by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Apia, Samoa – In an unexpected turn of events following the recent Miss Pacific Islands pageant, a group of judges has found themselves the focus of a police investigation after being questioned and stopped at the border upon attempting to leave Samoa. The incident has cast a shadow over the…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Samoa police are turning to their counterparts in New Zealand to beef up law enforcement efforts to tackle the increasing cases of drug smuggling, the country’s police chief says. On Wednesday, Samoan authorities intercepted 10 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (worth almost NZ$2.5 million in street value), which has been described…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The first lot of fuel has been removed from New Zealand navy ship Manawanui which sank in October off the southwest coast of Upolu in Samoa. The recovered fuel and pollutants are being offloaded in Apia and the barge has since returned to start the second cycle of fuel removal….
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Samoa’s prime minister and the five other ousted members of the ruling FAST Party are reportedly challenging their removal. FAST chairman La’auli Leuatea Schmidt on Wednesday announced the removal of the prime minister and five Cabinet ministers from the ruling party. Twenty party members signed for the removal of Fiame…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Samoa’s prime minister and the five other ousted members of the ruling FAST Party are reportedly challenging their removal. FAST chairman La’auli Leuatea Schmidt on Wednesday announced the removal of the prime minister and five Cabinet ministers from the ruling party. Twenty party members signed for the removal of Fiame…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Analysis – With just over a year left in her tenure as Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa faces a political upheaval threatening a peaceful end to her term. Ironically, the rule of law — the very principle that elevated her to power — has now become the source of…
Tusi Tala Whooping cough cases continue to be reported in Samoa, with a total of 321 cases documented from September to January 5. The Ministry of Health has confirmed 17 of these cases, noting that four involved individuals with incomplete vaccinations. “The vaccination status for the other confirmed cases is being investigated,” stated the Ministry….
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…