Samoa Health & Governance: A new private specialist hospital broke ground in Salelologa, Savai‘i, aiming to cut the need for patients to travel overseas for specialist care, with the Government providing land and Pasifika Specialist Healthcare Samoa funding construction and infrastructure. Hospital Scrutiny: Questions are now being raised about the hospital’s backers after company records showed links between shareholders and people involved in government, including a possible family connection to the Health Minister. Electoral Independence Debate: In Parliament, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa pressed for the Office of the Electoral Commission to be independent and not influenced by political parties ahead of general elections. Public Service Delivery: Attorney General Mauga Precious Chang urged officials to respond efficiently to public enquiries and coordinate across ministries, warning against avoidable “battles” that waste public energy. Samoa Politics & Policy: A FAST Government one-year review highlights what has been delivered and what still remains unfulfilled. Renewables Investment: A new Asian Development Bank study says private renewable energy investment across the Pacific remains limited, including in Samoa, pointing to the need for stronger planning, bankable contracts and risk clarity. Regional Security: Solomon Islands reaffirmed police cooperation with China, including training and equipment support, as Pacific security ties deepen. Women’s Rights: A regional programme in Fiji is training participants from across the Pacific to strengthen prevention and support for violence against women and girls.