AGP Executive Report

Samoan Politics: Samoa Prime Minister Laʻauli Leuatea Schmidt has apologized after a resurfaced 2007 video showed him leading a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler” at a family gathering in Savai‘i, saying the words and gesture were inappropriate and rejecting Nazism, antisemitism and racism. Media Freedom: The apology comes as Pacific media groups, including PINA, back calls for answers after Samoa Observer photos were reportedly deleted by the PM’s son at a public police event. Sport — Rugby League: Samoa’s place in the spotlight continues as Australia names its Rugby League World Cup squad, with Latrell Mitchell returning and Isaah Yeo named captain; England and other teams also finalize squads. Sport — Wrestling: Samoa wrestlers won 11 medals at New Zealand championships, including five golds, as they use the event to build toward bigger regional contests. Climate: Pacific leaders meeting ahead of COP31 in Fiji and Tuvalu are urging the world to keep 1.5°C within reach as sea-level rise threatens low-lying islands.

Politics & Apologies: Samoa PM La’auli Leuatea Schmidt has apologised after a 2007 video surfaced showing him saying “Heil Hitler” and making a Nazi salute at a private family gathering, saying the words and gesture were inappropriate and rejecting Nazism, antisemitism, racism and political extremism. Media Freedom: Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) and Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) are demanding answers after reports that the PM’s security removed a Samoa Observer journalist’s camera and deleted photos taken at a public event. Economy: Samoa’s economy contracted 8.1% in the year to June, driven mainly by a sharp 33.9% fall in investment and a big drop in inventories, though household spending rose 2.6%. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders meeting ahead of COP31 are urging all nations to keep warming as close as possible to 1.5°C. Sport (Samoa in focus): Samoa lawn bowls teams faced defeats at the Pacific Games but say they still have chances; and Samoa’s U18s beat Tonga 38-33.

Samoa Economy: Samoa’s GDP contracted 8.1% in the year to June, driven mainly by a 33.9% plunge in investment and a sharp drop in inventories, though household spending rose 2.6% and exports edged up 2.3%. Toa Samoa Rugby League: With the Rugby League World Cup close, co-captains Junior Paulo and Jarome Luai say the jersey carries the sacrifices of parents and grandparents and the growth of the game back home. NRL Grand Final Samoa Links: Five Samoan-eligible players are set for the NRL grand final, including Spencer Leniu and Benaiah Ioelu (Roosters) and Greg Marzhew, Jermaine McEwen and Francis Manuleleua (Knights). Media Freedom Row: The Journalists Association of Samoa is demanding answers after reports that the Samoa Observer’s camera was removed and photos deleted at a police event involving the PM’s security. Marine Advisory: Samoa’s marine warning remains in effect with waves up to 3 metres and rough seas expected to continue into Monday. Climate Frontline (Tuvalu): Ahead of COP, scientists say a 2024 marine heatwave killed about 99.9% of Tuvalu’s reef-building coral.

Samoa Economy: Samoa’s GDP contracted 8.1% in the year to June, driven mainly by a 33.9% plunge in investment and a sharp swing in inventories, even as household spending rose 2.6% and exports edged up 2.3%. Marine Safety: A marine advisory remains in force as waves reach 2.5–3 metres (possibly higher), with strong currents, rough seas and gusty winds expected to continue into Monday. Media Freedom Clash: The Journalists Association of Samoa is demanding answers after Samoa Observer photos were reportedly deleted at a police event, with JAWS and PINA calling for an investigation into who removed the camera and under what authority. Climate at the Frontline: Tuvalu is showing the damage from climate change ahead of COP, with scientists saying a 2024 marine heatwave wiped out about 99.9% of coral. Sports & Samoa: Samoa’s U18 side beat Tonga 38-33, while Samoa’s U17 Junior Starlets captain says the team is ready to compete at the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup starting Oct 17. EV Plans: SPREP reports Samoa is developing a possible user-pay system for MNRE EV charging stations to support cost recovery and future expansion.

Press Freedom Clash: The Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) is demanding answers after reports that Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt’s security removed a Samoa Observer journalist’s camera and deleted photos taken at a police event in Apia. Marine Safety: Samoa’s marine advisory stays in force with waves up to 3 metres, strong currents, rough seas and gusty winds expected to continue into Monday. Sports—U18 Rugby: Samoa’s U18 Tama Samoa beat Tonga 38-33 in Hamilton, bouncing back after an earlier loss to New Zealand Māori. Youth Football—U17 World Cup: Junior Starlets U17 captain Beverlyne Awuor says the team is ready to compete at the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Environment & Energy: EV drivers could face user-pay charges at MNRE charging stations as Samoa looks to build a sustainable cost-recovery model. Local Golf: Samoa’s women finish third at the 2026 Pacific Cup in Tahiti, with Olive Tapu taking individual silver. Climate Work: A Samoa native-forest restoration project is expanding community ranger roles and has already planted 3,000 trees at O Le Pupu Pue National Park.

U18 Rugby: Samoa’s U18 Tama Samoa beat Tonga 38-33 in Hamilton, leading 24-12 at halftime and 31-12 after the break, with key moments from fullback Johnny Kuresa Taualai and captain Avatar Grus Porter; Samoa now face New Zealand Barbarians U18 on Oct. 4. EV Charging Costs: SPREP says Samoa’s MNRE is working on a user-pay system for solar EV charging at Friendship Park to recover costs and fund expansion, but fees and timing are not yet set. Maritime Security: Australia joined Pacific partners in Operation Nasse to deter illegal fishing, with Samoa among the participating nations and support via patrol boats, specialists and intelligence sharing. Oxygen Probe Questions: Samoa’s Public Service Commission must explain whether it had the right cylinder figures before charging Health officials, as documents conflict over counts and paperwork. Press Freedom Row: JAWS and PINA are demanding answers after reports a Samoa Observer journalist’s camera was taken and photos deleted at a public police event. Sports & Youth: Wests Tigers winger Jeral Skelton confirms he’s leaving Concord; Fiji’s Youth Olympics boxing team is on track, while Samoa women’s golf took third at the Pacific Cup with Olive Tapu winning individual silver.

Press Freedom Clash: Samoa’s Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) is demanding answers after a Samoa Observer reporter’s camera was reportedly taken and photos deleted at a Police Remembrance Day event, with the Prime Minister’s security detail allegedly involved and the government saying a ban on photographing the PM remains in place. Climate & Oceans: Pacific leaders meeting ahead of COP31 are pushing for stronger action to keep 1.5°C within reach, warning that every fraction of a degree raises sea-level and adaptation costs for low-lying islands. Health: Minister of Health Vaaaoao Salu Alofipo launched Pinktober, calling for a united community, church and partner effort in the fight against cancer. Infrastructure Finance: Deputy PM and Finance Minister Mulipola Anarosa ‘Ale met AIIB President Zou Jiayi in Doha to move Samoa’s project pipeline toward bankable deals, including ports, roads, water and interisland connectivity. Sports (Samoa Rugby): Manu Tuilagi hinted he could represent Samoa at the 2027 Rugby World Cup after qualifying through his birthright. Local Sport: Samoa women’s golf team took third at the Pacific Cup in Tahiti, with Olive Tapu winning individual silver. Business/Travel: Fiji Airways says it will add 125,000+ seats in 2027 with new and increased routes, strengthening Nadi as a hub. Environment: Researchers using underwater cameras off Apolima Island captured footage of an endangered leopard shark, the first verified record in Samoan waters.

Press Freedom Clash: JAWS is demanding answers after a Samoa Observer journalist’s camera was reportedly taken and photos deleted at a Police Remembrance Day event, with claims that PM La’auli’s security said “there is a law” stopping the paper from photographing the PM. Media Watchdog Pushes Back: The Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) has also called for the circumstances to be properly established, arguing security can’t block legitimate journalism. Climate Summit Focus: Pacific leaders are meeting in Fiji and Tuvalu ahead of COP31 in Turkey, urging countries to keep 1.5°C within reach as UNEP warns the world is on track to cross it within five years. Health & Community: The Minister of Health launched Pinktober, calling for a united community, church and partner effort against cancer. Environment & Food Security: New research on Fiji taro varieties shows big differences in drought resilience, offering clues for tougher crops. Sports: Samoa’s women’s golf team took third at the Pacific Cup in Tahiti, with Olive Tapu winning individual silver. Transport Costs: Diesel prices rise 22.6 sene per litre for October, with petrol and kerosene also increasing.

Measles Alert: Samoa’s measles outbreak is worsening, with the Ministry of Health reporting 314 suspected cases, 146 lab tests pending and three deaths suspected to be measles-related, prompting the closure of pre-schools and child day-care centres to protect young children. Fuel Costs: Diesel jumps 22.6 sene to $4.44 per litre from Oct. 1, with petrol up 3.5 sene to $3.58 and kerosene up 12.5 sene to $3.90, blamed on disruptions linked to the Iran-US conflict and shipping risks. Cybercrime & Media: Samoa Police’s Cybercrime Unit head publicly defended Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leauatea Schmidt’s son, Anslem Schmidt, after allegations he removed a Samoa Observer camera SD card and deleted photos. Local Governance: The Ministry of Family and Social Affairs has appointed three new ACEOs as it transitions into a separate MFSA structure. Water Security: Japan handed over a 100,000-litre water tank for Aufaga, improving storage and repairs for 90 households and Aufaga Primary School. Sports (Samoa in focus): Samoa is listed among teams for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, and Samoa is also in France’s Rugby League World Cup pool.

Rugby World Cup build-up: World Rugby says the biggest-ever Rugby World Cup in 2027 kicks off 1 Oct in Australia with 24 teams, 52 matches across seven cities, and record ticket demand already logged. Samoa politics: Samoa’s caretaker Education Minister Loau Keneti Sio has resigned after a post-election legal challenge, triggering a by-election and shifting HRPP numbers in Parliament. Health & governance: A MOH oxygen-cylinder count reportedly differs from an audit, while MFSA has welcomed three new ACEOs as it continues its institutional transition. Cost of living: Petroleum prices rise for October, with diesel jumping to 22.6 sene per litre higher. Water security: Japan hands over a 100,000-litre tank for Aufaga to support 90 households and improve intake repairs. Community & business: Pacific women connect artisans and new buyers at the M4C Fiji Pacific Women Makete 2026 in Suva. Sports (local): Lakapi Samoa says the Oceania 7s cancellation hurts Manu Samoa and Manusina 7s preparation for next year’s qualification series.

Cabinet Decisions: Samoa’s Cabinet has withheld the circulation of a $100 Tala commemorative note while the Attorney General investigates, and it has also approved 24-month contracts with six companies to supply medicines and pharmaceuticals amid ongoing shortages. Health & Access: Cabinet approved overseas treatment for 16 patients—11 to India, four to New Zealand and one to Fiji—with about $1 million allocated. Digital Governance: The National Digital Identification (NDID) policy was launched, aiming to give Samoans a verifiable identity (SDIN) to support secure access to public and private services. Local Safety: Firefighters responded to a blaze at a Native Cuisine restaurant near Aai o Niue, with a neighbouring house also damaged; the cause is still under investigation. Sports & Community: Harbor High’s girls volleyball team topped Santa Cruz in SCCAL action, while MFSA welcomed three newly appointed ACEOs and Campus of Hope hosted a learning and worship exchange with Macarthur Adventist College students. Rugby World Cup Build-up: The 2027 Rugby World Cup countdown continues, with Samoa among the competing nations and stadium plans now in focus.

Investment & Jobs: Samoa remains open to foreign investment, but U.S. State Department’s 2026 Investment Climate Statement flags bottlenecks like ageing power, port congestion, land rules and labour shortages—while pointing to priority sectors such as tourism, fisheries, ICT, renewable energy and light manufacturing. National ID: Samoa has launched its National Digital Identification (NDID) policy, with a Samoa Digital Identification Number (SDIN) meant to make access to government and financial services easier ahead of mass registration in mid-2027. Water Security: With outages and disruptions ongoing, families are relying on rainwater tanks as a practical backup for cooking, washing and cleaning. World Cup Rugby League (Samoa): Toa Samoa’s Blaize Talagi faces an Achilles injury question ahead of the Rugby League World Cup, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has confirmed he will play for Samoa. Sport & Regional Rugby: Lakapi Samoa says the Oceania Sevens cancellation has hurt Manu Samoa 7s and Manusina 7s preparation for next year’s World Rugby qualification. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders at UNGA pressed for stronger climate action and climate finance reform, warning that island nations are paying the price for others’ emissions. Police Remembrance & Community: Samoa marked Remembrance Day for police officers, and the Campus of Hope held an early White Sunday for children and residents.

National ID Rollout: Samoa has launched its National Identification Policy, starting a public awareness push ahead of mid-2027 mass registration, with the Samoa Bureau of Statistics saying the system will support secure biometric ID for services, banks and businesses. Water Security: ADRA Samoa is training women and girls in basic home plumbing in Lona, while families across Samoa are relying on rainwater tanks to cope with outages and water disruptions. HIV Preparedness: Samoa is stepping up HIV readiness after Fiji’s emergency declaration, increasing surveillance, testing readiness, prevention and community engagement. Toa Samoa World Cup Build-Up: Toa Samoa coaching staff will be finalised next week after the NRL grand final, and Blaize Talagi’s World Cup availability is in doubt following an Achilles injury. Sports Allegiances: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has confirmed he will play for Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup, while Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has pledged allegiance to Australia. Local Remembrance: Tributes continue for 75-year-old tour guide Eti Sapolu, found dead near Vaiala.

Rugby League World Cup: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has ended speculation by declaring, “I’m playing for Samoa in the World Cup,” despite Australia’s interest and a reported $40,000 per-player offer. Injury Update: Toa Samoa’s Blaize Talagi’s World Cup hopes are in doubt after an Achilles injury in Penrith’s preliminary final loss, with Samoa yet to confirm his status. Infrastructure: The Alaoa multipurpose dam is moving toward construction bids, with contractor prequalification underway and bids expected in Q2 2027. Water Resilience: Families coping with water disruptions say rainwater tanks are becoming a crucial backup for cooking, washing and cleaning. Public Health: Samoa is stepping up HIV preparedness after Fiji’s emergency declaration, increasing surveillance and readiness for testing, prevention and treatment. Climate Finance at UN: Samoa’s finance minister called for a major overhaul of the international financial system, saying small islands are forced to fund both development and survival as disasters worsen. Local Sports & Community: Olive Tapu won silver for Samoa at the Pacific Golf Cup, while the Toa Samoa coaching staff is set to be finalised next week after the NRL grand final. Media & Trust: Pacific media leaders warned that AI and misinformation are eroding public trust, urging better access to climate loss and damage information.

HIV Preparedness: Samoa is stepping up national HIV readiness after Fiji’s September emergency warning, boosting surveillance and readiness for testing, prevention, treatment and community engagement, with a taskforce linked to the 14 weekly flights between the two countries. Climate & Water Justice: Pacific advocates say women are being shut out of water and climate decisions, driving wider gender impacts; research highlights women’s absence from community and subnational meetings where water choices are made. Media Accountability: Pacific media leaders at the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Fiji are pushing for better access to loss-and-damage climate information and stronger government accountability, while warning AI and misinformation are eroding public trust. Local Politics: The Electoral Court has reserved its decision on the Safata 2 election petition alleging bribery against MP Tuia Paepae Letoa, tied to compensation payments after the HMNZS Manawanui incident. Sport (Samoa): Samoa’s Manusina XV ended the WXV Global Series Challenger with a 34-17 win over Hong Kong China, while Fiji’s Fijiana won the tournament unbeaten after a late penalty against the Netherlands.

Safata 2 Election Petition: The Electoral Court has reserved its decision after a week of submissions in the bribery case against Safata 2 MP Tuia Paepae Letoa, linked to compensation payments for Safata households after the HMNZS Manawanui sinking in Oct 2024. Marine Weather Alert: Samoa’s Meteorology Division warns of worsening seas, with waves expected to exceed 2.5m and stronger southeasterly winds (40–45 km/h) through Tuesday, urging extra caution for fishermen and sea travel. Pacific Climate Push: Pacific leaders met UN chief António Guterres in New York, pressing for climate finance and implementation, including the Pacific Resilience Facility targets. Media Accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted the Savusavu Loss and Damage Media Forum Declaration, demanding timely, transparent climate loss and damage information and stronger support for journalists. Regional Media Update: The Journalists Association of Samoa says it has returned to PINA, rejecting claims it was “kicked out.” Renewables in Samoa: EPC says Samoa is moving toward renewable energy via public-private partnerships and solar-plus-storage to cut reliance on imported diesel. Sport (Samoa in WXV): Samoa’s Manusina XV ended their WXV Challenger series with a 34-17 win over Hong Kong China, their first win of the three-match run.