Diesel leak in restricted zones: Fishermen

Authorities are investigating reports that local fishermen have been entering the restricted area surrounding the wreck of the HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of Upolu. In live video footage near the site of the wreck, a fisherman expressed his frustration saying, “The government must investigate and examine the situation thoroughly and report the truth and not try and cover up what is happening.”

Tuilaepa slams $25 million terminal

Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi believes the money spent on the regional terminal at Faleolo would have been better spent on ensuring adequate medical supplies at the national hospital Tuilaepa said he felt sorry for Fiame trying to justify the project at the terminal’s opening particularly when the whole area flooded before it was even used.

Nurse gets royal recognition

A veteran Samoan nurse, chief and passionate advocate from Savaii was awarded a medal from the King becoming a Member of the Victorian order and to recognise exceptional service to the Sovereign and the Royal Family. Alaimoana Moelagi Leilani Jackson attributes her success to the supportive team at the British High Commission and the strong foundation laid by her family.   

Serious nutrition deficiencies 

A government report on food and nutrition show the stark realities Samoa faces of a double burden of malnutrition and under-nutrition. The outcomes include stunting, anaemia and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases. A report by the government in 2021 showed that the leadership of the nation was well aware of the problems. Other areas of serious concern are that over 70 per cent of the population are overweight and around half are obese.

Flooding minor claims construction company

The company responsible for constructing the apron of the $25 billion regional terminal said the work was done according to the designs and the flood was “minor” said the owner of King Construction, Sulamanaia Montini Ott. The project was designed by Sucon Consultancy Ltd who contracted King Construction to do the work on the $15 million apron and Zheng Construction to do the terminal building.

Sucon silent on terminal design

Sucon Consultancy has remained silent on issues surrounding the design of the newly-commissioned multimillion tala project, which contractors have blamed as a factor of the recent flooding. Attempts to make contact with the managing director, Lefaotogi Paletasala Faaolotoi were unsuccessful. According to the Institute of Professional Engineers Samoa (IPES), although there are four Chartered Professional  Engineers on the Sucon website there is no CPEng civil engineer who should oversee sewerage systems and roads to ensure the infrastructure can withstand loads, weather and natural forces.

Surgeries halted in hospital power cut

A recent power outage has raised serious concerns about the preparedness of local hospitals to manage critical situations when the power is interrupted. On Thursday, citizens reported an unexpected power failure which led to postponed surgeries and interrupted medical care leaving patients and their families worried about the hospital’s contingency plans. The Samoa Observer has reached out to the Director and Deputy Director of the Ministry of Health for clarification on the matter.

Government needs a spokesperson: Tuilaepa

Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has urged Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa to appoint a designated spokesperson within her Cabinet to regularly engage with the media and update the public on government decisions and developments. In his weekly press conferences, during his over two-decade tenure as Prime Minister, Tuilaepa underscored the importance of keeping the nation well-informed, allowing the media to hold the government accountable and giving the public greater clarity on decisions that impact them.

Shareholder booted out of meeting

The second largest shareholder for the Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort at Mulifanua was booted out of a meeting by the chairman for asking questions about the company’s financial status. Digicel Caribbean Executive AV Services holds 15.3 per cent shares in the Mulifanua Beach Resort-Samoa Limited, second to the Samoa National Provident Fund who hold a majority of 55 per cent.

Satapuala moves on government land

The village of Satapulala had initiated the clearing and cultivation of land previously embroiled in a protracted land dispute with the government.  The move marks a significant escalation of matters in the long-standing tension between the village and the state. A village chief, Vaili Mimita said the community had grown frustrated with the lack of progress and decided to take the matter into their own hands.

Major plastic, waste and pesticide worries

Samoa is facing a surging plastic tide said the United Nations Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights. Marcus Orellana also called for an immediate ban on paraquat and glyphosphate. He warned that while the country was taking measures to ban some plastic bags, straws and Styrofoam it cannot keep up with growing amounts of plastic waste. He criticised the double standards of producer countries banning paraquat in their own countries, but allowing its production for export to others.

Driver licenses stolen from LTA

The theft of 24 driver's licenses in a break-in at the Land Transport Authority at Vaitele has sparked concerns about an inside job and use of the property without authorisation. It is suspected that more than just licenses were taken. Deputy Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti said the nightwatchman is an alleged suspect but nobody has yet been charged.

Fetu samoa turn on the power for promotion

Fetu Samoa will join the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns in next year’s Pacific Cup after rolling past the PNG Orchids 34-12. With skipper Annette-Claudia Nuuausala, Fetu Samoa made it three from three for the tournament.

Tattoost angry over the use of ‘malu’

Sua Suluape Alaiva’a is concerned about the exploitation of the sacredness of the traditional art form by other Samoan tattooists. He has vented his frustration at a post by a Tongan singer Melenau Lino who claimed to have had a “Tongan malu” done by a Samoan tattooist named Tulouena Mareko. Sua said he was angry and sad and said Tongans have a different name for their tattoo and it is not malu.

Hospital X-ray machine damaged

The Moto’otua National Hospital in Apia is currently facing a disruption in its radiology services after an electrical surge damaged the facility’s main X-ray machine. Director General Aiono Professor Alec Ekeroma confirmed it could take up to a month to have it repaired. However, he said the mobile X-ray unit is still fully operational and will be used for inpatients and outpatients. Non-medical X-ray requirements must make alternative arrangements until the main X-ray machine has been repaired.

Four ministers on island, eleven overseas

Four Cabinet Ministers are currently holding the fort of the executive branch while 11 colleagues are either on duty travel or in the United States for a political party event. In the absence of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio has taken on her portfolio and perhaps that of others. Also at home are the Minister of Health, Valasi Tafito Selesele, the Minister of Police and Prisons Faualo Harry Schuster and the Minister of Education and Culture, Seuula Ioane.

Samoan heads United States Intelligence 

The United States President-elect has appointed former congresswoman and Samoan, Tulsi Gabbard to serve as Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard was a Democrat when she served in the House of Representatives from Hawaii from 2013 to 2021. She ran for president in the Democratic Primary in 2020 before leaving the party in 2022 and becoming a Republican this year.

Exam fees still outstanding 

Close to 3000 students are yet to pay their examination fees with the national exams for Year 10 and Year 12 starting this week. According to the Ministry of Education and Recreation Assistant Chief Executive Officer Maria Lei-Sam Elisaia, the unpaid fees should not be an obstacle as they are allowed to sit their exams but their results will be held back until the fees are paid.

Contractor denies sale of Siumu soil

A Chinese company contracted for the work on the Siumu Cross-Island Road says it is not selling soil from the road works but charging “fuel and service fees” for its delivery. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation is contracted for the $15 million road works that have continued to face delays.

U.S. Coastguard holds up Lady Samoa

The MV Lady Samoa IV arrived at the Matautu International Port on Sunday morning, a day late, after being held up by the US Coast Guard in America Samoa for alleged deficiencies in its equipment. Lt Cody Baggett, head of the local Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Unit said they found deficiencies with the lifeboats, life rafts and life jackets during their inspection.

E.P.C. emphasises surge diverters are necessary   

The Electric Power Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Faumui Iese Toimoana has emphasised the importance of proper surge protection for critical medical equipment. He advised that it is necessary to ensure that valuable and life-saving medical equipment is well protected from voltage fluctuations and electrical surges. This was after allegations were made by Director General of Health Dr Alec Ekeroma when he announced that the major X-ray machine at the hospital needed repairing after power surges.

Families sneak food to matai

A matai of Palauli Savaii, who recently returned to his village after the court overturned a village council decision to banish him, says he is being treated like an outcast and relatives have to sneak him food late at night fearing banishment. Autagavaia Upa has been told by the Vaitoomuli village council that no one is to enter his home and he must not enter anyone else’s home. A village representative said this is because it is thought he is trying to “cause trouble” and “spread gossip” in the community.

PM Fiame signs two agreements in China

The Government of Samoa signed two agreements with an educational institution in China this week – the Samoa Training Programme Cooperation Agreement (signed by Taizhou Polytechnic College, the National University of Samoa and the Government of Samoa) and the Sister-School Cooperation Agreement (signed by theTaizhou Municipal Government and Samoa’s Ministry of Education and Culture).

Eti sets the stage on fire and wins Siva Afi 

Nineteen-year-old Eti Herold Lesoa of Siumu surprised older fire-knife performers when he won the Siva Afi International Competition in front of a jam-packed audience. However, it should be remembered that this young man started his career as a five-year-old, emulating his father.

Sheraton row ends up in court

An attempt by some shareholders of the Sheraton Mulifanua Beach Resort to revoke the representative of the second largest investor in the property, was prohibited by the court as the row which began earlier this month, escalated. The Digicel Caribbean Executive AV Services holds 15.3 shares, second largest to Samoa National Provident Fund. A special resolution proposed the revocation of the Digicel representative who is also the Lava Hotel General Manager, John Flannery. In response to the resolution, Mr Flannery sought interim injunction orders from the court to allow him to attend the meeting on behalf of his shareholder.

Sheraton Mulifanua faces $40 million debt

The Sheraton Mulifanua Beach Resort where the government holds majority shares is in financial distress with a reported $40 million debt that its shareholders were asked to service. The total Government share in the hotel is 61.4 per cent.

Islands walk out of climate talks

Delegates from several small island states and impoverished nations severely threatened by climate change made a bold statement as they walked out of the UN climate talks in Azerbaijan on Saturday. Navigators from the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the Least Developed Countries abandoned the consultation that went over time without striking a deal to help the nations at risk.

Fire destroys detained ships                         

Mystery surrounds how a fire started in one of the 11 detained ships detained at the Salelologa Wharf in Savaii, setting ablaze two other ships. The three ships were towed away from the others in an effort to avert a major disaster. It is believed the 11 ships are a part of a Chinese fishing fleet and were moved to Salelologa duing CHOGM to make room for the cruise liner, Pacific Explorer.

Whooping cough warning    

The Ministry of Health has confirmed an increase in clinical cases of whooping cough (pertussis) and should the numbers continue to climb, there is a likelihood an outbreak will be declared later this week.

“From the numbers we have, it seems like it is going up for children and New Zealand has declared an epidemic,” said Acting Director of Health Tagaloa Dr Robert Thompsen.

Woman sneaks methamphetamine into jail 

A 23-year-old woman was taken into custody on Saturday as she attempted to sneak in two ziplock packets of meth or ice to her husband at Tanumalala Prison. The woman’s husband, was one of the six men arrested by the Police in a drug bust in Vaivase-uta where taxis were being used to distribute drugs. Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said the woman has been charged and will appear in court in December.

$17million Vailima Brewery opens its doors

The Taste of Samoa has returned home and will hit the market in a week as the $17 million Vailima Breweries factory was opened. This marks the return of the production of beer in Samoa, a task that owners Saleimoa Charlie Vaai and Beatrice Ott have worked hard to achieve. For now, the company employs 30 people. It is anticipated that as the company grows and starts its own distribution, the number of employees will increase.