Samoa Observer

Home / Samoa / By Shalveen Chand • 17 April 2026, 9:10PM The 197-page ruling on the high-profile conspiracy case lists eight times when Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt had interviews on television and social media about the 2021 hit-and-run death of Tuuau Maletino. 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

Taxpayers are covering the Prime Minister’s medical evacuation to New Zealand via private jet for treatment, Acting Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mulipola Anarosa Molioo said, adding that being medevaced is a privilege of being the Prime Minister.

Safata families are set to receive the long-awaited $10 million Manawanui compensation payout before the end of this month, according to Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o. According to earlier statements by the government, the payout should have been made a week ago. The compensation was paid by the New Zealand government for the damages done by the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui in October 2024.

Home / Samoa / By Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo • 17 April 2026, 6:00PM In light of a machete incident at a weekend game, Lakapi Samoa Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Seumanu Douglas described the incident as “disappointing” and warned that tighter safety measures will be introduced. 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

The Samoa International Game Fishing Association has continued its annual support for elderly care in Samoa, donating $15,000 to Mapuifagalele Home for the Aged, a facility that says it relies heavily on community generosity to operate. Speaking to Samoa Observer, SIGFA president Asiata Trevor Meredith said the association remains committed to giving back through yearly fundraising efforts and targeted donations. “We always strive to donate to the home for the elderly every year,” Asiata said.

Assessors have unanimously found Reverend Petaia Setu guilty of five charges of sexual violation, including rape, on Friday. The church minister was on trial this week, with the case concluding on Thursday. The assessors found Setu guilty of one count of rape, three counts of sexual violations in a way of harassment and one count of indecent act. After three days of hearing, the assessors have made their decision.

Minister of Finance Mulipola Anarosa Molioo has said that she is the governor of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) while indicating that proposed changes to the Central Bank Act are still ongoing.

A convicted rapist who had dreams of playing rugby in New Zealand is set for deportation back to his birthplace of Samoa for raping a 71-year-old in her home in 2015. The Stuff news site reports that the 23-year-old convict, Matila Ilia-Neemia argued before an Immigration and Protection Tribunal that sending him back to Samoa would be “the end to all his dreams.” He represented himself before the tribunal. Ilia-Neemia moved from Samoa to New Zealand in 2011 at the age of 13.

American Samoa has confirmed its top five fautasi crews following recent qualifying races, setting the stage for a major inter-island regatta to be held in Samoa during the nation’s 64th Independence Day celebrations. The event, part of the 64th Independence Day festivities in Samoa, will bring together 12 total boats, five from American Samoa and seven from Samoa, in one of the region’s most anticipated paddling competitions.

A new luxury accommodation development, Moanalei Villas, officially opened on Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided tours of the Apaula hillside property, highlighting both its high-end offerings and strong local contribution. The opening was held in two sessions: a lunchtime event and an evening function, drawing guests to the site overlooking Apia harbour and Mt Vaea.