AGP Executive Report

Parliament: Samoa’s Parliament is now complete, with all 52 seats filled for the first time since the 2025 election. Three new MPs were sworn in, leaving the FAST government one seat short of a two-thirds majority. Commonwealth: Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o will lead Samoa’s delegation to CHOGM in Antigua and Barbuda from November 1–4, formally handing over Samoa’s chairmanship. Netball: The Government has pledged $150,000 for Samoa Netball, including $100,000 to prepare for the 2027 World Cup and $50,000 for this week’s local tournament. Rugby league: Toa Samoa’s next World Cup test is against Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on Saturday, after Samoa’s record 78–4 win over France. Digital services: Samoa’s new automated payment system aims to speed up domestic bank transfers and widen access to financial services, particularly for people without bank accounts. Health: Police are seeking forensic post-mortem equipment as Samoa continues to face delays linked to a shortage of specialist pathologists. Football: Samoa’s U-17 women opened their World Cup campaign with a 17–0 loss to the United States, the biggest win recorded at a FIFA World Cup.

Toa Samoa: Samoa opened its Rugby League World Cup campaign with a record 78–4 demolition of France, reinforcing its status as a title contender. The team’s next test is against Papua New Guinea. Public Safety: Police are seeking forensic post-mortem equipment as Samoa continues to lack a resident pathologist, a shortage that has delayed examinations and left families waiting. Digital Economy: The new Samoa Automated Transfer System will enable real-time interbank payments and aims to widen access to financial services, with about half the population currently outside the formal banking system. Commonwealth: Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o will lead Samoa’s delegation to CHOGM in November, completing the country’s chairmanship and handing it over to Antigua and Barbuda. India Partnership: Samoa and India have signed a US$2.8 million grant agreement for the SENESE project, supporting children and people with disabilities.

Toa Sāmoa: Samoa opened its Rugby League World Cup campaign with a record 78–4 win over France, scoring 14 tries. The team now faces Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on Saturday. Tag World Cup: Samoa’s men’s under-21 team fought back from 2–0 down to beat Australia 3–2 and win gold. Government: Cabinet appointed Su’a Aulaga Faumuinā as Regulator for a three-year term. Regional ties: A Samoan parliamentary delegation visited Australia to strengthen links, while Samoa and India signed an agreement to support children and people with disabilities. Accountability: Former Samoa Observer editor Shalveen Chand accused Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt of intimidation and a lack of transparency; these are Chand’s claims. Weather: Cyclone Wati developed near Samoa and is heading towards the Cook Islands.

Cyclone Watch: Cyclone Wati, which formed east of Samoa, has moved toward the Cook Islands and strengthened to Category 2. Samoa’s Meteorological Service says the system is moving farther away, with a low chance of direct impact on the country. World Cup Campaign: Toa Sāmoa opened with a record 78–4 win over France and now face Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby on October 24. The Kumuls are calling for a big home crowd, setting up a major test for Sāmoa. Fetū Sāmoa, meanwhile, lost 40–0 to defending champions Australia in their opener. Inclusive Development: Samoa and India signed a grant agreement worth about US$1.1 million for the SENESE Community Service Complex, which will provide learning, therapy and other support for people with disabilities. Pacific Fisheries: A regional surveillance operation coordinated by the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency covered about 30.5 million square kilometres and led to one vessel’s apprehension.

Cyclone Watch: Cyclone Wati, which formed east of Samoa, has strengthened to Category 2 and is moving through the Cook Islands. Samoa’s weather service says the system is moving away from the country, though rough seas and strong trade winds continue. Disability Support: Samoa and India signed a grant agreement worth about US$1.1 million for the SENESE Community Service Complex, which will provide learning, therapy and other services for people with disabilities. World Cup: Toa Samoa opened their campaign with a record 78-4 win over France, while the women’s team lost 40-0 to Australia. Tonga’s historic 30-12 victory over England has reshaped the Pacific teams’ path through the tournament. Child Protection: Rape cases have renewed scrutiny of safeguards for children in Samoa.

Rugby League World Cup: Toa Samoa opened with a record 78–4 demolition of France, scoring 14 tries, including four by Sua Fa’alogo. Fetu Samoa were beaten 40–0 by Australia but earned praise for their effort. The Kumuls’ 42–18 win over Lebanon sets up a key Samoa clash next week. Tonga’s Statement Win: Tonga stunned England 30–12 for their first-ever victory over them, putting the island side in a strong position and making its coming group clash with Samoa crucial. Inclusive Development: Samoa and India signed a grant agreement worth about US$1.1 million for the Senese Community Service Complex, which will provide learning and therapy facilities for people with disabilities. Child Safety: A video from Vaitele Market appears to show a man pushing a youth into poles. The report comes amid survey findings that 82.4% of children aged 1–14 experienced violent discipline at home.

Toa Sāmoa’s Record Start: Samoa opened the Rugby League World Cup with a historic 78–4 demolition of France, scoring 14 tries and recording its biggest-ever international win. Sua Fa’alogo crossed four times, while debutant Francis Manuleleua was named player of the match. Deine Mariner left early with a suspected hamstring injury. Samoa next face co-hosts Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. Fetu Sāmoa Hold Firm: The women’s side lost 40–0 to defending champions Australia, but earned praise for a determined defensive effort after half-time. Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner urged fans to stay and support women’s rugby league after many left before the women’s match. India-Samoa Partnership: Samoa and India signed an agreement for a grant-funded project supporting children and people with disabilities. The SENESE project will provide accessible facilities, audiology services, inclusive education, early learning and vocational training.

World Cup Statement: Toa Sāmoa opened their Rugby League World Cup campaign with a record 78-4 demolition of France, scoring 14 tries. Substitute Sualauvi Fa’alogo crossed four times after Deine Mariner left injured; Sāmoa face Papua New Guinea next in Port Moresby. Fetu Sāmoa’s Grit: The women lost 40-0 to defending champions Australia, but impressed with a fierce defensive effort and held the Jillaroos scoreless for long stretches. India-Sāmoa Partnership: Samoa and India signed a grant-aid agreement for the SENESE project, supporting children and people with disabilities through accessible facilities, audiology services, inclusive education and vocational training.

World Cup Kick-off: Toa Samoa begin their Rugby League World Cup campaign against France today, aiming to build on their run to the 2021 final. Captain Jarome Luai leads a star-studded side seeking a strong start after a difficult stretch of international results. India Partnership: Samoa and India have signed a SAT$2.8 million grant for a SENESE community complex, with specialist facilities and services for people with learning and physical disabilities. The agreement followed the first visit by an Indian government minister in 56 years of diplomatic ties. Disaster Preparedness: Samoa and the Pacific Disaster Center have started a yearlong assessment of disaster risks as a strong El Niño raises concern about severe weather and drought. The work will support planning down to village level. District Funding: Vaimauga 4 is set to receive the first portion of a new $2 million district development allocation after completing required reports; the initial 70% is expected by November. Emergency Response: Authorities recorded 71 incidents over White Sunday weekend, including 34 fire dispatches and 37 medical calls, and urged residents to avoid burning grass or rubbish in dry, windy conditions.

World Cup: Toa Samoa begin their Rugby League World Cup campaign against France on Friday, backed by a squad whose players have won 20 NRL premiership rings. District Funding: Vaimauga 4 is set to receive the first $2 million in district development funding, with $1.4 million expected in November after completing required reports. Emergency Response: Samoa recorded 71 emergency callouts over White Sunday weekend, including 34 fire dispatches; authorities urged residents to avoid burning grass and rubbish during dry conditions. Economic and Health Risks: Samoa has asked the Asian Development Bank to support a response plan addressing El Niño drought, climate change and the region’s growing HIV/AIDS crisis. Lalomanu: Two Canadian tourists drowned at the popular beach, according to local reports.

Rugby League World Cup: Toa Samoa begin their campaign against France on Friday in Sydney, while Fetu Samoa open against defending champions Australia. Samoa arrive with hopes of another strong run after reaching the men’s final in 2022. Cyclone Outlook: Forecasters expect seven to 11 named cyclones across the Southwest Pacific from November to April, with Samoa among the areas facing elevated risk. Travellers are being urged to plan ahead. Prime Minister’s Apology: La’auli’s apology over his 2007 Nazi salute and remarks has drawn international attention, raising concern about the impact on Samoa’s reputation. Cultural Achievement: Pacific group LEAO made history at the APRA Silver Scroll Awards, winning the top songwriting prize for “LALELEI,” the first winning song written entirely in Gagana Samoa.

World Cup: Toa Samoa begin their campaign against France on Friday, with Jarome Luai leading a side tipped to challenge for the title. Fetu Samoa also face Australia as the women’s tournament opens, amid growing confidence that Pacific teams can close the gap. Disaster Readiness: Samoa has launched a mobile engineering workshop equipped to make replacement parts and carry out urgent repairs after disasters, while also offering local training. Housing: Cabinet has approved $2 million tala for homes for vulnerable families, with district councils helping identify households in need. Justice: A pastor has been sentenced to nine years in prison for sexual offences against a 16-year-old church member. Parliament: Aliimalemanu returns as Samoa’s sixth woman MP after election petitions concluded. Digital Services: The government has opened supplier engagement for a national digital ID system.

Disaster Readiness: Samoa has launched a mobile engineering workshop equipped to make parts and carry out urgent repairs after disasters, while also providing technical training. Housing Support: Cabinet approved $2 million tala for homes for vulnerable families, with district councils helping identify recipients. Sports: The Government allocated $184,400 tala for Samoa’s 15-member Youth Olympic team and $50,000 for the Deaf Sports Association’s rugby sevens campaign. Toa Samoa open their Rugby League World Cup against France on Friday, with Jarome Luai leading the side at halfback. Cyclone Outlook: Samoa faces elevated cyclone risk this season, which begins November 1; forecasters warn at least four severe cyclones could affect the wider Pacific. Parliament: Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuuau has returned to Parliament as its sixth woman MP after election petitions concluded.

Rugby League World Cup: Toa Samoa’s campaign opens against France on Friday, with Jarome Luai expected to lead the charge. Greg Marzhew is out injured and Eddie Ieremia-Toeava has joined the squad. The Government has committed $4 million to the Toa and Fetu Samoa campaigns; Fetu face Australia on Friday. Digital Services: Samoa has invited suppliers to take part in market engagement ahead of a national digital ID tender. Parliament: Aliimalemanu returns as the sixth woman MP after election petitions were concluded. Savai‘i Travel: Maota Airport has reopened, restoring flights linking the island with Fagali‘i and Faleolo after more than two decades.

Toa Samoa: Samoa opens its Rugby League World Cup campaign against France on Friday, with Jarome Luai expected to lead the side. Coach Ben Gardiner and co-captain Junior Paulo say his playmaking will be central to the team’s push to reach the final again. Digital ID: The Samoa Bureau of Statistics is inviting suppliers to a briefing on the planned national digital identification system on October 15. Firms must register by 5pm on October 14; the World Bank-backed tender is expected in November. Women in Parliament: Aliimalemanu Moti Alofa Tuuau has been appointed Samoa’s sixth woman MP, bringing the Assembly to 52 members after election proceedings concluded. Fire: A blaze destroyed a family home in Toamua Uta as firefighters responded to four fires on Monday. The cause remains under investigation. Savai‘i Flights: Maota Airport has reopened, restoring flights linking the island with Fagali‘i and Faleolo after services stopped in 2000.

Digital ID: Samoa’s Bureau of Statistics will brief potential suppliers on October 15 ahead of a World Bank-funded national digital ID tender expected in November. Fire Safety: Four fires broke out on Monday, including a blaze that destroyed a family home in Toamua Uta. The cause is under investigation as the Fire Commissioner warns of more frequent fires. Parliament: Aliimalemanu Moti Alofa Tuuau has returned to Parliament as its sixth woman MP, bringing the Assembly to 52 members after election cases concluded. Rugby League: Samoa is aiming to improve on its 2022 final after reaching the Rugby League World Cup. The tournament begins this week, with Samoa set to face Papua New Guinea on October 24. Fisheries: A strong El Niño could shift tuna grounds and disrupt Pacific fishing through 2027, with consequences for Samoa and other island economies. Politics: Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi says questions remain over Prime Minister La’auli Leuatea Schmidt’s position on Nazism, despite La’auli’s apology for a 2007 salute. Lalomanu: Two tourists visiting Samoa aboard a cruise ship died while snorkelling.