Loans halted at S.N.P.F.

The lending of $67 million by the country’s superannuation fund to just six clients in nine months has prompted an investigation and the loan investment scheme being halted.

The successful loan applicants were Sheraton Aggie Grey’s Resort, Pure Water, Samoa Independent Seventh Day Adventist Church, Vailima Breweries, Niu Pharmacy and Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma. Minister of Finance Lautimuia Uelese Vaai said that his concern as a Minister is the service from S.N.P.F. to the public is not affected and contributions are safeguarded.

Papali’u suspended 

The chairman of the Samoa National Provident Fund, Papali’i Panoa Moala was temporarily suspended while an investigation into his conduct is undertaken. Concerns were raised in a letter to the Minister of Finance from the S.N.P.F. management about the chairman. Panoa denied a conflict of interest in assessing loans, but admitted to purchasing two iPads, appointing himself Action Chief Executive Officer and asking for a higher allowance for the role.

‘Drug market’

Located a few metres from a primary school, the Fugalei Market has been revealed as a place where the local drug trade is taking place. Deputy Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti said the K9 spotted the drugs including marijuana and methamphetamine.   

Electoral changes rushed: Opposition 

A proposed change to repeal the current electoral Rolland register every eligible voter again has attracted widespread concerns from the Opposition party. Amongst the challenges raised are the limited time to carry out the re-registration, further amendments that may change the division of the electoral constituencies and having overseas-based Samoans outnumber local voters.

Harassed in buses 

Young women are not safe on buses from unwanted touches and sexual advances occurring daily. The situation worsens in full buses where young women are expected to sit on the laps of strange men. While this is an age-old practice, young women have reported to the Samoa Observer that it is time for a change.

Papali’I suspended from S.N.P.F. position 

The S.N.P.F. chairman Papali’i Panoa Moala has been served with a suspension letter pending an investigation by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Enterprises. The Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai said the investigation will look at the abuse of power allegations and the granting of large investment loans totalling $67 million.

Dead for six minutes 

The mother of a 17-year-old boy who was stabbed in a family dispute watched as he appeared to draw his last breath but was brought back to life. The woman told how her faith and fervent prayers together with the heroic efforts of doctors saved her son’s life.   

Bill passed

All Samoan citizens, including those who reside overseas, can be prosecuted once they enter the country if they do not undergo a compulsory election registration. The Electoral Amendment Bill 2024 allows for Samoans abroad to register online but they have to come to Samoa to have their fingerprints and photographs taken.

“Big Bang” time for Lupesoliai 

The New Zealand-based boxer, Lupesoliai Joseph Parker has credited his team for having him in great shape for his heavyweight showdown with Zhilei Zhang in Riyadh this week.   Zilei has a record of 26-1-1 and has held the WBO interim heavyweight title since last year.

Vehicles for priests not OK: N.C.C.

The chairman of the National Council of Churches, Reverend Aisoli Iuli is worried that the annual practice of faamati has lost its true meaning and is becoming a means to reward priests and pastors in the villages. By gifting cars it has resulted in families having to take out loans or spending less on food, education and families to meet targets that have been set. He said that originally faamati was about beautifying the churches including the church ministers’ homes.

Lupesoliai defeats Zhangh despite knockdowns 

Joseph Parker climbed up off the canvas after two big Zhilei Zhang bangs to continue his remarkable career revival and win the match by majority decision after 12 rounds. With an immediate rematch because of a clause in Zhilei’s contract, he’s ready to do it all again.

140K tonnes of waste annually 

The country faces a mounting waste problem with over 140,000 tonnes of solid waste discarded annually. Even more concerning is the 1,900 tonnes of plastic waste alone which finds its way into the environment rather than reaching landfills. The Women of Waste (WOW) is an initiative launched on International Women’s Day which is a taskforce to promote women’s economic empowerment and activism in the waste management sector.

A.G. probes settlement

A legal settlement offer of $2.8 million for land compensation in Tiapapata used by the Samoa Water Authority was withdrawn and is under investigation by the Attorney General’s office. Attorney General Sua Hellene Wallwork said she was concerned that the $2.8 million offer was more than the valuation provided by Ms Fong which was variously listed as  $1.7 million and $2.1 million. She noted that the Authority does not have a fund allocated to pay and is proposing the Government to pay it.

$14M loss at biomass plant 

A major Biomass Project intended to generate power to supply the country’s electricity grid is under review after incurring more loss than profit. According to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, the plant situated at Mulifanua, sits idle.

Australia’s green light for cooked ulu 

Samoa’s export of cooked breadfruit has been given the green light from Australia after they modified regulations governing the importation. This alteration signals a significant shift in trade dynamics between the two countries offering new opportunities for Samoan producers and exporters.

Junior players get Moana Pasifika nod 

The Junior Manu Samoa team will see seven of its players in the Moana Pasifika team which will take part in the Super Rugby U20 tournament this week. Junior Manu Samoa captain, Wally Tau Vesi is a player to look out for as he brings his explosive style, flair and great leadership to the side.

A'ana Alofi No.1 matai alleges abuse 

A senior matai at A’ana Alofi No 1, Fesolai Logo Toloa is standing up against threats to oust villagers who dare go public by asking questions about the $1 million development fund. Issues include the appointment by the M.P. Fesolai Tusiupu Tuigamala’s brother as the Deputy Chair when it is claimed he is not a member of the District Council nor does he render service to the village. Villagers claim when they ask questions they risk being banished if they go public with their concerns.

Samoan sporting pioneer called to rest 

One of the country’s most revered sports personalities, Seiuli Paul Wallwork has passed away peacefully after a prolonged illness. Seiuli carved an incredible legacy in both the athletic arena and sports administration. As a weightlifter, he was the first Samoan to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games. He also played various roles in sports administration in Samoa and the wider Pacific region.

Calls for Finance Boss to chair S.N.P.F.              

M.P. for Faleata, Leala’ilepule Rimoni Ai’afi has asked for the reinstatement of having the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Finance chair the Samoa National Provident Fund. Currently, the chairman of S.N.P.F, Papali’i Panoa Moala is suspended pending investigations into grievance raised by senior management against his leadership.             

No cash says Samoa Airways C.E.O.

Fauo’o Fatu Tielu, Samoa Airways CEO has bluntly said that, unlike neighbouring Nauru, our airline lacks the financial means to purchase a new aircraft. Fauo’o explained that Samoa is prioritizing its financial debts which have now come down from $85 million in 2023 to $10 million. Meanwhile, Nauru, which has recently acquired its seventh aircraft, can do so because they simply have more money, he said.

Man injured in drive by shooting 

A 21-year-old man from Sinamoga was rushed to wound to hospital after he was shot in the knee in a drive-by shooting. Twenty-one-year-old Richard Kitiona was walking home with friends when what appeared to be a black Toyota Vanguard rental sped recklessly towards them sending the group scattering. Mr Kitiona was taken to hospital where he was told he was lucky the bullet didn’t hit the bone in his leg. He is now recuperating at home as the Police continue to investigate the incident.

Samoa beats Tonga in O.F.C qualifier

Samoa has taken a major step towards qualifying for the Oceania Football Confederation after a comprehensive 4-1 win over hosts, Tonga. Tonga’s hopes of qualifying to play in Vanuatu now rest on the Cook Islands upsetting Samoa.

Century for Sister Makalita 

A revered figure in the Sisters of the Missionary Society of Mary (S.M.S.M.) celebrated a monumental milestone this week. At the grand old age of 100, she is now the oldest nun still in service to the church. Born on Manono Island, Sister Makalita entered the novitiate in September 1946. Despite a hearing loss, Sister Makalita was still able to perform a graceful Samoan siva for all assembled to acknowledge her service.   

Family’s bounty from Vaiala-uta wetlands

A 34-year-old mother, Fereni Fitu credits generations of her family for the continuing bounty from the sale of watercress from the wetlands at Vaiala-uta. She noted that her parents had paid for all their schooling when she was growing up and that legacy has continued today for the seven family members. Mrs Fitu has regular customers and makes $400-$500 a day.

Man shot dead in Faleatiu

A 29-year-old man is dead after allegedly being shot three times on Thursday night. A 22-year old man from the same village has been charged with murder. This marks the second incident involving a firearm in as many weeks. Deputy Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti said that Police believe the two men had been arguing over the ownership of a horse.

Left out of the $1M project 

The residents of Apolima Island who are part of the Aiga i le Tai district are questioning the allocation of funds from the $1 million district development project and feel they have been forgotten. While neighbouring villages such as Manono Island and Apolima Uta have witnessed improvements from the project, Apolima Island remains baffled about equal distribution and the effectiveness of local government. The Apolima village mayor, Leala Afe Solo said the island has only received fences for pig pens.  The M.P. for Aiga i le Tai, Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua denied the claims and said Leala is no longer the mayor and he claimed Apolima had apologized for to him for raising issues against him. Meanwhile, with the collapse of the wharf on Apolima, residents have been forced to swim or wade to their boats.

Sunday blaze destroys home 

Tragedy struck on Sunday morning when a family in Matautu-Uta lost their home and belongings in a fire. Despite the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority responding immediately after being contacted, they were unable to salvage any of the family’s belongings. S.F.E.S.A.Commissioner Tanuvasa Petone Mauga said he was awaiting a report on the incident.

Deported seasonal worker denied bail

A seasonal worker who was deported from New Zealand after he slipped through the borders despite being charged with the sexual assault of two young girls was denied bail by the Supreme Court last week. Supreme Court Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke ordered a name suppression to protect the nine-year-old and seven-year-old girls who are closely related to him.

Machete attack in town

Police are looking for machete-wielding suspects who attacked a man at Saleufi on Saturday morning in a frightening and disturbing incident. Deputy Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti said the victim was drunk and disorderly before being set upon by a group of men. The victim was treated at the Motootua Hospital and later discharged. This is yet another violent incident following the shooting incidents in Faleatiu and Sinamoga.

Heatwave hits Samoa

Samoa is currently in the grip of an unprecedented heatwave with temperatures soaring to alarming heights in recent weeks. The Samoa Meteorology Division has cautioned residents as temperatures have been skyrocketing between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius, well above the average for this time of the year. Assistant Chief Executive Officer for the S.M.D. attributed the temperatures to the effects of global warming. He said the lack of rainfall has exacerbated the impact of the heatwave.

More than 200 overseas police for CHOGM

Offers from across the Pacific region have been made to assist Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October. This assistance will close the gap on the shortage of local police officers. The Minister of Police, Faualo Harry Schuster, is confident that with the support from the region, the safety and security of the Commonwealth leaders and locals will not be a concern.

Mase is Manu Samoa coach 

Mase Mahonri Schwalger is the new Head Coach for Manu Samoa replacing Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua who presumably lost the position after the dismal performance of Manu Samoa at the Rugby World Cup. His first task will be to prepare the Manuma Samoa for matches against the Fiji Warriors. Lakapi Samoa Board Chairman, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielagaoi said, “We are thrilled with our recent appointment and impressed by the caliber of candidates who expressed interest in serving Manu Samoa.”