Manumea spotted by experts

There is hope that Samoa’s national bird, the Manumea, is still around, as experts made a rare sighting of the elusive bird in the Uafato area in March. James Atherton of the Samoa Conservation Society has been working with local villages to conserve vital habitats and advocate for the cessation of bird hunting.

Gun fired at car in Vailoa

An eyewitness described a shooting in Vailoa weeks ago as a scene from a movie as a man during a road rage got out of his car and fired a shot at another vehicle. While there have been no reports of injuries, the incident has created concerns and mirrors a shooting in Sinamoga where two young men suffered gunshot wounds.

Fiame opens tourism exchange

The Samoa Tourism Exchange was declared open by the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa bringing together more than 100 tourism partners. They include 53 international travel trade partners from 11 countries and 50 local exhibitors. Fiame reminded participants that Samoa is more than a tourist destination. “It is a precious Samoan treasure characterized by its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and warm proud hospitable people.”

Afega’s recusal of CJ dismissed

Afega villagers' application to recuse the Chief Justice from hearing their case against Leauvaa was dismissed by a panel of Supreme Court Justices. The case involved a contempt proceeding against Afega and a substantive hearing scheduled for 15 May 2024 involving land.

Journalism students' intake rises

There is a full intake of journalism students in the Media and Journalism programme at the National University of Samoa despite the industry experiencing a shortage of journalists. The N.U.S. Head of Department for Media and Communication, Senior Lecturer Dr Honiara Amosa said that the number of students is the biggest number they have had in recent years. The theme for this year is, ”A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”

Daughter joins parents in the legal field     

Tailua Roma was not only admitted to the legal bar but also marked the momentous start to her legal career as her mother, lawyer Diana Roma moved her admission and her father Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma witnessing. Tailua will be working at her mother’s firm and is from the villages of Alafua, Patamea, Saleaula Manase and Apia.

Solar farms sold

The Electric Power Corporation has sold two major solar farms for more than $7 million and secured a low cost power purchase agreement from the companies.

Crackdown on corrupt business deals

The Government is cracking down on illegal business deals made by locals and foreigners to operate trades reserved for Samoan citizens only. The Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour, Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling said businesses that inspections are ongoing and those who have done such deals are first given warnings. “On the third strike, they will have their Foreign Investment Certificate revoked.”

Cops complaints about La’auli

Formal complaints by two Police inspectors have been laid against the Minister of Agriculture and the chair of the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa Tasi (FAST) La’auli Leuatea Schmidt. Police Commissioner Filipo disclosed these developments relating to remarks made by La’auli during an interview with a New Zealand-based media outlet. As well as openly criticizing those investigating an unsolved hit-and-run case, levelling accusations of dishonesty, he went further and named two Police inspectors and then insinuated political motivation by the Human Rights Protection Party.

MOH closes four shops 

Three shops in Siusega and one in Alafua were closed last week following non-compliance with health and sanitary regulations. Several have since reopened after follow-up inspections. Meanwhile, the Assistant CEO for the Ministry of Health, Dr Glenn Atoa Fatupaito appealed to the public to report if they come across expired goods citing a shortage of staff in the Ministry.

Vailoa suspect a deportee says Commissioner

The suspect in a gun discharge incident in Vailoa has been identified as deportee 37-year-old Toese Tuuauga. Police have appealed to the public for assistance as he is considered armed and dangerous. Also known as Ese, the suspect has also been linked to two other Police cases.

TV3 cuts digital connection

The Apia Broadcasting channel TV3 cut its connection from Samoa’s digital TV platform because it could not afford the connection fee of $23,000 monthly or $276,000 each year. It has opted to have its content live-streamed for free from anywhere in the world. General Manager for TV3, Michael Aisea said the market for television in Samoa is too small. “There are eight TV stations which means for us to get sponsors and advertisements, it is not easy, I’m not sure how other TV stations are surviving.”

PM agrees to regular briefings

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has agreed to conduct regular press conferences at the celebration of World Press Freedom Day last week. She said she supported a free press. The Prime Minister has been away from the limelight since September and there are many questions about the government that remain unanswered.

Double murder trial taken to Savaii

The Supreme Court will convene at Tuasivi in June to make it convenient for witnesses in a double murder trial. The father and son were shot as a result of a land dispute that turned violent. Auia Fereti Moefiti of Fogapoa will stand trial but maintains his innocence after initially confessing, turning himself in and handing in what is suspected to be the murder weapon.

Fiji ex-PM jailed 

Fiji’s former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has been sentenced to one year in jail by the High Court in Suva. He was found guilty of one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice in the University of the South Pacific case while suspended Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho was sentenced to two years imprisonment for the charge of abuse of power.

Conversation with the King

As a recipient of a Chevening scholarship at the University of Sussex, England, it was a surreal moment for Daniel Ngg Woo to meet a member of the Royal family at an event held for students. Mr Ngg Woo, is pursuing a Master of Science degree and confessed to nerves as the monarch approached him. He said the King spoke of how proud he was of the Chevening scholarships and joked that he hoped there would not be a cyclone hitting when he came to Samoa for C.H.O.G.M.  

St Josephs banned from rugby

St Josephs College has been banned from school rugby for four years after the behaviour displayed by students and supporters in the loss in the finals of the BSP National Schools Rugby Championship two weeks ago. The decision to penalise St Josephs College was reached during a recent meeting of the organizing Committees executive members comprising principals from the colleges across the country.

Not government’s responsibility: PM

During the recently concluded Atoa o Samoa meeting in American Samoa, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa stressed that it is not the government’s responsibility to set up a commercial farm. This pertained to inquiries and discussions regarding the hundreds of acres of land in Samoa supposedly designated for cattle development by American Samoa in a joint venture between the two countries. When first questioned about this matter in Parliament in Samoa, Fiame had previously said she was unaware of such a proposal and claimed it could have been “fake news.”

Family lose all in holiday blaze

A Mothers’ Day celebration turned into despair for a family in Leauvaa after a fire destroyed their home on Monday morning. A neighbour said that around 11 am, the whole house was already up in flames well before the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority arrived. It is believed that the fire may have started from a mosquito coil in the house.

Starkist Samoa wants 500 workers 

The Starkist Samoa Cannery in American Samoa has requested an additional 500 guest workers from Samoa to work in the territory. Plans are reportedly in the pipeline to build accommodation for the new workers. This information came out of one of the biannual meetings held between the two Samoas. Also discussed was the seven-day entry permit waiver program which may be modified to allow for a 10-day stay.  

65 more dengue fever cases

The Ministry of Health has raised alarm bells with the announcement of 65 cases of dengue-like illness in its recent surveillance report. Despite the national clean-up campaign no major change has been observed so far in the escalating numbers.

Leauvaa and Afega trial deferred

The substantive hearing into the constitutional challenges brought by the village council of Leauvaa before the Supreme Court against Afega did not go ahead. Court officials confirmed that the hearing initially scheduled for 15 May has been vacated and a new hearing date is yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, the contempt of court matter against some villagers of Afega for not obeying orders from the Court related to an interim injunction will go ahead.

Police officers guilty 

The Police Tribunal has found suspended Inspector Lio Fa’ataumalama guilty of negligence, signing statements and bringing the office into disrepute. The Tribunal handed down its decision on Friday after a trial into the conduct of two police officers accused of carrying out an unauthorized investigation upon orders from a Cabinet Minister. His colleague Corporal Henifa Bryce was found guilty of one charge of negligence.

Reconsider St Joseph’s ban: Tuilaepa

The leader of the Opposition has called upon the committee responsible for organizing school rugby to reconsider the severe penalty imposed on St Joseph’s College. Tuilaepa in his dual role as chairman of Lakapi Samoa Board, has described the four-year ban as excessively harsh and a misdirected form of punishment. He emphasised that the ban would unjustly impact the many innocent students at St Joseph’s College who are passionate about rugby and aspire to excel in the sport.

Moto’otua crime wave concern

A wave of burglaries targeting businesses in Moto’otua has been attributed to a gang specializing in thefts and break-ins. The businesses are concerned over the surge in burglaries and appealing to the public to assist Police in apprehending the culprits to curb the rising tide of crime in the area. Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said they are believed to be a gang of young boys and men from Leone and Leufisa but efforts to obtain an update on progress by the Police were unsuccessful.

Celebration of faith and dedication

A total of 25 new Reverends were ordained in the Congregational Christian Church Samoa symbolising the commencement of a life devoted to serving God. The ordination ceremony was held at Malua Jubilee Church within the Malua Theological College grounds and drew a large gathering of family and friends from across the region and beyond. Leading the service was Reverend Elder Tunumoso Soliola Iosia, the Deputy Chairman of the C.C.C.S. General Assembly.

Solar energy powers rural farmers growth

A young man has solved an important issue impacting rural farmers with solar-powered generators. In 2021, I’umalo Clayton Simamao joined the Samoa Farmers Association, a body that supports rural and low-income farmers across the country. Drawing from his experience and knowledge, I’umalo envisioned solar-powered generators as a game-changer for the farmers providing them with a sustainable and reliable energy source. With approval from the SFA Board, funding was secured though the Australian High Commission and the impact on farmers was immediate and profound.

Previous court structure supported by judges

Samoa’s judges have given their unequivocal support to plans to revert the court structure to the status quo in a letter to the Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Justice Courts and Administration, Papalii John Afele. In the letter, the judges wrote that the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court extended to the protection of those rights before all courts, organizations and tribunals including the Lands and Titles Courts of Samoa.

‘Measina’ in Germany to be returned home

The National of Samoa academics were pleased to find Samoan measina (cultural artefacts) well secured and protected on their recent trip to Germany. The group, led by the Director of Samoan Studies, Dr Matavai Tautu in partnership with the Uebersee Museum selected several measina that will be brought back to be exhibited in Samoa for a certain period of time.

SLC assets to be transferred

Major assets under the soon-to-be deregistered Samoa Land Corporation are likely to be transferred to the Ministry of Lands and Survey. The S.L.C. is one of three State Owned Enterprises that will disappear to consolidate public lands under one administration. The other S.O.E’s are the Samoa Trust Estate Corporation and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Samoa qualify for women’s U19 T20 World Cup

Samoa has shocked the field at the U19 Women’s East Asia Pacific Qualifier topping the four-team cricket competition after coming into the competition as underdogs. A win over Fiji on the final day ensured the Samoan finished top of the double round-robin tournament.

$30 million price tag for Savalalo market

The total cost of the construction of the Savalalo Market has gone from $25 million to $30 million, The Chief Executive Officer for the Samoa Land Corporation, Ulugia Petelo Kavesi said the $25 million is for construction only and the extra costs are for project management, an Environmental Impact Assessment and permit fees.

47 years of devotion and faith

Reverend Elder Fa’atulituli, a dedicated servant of God, has stepped down from his role as a church minister after 47 years of service. His journey was not only about leading congregations but also about nurturing future church leaders at the church’s theological college in Malua for 18 years. Rev. Elder Setu hails from the village of Fusi Safotulafai while his wife Meripa is from Moata’a.

Musk to visit Samoa

Tech billionaire Elon Musk is set to visit Samoa in October for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. This news follows his meeting with President Katonivere in Fiji where he confirmed his attendance. As the founder of Space X’s Starlink, Musk was praised by Fiji’s president for his pioneering efforts in expanding high speed internet connectivity to remote and rural areas of Fiji.      

Free medicine and ferry travel for disabled

People with disabilities could be travelling free on inter-island ferries and potentially getting free medication before the end of the current parliamentary term. This is part of a government initiative confirmed by Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo, Minister for Woman, Community and Social Development. People with disabilities remain one of the most marginalized groups of people in Samoa. Very few are afforded education, infrastructure is often not disabled-friendly and they do not get equal opportunities at employment.

SNPF chair back, cabinet sets conditions

The Cabinet has reinstated The Samoa National Provident Fund chairman who was suspended on condition that he sorts out internal friction between the Board, management and in what had been described as a “toxic environment.” The Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai said the investigation found there were breaches of the government policy but there was no proof of theft, fraud or forgery.

Court bails Sam’s wife

The Supreme Court has granted bail to one of the defendants facing a string of conspiracy-related charges. Senior Justice Vui Clarence Nelson granted Sivai Mamea Kepi bail with strict conditions that she resides at Tafaigata with her children, surrenders her travel documents, has no contact with police witnesses and co-defendants which is extended to social media platforms and signs in at the police station twice a week.

Tuilaepa urges support for Citizenship Bill 

Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has called on Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and her Cabinet to support Samoans in New Zealand who are rallying to restore citizenship rights affected by past discriminatory legislation. He called for a coordinated and robust response from the Samoan community and government.

Gender equality a priority: PM

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has called upon all Pacific leaders and Small Island Developing States to prioritise gender equality emphasising a partnership with women’s movements and various sectors as one possible outcome. Fiame made the call during the Small Island Development States conference’s Gender Equality Forum hosted by the UN Women Caribbean and the UN Women Pacific at the weekend.

Pilot killed 

It was 2.30 pm when a motor glider flown by retired Captain Philip Meredith crashed into the sea just off the coast at Vaitele. The incident claimed the life of Mr Meredith. The Police, who recovered his body said he may have drowned but that will be determined after a medical examination.

Playwright charged for gruesome murder

Horrific details emerged on Monday as a well-known playwright, Papalii Sia Figiel was charged with murder for allegedly stabbing a 78-year-old woman in Vaivase-Uta on Saturday. Incriminating evidence included the discovery of a small knife and a hammer.

More money for MPs and civil servants

Parliamentarians, civil servants and the judiciary can expect another pay rise after the announcement of another salary restructure as part of the $1.15 billion budget for 2024-2025 that was tabled at Parliament on Tuesday. The Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai revealed the budget strategy in his address guided by the theme, “Sustaining Growth Pathwaysfor the Social, Economic and Climate Resilience of our Common Wealth.”

Junior Manu Samoa gear up for Scotland

The Junior Manu Samoa have a lot to prove as they gear up for the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024 in Scotland in July. Samoa finished fourth last year when they were walloped 83-10 by Scotland. Ironically their first pool game will be against Scotland.

SNPF to review loans scheme

The nation’s superannuation fund has resumed its investment loan scheme while small term loans will be reviewed to address concerns raised by contributors in accessing their money. The lending of $67 million by the Samoa National Provident Fund to six clients in less than a year led to the investment scheme being halted in February while an investigation was carried out.   

New fees for seasonal work from July

District councils and private agents will have to pay a registration fee associated with seasonal work in Australia and New Zealand starting in July. District Councils will pay $1000 while private recruiters could be looking at as much as $10,000.

August trial for Sam and company

An application to delay a high profile case in the District Court to next year due to the unavailability of overseas lawyers has been dismissed and the trial is set for August this year. The application was sought by five defendants on the grounds that their overseas lawyers being funded by a Gofundme page have a busy schedule and are unavailable this year. One of the defendants known as Sam Sua, faces 167 charges while his wife faces 34.

$30 million for three schools

Three schools will be transformed into modern learning facilities costing $30 million provided by the People’s Republic of China. Fifteen hundred students of Lepea Primary, St Theresa Primary and Apia Primary Schools are looking forward to a healthier and better learning environment.