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Articles by Gutu Faasau
Villagers plead guilty to hog-tying man
Twelve of the 13 matai and untitled men of the village of Leafagaoalii, Savaii have opted to plead guilty to hog-tying a man and assaulting him after a dispute. The 12 defendants appeared in the Supreme Court for trial but decided to plead guilty instead causing the trial to be vacated. They were charged with kidnapping and common assault. The 12 defendants' counsel Alex Su'a told the court of the change.
Street Talk: How do we put an end to fights between schools?
The school fights at the bus terminals and public spaces are the talk of the town. A student was taken to hospital and police arrested some students. Samoa Observer's journalist Faith Leapai and photojournalist Junior S Ami spoke to people and gathered their thoughts on how they perceived these violent incidents and what they think should be a solution. Fuifui Potofou, 44, Manono From my perspective, it would be preferable if the Ministry of Education took action against the schools.
Samoa Observer | Delayed, again.
The domestic rugby league competition is now delayed for two weeks as Rugby League Samoa says they have secured a playing venue but from 8 June. RLS Secretary Leauanae Tuugatiti Leo Leauanae has confirmed the playing field for the domestic rugby league tournament after it was delayed for weeks.
Women's rugby have own union
The Samoa Women’s Rugby Union has been re-established to promote the growth of the sport and ensure Samoan women are represented at international competitions. The re-establishment of the women’s union commenced in April 2023 by a small group of men and women who were currently active at the time as coaches, managers, players, and administrators in the women’s game in Samoa. “The Annual General Meeting was held at Lakapi Samoa Headquarters in November 2023.
Manu Samoa prop to captain Moana Pasifika
Manu Samoa international James Lay will lead Moana Pasifika in 2024, named as captain for the upcoming DHL Super Rugby Pacific season. Lay will make his debut for Moana Pasifika this year, joining the team with a wealth of experience playing in both New Zealand and England. The 30-year-old said it’s an honour to lead Moana Pasifika. “It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly,” said Lay.
Leilua makes Olympic Games qualification
Eroni Leilua recently made history by qualifying a second time to compete in the Olympic Games. Heis the first Samoan to represent Samoa in sailing firstly in Tokyo in 2021 and now in Paris in 2024. “To represent Samoa on the biggest stage again is a dream come true and I can’t wait to fly the flag for the first time on French waters,” said Eroni following the qualifying events at Sail Sydney. Self-funding his Olympic pathway dream has been as much of a tough challenge as his training.
Tough pool for Manu Samoa 7s
Manu Samoa sevens have been drawn in Pool C of the Perth leg of the HSBC SVNS 2024 with Fiji, New Zealand France. This has been dubbed as the toughest pool of the tournament. Argentina will meet Dubai champions South Africa in pool A alongside Canada and Spain. Australia are drawn in a competitive looking pool B with Ireland, Great Britain and USA.
Samoans in New Zealand talk about their New Year's resolution
Vili Ieru, 70, Tuamua, Sagone Savai'i. "My New Year's resolution as a father is to take care of the welfare of my family. The man of the house should take care of his little family before taking care of things outside. A good family will make a good church, a good village, and even a good nation. I want to take care of my family's welfare, not just on the money side of things but my children's education - they will be the future of everything." Mel-Grace Magele, 22, Iva and Faala Palauli, Savai'i.
Moana Pasifika goes electric
Moana Pasifika is the first Super Rugby Pacific franchise to switch to fully electric vehicles, announcing its partnership with Opel; the lowest-emission German brand in New Zealand. The team at Moana Pasifika will be driving into the new year in the dynamic Opel Mokka Electric SUV which has zero emissions. This new partnership allows Moana Pasifika to take control of their va’a and forge their path, whilst doing the right thing for the environment and promoting cleaner drives.
Opetaia vacates title
Home / Sports / By Shalveen Chand • 18 December 2023, 9:00PM IBF World Cruiserweight Champion, Samoa’s own Jai Opetaia has opted to vacate his world title belt and pursue the big purse on offer for the 23 December bout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia against Britain’s Ellis Zorro. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber.
Samoa's triathletes defy all odds
Triathletes at the Pacific Games return with five new National Records and in a first for Samoa, top 10 rankings in the Pacific in all of the Men's and Women's events. In a statement, Head Coach Bernie Poort said although the athletes did not win any medals, the athletes exceeded all expectations. “I couldn’t be prouder of them. Most of our team are very young and new to this tough sport.
Samoa claws back third place in Honiara
Samoa has clawed its way back into third place on the 2023 Pacific Games medal tally after collecting 10 more medals when the competition resumed on Monday. Samoan bodybuilders collected a total of seven medals after competition resumed on Monday with Sauaso Rose Matautia winning two gold in the women's category and overall for bodybuilding. Lafaele Aukuso also claimed two gold medals and was named Mr. Pacific in the men's category.
Weightlifting team scoops three more gold
Samoa's weightlifting team are the latest athletes to push the country's gold medal tally to 21 at the 2023 XVII Pacific Games currently underway in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Lesila Fiapule took one gold in the snatch of the women's 87+kg division while Iuniarra Sipaia won two golds in the 87+kg division. Their gold medal victories increased Samoa's gold medals tally to 21 from 18 together with six silver and two more bronze for a total haul of 37 medals.
Samoa third on Pacific Games medal tally
Samoa has clawed its way into the top three of the total medal tally in the 2023 XVII Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands after one week of competition. The latest medal tally that was put up at around 6 pm (Solomon Islands local time) showed Australia had leap-frogged New Caledonia to top the table with 23 gold, 13 silver and 6 bronze for a total of 42 medals.
Air N.Z. Samoa boss wants to help
The recently appointed Air New Zealand Country Manager is keen on seizing the opportunity to develop and strengthen her customer base and relationships in Samoa. Samantha Imo-Munif has strong Samoan links as she grew up in Auckland, New Zealand where she was born. She has been working for New Zealand's national airline for 13 years with her appointment as the Samoa Country Manager for Air New Zealand confirmed recently. Mrs. Imo-Munif is from the villages of Falevao, Lotofaga, and Faleū Manono.
BSP staff, volunteers 'green up' Apia
Over 200 volunteers joined forces with Bank South Pacific (BSP) Samoa last Saturday to "green up" Apia as part of the commercial bank's 8th Annual Go Green Cleanup campaign. An annual event that brought together the community to promote environmental stewardship, last Saturday’s event marked another successful year for BSP Samoa's "Go Green Clean Up" initiative. Its objective was also to raise awareness of Samoa's environment by keeping it plastic-free.
Committee supports election law review
A Parliamentary Committee has supported recommendations to review provisions of the Electoral Act 2019 relating to candidates who are elected unopposed by their constituencies. The Committee also supports recommendations to study the selection of an M.P. through a rotation system which ultimately will save costs. The recommendations were made by a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the 2021 General Election and were one of the few proposed changes the Committee has approved.
Backlog in L.T.C. cases cleared
A backlog of more than 200 cases at the Land and Titles Court (L.T.C.) has been cleared with petitions lodged in the last year scheduled for hearing. The backlog was created by defective laws that governed the operation of the L.T.C. with amendments to the necessary legislation fast-tracked by the Government in December last year to address the disruption.
Seven medals and counting for Team Samoa
Samoa weightlifter Nevo Ioane raked in three gold medals for Samoa at the XVII Pacific Games to place the country ninth overall on the medal tally. Ioane took gold for the 120-kilogram snatch, 165-kilogram clean and jerk and gold for the total overall winner of his division and he also set a new Oceania record making his coach and team proud. Olivia Borg, 22, made her Pacific Games debut and won Samoa’s first gold in the women’s 100-metre butterfly.
JICA signs energy transition agreement with EPC
The Japanese government's development agency has signed a five-year agreement with the Electric Power Corporation (EPC) to increase its capability to undergo energy transition in Samoa.
UN Child Rights Committee convenes
A follow-up visit by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC84) has led to the convening of a conference at the Taumeasina Island Resort which will run for three days. Coming three years after the CRC84 was held in Samoa for the first time outside of Geneva and New York in 2020, the Committee acknowledged the need for effective implementation of its recommendations to address challenges in light of emphasising the ongoing importance of promoting children's rights globally.
Regulator approves new phone retail tariffs
The Office of the Regulator has approved new retail tariffs for mobile services provided by telecommunication Digicel Samoa Limited and Vodafone Samoa. This was outlined in the Orders of the Regulator No.2023/T05 and No.2023/T04 which were issued on 15 November 2023. According to the Orders, the Office of the Regulator recently received proposed retail tariffs from the two telecommunication companies for review and approval from the Regulator.
Rapist dad appeals 18-year jail term
Home / Samoa / By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong • 20 November 2023, 7:30PM A father who was jailed for 18 years for raping his biological daughter has appealed his sentencing and will appear before the Court of Appeal. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login Please subscribe to read premium articles By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong • 20 November 2023, 7:30PM
ADRA completes climate risk management training
Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has completed its community disaster and climate risk management (CDCRM) in Saipipi Savai'i as part of its community awareness. ADRA Samoa has carried out similar response exercises and drills with other communities in Upolu and has brought it to Savai'i for a change. The village of Saipipi now has a fair understanding of the CDCRM which is timely as Samoa enters into cyclone season.
Samoan refuses to pay stolen money
Home / Samoa / By Talaia Mika • 19 November 2023, 6:49PM A Samoan woman in Sydney known as Esther Aleli is on the run and avoiding to comply with court orders to pay back the AU$93,000 (SAT$166,880) she stole from a quadriplegic whom she initially cared for. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login Please subscribe to read premium articles By Talaia Mika • 19 November 2023, 6:49PM
Samoa misses tourism trip
Samoa has missed out on the chance to market its tourism sector in China however things could still be positive. To enhance regional collaboration and tap into the booming Chinese tourism market, the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) led the Pacific's presence at the 24th China International Travel Mart (CITM) in Kunming, Yunnan Province, from November 17-19, 2023.
Samoa in global spotlight
Samoa and the Blue Pacific are now in the global spotlight after the successful signing of the Samoa Agreement last week, said Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna. Mr. Puna and Forum Director for Governance and Engagement Sione Tekiteki attended the signing agreement as observers. “The Samoa Agreement is a milestone for multilateral transformation and with its name, puts both Samoa and the Blue Pacific continent in the global spotlight,” said SG Puna.
'Government yet to fulfil promises': former Sogi residents
Sogi residents who agreed to relocate to Tafaigata three years ago say they are still waiting for government leaders to fulfil their election promises. Vaigalepa Fepuleai, 73, who currently resides on land in Tafaigata as part of a deal negotiated by the Samoa Land Corporation (SLC) in 2020, told the Samoa Observer in an interview last week that they are still waiting for the former and current government to fulfil their promises in relation to their new settlement.
Immigration NZ clears air on visa delays
Home / Samoa / By Talaia Mika • 18 November 2023, 10:00PM Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has cleared the air on ongoing concerns by Samoans who've been critical of the long delays in processing the visas of those keen on visiting Aotearoa. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login Please subscribe to read premium articles By Talaia Mika • 18 November 2023, 10:00PM
Sailing athletes begin preparations
Team Samoa's sailing athletes, who arrived in the Solomons Islands last Wednesday evening for the XVII Pacific Games, have begun preparations for their events. The team got into Honiara last Wednesday night, spent their first night in their rooms with bunk beds and on Thursday checked out the sailing venue as well as the Games Village.
Samoan takes on Fiji's top human rights job
Home / Samoa / By Gutu Faasau • 18 November 2023, 9:00PM A Samoan lawyer has been appointed the new director of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission and has embraced the opportunity as she considers Fiji her second home. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login Please subscribe to read premium articles By Gutu Faasau • 18 November 2023, 9:00PM
New CFCI Bible College graduates 27
One of the country's new bible colleges CFCI Bible College in Vaitele celebrated the graduation of 27 students from their new campus on Saturday with families and friends. The valedictorian who achieved 99 per cent in his exams, Romeo Toailoa Sabbath, graduated with honours. Also the legal advisor of the bible college, he spoke about the significance of his journey and his life.
Tuilaepa happy Lepa impasse resolved
The Lepa M.P. Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegao is happy an impasse over the disbursement of the constituency's SAT$1 million District Development Project grant has been resolved. Fronting the media on Friday and responding to questions from this newspaper, the former prime minister and current Opposition Leader said they are now waiting for the grant to finance their proposed plans within the constituency.
Samoa, Pacific head towards sustainable tourism
Tourism practices in Samoa could be headed towards a more environmentally friendly practice following the signing of an agreement between two leading regional organisations. The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO).
Four Samoans overstayed in Pago
A total of 84 Samoans entered American Samoa on the seven-day permit waiver since it went into effect on 19 October this year with four of them overstaying their visitors' permit. Local media in the territory have reported that the issue was revealed by American Samoa's Attorney General, Fainu'ulelei Alailima Utu in response to questions from the U.S. territory's House of Representatives on the USD$3.1 million supplemental appropriations for the 2024 fiscal year.
Two test positive for COVID-19
Home / Samoa / By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi • 17 November 2023, 6:52PM The latest data from the Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) confirms two new COVID-19 positive cases for Samoa, taking the cumulative number of positive cases at the border and in the community to 16,780. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber.
Mum mourns loss of only son
Home / Samoa / By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi • 17 November 2023, 6:04PM The distraught mother of one of the four Samoan men who was killed in a fatal crash in Australia is still coming to terms with the loss of her only son, David Atonio Gasologa. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login Please subscribe to read premium articles By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi • 17 November 2023, 6:04PM
Early Christmas for triathletes
Christmas came early for Triathlon Samoa (TSA) this year when the visiting USO Bike Club from New Zealand donated much needed cycling gear to the triathletes, as well as giving the gift of their time and knowledge in a bike skills workshop. Anyone awake at Mulinu’u at 5.30am on Friday morning would have seen it busy with cyclists, racing in packs up and down the road.
Samoan academic back to connect
The first Samoan and Pacific person to be Vice-Chancellor of a New Zealand university is in Apia to celebrate the achievements of Samoan graduates of the university he now leads. Le Afioga Toeolesulusulu Professor Damon Salesa hails from the villages of Satapuala, Falealupo, Neiafu, Falelima, Vaisala, Salelavalu and Vaivase.
C.E.O. optimistic of EU blacklist removal
Home / Samoa / By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi • 16 November 2023, 10:00PM The Samoa International Finance Authority C.E.O. is optimistic Samoa will drop out from the European Union's anti-money laundering blacklist in early 2024. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login Please subscribe to read premium articles By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi • 16 November 2023, 10:00PM
Non-signing ACP states could lose funding access
Countries that don't sign the Samoa Agreement by the end of December face the prospect of missing out on accessing funding from the European Investment Bank. This is one of two potential ramifications facing the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) who chose not to put pen to paper – after 71 out of the 79 OACPS countries signed the new Partnership Agreement dubbed 'Samoa Agreement' in a historic signing ceremony in Apia, Samoa on Wednesday afternoon.
Lema'i appeals conviction
Home / Samoa / By Matai'a Lanuola Tusani T - Ah Tong • 16 November 2023, 8:00PM One of two men serving four-plus years in jail for conspiring to kill the former prime minister has appealed his conviction and is seeking to admit fresh evidence in the appeal. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login
Consultation on family laws underway
A consultation is currently underway to review laws that were enacted during Samoa's colonial period which govern the welfare of children and other family safety matters. The stakeholders’ consultation is underway for six family laws which are administered by the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration.
Government to assist repatriate bodies of seasonal workers
The Samoa government has stepped in to assist the families of the four seasonal workers who died in Australia last weekend to ensure their bodies are repatriated home soon. The Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaai expressed his condolences to the families of the men who left the country for seasonal work for Australia earlier this year.
Schools gifted brand new laptops
Two primary schools and two after-school centres in Palauli No. 1 district are the recipients of brand-new laptops to boost learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. A total of 36 new laptops were presented in a ceremony on Monday this week to the Taga and Gagaemalae primary schools as well as the EFKS-run after-school centres Siuti and Foailalo by Togisala Tony Sua Leota, the Chief Operations Officer of BlueWave Wireless.
New building for Faleatiu Primary after fire
There is good news for the students of Faleatiu Primary School with the German Embassy agreeing to rebuild the building that houses its classrooms after it was devastated by a fire two months ago. With SAT$30,000 worth of building materials funded by the Embassy, the two-storey building which contains four classrooms will be rebuilt within the school compound with the village committee to provide labour for the project.
Police vehicles approved
The Minister of Police, Faualo Harry Schuster has confirmed the Samoa government's Treasury has approved a proposal from the Police for extra vehicles to increase their fleet. The proposal from the Ministry of Police, Prisons, and Corrections Services is in preparation for October 2024 when Samoa will host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Earlier this year Faualo made reference to his ministry's plans to expand their fleet after some of their vehicles were damaged.
LDS announces passing of President Ballard
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in Samoa has announced the passing of the acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, President M. Russell Ballard. President Ballard became an apostle on 6 October 1985 and was announced as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on 16 January 2018. As with the apostles in the New Testament times, today’s apostles are called to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ, stated the media release from Samoa's LDS.
Kiwi visa delay irks Samoans
Home / Samoa / By Talaia Mika • 15 November 2023, 9:00PM Samoans hoping to visit New Zealand on a temporary basis are hurt and disappointed by the ongoing delay and lack of prompt response by the New Zealand Immigration in granting their visas. Want to read more? Includes free trial to e-edition. You can cancel anytime. only per week Subscribe Or login if you are already a subscriber. Or, login Please subscribe to read premium articles By Talaia Mika • 15 November 2023, 9:00PM
COVID-19 warning sounded
The emergence of the fifth wave of COVID-19 in New Zealand and the United States has prompted action from the Ministry of Health and has advised the public to get vaccinated. In a public notice signed by the Director General of Health, Aiono Dr. Alec Aiono he noted preventative measures in light of the development from the countries. He said New Zealand has just experienced a fifth wave of COVID-19 infections and the United States has high infection rates in areas.
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