Ombudsman investigates clerk

The Office of the Ombudsman has officially commenced an investigation into serious allegations of misconduct involving the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Satama Uitime Tala. A former principal translator at the O.C.L.A. Taikerise Moe has accused Tala of harassment, discrimination and misuse of office resources. She also alleges that Tala exhibited favouritism, misappropriated office assets for personal use and fostered a hostile environment.

Vaigaga opens $6.5M primary school

The village of Vaigaga celebrated a significant milestone with the inauguration of its new $6.5 million school building, a key project funded by the Samoa Pacific Resilience Project (PREP). The state-of-the-art building includes 13 classrooms, a science lab, a computer lab, a library and renovated staffrooms. It is equipped with fans, fire alarms, the Internet and facilities to accommodate students with disabilities ensuring a safe learning environment.

Inquest ordered into death of EPC linesman

The Coroner has ordered an inquest into the tragic death of Veasve’a lailai Faumui, a 47 year old linesman who was electrocuted while working on a power pole in July and later succumbed to his injuries. The Coroner’s report reveals serious procedural oversights in the handling of Faumui’s case including a critical lapse, where Faumui was released from medical care, without a Coroner’s Form being completed – a necessary protocol for reportable deaths.

Measina are home and on display 

The Ofaga o Saili’iliga National University of Samoa Research Museum has recently revealed an exhibition featuring over 30 artefacts that have been returned to Samoa. The exhibition, named Atalilo, was ceremoniously opened by Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio.

Government to pay $50K costs

The Supreme Court has ordered the Government to pay an extra $50,000 in costs to the former President of the Lands and Titles Letufuga Atilla Ropati on top of the $750,000 awarded as compensation. Lawyer Fuimaono Sefo Ainuu had submitted the Government should be ordered to pay his client costs on an indemnity basis in the sum of $89,000. However, Justice Whitten ruled the plaintiff’s costs of $50,000 should be paid by Government.

King to meet with Siumu

Villagers of Siumu will have the rare opportunity to meet King Charles III in October, a request he has made ahead of his arrival for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Sinalei Resort in Maninoa, Siumu will host the head of the Commonwealth and the village of Siumu has also adopted the United Kingdom under the beautification initiative.

Beneficiaries demand explanations

The beneficiaries of the estate of the former Head of State, the late Malietoa Tanumafili II believe the Public Trust Office (P.T.O.) has mismanaged their funds and they want answers even if it means going to Court. The estate of the former Head of State was administered by the PTO since 2020 as appointed by the Court but handled his financial resources since 2015.

$100K for road crash victims families

The Samoan community in New Zealand came together to raise close to SAT$100,000 for the families of the men who died in a tragic car accident in New Zealand. The funds were raised through a Givealittle page. Fa’ aofo Uili Fa’aofo was killed alongside his nephews Ta’avao Kelemete and Leauga Jerry Leauga.

Samoa is one step closer

Samoa is one step away from heading to the Oceania World Cup Qualifiers for soccer after a hard-fought 2-0 victory over American Samoa on home turf. A Dilo Tumua second-half penalty and a late strike from Jarvis Vaai was the difference between the two sides in what was a physical and at times, fiery encounter played in rainy conditions.

Ministry of Lands finally open and operating

The new Ministry of Lands and Survey officially opened its doors from its new location at the Tuanaimato Golf Course where the Samoa Land Corporations was formerly housed. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa delivered the keynote address at the opening and noted that it was almost a decade ago, back in 2015, that Cabinet had first decided to consolidate all landholding units registered under various government ministries.

Litara crowned Miss Samoa 

Miss Impact Services, Litara Ieremia-Allen emerged victorious as the new Miss Samoa for 2024 and 2025. At 24 years old, this remarkable young woman swept through all the major categories claiming awards in: Best Sarong Wear; Best Coconut Demonstration; Best Siva Samoa; Best Talent; Best Traditional Wear and Best Interview. Her outstanding performance also earned her other awards namely Miss Photogenic and Miss Internet. The first runner-up was Brianna Fruean, Miss Pacific Climate Warrior.

Samoa girls thrash the Cook Islands   

A dominant Samoa has begun their OFC U-16 Women’s Championship campaign with a statement 10-0 win over the Cook Islands. Before the tournament, Head Coach Juan Chang tried to downplay his side’s chances in the tournament pointing to their status of being the last team to qualify.

Major surge in arrivals in July

Samoa experienced a substantial uptick in international arrivals and visitor numbers in July according to the latest data by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics. In July 2024, Samoa welcomed 24,596 international arrivals. This figure represents an 11.1 per cent increase over the 22,134 in June 2024 and a 7.5 per cent rise from the 22, 875 arrivals in July 2023.

Danger: Measles vaccination still low 

The vaccination rate for the second dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) remains low in the country igniting a push to cover more children. The Ministry of Health says the MMR1 coverage is 91 per cent mainly because MMR1 is administered at birth. MMR2 is administered when the child is 15 months old and the rate is 64 per cent which means there is a large number of the population of the population who are still vulnerable to measles.

Murder trial of policewoman in 2025

The murder trial of a man who allegedly shot a policewoman in Aleisa two years ago has been pushed back once again, this time to 24 March 2025. Edward Jireh Fanueli, who is currently out on bail, is scheduled to stand trial for the murder of Mele Segisolo Lapana. Fanueli has pleaded not guilty to one count of murder, one count of manslaughter, one count of causing grievous bodily harm, one count of being armed with a dangerous weapon and one count of possession of an unlawful weapon.

Ex-coach sues Lakapi Samoa

The former head coach for the Manu Samoa U20 team, Galumalemana Rudolf Moors is suing Lakapi Samoa for more than $700,000 for unfair dismissal. Galumalemana was contracted as the U20 coach for two years from 89 February 2021 to 8 February 2023. He claimed he was assured that he would continue his contract for another two years and was promised a contract to this effect. However, on 18 September 2023, he was verbally advised his service was terminated with immediate effect. Galumalemana said he was astonished by the decision as the U20’s team ranking and performance had improved under his leadership.

Media restrictions at CHOGM says co-chair

The government has announced that state media will be the official broadcasters and photographers at CHOGM in October providing content to all press including overseas media. This was confirmed by the co-chair of CHOGM and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Lefaoalii Unutoa Auelua-Fonoti. The president of the Journalists Association of Samoa, Lagi Keresoma and other journalists tabled their disappointment at this decision although Lefaoalii claimed this arrangement is common at other conferences.

Stench forcing closure of hospital lab

The laboratory of the National Hospital in Moto’otua is closed when odour from a blocked sewage pipe becomes overwhelming, according to the Director General of Health, Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma. This issue which occurs once or twice a week, he said, is managed promptly once the blockage is cleared. A complete fix would mean a major renovation and would mean dismantling the whole floor of the maternity wards above.

A sea of maroon in Apia for the centennial

The early morning parade in Apia to mark the centennial of the Apia Maroons Football Club, was a chance to reflect on the beginnings and development over the years. Friends, family and former and current players walked and then assembled in front of the Government building where the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell handed over $12,000 on behalf of the Government.

Primary exams to be held before C.H.O.G.M.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry and Culture, A’eau Chris Hazelman has announced that national examinations for primary schools will start earlier this year and that school principals and teachers were notified of these changes well in advance. The Samoa Primary Education Literacy Levels assessments for Year 4 and 6 as well as the Samoa National Assessments of Primary Education for Year 8 are scheduled from 7-11 October.

Four get Chevening scholarships

Four aspiring Samoans have become recipients of the Chevening Scholarships allowing them to further their academic qualification sat prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. Saouila Melissa Tolovaa was awarded the scholarship for her Masters degree in Cancer and Molecular Pathology and Genomics at the Queen Mary University, London. Olioliilealiieleaunoa Faletoese will be doing her Masters in Global Development at the University of Manchester. Benaiah Gregory Une will be doing his Masters in Environmental Futures with Climate Change at the University of Essex while Afulilo Maataua Tapualii Leao Tuitama is doing her Masters in Public Policy at the University of Strathclyde.

PM asked to intervene .

The Journalist Association of Western Samoa has written to the Prime Minister to voice their grievances over restrictions on the Fourth Estate for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The owner of Talamua Media, Apulu Lance Polu said there had never been any consultation with the media, broadcasting rights were never tendered and he noted the outcome is all in favour of the Government media.

Manusina beat Australia A 20-17

Manusina XV marked their return to their first game on home soil after 15 years with a 20-17 win over Australia A at Apia Park. With the scores levelled at 17 all and seconds remaining in the game's dying minutes, Manusina was awarded a penalty from 40 metres out.

$2.5 m tender on single source deal

The $2.5 million broadcasting contract for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting was procured by a single source tender. Radio 2AP and TV9 manage the broadcasting contract while MMG (NZ) Communications Ltd is contracted to deliver video content distribution. The recommendation to procure MMG’ service came from the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology CEO Lefaoalii Unutoa Fonoti-Auelua.  

Top job drama due to technical issues

An applicant for the Ministry of Sports and Recreation top job is disappointed in missing out on the position due to a technical issue with the Zoom link for interviews. Lalau Pauli Pritchard Fong is the Pacific Masters’ Games and Sports founder. He was shortlisted to be interviewed for the MSR Chief Executive Officer position, but claimed an unexpected technical problem opening the Zoom link sent by the Public Service Commission prevented the interview from going ahead.

Road closure for CHOGM to be revised

Plans to temporarily close off the main Beach Road in October to ensure the free flow of traffic and prevent security risks to heads of Commonwealth nations will be revised. Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo is firm that Beach Road will be on lockdown at some point for CHOGM but in trying to accommodate businesses and the security requirements of heads of governments, they are looking at closing the roads for a few hours rather than the whole day.

Samoa U16 women create history 

History has been created as the Samoa U16 women’s soccer team has become the first Samoan team to qualify for a FIFA World Cup after a 2-0 victory over New Caledonia in Suva in the OFC Championship semi-finals. Two goals inside the opening 10 minutes was enough to see Samoa through against a resilient New Caledonia side.

Changes hinder judiciary: Lawyer 

The changes made to the Constitution in 2020 impacted the rights of Leauvaa villagers and interfered with the structure of the judiciary, argued the legal counsel for Leauvaa in the Supreme Court. The substantial hearing touching on the lawfulness of the eviction of Leauvaa families residing on land owned by the village of Afega, is underway. Leauvaa is the applicant seeking orders from the Supreme Court to declare the eviction granted by the Lands and Titles Court, unconstitutional. Afega on the other side, relies on several decisions from the LTC that reaffirms its authority and ownership over the land that Leauvaa people are residing on.

Samoa’s youngest lifter secures gold

Samoa’s youngest lifter Sieni Stowers secured two gold medals at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Suva. She competed in the 76kg event and set three records for the Commonwealth Youth and Oceania Youth. Samoa now holds six gold and one bronze medal.

Top female firefighter amongst new recruits

Forty new firefighters have graduated with 23-year-old, Nelle Col Aumua honoured as the top female student.   As a single mother, Nelle said she had been inspired as a young girl to follow in the footsteps of those she saw responding to fires. From the villages of Malie and Lotofaga Nelle said she is acutely aware of the gender barriers in fire fighting and despite the physical training which took a mental and physical toll on her, she sees herself as an example for other young girls to persevere.

Schools warned: Police Commisioner

A prominent all-boys school could be closed by the police for their continuous involvement in fights after school at the Savalalo Bus Terminal. Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo lamented the ongoing issues leading to violence and impacting innocent bystanders. The most recent fighting has been between students from St Joseph’s College and Maluafou College despite warnings being issued by the police to both schools.

Students arrested and charged

A Maluafou College student injured in a school brawl has been discharged from hospital while five students from St Joseph’s College were arrested by the Police and charged with assault for causing harm and being armed with weapons. This was the second fight between the two schools in a fortnight. Meanwhile, the principals of Maluafou College and St Joseph’s College have met with the Samoa Police.

Lotopa meth duo deny drug charges

A businesswoman and a man have denied charges connected to illicit drugs confiscated by the Police from a recent raid at Lotopa. Doris Te’o and John Petelo Tia appeared before the Supreme Court Judge, Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma to answer charges against them. The duo are jointly charged with one count of possession of methamphetamine that was found in a ziplock bag weighing 0.84 grams and one count of possession of utensils, namely a clear glass pipe.

Two-test series for Toa Samoa in England

Rugby League World Cup finalists, Samoa are headed to England for a two-test series. The Toa Samoa Assistant Coach said players and the coaching staff are eager to build on their performances in last year’s Pacific Championship tests. The last time the two sides met was during their clash in the RLWC final where Samoa stole the win with a drop goal by Stephen Crichton.

Ceasefire brokered: Let there be peace

A ceasefire was brokered between Maluafou College and St Joseph’s College as the two schools met to sort out differences resulting in violent fights in public. St Joseph’s College principal, Brother Afaese Afaese spoke emotionally about the shame and embarrassment of the public fights, the tragedy of students being injured and the feelings of academic and spiritual failure from the incidents. The principal of Maluafou College, Lasi Tavae reminded the students that they were all children of Samoa and those involved in the fights had ruined the reputation that former students worked so hard to build.

Manu coach charged with sexual offences

Manu Samoa head coach, Mase Mahonri Schwalger has been charged with multiple sexual allegations and released on bail after being taken in for questioning. He is facing five charges that include unlawful sexual connection, attempted indecent assault and common assault with the possibility of additional charges. The two alleged victims are reportedly related to the head coach. It is alleged that the accusations surfaced after an internal family dispute connected to land.

$11 million airport VIP lounge opens    

Samoa has celebrated the completion of the newly-constructed VIP lounge at Faleolo International Airport. The Minister for Civil Aviation, Olo Fiti Vaai spoke of the significance of airports in today’s world. The VIP lounge was fully funded by the Samoa Airports Authority and offers a striking architectural design reflecting Samoa’s rich cultural heritage. It also significantly increases capacity accommodating up to 300 travellers compared to the former lounges’ limit of 50.