Samoa

The visit has been confirmed by Tupuola Sione Heleti and Faalogo Situtuila Sissy Vuki.

The team will visit The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) College, Pesega and Samoa College.

“We are humbled to be invited by Jack and Lexie Rolfe to accompany them and be part of this journey when traveling to Samoa,” a statement said.

The School of Life Foundation is highly recommended by the University of Utah and schools throughout Utah. 

The organisation's mission is to help increase school graduation rates.

The evidence by the victim who was evacuated to New Zealand in January for medical treatment for serious facial injuries suffered from a gunshot, was conducted via video link.

Local media started covering the trial on Tuesday but they are in the dark on the grounds of the closed door application.

The senior prosecutor lawyer did not provide the court with the reason.

However, Justice Tafaoimalo Tuala Warren accepted the application under the section of the Criminal Procedure Act relating to powers of the court to issue suppression orders.

The meet is a warm up competition for the Pacific Games in July.

Triathlon Competition Manager Afoa Daniel Afoa says seven athletes from Fiji, American Samoa and Tonga will compete against Samoa.

"They are excited to utilise the test event as their opportunity to get some advantage of racing on the actual course for July. Additionally, the athletes will be joined by five local teams made up from FESA, Police and Samoa Events to ensure a competitive and fun day will be had by all."

The NZDF is conducting Exercise Tropic Twilight from 8-22 May, in collaboration with Samoa’s Ministry of Health, to provide a range of dental treatment, including restorative dentistry.

The treatment is being provided through a clinic at Poutasi village on the southeast coast of Samoa’s main island, Upolu.

Major Philip Worthington, who is leading the NZDF contingent, said the team was seeing up to 40 patients a day.

“Our emphasis is on getting as much quality dentistry work done for each of our patients as possible,” he said.

Alatise Vitale was arrested by the police and returned to custody last week for breaching his parole conditions.

He was sentenced in 2000 for the killing of cabinet minister Luagalau Leva'ula Kamu in 1999.

Mr Vitale was paroled with several other prisoners in 2012 as part of Samoa's celebration of 50 years of independence.

He is due back in court on Thursday for a bail application hearing.

The Faleula Methodist Compound was confirmed as the Games Village in November.

Construction and renovation efforts are ongoing in preparation for the Games, with more than 3,500 athletes and officials expected to attend.

The construction process is being overseen by Reverend Amosa Tapuai, the Samoa 2019 accommodation project manager.

"As of now, all the preparations are ahead of schedule,” Tapuai said.

“We are hoping to complete all construction and renovations of the building at the end of May.

The tourism minister, Salā Fata Pinati, called for the stay against at least eight companies.

He also proposed that the government pay $US7.6 million to help write off principal loan amounts owed to financial institutions.

It's not clear if cabinet will agree to the proposal.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the exports though are small in volume.

Tuilaepa said Samoa is also exploring the possibilities of a free trade agreement, though selective for a few products.

He made the comments while welcoming China’s new Ambassador to Samoa, Chao Xiaoling at a function in Apia.

“Excellency, we look forward to when you will begin the construction of your new headquarters and when we can expect more High Level visits from China,” Tuilaepa said.

But first things first.

He realises that he has to earn a spot in the Samoa Archery Team to compete in the Games, first.

“I am not a walk in,” he said during practise Saturday afternoon at his residence. “There is no preferential treatment here and I am treated like any other competitor.

“Earning the right to represent your country at any international sporting event is the highest honour that any person can ask for. And I will make the final cut to compete in the Pacific Games on my own steam power.”

The workshop was conducted by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Samoa and the National Maritime Boundaries Committee.

The workshop was also aimed at providing awareness and capacity building for members of the maritime boundaries committee and relevant stakeholders on the work of the region on maritime boundaries.