P.M. Calls for country support

The Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has made preparations to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October. She said it was vital that CHOGM be memorable as the inaugural occasion for a Small Island State to hold such a significant event.    

New Year’s first baby

Weighing in at seven pounds, New Year baby Sala, was welcomed a few minutes after midnight by his young parents from Siusega. As their third child Sala was named after his paternal grandfather.

Hyalani impresses at Miss Global pageant

The first-ever tama ‘ita’i Samoa to compete in the pageant in Cambodia, Haylani Pearl Kuruppu made a bold statement on the first day of the competition. Ms Kuruppu was crowned Miss Samoa 2022-2023.

Thefts at hospital continue 

Personal items and money were discovered missing on New Year’s Day from the children’s ward at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital. The thief is believed to have taken the items when parents and caregivers were asleep. A health worker said this is a continuing problem.

$15K L.T.A. party not state funded 

Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Va’ai says the $15,000 spent on end of year activities came from the outgoing Land Authority Transport C.E.O. Galumalemana and her family. This explanation contradicts the L.T.A. chairman Lilomaiava Puivalu who said the spending was approved by the Board of Directors and done in the past.

Police arrest 18 in meth raid

Police arrested 14 men and four women after seizing methamphetamine, a large amount of cash and other illegal items in a raid in Malifa. Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo said the location had been under Police observation for some time.

Plea for bus service 

Farmers living at Faleatiu are being forced to walk almost 10 kilometres to catch a bus so they can sell their produce and have their children attend school. Thirty-eight-year-old farmer, Sam Fiso said it has been over 20 years since the last bus reached inland and so he is forced to spend three-quarters of what he earns to pay his neighbour for the round trip.

Fata titles for father and son 

Manu Samoa Sevens head coach Muliagatele Brian Lima and his son Brian Junior Lima were both bestowed the orator titles of Fata from Afega in honour of their ancestors and family. They were among 80 descendants who were bestowed four different chiefly titles.

Pilot found dead at Apia hotel

A pilot for Virgin Airlines was found dead in a hotel on Sunday morning. The initial Police report alleges the death of the Australian man was from self-inflicted injuries.

Lupesoliai celebrates birthday in Samoa 

Samoan boxer, Lupeoliai, who is turning 32 says he has a maximum of two to three years “to get that belt again” before he retires, and he plans to do just that. In the meantime, he is visiting family, especially his grandparents.

Chinese airline on track for Samoa license 

The Hainan Airlines, which brought in numerous Chinese tourists via direct flights in 2022 needs to fulfill further criteria before being granted a license to commence regular flights. Minister of Aviation, Olo Fiti Va’ai said they are yet to finalise the possibility of codesharing with Samoa Airways.

100 more doctors needed        

Professor Asiata Dr, Satupaitea Vial, Dean of the Oceania University of Medicine, 100 is the number of doctors required to address the current shortage in the public health system. According to the Ministry of Health, there are currently 120 doctors working in Samoa.    

C.H.O.G.M. security checks in July 

The safety and security of the visiting Government leaders will be tested in July, according to Samoa Police. The visit scheduled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade will bring security representatives from all 56 Commonwealth countries.

14 year old arrested in meth bust 

Teenagers as young as 14 are using the highly addictive drug, methamphetamine in Samoa. In a recent drug bust, there were two juveniles apprehended, said Deputy Police Commissioner Papali’i Monalisa Tiai-Keti. She acknowledged the importance of assistance from the community in reporting illegal activities to make the nation a safer place for all citizens.

Fewer teachers graduate 

A major concern to the Ministry of Education this year is the drop in the number of teachers who graduated from the National University of Samoa in 2023. The Minister of Education Seuula Ioane Tuuau said this shortage is compounded by those teachers retiring or moving overseas.

Family duped in scam

A local family has paid close to SAT$187,000 in a scam after a promise of an Australian visa for residency from a local woman. The Ministry of Commerce and Labour has continued to warn the public against residency being offered by individuals.

Man allegedly beaten to death 

Police are investigating the death of a 22 year old man at the hands of his wife’s family in Savaii. A 21-year old suspect from Samalaeulu is being held in custody.

Banished 

The Apia village council has banished a family from their home after Police carried out a drug raid last week. Village mayor, Tuiletufuga Fritz Tuiavii said their job is to keep the village safe and the involvement of youth was a major concern.

Interim dividend available 

The National Provident Fund has already paid out $15.4 million to members from the 2.4 per cent declared by the Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai. To date, 16,000 of the 41,000 members have collected their dividends.

Shipyard brings hope to Satitoa

Saia Leslie Silva, the owner and manager of Henry Silva Shipyard at Satitoa Aleipata, says the reopening of the to pursue a more advanced shipyard is named in honour of his father and offers employment opportunities to the community. The company has a 10-20 year lease with the Government.

Significant exodus from ministry 

The departure of 18 public servants from the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development in the 2022- 2023 fiscal year has had a significant impact on the required tasks and duties. A recent report details that 16 left to pursue more advanced opportunities and two were dismissed for violating the Code of Conduct.

Medical entry requirement remains

The National University of Samoa will not be lowering their admission requirement for medical studies as suggested by the Ministry of Health. N.U.S. Vice Chancello, Tuivuisa’a Patila Malua Amosa said that she and her team had met with the Director General of Health to convey their stance and to discuss how they could assist in resolving the challenge of a shortage of doctors.

New judges to be appointed 

The Chief Justice, Satiu Simativa Perese says that the growing number of drug-related crimes is one of the reasons for the need for more judges for the Supreme Court and the District Court. He said that an appointment of a coroner is also an outstanding matter.       

James Lay to captain Moana Pasifika 

New Moana Pasifika coach, Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has wasted no time in making changes to the team’s leadership structure by naming new recruit James Lay as captain Fa’alogo said Lay leads through his actions as much as his words.

Fepuleai explains Pago trip 

Former Associate Minister of Police, Fepuleai Faimata Sua who flew to American Samoa without a legal permit and subsequently lost his portfolio said it was for his district. Subsequently Samoa Airways was fined US$500 by the American Samoa Attorney General.

Students teaching students 

With a student roll of 100 students and just two teachers at Aleipata Primary School, Year Seven and Year Eight pupils have been teaching students in Years One and Two. Education Minister Seu’ula Ioane Tua’au,the Ministry has preparations in place to address the shortage by having teachers teach multiple subjects and training for capacity building.

Sam captured 

A man who claimed to be an eyewitness to an unsolved hit-and-run case in 2021 is in Police custody. He is Sam Sua, also known as Fauena Leautuli Toese Sua or Sam Simiko. Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said he will be facing charges of defamation, harassment using electronic means, providing misleading statements to authority and other additional charges.

Manu Samoa sevens demand salaries

Manu Samoa Sevens players have written to Lakapi Samoa asking for contracts and full time salaries instead of  allowances before they depart for the Perth leg of the World Sevens Series. They also highlighted other issues including a lack of National Provident Fund deductions being made and questions regarding a share of the money from World Rugby.

N.Z. High Commissioner makes history twice 

The incoming High Commissioner to Samoa, Si’alei Van Toor is the first person of Samoan heritage appointed to the role and will also be accredited as New Zealand’s Consul General in neighbouring American Samoa. Si’alei spent six months in Samoa in 1999 undertaking her master’s research in Development Studies through the University of Auckland. This is the third Head of Mission posting for the mother of two.

Opposition to provide evidence

Parliament has ordered the Opposition Party to provide evidence to support their allegations that a Cabinet Minister has shares in a solar company.

C.H.O.G.M. to take priority

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will be given priority over the needs of districts and their infrastructure work will be addressed after the meeting. Samoa will welcome the head of the Commonwealth, King Charles III and delegations from other countries.

Compiled by Marjorie Moore