Samoa

More than $65,000 has been raised for a Samoan hospital which helped save the life of a well-known New Zealand rugby coach.

Chiefs assistant coach Andrew Strawbridge contracted a serious eye infection in Samoa when he headed over for the All Blacks test earlier this year.

He spent time at the Moto'otua National Hospital before being rushed back to New Zealand in a critical condition.

Andrew Strawbridge said the experience has taught him a lot about the human spirit and people's generosity, and the money is already making a huge difference.

Xi Jinping pointed out in the message that since the establishment of the diplomatic relations 40 years ago, with concerted efforts of both sides, China and Samoa have maintained sound development in bilateral relations, and the China-Samoa friendship runs deep in the hearts of both peoples.

He had a successful meeting with Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi in Fiji last year, agreeing to establish a strategic partnership of mutual respect and common development.

 A 40-year-old man in Samoa has been sent to jail for 15 years after admitting to raping his 15-year-old daughter.

The man admitted to seven charges of rape, and one of indecent assault in the Supreme Court in Samoa.

The relationship was revealed to the police by the convicted sex offender's brother in-law, who was first caught committing similar alleged sexual offences with the 15-year-old.

The brother in-law's case is pending and he's denying the charges.

Samoa opposition MP Levaopolo Talatonu is to form a new political party, but will officially contest the election as an independent.

Levaopolo says he has the backing of 16 candidates so far, some of whom are prominent public servants and former politicians who want a third party in parliament.

However, our correspondent in Samoa, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says Levaopolo is not yet able to officially leave the Tautua Party.

Samoa's opposition party may have lost one of its MPs ahead of next year's general election in March.         

The MP for Gaga'emauga number 2 constituency, Levaopolo Talatonu, removed his name from the electoral roll of Gaga'emauga, and enrolled in the Salega territorial constituency where he will be competing next year.

The change was made before the closing of voter registration last Tuesday.

It means Levaopolo, who held the seat for Gaga'emauga number 2 after the 2011 election, is no longer representing the constituency in the current parliamentary term.

Samoa’s Minister for Youth has laid down the challenge to delegates at the Pacific Community (SPC) Conference in Niue to get behind youth development in the region.

Speaking at the High Level dialogue on Youths in Alofi, Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Leiataua said the region needs to work together to ensure the issues affecting youths are catered for by those in authorities.  

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Samoa, Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi lauded the ties on Friday, saying that his country values the strategic partnership based on mutual respect and common development.

Levaopolo Talatonu Vaai is no longer a Member of Samoa's Parliament.

This was the statement from Parliament Speaker Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao when asked for clarification on Levaopolo’s status as an MP.

“He is no longer a Member of Parliament because he switched constituencies before the electoral roll was officially closed,” explained the Speaker

“I have already informed the Head of State and have written to Leavaopolo,” he said.

Levaopolo was the Tautua Samoa Shadow Minister for the Ministry of Work, Transport and Infrastructure.

Digicel is once again bringing families and the Pacific’s greatest musical talent together with an upbeat new version of their hit song ‘We Are Family’. This new rendition is a cheerful Pacific Christmas music collaboration, available to all Digicel customers across the company’s six Pacific countries. 

PIPA has today announced the finalists in the much-anticipated 2015 PIPA Player of The Year competition. They include the talented Nemani Nadolo, Paul Perez, Siale Piutau, Leone Nakarawa, Telusa Veainu and Tim Nainai Williams.        

During the Rugby World Cup (RWC) players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga voted for the ‘Player’s Player of the Year’ from their respective nations as well as their overall selection for the ‘PIPA Pacific Island Player’s Player of the Year’ award.