Regional
![The planned construction site of a tourism complex named "Mahana Beach",15 km south of Papeete, in French Polynesia, on July 19, 2014. [Photo: AFP via RNZI]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/eight_col_Mahana.jpg?itok=H90hUw8S "The planned construction site of a tourism complex named \"Mahana Beach\",15 km south of Papeete, in French Polynesia, on July 19, 2014. [Photo: AFP via RNZI]")
A New Zealand-Samoan consortium is poised to build a $US700 million hotel and accommodation complex in French Polynesia.
The French Polynesian government has chosen its bid for the construction of part of the Tahitian Village resort complex which is a scaled backed version of the original Mahana...
![Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/samoaPM_36.jpg?itok=GdBqUnh_ "Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi [SN file photo]")
Apia, SAMOA — The Samoa Alliance of Media Practitioner for Development (S.A.M.P.O.D.) has cautioned Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi against continuing with a threat to shut down Facebook in Samoa.
In a statement, the Group has reminded the Government that the right to free...
![Samoa Supreme Court Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala - Warren. [Samoa Observer]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/SUPREME%20COURT%20JUSTICE-%20Tafaoimalo%20Leilani%20Tuala%20-%20Warren.jpg?itok=b9qOtuZi "Samoa Supreme Court Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala - Warren. [Samoa Observer]")
Apia, SAMOA — Eteru Alualu, 29, of Fuailoloo Mulifanua, has been sentenced to two years in prison.
This is in connection to a sex related case inside a home in Mulifanua.
Eteru appeared for sentencing on one charge of assault with intent to commit sexual violation, burglary and wilful trespass...
![The late Hon. Tuiloma Lameko Gae'e [Photo: Samoa Govt]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/eight_col_Late_Hon_Tuiloma_Lameko_Gae%27e_credit_is_Govt_of_Samoa.jpg?itok=tOwjuErD "The late Hon. Tuiloma Lameko Gae'e [Photo: Samoa Govt]")
Apia, SMAOA — People in Samoa have paid their last respects at the state funeral for former Samoan MP, Tuiloma Pule Lameko Gae'e held today in Apia.
The funeral was held at Parliament house led by Samoa's National Council of Churches followed by his burial at Alafua.
Tuiloma, a deputy head of state...
![Police Superintendent and Media Spokesperson, Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo. [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Samoa%20police%20spokesman%20Auapa%E2%80%99au%20Logoitino%20Filipo_1.jpg?itok=nPODIEG6 "Police Superintendent and Media Spokesperson, Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo. [SN file photo]")
Apia, SAMOA — A 31-year-old man from the village of Falease’ela died as a result of severe injuries he sustained when a domestic argument turned violent.
The man passed away at the Leulumoega hospital on Wednesday last week.
This was according to Police Media Spokesperson, Auapa’au Logoitino...
![Samoa Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/samoaPM_35.jpg?itok=EKI1JtcT "Samoa Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi [SN file photo]")
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi has revealed that he threatened the council of churches with a proposed new law which would close the country down completely every weekend to allow Christians to keep the sabbath holy.
Speaking on national Radio 2AP yesterday, Tuila...
![Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Ralph Regenvanu [Photo: WikiCommons / Marke Lowen via RNZI]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/eight_col_449px-Ralph_Regenvanu.jpg?itok=C0lCV4hg "Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Ralph Regenvanu [Photo: WikiCommons / Marke Lowen via RNZI]")
Port Vila, VANUATU — Vanuatu's Foreign Minister says the country has no intention of making itself a target by allowing another country to build a military base in its territory.
Ralph Regenvanu's comment follows Australian media reports that China was looking to establish a military base in...
![Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/samoaPM_34.jpg?itok=EOwcHDI0 "Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi [SN file photo]")
Apia, SAMOA — The chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi says an apparent proposed Chinese military base in Vanuatu is alright as long as it does not pose any threat to the region.
This week the Sydney Morning Herald reported the prospect of a Chinese military outpost...
![An emotional Feagaiga Stowers at Monday's medal ceremony. [photo: Stuff NZ]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Pac%20News%20Briefs%20Stowers.jpg?itok=IYgeZNvs "An emotional Feagaiga Stowers at Monday's medal ceremony. [photo: Stuff NZ]")
SAMOA GOVT. DEFENDS SPORTS FUNDING
The Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio, has defended the Government against claims that funding of sports is unfair.
Speaking to the Samoa Observer yesterday, the Minister dismissed claims the Government is not investing enough money on the...
![[image: RNZI]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/eight_col_11916791_xxl.jpg?itok=4Dr3TB2p "[image: RNZI]")
Apia, SAMOA — One of Samoa's commercial television services has been sold to a local broadcaster for an undisclosed amount.
The manager of Apia Broadcasting limited, Verona Parker, said the name of the new owner will be announced soon.
However, a reliable source said a meeting was held last weekend...