Samoa

King Charles III Coronation celebrated in Samoa

The event was held at Sails Restaurant & Bar, and was attended by Afioga i le Ao Mamalu o le Mālō Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Suālauvī II and Masiofo, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Members of Cabinet, the United Kingdom's High Commissioner to Samoa David Ward, and members of the diplomatic corps.     

Australia commits to support sustainable development in Samoa

A statement issued by the government confirmed that these development include investing in health, education, governance, and climate resilience. Australia is proud to partner with Samoa by increasing our development assistance to an estimated AUD$53.5 million in the 2023/2024 financial year.

Australian High Commissioner, Emily Luck, said, "Guided by the Pathway for the Development of Samoa and supported by our Bilateral Partnership Arrangement, Australia is committed to working alongside Prime Minister Fiame and the Samoan Government to support Samoa's development aspirations.”

Samoa village enforces bylaw targeting unlicensed drivers

The Samoa Observer quoted the mayor Liutagata Soolua Vaoga saying the village is currently working to amend its bylaws so they can implement this change.

According to Liutagata, the initiative comes from a recent meeting between the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development and all village mayors, where they were urged to strictly monitor unlicensed drivers within their villages.

He added it was their way of assisting police with accidents that happen on the road.

Samoa football champs battling odds to play in Champions League

Lupe Ole Soaga qualified for the region's premier football club tournament, being held in Vanuatu, from a qualifying event held in Apia, Samoa in February.

But up to 12 players from that series will miss the finals due to registration rules.

Team manager Lai Tautiaga explained why.

"There are quite a few issues which surfaced this year. And it's our first time to be informed of such regulations. But we have players who we thought that the qualifying round was sufficient for them to attend the finals; however, it was a different story.

Samoa reviews traffic laws

The Samoa Law Reform Commission is inviting public submissions on the Review of the Traffic Laws of Samoa.

RNZ Pacific reports the Commission has been asked review the current laws and, taking account of Samoa's changing needs and best practice overseas, make recommendations for updates.

The public is invited to comment on a discussion paper available to download from the commission's website or to pick up at its physical office in Apia.

Israel ambassador presents credentials to Samoa

Ambassador Yaakoby is based at the embassy in Wellington, New Zealand.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Samoa and Israel in 1977, both countries have continued to maintain cordial relations.

As highlighted in the remarks delivered by the Member of the Council of Deputies and the Ambassador of Israel during the Credential ceremony, Samoa continues to benefit from the MASHAV development cooperation program of Israel through capacity building and training opportunities in the fields of health, agriculture and education.

PM Fiame disappointed privately-owned boat entered Samoa without approval

Tala Fou reports Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa has admitted to a security lapse on the part of government Ministries.

Fiame has expressed disappointment with how certain government bodies allowed a boat that sailed from American to enter and return without approval.

At her press conference last week Fiame stressed that it should never have happened.

She added that the boat should have been seized upon entry and the crew should have been locked immediately if they didn’t have the right documentation, however local officials failed to do so.

5 arrested in Samoa for drug-related offences

Samoa Deputy Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Tiai Keti told Tala Fou that police seized methamphetamine and utensils, marijuana and a 9mm unlawful pistol from the site after they executed a search warrant on Saturday.

The five individuals, the oldest being 62 years old, are now jointly charged with possession of narcotics and utensils.

They are all in custody to await their first court appearance on 22 May 2023 for mention.

PM concerned about increase in young Samoans requiring overseas medical treatment

Fiame Naomi Mata’afa says it is a reflection of the poor health of the citizens of Samoa reports Tala Fou.

She confirmed that Cabinet approved 13 patients for medical treatment in New Zealand last week.

The overseas medical treatment scheme is very costly for Samoa.

According to the Prime Minister, the Government may not be able to continue with the scheme if the number of patients requiring medical treatment overseas continues to increase.

So far the total cost of medical transferal scheme to New Zealand for this financial year alone is $16 million tala.

Samoa PM pays tribute to pioneer fire knife dancers

Fiame said fire knife dancing has become an iconic symbol depicting Samoan culture throughout the decades.

“The competitions continue to enable the preservation and promotion of this traditional performing art and I commend the hard work by the organizers and performers.”

She made the comment to mark celebrations of the 30th Annual World Fire Knife Competition underway at ‘We are Samoa Festival’ held at the Polynesian Cultural Centre in Hawaii.