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Apia, Samoa
26° Cloudy Humidity: 83%
Helping Samoans connect
Dramatically increased access to mobile phones and lowered call costs for the Sa
Faato’ia Youth launch DVD
The Faato’ia Youth bring to the screen a reality that many young Samoan’s face o
IMF gives $19 million more
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday approved a further $19 million u
Church helps the sick
The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS) yesterday blessed the public
Samoa Police Boat back, ready for action
The Samoa Police Boat, the Nafanua is back in the country, ready to patrol the o
Developing women leadership
The Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) of Samoa is making a comeback.
Australia to provide $103.8 million for Samoa
The Australian government will provide an estimated $103.8 million (A$45.8 milli
Church launches $1.1 million network
The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS) yesterday launched its $1.1
Fire Commissioner investigated
The Commissioner of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA), Seve Tony
Malua comes alive
Malua is gearing up to host the biggest annual church conference in Samoa as mem
Afualo insists that Minister should go
There is no room for a Minister who waste the country’s money to run the nation’
Colgate’s ‘bright smiles, bright future’ comes to Samoa
Colgate’s award-winning Bright Smiles, Bright Futures (BSBF) global oral health
Report identifies challenges
Report rates the Samoa Water Authority as the Best Human Resources Management Pe
Church to launch TV station tomorrow
The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (CCCS) is launching a television an
Death sours Mother’s Day
A young man is dead and another left injured following a car accident during the
EPC chief heads Engineers
The Institute of Professional Engineers of Samoa(IPES) has a new president for 2
Drain swallows woman
A young woman is in hospital after she was swallowed by a poorly maintained stor
Samoa Observer invited to first WIN conference
The Australian government, through the Department of Sustainability, Environment
Samoa Hideaway Beach Resort at Matatufu’s kings of billiard
Two young men, Ili’ili Le’aula’epa and Iakopo Seilala are the undisputed kings o
Women text and win with Rugby
Women enjoy rugby just as much as their male counterparts. Three women w
Le Tolotolo upgrades gear
The Independence celebration is just around the corner and the Le Tolotolo o Tam
PM says former diplomat doesn't know what he’s talking about
Former diplomat and Member of Parliament, Afamasaga Tole’afoa has joined Prime M
Mom: Bridge over water
Good mothers are angels in disguise who give meaning to the expression 'Labour o
PM to launch Pacific water report
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi will launch the Pacific Water and Wa
President Lina Chang honoured
The leadership role of the President of the Samoa Victim Support Group President
Figures point to recession
Whether Prime Minister Tuliaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi will admit it or not – Afua
Pacific Partnership protects Pacific countries
Samoa is among six Pacific countries to host the 8th annual U.S. Pacific Fleet's
Free secondary education plan announced
There is good news for secondary students and parents this year.
Law Society stands by legal action
The President of the Samoa Law Society, Leota Raymond Schuster has defended the
Finemat – a reflection of beauty
Reverend Tonu Mauafu set the tone for this year’s Fa’alelegapepe National Finema
Innovative Air New Zealand creates better experience for travellers
Air New Zealand passengers can look forward to a better travel experience with t
Aussie cop is a Toa Samoa
This week Kayak4Youth’s Andy Warton was called a toa Samoa – a Samoan warrior.
Mother gagged as NHS investigates
Until an investigation into the death of a newborn baby is completed, there will
National identity at stake
The Government is proposing a new law that may change the current definition of
I will be forever grateful
Everything has been prepared for special reasons and purposes by our loving Heav
‘I don't know how to swear’ - M.P
Member of Parliament for A’ana Alofi No. 3, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Shuster, has v
Samoans Await The Return Of The Tasty Turkey Tail
This is the tale of turkey tail — it's convoluted arrival, disappearance and hig
Volunteers give Law and Justice Sector lift
The Samoa Law and Justice Sector has welcomed four new volunteers from Australia
Samoa celebrates Europe Day
Europe Day was celebrated in Apia on Thursday night.
Samoa College reveals 60th Anniversary plans
Students, former students and friends of Samoa College are gearing up to celebra
My tribute to my mother
Many years ago in many different countries, a girl couldn’t choose what school t
Digicel Segavao: Symbol of unity and excellence
The crew Digicel Segavao has begun preparations for the upcoming Independence Da
Finemat exhibition marksNational Women’s day
Salelologa was a place of singing and dancing yesterday as women from around the
Rotary sets up libraries for schools
The Rotary Club of Apia is continuing its great work in Samoa. Next week, the Cl
Calling all former Marists and supporters
Marist Brothers Primary School at Mulivai was established 125 years ago.
Trade plan discussed
The Government, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UN
Four charges dismissed in Satapuala trial
Four defendants in the ongoing Satapuala road block trial have had charges again
‘Mothers’ Day spirit lives on in Apia
With Mothers Day coming up, the streets of Apia are crowded with fathers holding
Rebuilding after Cyclone Evan
A team of up to seven technical specialists from the Australian Civilian Corps w
Why I love you mother
In the build up towards Mother’s Day on Sunday, the Samoa Observer is publishing
Water Authority team visits MidCoast
A team from the Samoa Water Authority (SWA) have toured the Manning-Great Lakes
Fire fighters getting Stihl training
Members of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) are in a better posi
Digicel takes Extraordinary to Savai’i
Salelologa was abuzz with excitement brought about by Digicel’s red army yesterd
Gunshots came from Police, witness tells
Gunshots fired at Satapuala on 16 August last year during the clash between the
Family apologises over stoning incident
A family in Faleasi’u presented a traditional apology to the relatives of the gr
Nafanua refitted, returns home
The Samoan Police Boat (SPB), Nafanua, has undergone a complete refit in Cairns,
Samoa achieves another first
Samoa has achieved yet another significant milestone by becoming the first Forum
Witness accused of changing story
A witness in the murder trial of Mikaele Tumua, 31-year-old male of Faleasi’u, h
Mama’s for Mother’s day
The newest bargain shop in the country has opened in the middle of the business
Tribute to my mother
Mom, where can I start? You are such a great example to me, you are my HERO. &nb
Tribute to Elena Gatoloai
A mother is the truest friend we have when trials, heavy and sudden fall upon us
Senior officer sacked over alleged meter tampering
A senior Electric Power Corporation (EPC) officer has been sacked in connection
Justice denied
The Ombudsman, Maiava Iulai Toma has strongly criticised the Government - namely
My tribute to you mother!
“My mom is a never ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being. I m
11th Baha'i Convention: A global community reflects
Representatives from Samoa were among more than 1,000 members of the Baha'i worl
Maluafou College wins
Maluafou College walked away as winners of the first Aganuu ma Measina a Samoa F
$4.4m for the Pacific
A major highlight of the opening session of a regional meeting relating to renew
Villages call for help
The villages of Tufuiopa, Togafu’afu’a and Tulotoare desperate for help so they
World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day in Samoa
World Tai Chi and Qi Gong Day (WTCQD) was celebrated at Sinalei Reef Resort last
Japan hands over Apolima school
The reconstructed Apolima middle school was handed over to the School Committee
Press freedom to tackle impunity
In order for journalists to do their work, their personal safety should be param
O.U.M.’s future still undecided
The future path of Samoa’s medical school, the Oceania University of Medicine st
My tribute to you mother
In the build up towards Mother’s Day on Sunday, the Samoa Observer will publish
No place for casinos: Palusalue
The leader of the Opposition Party, Palusalue Fa’apo II predicts failure for the
Grandma stoned in family dispute
A grandmother and her eight-year-old granddaughter are fighting for their lives
Education: Do we have too many schools in Samoa?
The Government of Samoa Education Policy and Strategy 1995–2005
Church showcases first fruits
The Assembly of God hosted its first Talomua to showcase the work of its Men’s M
Samoa’s first Crematorium Memorial opens
A dream to provide the first crematorium services in the country has finally com
Samoa’s Chamber in Doha, Qatar
The Samoa Chamber of Commerce delegation, President Namulauulu Sami Leota and CE
Australia backs village projects
Australia continues to support the social and economic development of Samoan com
The ‘Road of Loving Hearts’ recalled
“…I love Samoa and her people. I love the land, I have chosen it to be my home w
Future journalists celebrate
More than twenty journalism students of the National University of Samoa celebra
Festival brings back past
The front of the Government building in Apia was buzzing yesterday. It was colou
Minister calls for caution
Media freedom in Samoa is not absolute.
Taula and Sama give back
The locally-brewed beer brands Taula and Sama, which have taken Samoa by storm h
EU Pacific Ambassador visits USP
The European Union’s Pacific Ambassador to Fiji, His Excellency, Mr Andrew Jacob
Five charged in death of Tumua
The trial into the death of Mikaele Tumua, 31 years old of Faleasiu, began in th
Safata farmers occupy ‘temporary market’
Farmers from the district of Safata were the first to occupy the ‘temporary mark
Ford launches dealership showroom
Wednesday evening was a special night for the staff and the management of the Fo
Australia supports Faleasiu Women
Faleasiu Women’s Committee received a much needed boost from the Australian High
E.P.C. denies $11m losses
The Electric Power Corporation has issued a press release following an article p
Cultural welcome spurs Andy
Day 11 - Salani River to Taufua Beach Fales in Lalomanu Up early after a late -
Kayak4youth comes home
May 2, 2013, Apia: Kayak4Youth has done it! After 13 days, 438 kilometers and $
World Press Freedom Day
World Press Freedom Day celebrates its 20th anniversary today. In Samoa there w
Samoa’s candidate drops out
Samoa’s preferred candidate to be the next Director General of the World Trade O
Farewell to Parekura Horomia
PR - The passing of Hon Parekura Horomia, MP for Ikaroa-Rawhiti, will be felt st
50,000 tala mark reached
Day 10 - From Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa to Salani River With the rest day m
S.V.S.G. emergency helpline launch
PR - One of the country’s smallest but most formidable NGO’s, the Samoa Victims
The neverending diet cycle
"The definition of insanity" said Albert Einstein, "is doing the same thing over
Man charged with possession of “utensils and illegal substances"
A man has been charged in connection to a consignment of drugs found in a contai
Police testify in Satapuala roadblock trial
The Member of Parliament for A’ana Alofi No. 3, Toesulusulu Cedric Shuster, and
Mobile Stationery hits Peace Chapel
A new initiative by the Samoa Stationery and Books (SSAB) held at Peace Chapel P
Stepping back to go forward
Day 7- Satuiatua Beach Resort to Nu’ulopa Island and Day 8 - Nu’ulopa Island to
Man jailed 15 months for carnal knowledge
The Supreme Court yesterday jailed for fifteen months a 46-year-old man convicte
S.A.C.E.P. draws an interested crowd
Farmers looking to get assistance from the government to develop their crops and
Efficient power promised from Fiaga
The launching of the major Power Sector Expansion Project at Fiaga on Thursday p
Westpac expands to Vaitele
Westpac officially opened its new-look Pacific style branch at Ifilele, Road, ne
New restaurant in the Plaza
In memory of his deceased son, Tia Lafaele and his family have opened a new rest
Mercy and ‘End of life’ services
On Monday this week, a group of people, mainly Pacific, met in Ponsonby Auckland
Tokelau police plans underway
Tokelau Police have joined forces with New Zealand Police under the Partnership
Promotion sees shoppers up at dawn
Samoa Stationery once again brought back its famous “HP Mega Promotion” with the
Central Bank notes downturn
The month of February has seen fewer visitors to Samoa and a drop in remittances
Almost 10,000 patients receive medical attention
This week marks the 4 year anniversary of the Digicel Medical Outreach initiativ
Online education for Samoa
Science, Maths, Telemedicine, Technology and other technical programmes are abou
‘Ride for Life’ targets teenagers
The Motorcycle Christian Ministry group from New Zealand visited several college
Super 15 Chiefs help cyclone victims
Yesterday was a great day for the victims of Cyclone Evan residing in the Lelata
Ensuring our youth have a future
Today was huge and I am tired – but with the challenges of the currents and lack
Updated Crimes Act passed
An Act which increases the penalties for most sexual-related offences which have
Biggest power project launched
About 97 acres of government land was used for the biggest Power Sector Expansio
Siva Afi owner relieved
The owner of Siva Afi, Leota Lene Leota is relieved after the long-running court
$100m complex disputed
The Minister of Finance, Faumuina Tiatia Liuga, left Wednesday night for China t
30 days to change your life
In 2009, Matt Cutts, an American engineer who works for Google, felt he was "stu
Scholarship a legacy of Lui Bell
The Lui Bell Post-Graduate Scholarship for Marine Species Conservation was launc
Shortest but hardest leg
Today I am stuffed. Whoever thought that the shortest part of this journey – the
Fiaga diesel power plant opens
The Electric Power Corporation’s (EPC) new Fiaga Diesel Power Plant at Aleisa wa
Helpline counsellors graduate
Twenty-five students who vowed to help those in need, celebrated success on Tues
Apostle Oaks a Samoan at heart
At the Apia Samoa Stake Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day S
Andy and a shark go fishing!
Day 4 – Shimano Leg - Le Logoto Resort to Va-i-moana Seaside Lodge Here we are
Safety gear from BOC
Almost a quarter of a million tala worth of safety gear has been given to the Di
Lawyer admitted to the Bar
Yesterday Edward George Tanumaleu Faleauto was admitted to the Bar by the Chief
$15 million from Australia for Samoa
A direct funding agreement for over 15 million tala ($A6.75m) for post-Cyclone E
U.S.P. launches new strategy
The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Hon. Gordon Darcy Lilo launched the Univer
Marketing training benefits business
PR - Enthusiastic representatives from businesses in Upolu and Pago Pago soaked
Bahá'í attend Israel convention
Seven members of the Bahá'í Faith National Governing Council for Samoa and Ameri
Digicel backs Youth Awards
Tuesday, April 23, 2013, For the first time in over a decade, the Ministry of Wo
Kayak4Youth on Hobie leg of journey
Blog Day 3 – Siufaga Seaside Resort to Le Lagoto Resort in Fagamalo Great start
Friends help Lagi graduate
For new University of Waikato graduate Lagi Tuaniu today was a special day.
Former Minister farewelled
A former Samoa cabinet minister, Seuala Taua Tavaga Kitiona Seuala was laid to r
Peti Key jailed for 19 years
The Supreme Court on Monday sentenced musician Peti Key to nineteen years in jai
Sofia Vitaliano celebrates 90 years
An estimated two hundred family and friends gathered at Mangere last Saturday to
Samaritans donate aid for Evan victims
When staff of Digicel Pacific Diaspora in Australia found out that a charitable
Pacific women political representation not good enough, says Fiame
Samoan high chief and senior cabinet minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa says the repre
Couple accused of ‘ice’ plead not guilty
The couple charged with related to methamphetamine and possession of the drug, r
Kayak4Youth powers through
Day 1 – Bluesky Leg – Apia to Aggie Grey’s Lagoon Resort and Spa What a great s
Bluesky Samoa host PITA AGM
Bluesky Samoa is hosting the Pacific Island Telecommunications Association (PITA
Tamaki’s champion, ‘Aoga a le Teuila’
The early childhood sector in Tamaki, Auckland is one of the most united and inn
Beehive buzzing with Pacific MPs
Sixty five politicians from twenty Pacific countries colonised the Beehive for f
NUS launches free condom dispensers
High rates of reported Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) and unplanned pregnan
New hostel blessed at Lepa and Lotofaga
Yesterday was a day of thanksgiving for members of the Lepa and Lotofaga parish
Manufacturers strive for competitive edge
In its AGM held on 27 March 2013, at the Millenium Hotel.
Church hits snag
The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has dismissed claims that he h
Kayak4Youth launches
Kayak4Youth’s Andy Warton set out yesterday to become the first person in histor
Samoa Law Society opens first office
The Samoa Law Society (SLS) celebrated the opening of their first office at the
Experts unclear how China bird flu infects humans
BEIJING (AP) — Almost three weeks after China reported finding a new strain of b
Help from Australia
After Cyclone Evan struck last year, Ulugia Lessie Petaia who was visiting famil
HRPP pays respect to Taua
The Human Rights Protection Party stood silently for a minute as a mark of respe
Charges against MP clarified
The charges against Member of Parliament for Gagaemauga No. 2, Levaopolo Talaton
P.M. leaves it to the law
Any action against Members of Parliament who break the law is up to the Attorney
Mosman returns for Samoa
The Mosman Junior Rugby Club was given a friendly welcome to Samoa yesterday by
Redeemed Motorcycle Ministry joins ‘Ride for Life’
Members of a Christian Ministry from New Zealand, Redeemed Motorcyle Ministry, a
Production house gets Commissioner’s nod
Solid and efficient. That’s how the Australian High Commissioner, Dr. Stephen He
Cruise set for Sunday arrival
Cruise Ship, MS Oosterdam, operated by Holland America Line,will call into Apia
Airport Authority vehicle nails breadfruit
Speeding and slippery conditions is a dangerous combination.
Cathedral on target for December opening
The construction of the new Catholic Cathedral on Beach Road is on target.
Samoa Observer invited to Geneva
The Editor of the Samoa Observer Newspaper Group, Mata’afa Keni Lesa has left fo
The Samoa Air experience
After our friendly check-in, and weigh-in with Candida Ah Fook at Faleolo, we bo
Church prepares for multi-million home
Following a successful application to proceed with the construction of a three-s
Manumea dishes out taste of Samoa
Manumea Hotel hosted its first Culture Night on Tuesday night to welcome a group
Digicel steps for youth of Samoa
Over 8,000 people are expected to attend the Samoa Youth Alive this year.
Falelauniu man strikes it lucky
Lamepa Elia was on top of the world when he won $800 through Digicel’s weekly TX
Justice Minister contributes to development of Pacific
The Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa attended
Ministry launches internal probe
The health and safety of workers is important at the Ministry of Natural Resourc
Former MP back on village council
Despite the rain, the village of Lepea in Faleata East was a place of celebratio
Samoa Law Society to open an office
The Samoa Law Society will celebrate the grand opening of its new office at the
PM says “tints an act of love”
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has shed some light into the dark t
CCK donates bikes
With three races of the Samoa Triathlon Series remaining, businesses are getting
Head of State to attend Flag Day
The Head of State, His Highness TuiAtua Tupua Tamasese Efi will attend the celeb
No typhoid outbreak but Ministry of Health cautious
The Ministry of Health has assuaged fears about an outbreak of typhoid fever in
When love is a crime
The parents of a 15-year-old girl gave permission for their daughter to marry a
Germany helps Salani women
A project to help the women of Salani so that in return they can boost the devel
The village of Fa’atoia was startled to come to terms with the discovery of a snake in their area.
The snake that has yet to be confirmed of its kind, is described as a long, black, grey, and white snake by its finder, Tanu Nepo.
“I found it at night near the car park of my neighbour’s house. I grabbed it thinking it was a stick to hit the dog with until it moved. That’s when I realized it was a snake and so I kept it overnight in a sack till MNRE came the next morning and took it.”
Tanu Nepo suspects that the reptile must have hid under a car and found its way onto the car park.
Another villager, Tasa Sapolu, was the one who stepped forward and brought it to the Samoa Observer’s attention in the hopes that the appropriate ministries will seek action in preventing any further infestations that are not usual to Samoa.
“Once that snake comes to Samoa and multiplies, Samoa will not be seen as Paradise any longer, she said
When questioning the Division of Environmental Conservation in the MNRE sector, they said they are currently surveying the area to trace how it ended up in Samoa.
To confirm the type of snake it is, they have sent a photo overseas to confirm its identification.
They confirmed that the reptile is no longer alive but when it was found, it had been carrying 15 eggs.
A comment from the Quarantine division could not be obtained in reference to appropriate measures needed to prevent anymore unwanted animals and species entering Samoa.
A snake found in Savaii is the gata or Pacific boa (Candoia bibroni).
The Pacific boa is thought to have been introduced by early Polynesians.
It can grow to a respectable length of 3 to 6 feet and is tan or darkly coloured, but its coloration can be variable.
This species is usually found in forests. It is active mainly at night, and it probably eats lizards, rats, and small birds and bird eggs.
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