Samoa

Kava was a significant export commodity until a ban imposed by European countries in 2001 caused many farmers to quit the industry.

Consequently when the ban was lifted in 2015, demand could not be met and earnings fell to just under 79,000 dollars.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry is asking local partners to increase their production and wants to attract farmers back into the sector

CEO Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling said those farmers that stuck with kava are now reaping the benefits.

It was a physical match between the two rivals.

The half-time score was 7-5.

Fiji scored the first try through Sevuloni Mocenacagi in the 4th minute and with Amenoni Nasilasila converting from out wide, Fiji took a 7-0 lead.

Samoa scored just before half-time to reduce the gap to 7-5. 

Fiji coach Gareth Baber told the players at half-time to keep possession and to make good tackles.

However Samoa scored the first try of the second half as they took a 10-7 lead.

Scheduled for completion in February 2019, the government has decided to rebuild Satupaitea District hospital.

About 50 years ago the hospital closed due to its vulnerable location to natural disasters including rising sea levels.

Health Minister Tuitama Dr. Talalelei Tuitama said decentralising crucial medical care to people in the rural and isolated areas remained a top priority for government.

He said the government is not deaf to calls for doctors to get out of their comfort zones and go out to the district hospitals to consult and treat patients.

Speaking to reporters this week the deputy commissioner accepted criticism from Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi who's accused some prison guards of being unfit and likening them to sumo wrestlers.

Ulugia said Zumba fitness has been in place for all guards for two years and it's continuing.

Tuila'epa had suggested the guards run from the market place in town to Tafaigata every morning.

He said the guards unfitness and body size was one of the reason escaped prisoners can't be caught.

Talamua reports the contract with TE Subcom means they will now need to build a warehouse at Matautu wharf to house the undersea communication system to service the region.

A submarine maintenance vessel will also be based there to maintain and service communication cables in the Pacific.

The Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Afamasaga Lepuiai Rico Tupa'i made the announcement this week saying Samoa competed with other companies for the contract.

The submarine warehouse will sell spare parts for undersea communication cables as well.

The Chief Executive of the Land Transport Authority, Leasi John Galuvao, told the Samoa Observer that he believes it is time the buses were phased out.

The government introduced measures in 2000 to phase out the buses with locally manufactured cabins built on truck chassis.

But due to the high cost of imported buses and existing used vehicles not meeting a 12 year 'age' criteria set by government, the local buses were accepted but under of more stringent safety standards.

David Nomereta Uaine of Tuana'i has entered his plea in the Supreme Court, presided over by the Chief Justice.

He is alleged to have sold Samoan passports to people between December 2016 and May 2017.

Charges include using false information to procure passports, false procurement, and corruptly obtaining bribes.

He was charged and sacked from the Immigration division of the Prime Minister's office following an investigation late last year.

It will be accompanied by the Electoral Constituency Bill 2018 and the Electoral Commission Bill 2018.

And the reforms are the wholesale approach by government to completely overhaul the local electoral processes in continued bids to eliminate corruption and illegal practices during general elections, the Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has assured Parliament this week before taking a recess.

Ulugia Niuia Aumua said the authorities were taking all the blame for the several escapes that had occurred from Tafaigata prison over the past few weeks.

However Ulugia said the latest two prisoners to escape had now handed themselves in voluntarily.

They are now kept in a special cell with 11 other high risk prisoners, including others who escaped just before Christmas.

Ulugia said prison management had to do better.

"I can understand the criticism, knowing that these prisoners were brought here to be in safe, secure custody," he admitted.

The Samoa Observer reported the Ministry of Justice confirming the request was granted to the Satapuala Village Council.

The family up for removal is alleged to have owned a marijuana farm and suspects have been charged with cultivation of narcotics in connection to the brutal murder of 15-year-old earlier this month.

The teen, Uili Uili, was found dead from severe head injuries which also uncovered a marijuana plantation with a street value of nearly $US40,000.

Papali'i also said the Village Council would need to pay a priority fee as well.