Samoa PM

2021 was challenging for Samoa, says PM

"As in any crisis, it becomes all the more necessary to move forward together as a nation, and as strong, resilient people to reinforce the confidence to cooperate and collaborate towards a future we want," she said.

In her first New Year's address as prime minister, Fiame said, "we have accepted the uncertainties that remain but we are willing to usher in a new dawn to revisit our priorities and to listen attentively to emerging demands for a better quality of life for us all".

She exuded confidence in the ability of Samoans to overcome difficulties.

Samoa PM approves Fiji repatriation flight

Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has given the approval for a flight to bring home Samoans from Fiji.

Fiame said, “There are ongoing flights departing the country weekly which includes our seasonal workers for Australia and New Zealand.”

“And New Zealand has opened trips for people in Samoa that have New Zealand citizenship and also those with Australian citizenship have also been permitted for travel.

“The repatriation flight that was scheduled for the 27 November has been rescheduled to the 4 December.”  

Samoa's PM reflects on key phase in democratic journey

The impasse was an unprecedented test of Samoa's constitution, involving a number of court cases, and delayed Fiame Naomi Mata'afa taking office by several months.

"Many labelled the events that unfolded following our 2021 election a constitutional crisis," she said in her UN speech.

"While these were difficult times for Samoa, it was also a key part of our journey moving forward as a mature democracy."

Fiame said Samoa remains peaceful, and Covid 19-free.

     

Samoa PM says Tuilaepa talking rubbish

Opposition leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, attacked the FAST Party for staging what he called a 'bloodless coup, destroying the Constitution in the process.

He hit out at New Zealand for not supporting his HRPP party and its involvement in the appointment of five temporary judges, after months of legal battles all lost by the HRPP.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said its more of the 'blame game' from Tuilaepa.

Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa speaks to senior officers of the ministries under her portfolio

Speaking at a special prayer meeting, Fiame said while they are from different divides of the country, public servants are the caretakers and the support arm of the government.

She said public servants are chosen because they have the right qualifications to perform required duties within the public service but politicians make decisions based on advice from them.

Fiame told them their beliefs and feelings are theirs but not to let them affect how they work.

Samoa incumbent leader needs to 'get a grip' PM-elect says

Samoa's Attorney-General has filed a complaint with the Supreme Court, claiming Monday's swearing in of the FAST party was unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court heard it for mention yesterday afternoon, and set down a hearing for Thursday at noon.

The attorney-general named the FAST party leader, incoming Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, all of its MPs and their lawyers as respondents.

In a statement last night threatening action, the attorney-general's office said those who conducted the ad-hoc swearing in ceremony held Monday afternoon had no legal authority.

Samoa imposes tightens measures for returning citizens

This follows confirmation of two positive Covid-19 cases found to have been infected before they had boarded the last repatriation flight from Auckland earlier this month.

Samoa's prime minster Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, says approval will only be given to returning citizens permanently residing in the country and the scholarship students.

But they must present a medical report clearing them of symptoms of the coronavirus before entering Samoa.

Meanwhile, the two people who tested positive cases are now in isolation.

Samoan PM says some still not taking Covid-19 serious

During his weekly national radio address, Tuila'epa said 50 people were not allowed to board a repatriation flight last Friday because they did not

meet proper Covid-19 travel requirements.

''This means they are not worried by the pandemic, but it is nothing for anyone to play around with,'' he said.

The prime minister said some passengers turned up without the required health test evidence while others had documents but without signed verification from medical professionals.

He said subsequently there were 50 wasted vacant seats that others could have used.

Samoa PM to amend laws governing MPs resigning from political parties

During his weekly radio address Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi spoke of weaknesses in the legislation.

According to Tuila'epa amending the legislation would make sure party MPs remained loyal to their parties for a full Parliamentary term.

His comments come after recent resignations of former members of his Human Rights Protections Party who stayed on as independents.

Tuila'epa says those who did that were doing so for their own personal benefits.

     

Samoa Supreme Court judge did not leak letter says lawyer

The letter relates to the bail hearing for one of two men accused of plotting to kill the prime minister.

It was sent to the chief executive of Courts Administration and copied to other members of the judicary.

Last week Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi said Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren leaked the letter's contents in court.

But defence lawyer Unasa Iuni Sapolu said its author and content only surfaced when requested by the prosecution, who were acting on behalf of the prime minister.