Labour mobility to Japan likely

Japan opening its doors for labour mobility is emerging as one of the topics to be discussed at the Pacific Island Leaders Meeting this month. Tongan Ambassador Dr T Suka Mangisi says Japans aging population has created the need for foreign workers in Japan. Suka said that right now, Japan is slowly opening up its markets and there are some sectors in Japan that need foreign labour.

Methodists mark 60 years of Koneferenisi

Thousands of Methodist faithful, local and from abroad, converged upon the Mulivai-o-Aele in Faleula to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the church’s Annual Methodist Conference. Led by Reverend Faulalo Leti Pa’aga, President of the Methodist Church, the gathering marked a significant milestone for reflection and celebration.

Government reluctant to guarantee carrier

Previously accumulated debt by the national airline has led to the Government’s reluctance to guarantee more loans for Samoa Airways to procure a jet aircraft. Leatinuu Faumuina Wayne So’oialo, the Minister of Public Enterprises who is also responsible for Samoa Airways, made it clear that he also wants an aircraft. However, he said that accounts must be in order first and sacrifices need to be made like the last two years of being without an aeroplane, in order to buy a new one.

Captain Theo

Theo Mc Farland has been given the Manu Samoa captain’s armband for the July tests against Italy and Spain and according to management, the lock deserves the leadership. The 28 year old was one of the outstanding players from the team’s last campaign. From playing at Pesega College and then at Moamoa Roosters he is now enjoying success at Saracens in England.

S.J.C. athletes’ fate in limbo

St Joseph’s College athletes are still awaiting word to see if they can be part of the school zone athletics competition following a four-year sports ban after a brawl at the National Rugby Championships earlier in May. The incident was allegedly sparked by St Joseph’s College students with Police stepping in and four youths being arrested.

Abuse claims against Clerk

The longest-serving employee of the Office of the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly was told to go after she wrote a letter to the Prime Minister raising serious concerns about the leadership of the Clerk, Satama Uitime Time. The letter was written by principal translator, Taikerise Moe who served the office for 34 years and was given a six month extension before the “plug was pulled” on her employment shortly after her correspondence to the leader. Miss Moe’s abuse claims included overturning decisions made by interviewing panels; misuse of office assets and using workers to carry out work on his residence; unprofessional conduct; conflict of interest and nepotism.

Junior Manu walloped 123-15

Junior Manu Samoa was on the receiving end of the world rugby U20 trophy record score, as hosts Scotland walloped them 123 – 15 in their opening game at Hive Stadium. Scotland scored nine tries in the first half; many because of errors the new by their opponents. Samoa’s next game is against Japan U20.

Soil turned on ground for Legislative Office

The groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the new ST$54 million Legislative Assembly Office funded by Australia took place on Thursday. The occasion was witnessed by Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior government officials and representatives of the contractor, Reeves International Pty Limited. The Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa acknowledged the immense contribution by Australia of approximately AUD$30 million and reminded those present that the site was an integral part of Samoa’s cultural and political heritage and development over the last 62 years.

‘Aisa’ cooked here: Deputy PM

Methamphetamine or aisa, is being cooked in the country, says Deputy PM Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio. Tuala said he strongly believed that the illicit drugs were not slipping through Customs. “You do not have to bring ingredients from overseas to manufacture it because they are already here. What the person does bring from overseas, is the ‘know how’ to cook it.”

Manu Samoa beat Italy In July opener 

A new-look Manu Samoa made a strong statement against Italy winning 33-25 in the first game of the season at Apia Park. Italy captain, Michele Lamaro congratulated Samoa for the win. He said they made mistakes and allowed Samoa to take advantage of the opportunities. Italy now heads to Tonga.

Extension of mortuary to cost $1.2 million

The Ministry of Health is green lighting a project to expand the mortuary facilities at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Moto’otua. The development will address long-standing challenges in the healthcare sector. The planned extension will be able to house up to 50 bodies at any given time.

Samoa U19 off to a winning start

Samoa came out on top in a hard-fought battle against Papua New Guinea in their opening match of the OFC U19 Men’s Championship. Samoa’s captain Pharrell Trainor, was named man of the match slotting in a brace of goals. Samoa next faces New Zealand while Papua New Guinea will be up against New Caledonia.

Over 100 government roles disestablished 

More than 300 positions within the government were put on hold while a review was carried out by the Public Service Commission. It was then decided to disestablish 126 of them. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said the first phase of this project has been completed. The money saved from these positions went towards assisting the civil servants increment effectively from July 2023 to 2024.

Junior Japan smack Samoa U20

After being on the receiving end of a heavy defeat to Scotland, Samoa U20 went down 81-7 to Japan on day two of the World Rugby Trophy Challenge. With a scoreboard showing 27-7 at half time, that was to be the closest Samoa got to their opponents. After half time Japan came on and totally dominated the Pacific nation scoring four tries, each of which were converted in quick succession.

14 more US volunteers arrive

The latest volunteers from the United States Peace Corp were welcomed this week and intent on improving English literacy in Primary Schools across Upolu and Savaii. They join 14 others who arrived last year. The group, is the 94th class of Peace Corps volunteers and were greeted by the Ministry of Education and Culture and US Ambassador Tom Udall with a traditional Ava ceremony.

Alleged abductor bailed

A taxi driver who allegedly abducted and assaulted a 15 year old girl, denied the charges when he appeared in the Supreme Court. Faataualofa Taefu appeared before Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma charged with seven sexual offences including rape. He was released on bail and ordered to stay away from the girl. It is alleged she was abducted and sexually assaulted over two days in May this year. She was found in the bushes in Vaitele, distressed, allegedly drugged and with her hair cut off.

Corrections officer denies meth charge

A former corrections officer has denied charges of giving the narcotic methamphetamine to his colleague while on the job at Tanumalala Prison. Brenden Kiasi of Vailoa Faleata and Foaluga Savaii was charged with one count of unlawful possession of narcotics and one count of unlawfully giving the drug to another person.

Weightlifters set for the Olympics

Medal prospects Don Opeloge and Iuniarra Sipaia  are ready for the Olympics despite a hip injury to Iuniarra said Samoa Weightlifting president Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork. Tuaopepe said qualifying for the Olympics was extremely tough as they had to make the top ten in the world to be included. One lifter who just missed out was Sanele Mao. Tuaopepe said he was so close, coming in at 11th place.

Districts fund misuse reports with AG

The investigation report into the use of the $1 million grant from two districts has been referred to the Attorney General’s Office. The two districts are Faasalelega No.2 where there are questions over $175,000 which officials say they were not paid and Lepa, where $96,000 was distributed to three villages in the district for the use of a church hall.

A.C.E.O. resigns amidst investigation

An Assistant Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development has resigned amidst an investigation into his conduct. Some of the complaints against Latu Afioga stem from staff and accusations of abuse of office, although the C.E.O. OF M.W.C.S.D. Loau Donina Vaa said he had made significant contributions and demonstrated great dedication to the community.

Methamphetamine for the teacher

A 16 year-old teenager has been charged with possessing methamphetamine after reportedly bringing it into school to be given to one of the teachers. Police Commissioner Auapaau said the teacher, who was identified by the teenager, refused to comment and has denied all allegations.

Motoalii re-appointed as NKF. boss

The man who has led the Samoa Kidney Foundation for 16 years, Motoalii Mulipola Roger Hazelman was given the nod by the Cabinet to continue his tenure for three more years. The Foundation was established in 2005 with 10 patients and demand for its services, have since skyrocketed to 190. As well as dialysis services they offer patients with end-stage renal failure, comprehensive care. Alarmingly, over 80 per cent of those in need of dialysis treatment suffer from kidney failure stemming from complications of poorly managed non-communicable diseases notably diabetes and hypertension.

Piula is Piula’s top student

In an emotional celebration, Piula Ioritana and Lanuola Leifi were named the dux for the class of 2024 at Piula Theological College, graduating with Diplomas in Theology. Reflecting on their challenging yet fulfilling journey Piula struggled to hold back tears as he shared his experience. Named after the prestigious theological college, Piula credited God for guiding him and his wife through their studies.

Remove Fepuleai say district elders

The Salega No.1 constituency in Savaii has formally requested the resignation of their Member of Parliament, Fepuleai Faimata Sua as their district council chair. This request came after a special meeting to address ongoing concerns about a lack of communication and cooperation from the chair. Steering Committee member La’auli Leuatea Schmidt confirmed a meeting held with the elders and said they have been asked to submit their concerns in writing which will then be forwarded to the Steering Committee chair – Minister for Women, Community and Social Development, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio’o.

The King’s abode awaits funding

The Sinalei Resort which will host the head of the Commonwealth and British Monarch King Charles III, is yet to receive financial support from the government to assist with their preparations. The government had announced $300,000 for the resort to carry our refurbishments. Sinalei owner, Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale said that things are progressing well but he is hoping for support to come through.

Haifa wins another gold for Samoa

Nine-year-old Haifa Lynch left her home state of New South Wales, Australia and travelled to compete in the Queensland States championship for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and came away with a gold medal for Samoa. Despite travelling without her father, she knocked out her Tongan opponent who is two years older than her.

Filipino national caught with meth

A foreigner, who was transiting through Samoa and bound for Fiji, was caught with illicit drugs and live ammunition at the Faleolo International Airport. Arianne Fae Timblique is currently on bail after she surrendered her travel documents. An adjournment was sought to finalise charges against her.

S.S.F.A. boss convicted

The Chief Executive Officer for the Samoa Sports Facilities Authority Iuli Salale Moananu was convicted by the District Court and given a 12-month suspended sentence. Iuli was found guilty by District Court Judge Talasa Atoa Sa’aga on three charges – presenting a firearm, being armed with a dangerous weapon and uttering threats to kill while unlawful possession of a firearm and assault were dismissed.

Samoa start Touch World Cup with A win

The Samoan Open Women’s team had a great start at the Touch World Cup beating Hong Kong China 10-3 in their first pool game in Nottingham, England. One of the stand- out players from Samoa was Charlize Fleming. A fantastic performance came from the ladies in blue who were the gold medalist at the Pacific Games in 2023.

Nurses pay tribute to late SNA president                                     

Nurses across the country paid tribute to an unsung hero in the health profession, the President of the Samoa Nurses Association, Solialofi Tuaimalo Papalii Pisimaka. The S.N.A president was 79 when she passed away from cancer which she was diagnosed with in 2020. Mrs Pisimaka was instrumental and persistent in pushing for better salaries and working conditions for nurses and funding for the refurbishment of the nurses’ hall in Moto’otua.

Magic Circus opens to full house

After much anticipation, the Magic Circus of Samoa is back home after a long six-year absence. All the favourite acts were there – the Wheel of Death, the Globe of Death, high wire and magic shows with performers from Argentina, Brazil, Columbia Mexico and of course Samoa. The ringmaster of the Magic Circus of Samoa, Tupa’i Frank Bruno said the circus is here until August.

C.H.O.G.M. leaders will meet in parliament 

The chamber of Parliament House will host the main Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting leaders’ forum in October. This will be where the Commonwealth leaders will endorse their decisions with the King seated in the Speaker’s chair

Samoa’s Olympian - Judoka William Tai Tin

Judoka William Tai Tin is ready to give his everything when he walks onto the mat in his first-ever Olympic Games event on 29 July. Tai Tin is competing in the 73kg division and his ultimate goal is to come away with the prize – a gold. “I might be an overwhelming underdog but I am not going there for participation. I’ll be giving everything I have that’s for sure”. He is happy to be sharing this Olympic journey with his cousin Tupuola Ato Plodzicki who will be representing Samoa in boxing.

School includes swimming in curriculum

The Moataa Primary School will introduce swimming and outrigger canoeing as part of their school curriculum next year. Principal Valili Tito said this was to introduce water safety and prevent drownings. He said the majority of the students at Moataa do not know how to swim and neither do some of their teachers. The programme is a partnership with the Pualele Outrigger Canoeing Club and is funded by the New Zealand High Commission.

‘We are ready’ says PM Fiame

With just three months remaining until the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has assured everyone that the country is ready. Venues, accommodation, transportation and the attendance of delegations have all been confirmed, she said. As for delayed financial assistance for necessary renovations, Fiame said that is not on the Government and needs to be cleared with the Development Bank.

Savea signs with moana pasifika

Ardie Savea has signed a three-year deal with Moana Pasifika that would see him stay in New Zealand as he makes a move away from the Hurricanes. “I know that I’m going to an environment where I’m going to learn and grow in areas that I may not have even considered. It will be challenging and rewarding which is really exciting but above all, I am really keen to serve and help grow the legacy of Moana Pasifika.”

Cop slain in the line of duty

Two men are dead including a Police Officer who was shot dead in the line of duty by a man who allegedly had already shot another earlier on. Detective Sergeant Peniamina Perite of Samoa’s Homicide Unit was attending to a call from a woman alleging that her partner had just been shot by her ex-husband. This was the call that would lead the respected detective to his demise. It is believed that the suspect went to his wife who was now living with another man in Fasitoo-uta and allegedly shot him. Detective Sergeant Perite was part of the team sent to apprehend him but in the process, he was shot in the hip and head as he bravely attempted to arrest the man.

Meth distribution network uncovered 

The Samoa Police stumbled upon a meth distribution ring involving taxis as 14 people were arrested from various locations over the weekend. On Saturday while attending to a call out in Vaivase-uta the police found six men with meth in zip lock bags getting ready to distribute the drugs. The sight of taxis turning into the property then leaving quickly at the sight of the Police, began to make sense.

An Olympic tragedy

The boxing community in Samoa is mourning the loss of national coach, Lionel Elika Fatupaito who passed away in Paris a day before the Opening Ceremony. This means that Samoan boxer Tupuola Ato Leau Plodzicki-Faoagali will have to fight without his coach in his corner. Samoa Boxing president Tagaloatele Pasi Poloa was shocked when he heard the news. He said Lionel was a soft-hearted and humble person and boxers who he had coached, have flocked to share their memories of him as a wonderful coach.

Two districts sign new RSE policy

Only two out of the country’s 51 constituencies have formally registered with the Labour Mobility Division to participate in the new,ly-introduced policy to recruit seasonal workers, said Finance Minister Lautimuia Uelese Vaai. However, Lautimuia said the Ministry must first process applications from those who registered before the policy took effect.

No radiation danger: Tuala

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Customs and Revenue, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio has assured the public that there are safety measures surrounding the newly-launched container x-ray scanner and the radiation it emits. The scanner features exceptionally thick concrete walls that shield those outside the examination area from radiation. The purchase of the scanner is a response to the influx of illicit drugs and other prohibited goods entering the country.

Tributes flow for fallen officer

Tributes and condolences continue to pour in from Samoa and beyond after the tragic death of Detective Sergeant Peniamina Perite. The detective who was killed in the line of duty while apprehending a suspect in a murder case has been honoured by Police departments both locally and internationally.

Marist starts centennial celebrations 

The Marist Brothers Old Pupils Association began its 100th anniversary celebrations with a church service, a traditional ava ceremony and a barbecue. The mass was held at Lepea Catholic Church followed by an ava ceremony at St Joseph’s College Hall. The celebration will continue for a week with hundreds of Marist and St Josephs’ ex-students expected to be in the country this week. One of the key components of the celebration will see the refurbishment of the halls at Marist Primary and St Joseph’s College.

Playwright pleads not guilty 

Playwright Sia Figiel has pleaded not guilty to the murder of colleague, Professor Caroline Sinavaiana Gabbard before Supreme Court Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa  Roma . Figiel is facing a charge of murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter armed with a dangerous weapon and causing grievous bodily harm. A psychological assessment of the defendant’s mental state is still in progress.  

Former Attorney General’s case dismissed

The Supreme Court dismissed a case by former Attorney General Savalenoa Maeva Betham-Annandale who claimed she had been unfairly terminated in August 2021. The court found that Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa had lost the trust and confidence in the former A.G. In its orders, the Supreme Court said the former A.G.’s claims for judicial review and damages were dismissed and judgement was entered for the Prime Minister on both claims. The court also ordered the former A.G. to pay the Prime Minister costs of $5000 together with the usual disbursements.

Kayla keen to fly Samoan flag in the pool

Swimmer Kayla Brown cannot wait to represent Samoa and her family at the Olympic Games in Paris. The 20 year-old will be competing in the 50m freestyle event. Having swum competitively for the past 10 years, Kayla also represented Samoa at last year’s Pacific Games in Honiara in seven events. “Because it is an individual sport, you can feel the pressure as all on you, but in reality, you have a whole team backing you always,” she said.

Less voters for 2026: Electoral Commissioner

The number of people expected to vote in the 2026 General Elections is 10,000 less than those registered in the 2021 election, says the Office of the Electoral Commission. According to the OEC, 117,000 eligible voters are expected to cast votes in 2026. In the 2021 electoral roll, 127,983 people were eligible to vote. As for the discrepancy in numbers, the Commissioner, Tuiafelolo Alexander Stanley said that they suspect a lot of these people may have died and not had their names removed from the electoral list.

Strong start for Samoa U16 football

The Samoa Under 16 football team are off to a great start at the U16 Men’s Oceania Championship after they defeated New Caledonia 2-0 in Tahiti. They are currently competing for one of the three spots for the World Cup in Qatar 2025. A commanding performance by Alonzo Taulapapa saw him named Player of the Match.