AGP Executive Report

HMNZS Manawanui Compensation: Samoa’s Disaster Advisory Committee says more than $6 million tala has already been paid to Safata families, with 5,524 residents receiving transfers, while the programme moves into Phase 2 planning. Siumu Payments: The same compensation deal will also reach Siumu residents, with $1,100 each expected to be completed by end of July, including cheques for people without bank accounts. Fuel Security & Prices: Samoa has enough petroleum for about a month (36 days petrol, 28 days diesel, 66 days kerosene) and is on Amber alert as shipments are monitored; meanwhile July pricing shows diesel and kerosene down, with petrol up slightly. Policing Partnership: Samoa and New Zealand launched a four-year Policing Programme, sending five NZ advisers to strengthen investigations, prosecutions, prevention and community engagement. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of Samoa kept monetary policy unchanged, citing stable inflation goals despite expected temporary price pressures from higher oil costs. Governance Appointments: Cabinet approved new chairs and board directors across ministries and state-owned enterprises, including SNPF and key regulators. Vape Rules: Samoa has no laws banning vape imports, but MPs continue pushing for clearer regulation. By-election Politics: FAST is urging Safata No.1 to settle on one party candidate after two hopefuls were presented. Public Services & Costs: A renewed debate is sparked over the $40 fee to process immunisation records, with critics calling it unfair. Regional Support: Australia donated fuel measurement trolleys to Samoa and other Pacific nations to help verify pump accuracy and protect trade and revenue. Japan Aid for Schools: Japan signed grassroots grants for repairs and new classrooms at two Samoa schools. Justice & Accountability: A coroner found a Samoan seasonal worker died in an accidental house fire linked to smoke inhalation and missing/uncertain working smoke alarms.

Government Appointments: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt says cabinet has approved new chairpersons and board directors across ministries and State-Owned Enterprises, including SNPF, the Development Bank of Samoa and the Gambling Control Authority, with more CEO appointments promised next week. Health & Regulation: Deputy PM and Customs Minister Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio told Parliament there are currently no laws banning vape imports or regulating their use in Samoa, as MPs push for clearer rules amid health concerns. Public Finance: Samoa National Provident Fund members will receive a 6% dividend for FY ended 30 June 2025, with 3% paid in cash and 3% credited to accounts starting 3 July, and a three-month claim window. Energy Costs: Finance Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o announced July fuel changes: diesel and kerosene fall, while petrol rises slightly, with the shifts linked to removal of earlier premiums and ongoing global volatility. Women & Social Development Restructure: A “new era” begins as the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development splits into three entities: the Ministry of Family Affairs, the Samoa District Development Authority, and Government Printing Services. Courts & Elections: Samoa faces fresh by-elections after court decisions void results and confirm corrupt practices findings, including Vaimauga 3 and Falealili 1. Food Safety: The Ministry of Health marks World Food Safety Day with renewed calls for safer food handling, school lessons, and tighter focus on importers and infant formula marketing.

Election Integrity & Governance: Apia hosted a national conference on “Democracy and Development in Samoa: the Role of Elections,” with the Electoral Commissioner flagging fixes ahead of future polls, including boosting participation of women, youth and people with disabilities. By-elections & Court Rulings: Safata No.1 FAST is asking for talks so only one candidate represents the party after two hopefuls were presented; meanwhile, Vaimauga 3 and Falealili 1 are set for fresh by-elections after court findings of corrupt electoral practices voided results and disqualified candidates. Land & Airport Expansion: Families at Satapuala resisting eviction over land tied to the Faleolo airport runway extension say talks have stalled, with the Attorney General’s Office reportedly involved in next steps. Public Finance & Cost of Living: Samoa’s Central Bank says foreign reserves remain comfortable at about SAT$1.7bn (15.7 months import cover), and fuel prices for July show diesel and kerosene drops while petrol edges up. Justice & Police Training: Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services closed a U.S.-delivered law enforcement training program focused on saving lives and community safety. Japan Support for Schools: Japan signed grassroots grants for Itu-o Tane College and Falease’ela Primary School to fund urgent infrastructure repairs and new classrooms/library space. Food Safety: Health marked World Food Safety Day with a push for safer food handling, school lessons, and stronger importer compliance. Regional Policy & Security: A Blue Pacific cyber-threat warning highlights rising phishing, ransomware and fraud risks as connectivity grows.

Fuel Prices Update: Samoa’s Ministry of Finance cut July diesel and kerosene prices, while petrol nudged up 1.7 sene to $4.00, with the changes tied to recent market movements and removal of earlier premiums. Foreign Reserves Watch: The Central Bank of Samoa says foreign exchange reserves remain “comfortable” at about SAT$1.7bn (15.7 months import cover), keeping monetary policy steady as inflation is expected to rise temporarily. Court & Elections: Samoa’s courts kept tightening the rules on bribery—Falealili 1’s appeal was dismissed, and Vaimauga 3 was declared void after corrupt practices were proven, triggering more by-elections. Good Governance & Integrity: A renewed debate is sparked by claims of improper use of prisoners for “private” errands, raising questions about government integrity and oversight. Justice System Capacity: The Attorney General’s Office welcomed Christopher Lange back to Samoa for a new two-year programme to mentor government lawyers on advocacy, advice, and case management. Japan Support for Samoa: Japan signed grassroots grants for school infrastructure in Samoa and pledged further aid, including medical equipment funding. Public Safety & Health: Samoa marked World Food Safety Day with a push for safer food handling and stronger compliance by importers and food businesses. Regional Finance Links: Pacific leaders met to strengthen correspondent banking access, aiming to protect trade, remittances, and global payment links.

Central Bank Watch: The Central Bank of Samoa says foreign reserves should stay “comfortable” at about SAT$1.7bn, covering 15.7 months of imports, and it’s keeping monetary policy unchanged as inflation is expected to rise temporarily. Court & Elections: Samoa’s courts have struck down corrupt electoral outcomes again—Falealili 1 is back to a by-election after the Court of Appeal dismissed Toelupe Onesemo’s challenge, while Vaimauga 3 is also headed for another by-election after both candidates were found guilty of bribery and corrupt practices. Governance Integrity: A fresh controversy is raised over the Police Minister’s use of prisoners for “personal projects,” with questions about process and government integrity. Public Health & Safety: The Ministry of Health marks World Food Safety Day with renewed calls for safer food handling and stronger compliance, while separate coverage highlights debate over legal protections for people facing drug overdoses. Japan Partnerships: Japan is backing school infrastructure in Samoa through grassroots grants, and Samoa’s leaders also return from Japan with a pledged SAT$4.6m for medical equipment. Leadership & Administration: Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Schmidt is in New Zealand for routine medical checks, with the Deputy Prime Minister acting during his absence. Cyber Risk: Samoa and the wider Blue Pacific are warned of rising cyber threats as digital services expand.

Courtroom Shake-Up (Falealili 1): Samoa’s Court of Appeal has dismissed Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo’s bid to overturn the Supreme Court ruling that voided his seat, sending the Falealili 1 constituency back to a by-election. Election Integrity (Vaimauga 3): The Electoral Court found both Lautimuia Uelese Vaai and Taioali’iseu Fiti Aimaasu guilty of corrupt electoral practices, declaring the seat void and triggering another by-election. Legal Capacity Building: The Attorney General’s Office welcomed Christopher Lange back to Samoa for a two-year programme to mentor government lawyers on advocacy, legal advice and case management. Public Health & Fees: A sharp local critique hit the Ministry of Health’s $40 tala immunisation-record processing fee, calling it “stupid” and unfair on parents. Drug Overdose Protections: Samoa’s Police Minister says he will seek advice on legal protections for people who experience drug overdoses. Food Safety Push: The Ministry of Health marked World Food Safety Day with school lessons and a push for safer food handling and nutrition. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Schmidt returned from Japan after co-chairing PALM and securing a pledged 200 million yen (T$4.6m) for medical equipment. Governance & Oversight: A leaked Cabinet paper sparked debate about “confidential” board appointments and how public boards shape decision-making. Cyber Security Warning: Samoa and the Blue Pacific face rising cyber threats as digital services expand.

Japan–Samoa Aid: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Schmidt returned from Japan after co-chairing PALM 8 and receiving Japan’s “Grand Cordon” honour, with Japan pledging 200 million yen (about T$4.6m) for Samoa’s medical equipment and support. Ombudsman & Justice Capacity: The Attorney General’s Office welcomed lawyer Christopher Lange back to Samoa for a two-year capacity-building push for government lawyers, while Samoa also saw fresh court activity around election petitions and sentencing summons. Vaimauga 3 Corruption Ruling: Samoa’s Supreme Court declared the Vaimauga 3 seat void after finding both Lautimuia and petitioner Taioali’iseu guilty of corrupt electoral practices, triggering another by-election and barring both from the next race. Falealili 1 Election Upheld: The Court of Appeal dismissed Toelupe Onesemo’s bid to overturn the Supreme Court’s voiding of his Falealili 1 election, keeping the seat invalid. PM Medical Leave: The Prime Minister left for a routine medical check-up in New Zealand for about a week, with the Deputy Prime Minister acting in his absence. Cyber & Finance Security: Samoa and the wider Blue Pacific faced renewed focus on rising cyber threats and efforts to protect correspondent banking links. Education & Violence: The Education Minister condemned a brutal attack on a mother outside a school and said school-ground violence prevention policies will be reviewed. Moana Pasifika Fallout: Moana Pasifika’s legacy was defended by talent manager Kevin Senio as the franchise’s Super Rugby exit continues to spark debate.

By-Election Fallout: Samoa’s Supreme Court has voided the Vaimauga 3 by-election after finding both candidates guilty of corrupt and illegal electoral practices, sending the seat back to another by-election within 10 months. Falealili 1 Election Petition: The Court of Appeal has dismissed former Deputy PM Toelupe Onesemo’s bid to overturn the Supreme Court’s decision voiding his Falealili 1 seat for bribery, keeping the seat invalid. Judicial Review Dismissed: A separate judiciary review application by Onesemo has also been rejected, confirming the Electoral Courts outcome. PM Overseas Medical Check: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt will travel to New Zealand for a routine medical check-up for about a week, with Deputy PM Mulipola Ale-Molio’o acting during his absence. Governance & Media: The PM has axed weekly press conferences for all media, citing “peace,” and flagged a Cabinet directive leak investigation. Regional Finance: Pacific leaders met in Majuro to push ahead on strengthening correspondent banking links to protect access to the global financial system. Public Health & Safety: Samoa’s cartoonist behind an insensitive measles joke will not apologise, despite local media calls.

Cocaine Case: Australia’s biggest cocaine bust named two Samoan men, Andrew Whata Fepulaei and Kristian Faiumu, arrested after 2.7 tonnes were found hidden under false floors in shipping containers in western Sydney, with life in prison possible. School Safety: Education Minister Loau Keneti Sio condemned a brutal gang attack on a mother outside Vaivase Primary, promising tighter school-ground violence rules and clearer parent conduct policies. Budget & Governance: Parliament passed Samoa’s 2026/27 Appropriation Bill and the Lands, Surveys and Environment Amendment Bill, while the PM axed weekly press conferences for all media, citing “peace” and a calmer approach to announcements. Ombudsman Update: Vui Clarence Nelson’s swearing-in was cancelled after he left Samoa overseas, even as his appointment as Ombudsman (and National Human Rights Institution role) moves forward. Justice & Elections: The Supreme Court ordered summons for defendants who failed to appear in the Falealili 1 election petition contempt matter, and the Justice Minister called election laws “stupid” while a new commission of inquiry is set to review election law issues. Public Health Politics: New reporting renews scrutiny of US HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 2019 Samoa visit, with claims his trip was vaccine-related and may contradict his Senate testimony. Drug Testing for MPs: The PM says Samoa will draft legislation requiring MPs to undergo drug testing, following heated debate in Parliament.

Ombudsman Appointment: Former Supreme Court judge Vui Clarence Nelson was set to be sworn in, but the ceremony was cancelled after he had to leave Samoa overseas, with a new date to be confirmed. Budget & Governance: Parliament passed Samoa’s 2026/27 Appropriation Bill, the first under the La’aulialemalietoa Schmidt government, setting a $1.5b tala budget with a projected cash deficit and major spending on health, education, district development, and social protection. Parliamentary Moves: The PM axed weekly press conferences for all media, saying it will “calm the seas,” while also warning about leaked Cabinet directives. Land & Environment Law: The Lands, Surveys and Environment Amendment Bill cleared its second reading to separate land/survey functions from environmental functions. Justice & Elections: The Supreme Court ordered summons for defendants who failed to turn up for sentencing in the Falealili 1 election petition matter, with a decision set for 15 July. Public Service & Security: Samoa’s Public Service Commission chief attended the UN Public Service Forum in Georgia, and a Pacific women’s security programme graduated 30 officers to strengthen border and transnational crime collaboration. Health & Welfare: The government urged families to claim the $150 Tagatanuu o Samoa education support before 30 June. International Spotlight: New reporting alleges US HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. misled the US Senate about his 2019 Samoa visit amid renewed vaccine-related scrutiny.

Parliament & Budget: Samoa’s Parliament has passed the 2026/2027 Appropriation Bill, approving the first budget under PM La’auli Schmidt: $1.5b in spending with a projected cash deficit of $215.9m, plus new social supports like a Child Wellbeing Benefit and higher pensions for seniors. Ombudsman Appointment: Former Supreme Court judge Vui Clarence Nelson was appointed Ombudsman, but his swearing-in was cancelled after he had to leave Samoa overseas. Governance & Media: PM Schmidt axed the government’s weekly press conferences for all media, saying it will “calm the seas,” while also pointing to a Cabinet directive leak tied to a near-$1m payment to BlueWave Wireless. Courts & Elections: The Supreme Court ordered summons for seven defendants who failed to appear for sentencing in the Falealili 1 election petition matter, with a decision set for 15 July. Justice & Law Reform: The Justice Minister called Samoa’s election laws “stupid” and said a Commission of Inquiry will review the 2025 election and election laws. Public Service & Security: The PSC chief attended the UN Public Service Forum in Georgia, and 30 women graduated from a Pacific border-security leadership programme. Health & Regional Links: Aki Ah Dar received successful heart surgery in Fiji through a Samoa-government partnership. International Scrutiny: New reporting alleges US HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may have misled the US Senate about his 2019 Samoa visit amid vaccine controversy.

Moana Pasifika Fallout: New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association (NZRPA) denies it was involved in the bidding process after Kanaloa Consortium chief Tracy Atiga questioned why only one proposal advanced, reigniting debate over how Pacific representation is handled at the top level. Election Petition Court Moves: The Supreme Court ordered summons for seven defendants who failed to appear for sentencing in the Falealili 1 election petition, with the decision pushed to 15 July. Government Media Shift: Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt axed the weekly press conferences for all media, saying the change is meant to “calm the seas,” while also pointing to a leaked Cabinet directive tied to a near-$1m payment to BlueWave. Ombudsman Appointment Disruption: Vui Clarence Nelson’s swearing-in was cancelled because he had to leave Samoa overseas, after Parliament accepted his appointment following the 2026/27 budget. Budget & Governance: Parliament endorsed the 2026/27 $1.5b budget under “AIGA,” and the Land and Titles Court issued its response to a Parliament-ordered inquiry into judges’ work. Justice Minister on Election Laws: Fesolai Tusiupu Tuigamala called election laws “stupid” and said a new commission of inquiry will review the 2025 election laws and related petitions. Drug Testing for MPs: The PM said legislation will require MPs to undergo drug testing, following heated debate in Parliament. Manawanui Compensation Clarified: New Zealand says no new payment is being negotiated beyond an earlier settlement, despite Samoa’s claim of separate talks over WST4.2m for Siumu residents. Ongoing RFK Jr Scrutiny: Fresh reporting alleges RFK Jr’s 2019 Samoa visit was tied to vaccination-related work, contradicting his Senate testimony.

Ombudsman Shuffle: Samoa’s Parliament passed the 2026/2027 Budget and then moved to appoint former Supreme Court judge Vui Clarence Nelson as Ombudsman—though his swearing-in was later cancelled after he had to leave Samoa overseas. Budget & Governance: MPs endorsed Samoa’s first budget under PM La’auli Schmidt, approving a $1.5b appropriation with a projected cash deficit, plus major spending on district development, health, education, and a new child wellbeing benefit. Election Law Fight: Justice Minister Fesolai Tuigamala called election laws “stupid” and backed a Commission of Inquiry into the 2025 election, while PM also signalled a push for drug testing for MPs. Cabinet Leaks: PM warned about leaked Cabinet directives after a directive ordering payment for school Wi-Fi surfaced online soon after Cabinet approval. Manawanui Dispute: Samoa and New Zealand remain at odds over whether further compensation is being negotiated after the HMNZS Manawanui sinking. Media Pressure: Revenue Minister Pauga Talalelei Pauga threatened to revoke the Samoa Observer’s licence over alleged incorrect reporting. Regional Context: A new report reignited scrutiny of US Health Secretary RFK Jr’s Samoa visit amid vaccine-related claims.

Ombudsman Appointment: Samoa’s Parliament endorsed the 2026/2027 $1.5b budget, and Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt simultaneously moved to appoint former Senior Supreme Court Judge Vui Clarence Nelson as Ombudsman—though his swearing-in was later cancelled after he had to leave Samoa overseas. Justice & Elections: Justice Minister Fesolai Tuigamala hit out at election laws in Parliament, calling them “stupid,” while Cabinet approved an eight-month Commission of Inquiry into the 2025 election and related petitions/court cases. Budget & Governance: The budget debate featured opposition concerns over a $114m deficit and heavy reliance on streamlining tax and revenue collection without raising taxes. Manawanui Dispute: Samoa and New Zealand differ over whether further compensation is being negotiated after the HMNZS Manawanui sinking, with Samoa citing a separate WST4.2m claim for Siumu residents. Media Pressure: Revenue Minister Pauga Talalelei Pauga threatened to revoke the Samoa Observer’s business licence over alleged incorrect and biased reporting. Rugby Politics: New Zealand Rugby confirmed Moana Pasifika is out of Super Rugby Pacific in 2027 after rescue bids failed to meet long-term financial requirements. Regional Spotlight: A vaccine-related controversy involving Robert F Kennedy Jr’s 2019 Samoa trip resurfaced as new reporting questioned whether it was truly not connected to vaccines.

World Rugby Governance: Lakapi Sāmoa chairman Namulauulu Sami Leota has been appointed to Samoa’s seat on the World Rugby Council, landing amid a long-running standoff with the government over the union’s leadership. Media Freedom vs. Licensing: Samoa’s Revenue Minister Pauga Talalelei Pauga threatened to revoke the Samoa Observer’s business licence, alleging the paper has published “incorrect and biased” information, while the Speaker cut him off for remarks the paper couldn’t respond to. Housing Administration: Cabinet reappointed Afioga Sautiamaivasa Titimaea Tiotio as CEO of the Samoa Housing Corporation for a second term, backing continuity on affordable housing and property services. Parliament & Rights: MPs faced heated debate over mandatory drug tests, with former PM Fiame Naomi Mataafa pressing questions about constitutional rights and whether testing could affect parliamentary seats. Judiciary Change: Senior Supreme Court Judge Vui Clarence Nelson retired after nearly three decades on the bench, marking the end of an era for Samoa’s courts. Regional Rugby Politics: New Zealand Rugby confirmed Moana Pasifika is out of Super Rugby Pacific in 2027 after rescue bids failed to meet long-term capital and business plan requirements, though it says the door remains open beyond 2027.

Housing & Appointments: Cabinet reappointed Afioga Sautiamaivasa Titimaea Tiotio as CEO of the Samoa Housing Corporation for a second term, backing his track record since 2023 and his long service in the housing sector. Super Rugby Pacific Shockwave: New Zealand Rugby confirmed Moana Pasifika is out of Super Rugby Pacific in 2027 after rescue bids failed to meet long-term capital and business plan requirements; the door stays open beyond 2027 for a Pacific-based franchise. Parliament & Law: MPs debated mandatory drug tests for all MPs, with the Speaker stressing MPs should set an example; separately, the Minister of Revenue threatened action against the Samoa Observer over alleged incorrect and biased reporting. Judiciary Change: Justice Vui Clarence Nelson retired from Samoa’s Supreme Court after nearly three decades on the bench, marking the end of an era for the judiciary. Disaster & Compensation: Samoa is seeking an additional NZ$4.2m for Siumu communities affected by the HMNZS Manawanui sinking, after NZ$10m for Safata was paid and assessments showed wider impacts. Regional Security: Commentary warned about criminal networks exploiting Samoa’s links to recruit people for hits abroad, raising questions about enforcement and whether laws on unexplained wealth are keeping up.