Samoa

The Samoa Observer reported Fepulea'i Atilla Ropati has confirmed this in a letter to the Judicial Service Commission.

During the appeal hearing his counsel told the court that Fepulea'i intended to step down if he was convicted and last week the retiring Chief Justice Patu Tiavasue Falefatu Sapolu said he had done so.

The acting CEO of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration Aumua Ronnie Fereti said Fepulea'i had changed his mind and it was now a decision for the commission.

According to Samoa Weightlifting Association, a total of six Commonwealth and ten Oceania records were set by the weightlifters.

Petunu (Dan) Opeloge won the gold medal in the 89kg and the 102kg men’s division and established a new Oceania Senior Record with a 195kg Clean and Jerk.

Vaipava Nevo Ioane settled for the silver Medal in the 67kg men’s division and set a new Oceania senior record.

Ioane won the gold medal in the 67kg men’s division.

Palemata Eteuati of Leauva’a and Manunu was located last night, several hours after he escaped from custody.

Eteuati and and Silao Leleiga, 18, of Nofoalii, Saanapu and Salailua Savaii escaped from Tafaigata Prison Monday morning.

Both are facing charges related to burglary and theft and were awaiting their  court appearance.

Photo caption: Silao Leleiga (inset) remains on the run from authorities

A report by the Central Bank of Samoa for the year ended June 2018 said the bank remains cautious and has actively promoted public awareness of counterfeit banknotes.

The increase comes despite a year-long media campaign to combat counterfeit money.

The bank also warned the Central Bank does not reimburse or compensate holders of counterfeit bank notes.

"Therefore the onus is on the banks and members of the public to be vigilant and alert in detecting counterfeit money," the Central Bank said.

Police officers were called to a building Monday morning after a Customs officer found the grenade during a routine inspection of a shipment that had arrived from overseas.

The Ministry of Police issued a notice advising the public to stay away from the area until it was declared safe.

Local media report of the discovery of a suspected live grenade and equipment used to administer methamphetamines.

The defendant, Australia-based Samoan Malele Paulo Atofu, appeared in court last Thursday but the hearing was adjourned after his lawyer filed an application for the case to be dropped, arguing the Samoan District Court did not have the jurisdiction.

It's being argued the video which contained alleged defamatory claims against the prime minister was made in Australia and not in Samoa.

The matter has been adjourned for the police to file a response before the case is heard again on the 27th of May.

The cabinet reshuffle by the Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, was announced in a cabinet meeting yesterday and will be effective on Monday next week.

There is little explanation from the government on the reasons for the reshuffle.

But the CEO of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet said Tuila'epa considered the importance of maintaining a balance of cabinet ministers' duties and responsibilities to ensure that they are not overloaded.

The cabinet reshuffle by the Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, was announced in a cabinet meeting yesterday and will be effective on Monday next week.

There is little explanation from the government on the reasons for the reshuffle.

But the CEO of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet said Tuila'epa considered the importance of maintaining a balance of cabinet ministers' duties and responsibilities to ensure that they are not overloaded.

The outgoing Chief Justice Patu Tiavasu'e Falefatu Maka Sapolu confirmed that Fepulea'i resigned last week following his conviction of assault by the Court of Appeal.

Patu described the resignation of Fepulea'i as a huge loss to the judiciary.

Patu added that the Judicial Commission was looking for a new judge to take on the role.

Fepulea'i was convicted on one count of intentionally causing bodily harm and ordered to pay a total fine of $US3,500 for attacking a security officer during an end of the year function in 2017.

The project is aiming to dramatically improve hearing outcomes for Samoan children and deliver positive effects on education and health.

It will target more than 6000 year one students in all government, mission and private schools around the country.

The President of SENESE, Marie To'alepaialii, said they were finding increasing numbers each year with hearing difficulties, which affects their ability to learn.