Samoa PM

A statement said Starkist Samoa Company's General Manager Injoo Ha met with the Samoa PM on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

“The award was presented on September 1, 2023, at Starkist Samoa Company's 60th anniversary celebrations in American Samoa. However, due to other commitments, the Prime Minister was unable to attend.”

Mr. Ha was presented with the limited edition 60-tala banknote commemorating Samoa's 60 years of independence by PM Mata’afa.

The Samoa Observer reports Alalatoa Rosella Viane-Papalii has been found guilty of using insulting words directed at the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, but had 17 charges of harassment using an electronic device dismissed.

In considering the offending, the court placed weight on the $10,000 tālā fine imposed by the village of Fa'ala Palauli.

Her prior good character, personal circumstances, and being a mother and grandmother were also taken into consideration as she was handed a three-month suspended sentence.

Addressing the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development in New York on behalf of AOSIS, PM Fiame said world leaders have to leave nationalism behind and urgently put action to the rhetoric they have been propagating for the past eight years.

"Climate change, the global financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have taught us that we are even more closely connected than we wish to acknowledge, and that choices made on one end have far and wide reaching devastating impacts on those of us who are many, many miles away.

Addressing the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development in New York on behalf of AOSIS, PM Fiame said world leaders have to leave nationalism behind and urgently put action to the rhetoric they have been propagating for the past eight years.

"Climate change, the global financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have taught us that we are even more closely connected than we wish to acknowledge, and that choices made on one end have far and wide reaching devastating impacts on those of us who are many, many miles away.

Fiame  said “We note Fiji’s progress in the about to be launched Fiji National Action to Prevent Violence Against All Women and Girls, and how they have used a ‘whole of government’ and ‘whole of country’ approach.”

“These among other examples, demonstrate that we can find the answers, and remedial solutions to this problem.”

Fiji is hosting the Pacific Prevention Summit Intercontinental this week.

Fiame was met by Fiji’s Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Lynda Tabuya.

PM Fiame will join Pacific Islands Forum leaders for their special retreat at the Sheraton Hotel on Friday.

Fiji’s Prime Minister and Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), Sitiveni Rabuka will host the meeting which is being described as a milestone moment for regionalism.

The Samoa Observer reports Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo saying Fiame flew to Auckland on January 8 for unknown medical reasons.

Agafili says it's just overdue check ups and the PM is getting all her checks done while in New Zealand.

In her address to horticulture industry leaders in Hawke's Bay on Thursday, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa made it clear that Samoa's government wants to strengthen the RSE scheme, not stop it.

She said this is why there is a review into the recruitment process.

Having arrangements with villages or organisations may be the way to go, Fiame said.

"When groups travel and they come from the same village there is a greater level of success because there are built in controls and support systems," Fiame said.

Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa was welcomed to the region in an emotional Ava ceremony, one of the most significant customs in Samoan culture.

Seasonal workers, their bosses, church leaders and Samoan community members poured their hearts out, greeting Fiamē on her first official visit there.

Fiamē started her three-day trip to Aotearoa on Tuesday in Wellington, making it her first official bilateral trip abroad since becoming leader last year.

The charges were filed by Elikapo Peni as a private prosecution based on allegations connected to the April 2021 General Elections.

The Samoa Observer reports the pair had entered not guilty pleas on the allegations.

Meanwhile, petitioner Peni also asked the court on Monday to withdraw 13 charges of bribery and one of treating against Minister for Public Enterprises, Leatinu'u Wayne So'oialo who had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Elikapo Peni had initially filed a total of 22 charges of bribery and treating against four other members of the FAST party.