Samoa MPs suspended indefinitely

Leader of the Opposition HRPP Party and Samoa’s longest serving Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Maliegaoi and HRPP Party Secretary, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi have been suspended indefinitely from Parliament.

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New era for women’s representation in Samoa

A new era has dawned in Samoa with the swearing-in of three women MPs, taking the number of women in the Legislative Assembly to seven. The swearing-in follows a court ruling issued by Chief Justice, Satiu Simativa

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Samoa international borders to open in August

Samoan Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has announced the returning of students to school and resumption of international flights this month, although restricted to Samoan citizens travelling in for various

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Argentina denies Fiji in Vancouver Rugby 7s

Argentina has defeated Fiji in the finals of the Vancouver Rugby 7s, with the Santiago Gomez Cora- coached side playing exceptionally well throughout the weekend and outplaying Fiji 29-10 in the final match. World Rugby

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Samoa prisoners COVID-positive

Nine prisoners and 22 guards in Samoa tested positive for COVID-19 and have been placed in isolation to avoid its

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The cost of politics

is again under the spotlight as Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Australia, Wallis and Futuna and American-affiliated Pacific states and territories are all expected to hold elections this

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Pacific women thrive in world of sports

Champion Cikamatana carry Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton The Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay has completed its brief visit to Australia after following an itinerary from March 17-20 which paid

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Samoa COVID-19 positive cases on the rise

Samoa’s total number of active COVID-19 cases has increased to 196, with the government confirming 192 cases in Upolu and four cases in Savai’i.  The Government Press Secretariat’s community transmission update

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Former PM Tuilaepa apologises in Samoa contempt of court case

Former Samoa Prime Minister apologises in contempt of court case Former Samoan Prime Minister and Leader of the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and deputy leader Lauofo Fonotoe Pierre

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Manu Samoa 7s relocates to Australia following player’s complaints

The Lakapi Samoa Board has decided to move the Manu Samoa 7’s Team out of Dubai where they have been in a holding camp for seven weeks. The decision is in response to the player’s complaints against management which

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COVID-19 may create a flood of criminal deportations to the Pacific

Closed borders have created a backlog of criminal deportations to Pacific Islands states, and more effective transition programs are needed to reduce the risk of recidivism among returnees, Henrietta McNeill and Magele

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Australian Seasonal Worker scheme ‘rife with abuse’: Inquiry

Supermarket shelves are filled with fruit and vegetables but the people who harvest them are sometimes being paid just A$100 (US$71) for a 64-hour work week. On Wednesday, seasonal workers detailed exploitation at the

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Islands Business December 2021 edition

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Pacific Person of the Year: Fiame Naomi Mata’afa’s long line of firsts

Fiame Naomi Mata’afa needed no coaxing as to who should be credited for preventing her island nation from descending into chaos the moment Samoa’s Court of Appeal ruled that her Fa’atuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi

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COP26 Pacific voices, young and old, call for action at climate talks

COP26 Pacific voices: On one hand, the index finger is raised. On the other, five digits are displayed. One point five. 1.5 to stay alive. In the midst of the pandemic, Pacific islanders, young and old, are campaigning

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“You don’t need my pain or tears to know that we’re in a crisis”: Fruen

The COP26 climate conference is underway in Glasgow. Here are highlights from the opening day. Young Samoan climate change activist Brianna Fruen made a powerful statement on the opening day of the COP26 climate

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Countdown to COP26: Pacific Notes

“We face the most difficult questions — which islands to preserve, what happens when our people are forced to move against their will, how will we preserve our culture?” Marshall Islands President David Kabua

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American Samoa, Fiji, Guam, Palau, Samoa, Vanuatu remain on EU tax blacklist

Six Pacific Islands are on the EU tax blacklist, remaining listed an “non-cooperative”. They are American Samoa, Fiji, Guam, Palau, Samoa and Vanuatu. The European Union blacklist was set up in 2017 to

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Pacific island leaders at the UN General Assembly call for solidarity on COVID-19 and climate change

Pacific Island leaders at the UN General Assembly on Saturday underlined the need for global solidarity, commitment and action to tackle COVID-19 and climate change, two crises which threaten sustainable development. 

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World Rugby welcomes Pacific teams to Super Pacific Rugby 2022

The Super Pacific Rugby format for 2022 has been confirmed with Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua making up an exciting 12-team line-up. The decision was made following a detailed financial, performance and commercial

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Tuilaepa rallies in vain

The political car rally that took place in Apia led by former Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi on July 30 was reminiscent of the rallies staged by supporters of former President Donald

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Tuilaepa rallies in vain

The political car rally that took place in Apia led by former Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi on July 30 was reminiscent of the rallies staged by supporters of former President Donald

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Fiame prevails: “It’s a new day”

By Samantha Magick “Can I offer my deepest gratitude to you, the people of Samoa, and in particular acknowledge the dignity with which you have waited with patience and forbearance, peacefully and respectfully, for

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A note from the editor

After more than two months and infinite patience on the part of voters, Samoa finally has a new Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa. We’re yet to see what Fiame’s ascendancy will mean for regional

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