16 years for raping his daughter

A father of 11 children was sentenced to 16 years in jail for raping his daughter and was told by the court he had betrayed her in the most depraved way. The 50-year-old man was charged with 13 counts of sexual violation by way of rape, 10 counts of incest and one count of sexual violation by way of an unlawful connection. The offending took place in February 2022 and in one instance, two of his children witnessed the sexual abuse.

Former football boss sues f.f.s.

The former boss of the Football Federation Samoa has filed a $390,000 lawsuit claiming her employment was unlawfully terminated following an email exchange with president Papalii Samuel Petaia. Galumalemana Ronna Lee was the Chief Executive Officer of Football Federation Samoa. She was appointed in February until her employment was abruptly terminated by Papalii in June. Galumalemana is the second CEO to take FFS to court for unlawful termination.

Samoan academic appointed to cop29 council

Leading Samoan and Pacific Islands academic, Sala Dr George Carter has been appointed to the COP29 Presidency Scientific Council. He joins an elite group of scientists from around the world who will advise governments at this year’s UN Climate talks in Azerbaijan. Sala said the main mission of the group will be to put science in the heart of decision-making and policy-making.

Mammogram machine obsolete

The mammogram machine used to detect signs of breast cancer at the Moto’otua National Hospital has been out of operation for months. The biomedical department is awaiting quotes to procure an updated version, according to the Director General of Health, Dr Alec Ekeroma. He said the existing machine was analogue and manufacturers no longer made cartridges for it.

We are doing it for literacy: Sponsors

It is about fostering education and literacy, say the sponsors of the Samoa Observer Short Story competition. Now in its 14th year the competition was the brainchild of Samoa Observer Editor in Chief, Gatoaitele Savea Sano Malifa and senior editorial staff member, Marjorie Moore. Gatoaitele wanted to give a platform for young writers to express their creativity and at the same time, promote literacy.

Lift media restrictions say Pacific press

Pacific media organisations have supported the local press by writing to Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa regarding media restrictions for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Samoa is hosting the meeting and the initial announcement on media restrictions was not well received by the Fourth Estate. The Pacific Islands News Association alongside the Pacific Freedom Forum penned a letter to Fiame stressing, “Let us tell our own stories, our way, to our people.”

Customs split will happen: Tuala

The Ministry of Customs and Revenue remains committed to its ambitious plan to separate into two distinct entities. However, progress has been temporarily stalled as the Cabinet is yet to review a crucial feasibility report submitted earlier this year, according to Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio. The rationale behind this division means that specialised focus within government functions will facilitate more targeted strategies for revenue collection and the enforcement of tax laws without conflating these objectives with customs and border management.

The sinking of HMNZS Manawanui

 New Zealand naval vessel, HMNZS Manawanui lies at the bottom of the ocean just a few kilometers off the coast Siumu and now poses a possible ecological disaster. The ship sank after running aground on the southwest coast of Upolu Island and has left local fishermen and residents of Sa’anapu-tai grappling with the aftermath. The ship hit the reef on Saturday night and then started tilting. It eventually caught fire and sank. All 75 passengers and crew were safely evacuated using four life rafts, two rigid hull inflatable boats and with the help of local fishermen.

Ecological disaster looms

Oil can be seen floating on top of the sea where the ill-fated HMNZS Manawanui sank on Sunday morning. An environmental disaster looms, that could affect the livelihoods of villagers in the area. Along with the oil, rubbish and debris from the wreck are also floating on the ocean threatening the marine life, food sources and tourism in the area. “The sea is our bread and butter,” said Faatasiga Ituau of Sa’anapu as he looked out to the ocean, shaking his head. The HMNZS Manawanui sank on Sunday after hitting a reef.

District misappropriated funds 

The District Council of Fa’asale’leaga No 2 has misappropriated public funds from the $1 million district development grants and the Attorney General has recommended punishment under the legal framework to remedy it. In her legal opinion, the Attorney General has advised withholding further grants for the district development project. The A.G’s review of the situation is that Fa’aseleaga No.2 has 14 days from the date of issuance to remedy or resolve the matter.

Girl kidnapped from roadside 

A 17 year old girl was allegedly kidnapped from the roadside and sexually assaulted before being released a day later by her captors. Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo said a man has been identified for his alleged involvement. The young woman was reported missing on Monday morning when she didn’t return from going to a shop at Leauvaa where she had been sent to buy phone credit. It was later learned she had been taken to Faleatiu after she had been asked for directions to a family’s house and agreed to go in his car to show him the way.

Toa Samoa named for upcoming England tour

A strong Toa Samoa 23–man squad has been announced for the upcoming tour of the United Kingdom but will be without several stars. They include Brian To’o and Joseph Sua’alii. Jarome Luai, fresh off his fourth consecutive premiership with Penrith will lead his nation for the first time. Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu will also miss the tour but Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is set to make his debut after defecting from the Kiwis upon his return to rugby league.  

Leauvaa evictions stayed until appeal heard

The Lands and Titles Court decision to evict villagers of Leauvaa has been stayed until an appeal is heard in the LTC Appeal and Review Court which is yet to be established. In addition to halting any eviction sought by Afega, the village of Leauvaa was told not to take any further steps to develop the land in dispute beyond the regeneration crops.

Fuel tanks removal pivotal: Defence Force

New Zealand has acknowledged the concerns around the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui and admitted they had lost 200,000 litres of fuel. Removing the fuel tanks is now a priority for the New Zealand Defence Force but when that will happen is not known. The NZDF has said they appreciate the importance of the marine and coastal environment to the people of Samoa.

State of clam reserve unknown

The current state of some 200 beds of giant clams in the Tafitoala reserve remains unknown with authorities carrying out tests for contamination in light of the sunken HMNZS Manawanui. Tafitoala had only established its giant clams reserve in April 2023 with a stock of 220 provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to support the village’s initiative. The village mayor, Taloaileono Vasasou said the reserve was intended to revive the largest living bivalve molluscs stock and provide a food source for the elderly.

Pacific police stand united for C.H.O.G.M.

A strong message of unity was in the air at the Police Academy in Tafaigata where nearly 1500 law enforcement officers from Samoa and neighbouring Pacific Island Nations gathered for a special service. This gathering served as a reminder of the strength of collaboration and shared purpose dedicated to maintaining the peace and security.

“We are sorry”: NZ High Commissioner

The New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa Si’alei Van Toor apologised to the communities affected by the sunken HMNZS Manawanui. Van Toor conveyed the message in a meeting with more than a hundred villagers from Safata and Siumu at the Tafitoala church hall. She was accompanied by New Zealand Defence Force Senior National Representative, Commodore Andrew Brown and Samoan government officials.

Local company set to sell Starlink

A local company will become the first business to sell Starlink services and kits to the public in Samoa. Computer Services Ltd, an ICT and ISP service provider announced the move and has already begun taking orders. CSL Chief Executive Officer, Dave Main said the company was currently working closely with the Office of the Regulator to introduce Starlink services to Samoa.

Brave rescue by Sataoa fisherman

A Sataoa fisherman’s bravery on the night the HMNZS Manawanui struck a reef on the south coast of Upolu has been recognised. The sea was nothing less than unforgiving that night and Nifo remembers it clearly. Forty-year-old Lui Nifo was the first person who went to sea to help the stricken crew members. He has been hailed as a hero for bringing an injured woman to shore in his kayak after finding her with crew members on a life raft drifting towards Sa’anapu.

Over 30 special flights next week

More than 4,000 delegates for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will arrive next week on 30 special scheduled flights. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa who chairs the CHOGM National Taskforce confirmed that an international firm specialising in aircraft parking and flight management has been engaged to assist with logistics. Neighbouring countries American Samoa, Fiji  and New Zealand have graciously offered their airports for parking additional aircraft.

Mystery surrounds man’s death

The death of a 27-year-old man has left a family baffled with speculation that someone may have poisoned his beer with weedkiller. The family wants answers. His grieving father Toleafoa Aina Vaafusuaga said a postmortem examination revealed that he died from poisoning. He wants to know who and why would anyone want to hurt his son who is described as funny and loving.

Mystery surrounds Fiji Airways flight

A Fiji Airways chartered flight which arrived in Samoa without any passengers for the opening of the new $25 million regional terminal remains cloaked in mystery as questions swirl about who financed the trip.  The Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai confirmed that no costs were incurred by the Samoa Airport Authority but offered no further information. However, a reliable source told the Samoa Observer that it is in fact the Samoa Airport Authority who will end up footing the bill for the chartered flight.

NZ resolves visa application woes 

New Zealand has finally addressed visa application grievances from Samoans by opening a Visa Application Centre that operates eight hours a day compared to the current one-hour window. The new VAC will operate from Le Sanalele Complex at Taufusi Road on an appointment system through the VFS Global website.

Contractor named as mystery flight sponsor

Sucon Consultancy, which partnered with Zheng Construction on the new $25 million regional terminal has been identified as the sponsor behind the empty flight from Fiji. However, the lack of transparency surrounding the sponsorship has raised questions about the relationship between the contractor and the government. Questions sent to the Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai regarding the cost of the flight, and whether Suco’s financial contribution would be rewarded in future contractual payments, went unanswered. The request for the chartered flight came from the Samoa Airport Authority manager, Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu.

King Charles arrives in Samoa 

People crowded the Faleolo International Airport to get a glimpse of King Charles III and Queen Camilla as the Royal Australian Defence aircraft touched down after 7 pm Wednesday. A red carpet was rolled out on the tarmac and Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa was on the front line ready to greet the royal visitors. The British flag was raised in honour of the royal couple and after a brief audience with Prime Minister Fiame, the King and Queen were escorted under heavy security to Sinalei Resort at Siumu.

Luxon downplays wreckage impact

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon who is in Samoa for the CHOGM, has downplayed the impact of the Manawanui wreckage saying there is “no loss of marine life and no pollution on shore.” His comments contradict the fishermen living in the Tafitoala coastal area who reported fish covered in oil that have been referred to the authorities for testing.

Unity and action, says King Charles

In his maiden address as the Head of the Commonwealth, King Charles called on Commonwealth nations to have a vision for a united future. On the importance of acknowledging the Commonwealth’s past, particularly inequalities, the King urged everyone to “commit with all our hearts to learning its lessons and to finding creative ways to right the inequalities that endure.”

Two drown in palolo frenzy

Two families in Savaii are grieving following the death of family members while gathering palolo in different incidents on Friday. Fire and Emergency Services confirmed the body of an 18-year-old from Papa Sataua has been recovered. Meanwhile, a police officer at Tuasivi said an elderly matai from Vaisala gathering palolo also drowned.

Tafitoala continues to suffer

Seawater and other marine samples are being collected daily from Tafitoala as the restriction on fishing and other water activities continues. Fetu Totua said they have been reduced to selling their pigs and chickens which they usually keep for themselves. He said this is being done to buy food because “the ocean is our bank and we could rely on it for every need. That bank is now closed and we are bankrupt” Fetu said they do not understand. “We have not been informed why we cannot fish. If the reports say there is no damage, then why are we not allowed to fish?”

Teenage girl from Mulivai claims stigmata

Seventeen year old Regina Anitelea has wounds on her hands, forehead, chest and legs which some believe are stigmata. The Catholic Church in Samoa has yet to verify the young girl’s claims. Regina said on 19 September she dreamt she had been taken to the Kingdom of God talked to Mother Mary and was told she had to return to earth and encourage the youth of Samoa to pray and read the Bible.

Young fulfils World Championship dream

Racing in the 2024 Ironman World Championship in Kona Hawaii was a dream 10 years ago that Darren Young can now tick off. It is widely considered the toughest one-day sporting event in the world. Young started the race at 7.30 am and crossed the finish line 11 hours and 54 minutes later. He came in a 1575th place.

Make breast cancer screening free

The interim Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Cancer Society, Dr Malama Tafunai said Samoa needs a national breast cancer screening programme. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in Samoan women. Mammogram checkups should be made available at our hospital she said, but this is not happening. She also said she does not understand the constraints faced by the Health ministry.