by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has terminated Laauli Leuatea Schmidt as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. Laauli, Chairman of the country’s ruling FAST party, also faces several criminal charges. A government statement said this matter arose following the formal announcement of allegations implicating the minister. It cited an incident…
Tusi Tala, Staff Writer This week, a significant event took place in Samoa as three new members of the Council of Deputies were inaugurated at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi Convention Centre. This ceremony marks an important step in Samoa’s governance, reinforcing the roles of these influential leaders within the country’s political framework. The…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer In Samoa, two men from the village of Afega are in custody and facing charges after police seized 10 illegal power rifles and a significant amount of cash during two separate raids on Christmas Eve. Hugo Fata and Fata Voi Selafi, both from Afega, are the individuals involved in the…
Tusi Tala, Staff Writer A new publication by Ta’iao Dr. Matiu Tautunu, the Director of Samoan Studies at the National University of Samoa, provides important insights into traditional Samoan culture and language. Inspired by the university’s “Samoa Fa’asoa” broadcast series during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, “Samoa Fa’asoa Lōmiga 1” is the inaugural volume of…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Samoa’s Ministry of Health has announced an outbreak of whooping cough, with six confirmed cases as of Thursday. According to the Samoa Health Ordinance of 1959 and the Samoa National Communicable Disease Surveillance and Control Guidelines of 2020, the confirmation of even a single case may lead to an outbreak…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer King Charles III and Queen Camilla have arrived in Apia, Samoa. Upon landing, the King received a guard of honour at the airport before being taken to his accommodations in Siumu. Local villagers welcomed him with lanterns along the roads. The King is set to speak at the Commonwealth Heads…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The Samoa Victim Support Group has officially launched its new Psychosocial & Medical Center at the Campus of Hope shelter. This center aims to meet the mental health requirements of women and children who have experienced abuse while residing at the facility, offering essential counseling services to those in need….
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The warship HMS Tamar is docked at Apia International Port as Samoa prepares for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). This Royal Navy vessel, based permanently in the South Pacific, has been patrolling the south coast of Upolu following the grounding of HMNZS Manawanui on Tafitoala Reef on October…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Health authorities in Samoa have reported an additional 12 cases of dengue fever in the most recent week ending on July 7th. Since November of the previous year, a total of 468 confirmed cases of dengue have been documented. The majority of cases persist in the Apia region, particularly affecting…