Regional
Apia, SAMOA — Samoa’s Police Spokesperson, Su’a LeMamea Tiumalu has issued an apology to the Samoa Rugby Union regarding the “wrong information” that was announced during last week’s press conference, however he noted that the information was given to him by their Criminal Investigation Division (...
![Tonga's Crown Prince Tupouto'a ‘Ulukalala, (right), leads members of the royal family to welcome the body of Queen Mother Mata'aho home [Photo: Sia Adams / RNZI]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/tonga-queenmother%20funeral.jpg?itok=2oGtse9u "Tonga's Crown Prince Tupouto'a ‘Ulukalala, (right), leads members of the royal family to welcome the body of Queen Mother Mata'aho home [Photo: Sia Adams / RNZI]")
Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has joined leaders of the Pacific in expressing “deepest sadness” over the “passing of the beloved Queen Mother of Tonga, Halaevalu Mata’aho.”
The Royal Palace in Tonga’s capital Nuku’alofa, issued a public message on Feb. 21s announcing that “The Queen Mother peacefully...
![[Photo: 123RF via RNZI]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/eight_col_boat.jpeg?itok=OBrkFDFl "[Photo: 123RF via RNZI]")
An environmental group dedicated to ocean conservation is warning Pacific nations to be alert to the dangers of what's called trans-shipping, which it says can be used to mask illegal fishing activity.
Trans-shipping means fishing boats can stay at sea for an extended period of time, in some cases...
Apia, SAMOA — “It’s a dream come true,” for former president of the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) Galumalemana Tipi Autagavaia who initiated the move to legalize the Samoa Media Code of Ethics more than 10 years ago. Following the establishment of the Samoa Media Council last week, their...
![UW star linebacker Psalm Fa’afoisia Pulemagafa Wooching, pictured with mom Shannon and dad Paulo, has decided to forgo an NFL career to pursue his dreams of playing rugby. [photo: courtesy]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Psalm%20Wooching_0.jpg?itok=KQzP2CK_ "UW star linebacker Psalm Fa’afoisia Pulemagafa Wooching, pictured with mom Shannon and dad Paulo, has decided to forgo an NFL career to pursue his dreams of playing rugby. [photo: courtesy]")
University of Washington linebacker Psalm Fa’afoisia Pulemagafa Wooching was predicted to be a late round pick for the upcoming NFL draft in April; but the young Samoan has shocked everyone — even his parents — with the announcement that he will pursue rugby instead.
Wooching led the Huskies in...
![Samoa’s Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/samoaPM_1.jpg?itok=a9yzMQDg "Samoa’s Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi [SN file photo]")
Apia, SAMOA — It’s unclear when the suspended Police Commissioner, Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil will return to his post, as the cabinet has yet to receive any official notice from the court that the criminal charges were dismissed this week. This is according to Samoa’s Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele...
A village council of chiefs in Samoa has unanimously agreed to ban all foreign businesses on customary land.
The decision by the council of Siumu district on Upolu gained the support of all local business people and has now been registered in the office of the Lands and Titles court at Mulinu'u....
![[Photo: 123RF via RNZI]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/eight_col_35142113_s.jpeg?itok=9Y8En-2s "[Photo: 123RF via RNZI]")
Samoa is one step closer to getting faster, cheaper internet with the start on the Savaii component of the country's new submarine cable.
Construction of the 1,300 kilometre system will cost $US57.4million and will connect Upolu and Savai'i, to the Southern Cross Cable Network in Suva, Fiji.
The...
![The co-director of the Pasifika Film Festival, Nigel Vagana [Photo: Pasifika Film Festival]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/eight_col_nigel.jpeg?itok=t9YVF9vg "The co-director of the Pasifika Film Festival, Nigel Vagana [Photo: Pasifika Film Festival]")
The Pasifika Film Festival is being held this week in New Zealand's capital for the first time, showcasing 26 films, made by Pacific filmmakers, about Pacific people.
The festival started in Australia in 2013 and has since increased in popularity. Last week it visited Auckland and it is being...
![Police Commissioner Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil [SN file photo]](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/Egon_Keil.jpg?itok=EoOKFrUb "Police Commissioner Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil [SN file photo]")
“Justice has prevailed today,” said suspended Police Commissioner Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil outside of the Supreme Court with Samoa News following the dismissal of the criminal case against him. This matter is in connection with one count of Inciting, counseling and procuring to commit murder, 100...