‘threat to the entire world’
The first death in France from a new SARS-like coronavirus brings the worldwide
Mother's obesity surgery may help break cycle in kids
WASHINGTON (AP) — Obese mothers tend to have kids who become obese. Now provocat
Judge visits scene of shooting
Justice Vui Clarence Nelson of the Supreme Court has made a rare call to visit a
Media miss women’s role in economy
Look through most newspapers, or watch television news almost any night, and mos
Dr. Wood denies owing $1 million
Opposition Member of Parliament Afualo Dr Wood Salele has categorically denied o
Convicted businessman on the run
A businessman who was sentenced to life imprisonment on Friday last week has esc
U.S. leads ‘Pacific Partnership’ mission
This weekend, the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s eighth annual Pacific Partnership (PP 13)
Why processed meat is on the nose
We put ham in our sandwiches and chorizo in pasta. There's peperoni on the Frida
NZ provides more aid for Samoa's cyclone recovery
New Zealand will provide a further $6 million in financial aid to help Samoa rec
Don Bosco gives back
Don Bosco students have given back to their community in a big way – helping to
Drug dealers jailed
Convicted drug dealers Talaiaega Faisauvale Mo’a and Sivai Kepi have been senten
Switch the daily grind for a grind of the coffee kind
Feel like switching the daily grind for a grind of the coffee kind? Well now you
WIN honours past, looks to the future
A standing ovation to pay tribute to the elders of indigenous communities around
More than $30,000 donated to Rotary
Last week’s lunchtime meeting for the Rotary Club of Apia welcomed Robert Skews
Offer prompts visit from future leaders
Members of the a student cultural organization arrived this weekend from Pago Pa
Teaching the teachers at Uni
The National University of Samoa taught the teachers this week during a three-da
Still going strong after 90 years
Families and friends in Samoa and from overseas gathered at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel
Six more Aussie Volunteers arrive in Samoa
Six more Australian Volunteers arrived in Samoa this week to share their experti
Lifeline training aims at after hours help
Faataua Le Ola’s Lifeline got a boost with evening training aimed at refreshing
Specialist arrives in Samoa
The National Health Service is now better equipped to deal with diseases such as
Prices, exports, tourism all down
According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released by the Samoa Bu
Still waiting for a public apology
Opposition Leader Palusalue Fa’apo II is asking for the Minister of Finance, Fau
Media freedom under threat
Some police officers are leading a new hostility towards media, spreading throug
Minister encourages participation in Samoan Language Week
Talofa lava. Malo le soifua maua. Malo le lagi e mama. Pacific Island Affairs M
FLO thanks Kayak4Youth, its Toa Samoa
Faataua Le Ola would like to publically thank Andy Warton and the Kayak4Youth te
Faumuina breaks silence on $6m spending
Finance minister Faumuina Tiatia Liuga is “categorically” rejecting claims he sp
Deadly snakes? It’s just another day at the office
Handling deadly snakes and showing people how to deal with injuries when these v
PM threatens to step into solar project
Cabinet will get involved if delays to the national solar power project continue
Finance minister has "not breached any offences" - AG
Attorney General, Aumua Ming Leung Wai, has responded by email to comments as to
Samoans Celebrate Samoan Language Week
Samoan Language Week has been the catalyst for several Samoan businesses to exhi
Lifesaving competition helps save lives
Samoa’s second Lifesaving Champion Competition was held on Friday at the Samoa A
Social network helps sort out mercy mission to Samoa
“Tons of crutches” and over 200 wheelchairs are said to be on their way to Samoa
No threat to Samoa shipping from arrests
Local representatives for the Pacific Direct Line have no concerns about the fut
Salelologa double up on fautasi
The village of Salelologa from the big island of Savaii has decided to register
No brawling PM tells schools
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is urging principals and teachers to
Praise for decision on baby death
A community support counselor has praised the justice system for showing “heart”
Education ministry releases delayed funds
Educational assistance of $5 million for church, private and government schools,
Call for independent corruption tribunal
RNZI - A Samoan opposition MP says corruption is a disease that is on the rise i
Church elects new Vice Chairman
The new Chairman of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS) is Rever
China shows up “stingy” aid donors
Samoa is among senior Pacific Island politicians and media figures being shown h
Tuilaepa sympathy for U.S. tornado victims
Samoa knows all about natural disasters, especially those involving destruction
Not sexy, but climate news saves lives
“I know that reporting on climate change may be less sexy than reporting on the
Cyclists to circle Upolu and Savaii
Next week sees an epic event promoting cancer awareness – a five day cycle aroun
Policy out of sync with children
Another attempt is being made to re-establish the Samoa National Youth Council a
Support group celebrates life of manager
Samoa Victim Support Group joined friends and colleagues who gathered at Tanoa T
Fish, kava in ‘contentious’ trade issues
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Negotiations, Fonotoe Nuafesili
Refugees, disaster and climate change
Press Secretariat - Cabinet has approved the participation by Samoa’s representa
Girl neglects baby because of fear
The District Court yesterday ordered her to serve a probationary sentence. A 19
Samoa completes six new trade standards
The Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA), has completed the Registration of Samo
She decided to leave all she had, respond to a higher calling and to serve God with her whole heart.
A new Carmelite nun at Vailima took her final vows yesterday.
She is Sr Benedicta Marei of the Cross from the villages of Leulumoega, Lotofaga and Faleapuna.
Sr Benedicta revealed that even though she was employed at various government ministries and had money, she didn’t have satisfaction.
“I decided to answer to God’s blessings in my life by serving Him with my whole heart,” Sr Benedicta told the Weekend Observer.
“This is how I say thank you Lord for all that You have done for me.”
“I am just grateful I have taken my final vows, to live and serve God and pray for the sake of Samoa and the whole world,” she added.
Sr Benedicta has worked as a teacher. She was later employed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries and then went on to work at the Ministry of Revenue.
Her most recent job was as an officer at the Treasury Department of the Ministry of Finance.
“Even though I had good jobs and money, I was not satisfied because I knew my life was incomplete; there was something missing,” she said.
The new Carmelite nun is looking forward toher new life as a servant of God by praying day and night for a blessed Samoa.
Sr Benedicta is the proud daughter of Anamaria and Taulia Talatala and the second of six siblings.
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