AGP Executive Report

Parliament: The Electoral Court dismissed bribery allegations against Safata No. 2 MP Tuia Fuatogi Letoa, who keeps his seat. Aliimalemanu Alofa Tu‘uau was appointed Samoa’s sixth woman MP, bringing Parliament to 52 members. Emergency Services: A patient’s transfer from Savai‘i to Upolu was delayed when no aircraft arrived as expected; the transfer went ahead after Prime Minister Laʻaulialemalietoa intervened. Rugby League: Samoa’s World Cup campaign is nearing, with the Government committing $4 million to Toa and Fetu Samoa. Co-captain Junior Paulo says he is helping teammates bounce back from grand-final heartbreak. Economy: Samoa recorded a $132.4 million merchandise trade deficit in August, while a separate report said the economy contracted 8.1% as investment plunged. Community: A new internet project connects four Savai‘i primary schools and three government services, benefiting more than 1,000 students and 30 teachers. National News: Samoa won Miss Global’s Best Host Country award, recognising its hospitality. Prime Minister Laʻaulialemalietoa also apologised after resurfaced 2007 footage showed him making a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler.”

Emergency Services: A patient transfer from Savai‘i to Moto‘otua was delayed for hours after the expected Samoa Airways flight failed to arrive. Prime Minister La‘auli intervened, and the patient was later flown to Upolu. Election Rulings: The Electoral Court dismissed bribery allegations against Safata No. 2 MP Tuia Fuatogi Letoa and ordered the petitioner to pay $2,000. Aliimalemanu Alofa Tu‘uau was appointed Samoa’s sixth woman MP, meeting the constitutional minimum for women’s representation. Tourism: Samoa received the Best Host Country award at Miss Global, recognising the hospitality shown to the pageant’s titleholder during her visit. Connectivity: A new project has brought internet access to four Savai‘i primary schools and government services in Tuasivi, benefiting more than 1,000 students and 30 teachers. Economy: Samoa recorded a $132.4 million merchandise trade deficit in August, with imports far exceeding exports and re-exports. Rugby League: Government has approved $4 million for Toa and Fetu Samoa’s World Cup campaigns, as the teams prepare to represent Samoa at the tournament.

Savaii Connectivity: A new project is bringing internet access to four primary schools and government services in Tuasivi, reaching more than 1,000 students and 30 teachers. Road Safety: Samoa’s police are urging drivers to obey road rules and keep uninspected vehicles off the road after a series of crashes. World Cup Build-up: Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa have received $4 million in government support for their Rugby League World Cup campaigns. Five players from Samoa’s NRL grand-final side are in the Toa squad, which opens against France on October 16. Banknote Watch: Samoa’s $100 Queen Elizabeth II commemorative note is being advertised online for about SAT$3,700, though public release and use remain on hold; the Central Bank says some notes reached collectors before Cabinet’s decision. Climate Call: Samoan climate advocate Brianna Fruean urged Pacific leaders to turn promises into action on climate finance, emissions and protecting the 1.5°C target. Political Fallout: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt apologised after a 2007 video resurfaced showing him making a Nazi salute and remark.

World Cup Campaign: Samoa has committed $4 million to Toa and Fetu Samoa’s Rugby League World Cup preparations. Toa’s squad includes Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu, while the Prime Minister urged both teams to bring the trophy home. Savai‘i Connections: Maota Airport has reopened, restoring regular flights between Upolu and Savai‘i ahead of White Sunday and offering a boost for local travel and tourism. Climate Action: Samoan advocate Brianna Fruean challenged Pacific leaders to turn climate promises into accessible funding and protection for frontline communities. Political Accountability: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt apologised for a resurfaced 2007 video showing him making a Nazi salute and using the words “Heil Hitler,” saying the behaviour was inappropriate. Economic Picture: Samoa’s Bureau of Statistics withdrew an experimental report that estimated an 8.1% contraction; its production estimates put the fall at 1.6% in the year to June 2026.

World Cup Build-up: Samoa’s government has pledged $4 million to prepare Toa Samoa and Fetu Samoa for the Rugby League World Cup, which opens Oct. 15. The teams were sent off with a call from Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt to bring the trophy home. Toa’s squad includes NRL stars Jarome Luai and Spencer Leniu, who has signed a four-year deal with Parramatta starting in 2027. Manu Samoa: Former All Blacks Akira Ioane, Josh Ioane and Shaun Stevenson have been named in a 30-player squad for November’s Nations Cup Tests, alongside seven other potential debutants. Economy: Samoa’s statistics bureau estimates GDP fell 1.6% in the year to June 2026, revising sharply from an 8.1% contraction in a withdrawn experimental report. Prime Minister: Schmidt has apologised over 2007 footage showing him making a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler,” saying the gesture was inappropriate and did not reflect his beliefs. Connectivity: Digicel Samoa has opened a new mobile tower in Asau to improve coverage in western Savai‘i.

Toa Samoa: Samoa has named its 23-player squad for the Rugby League World Cup, with Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai and Spencer Leniu among the selections. Coach Ben Gardiner urged fans to support both the men’s and women’s teams safely as Samoa seeks another strong campaign. Youth Rugby League: NRL Samoa says a shortage of junior competitions is holding back the sport’s growth. The organisation is running holiday clinics and hopes to move more young players into club competitions. Savai’i Coverage: Digicel Samoa has switched on a new mobile tower in Asau to improve coverage and reliability in western Savai’i. Prime Minister’s Apology: Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has apologised after a 2007 video surfaced showing him making a Nazi salute and saying “Heil Hitler.” He called the words and gesture inappropriate and said he rejects extremism. Economic Figures: Samoa’s Bureau of Statistics has withdrawn a report estimating an 8.1% economic contraction for 2025/26, saying it needs further accuracy and quality checks. The bureau says its quarterly production reports remain the official GDP estimates.

Rugby League World Cup (Samoa focus): Samoa’s Toa Samoa has named its 23-man squad for the Oct 15 tournament, with Spencer Leniu, Jarome Luai and Junior Paulo among the key names, while Fetu Samoa also announced its squad as players arrive early for a farewell parade and service ceremony. World Cup squads and format: The tournament is cut to 10 teams and moves straight to semi-finals after the group stage, with Samoa set to face France, PNG and Tonga in pool play. Player call-ups and snubs: PNG’s Kumuls squad is confirmed with several absences due to injury, while Samoa’s Terrell May says he withdrew from World Cup selection to focus on Wests Tigers and protect his pre-season. Pacific access and work visas: Pacific Justice is pushing a petition urging changes to New Zealand’s Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota, including a proposed six-month temporary working visa for successful applicants. Samoa governance and services: Samoa Airport Authority has re-advertised its general manager role, and Samoa’s GDP Expenditure Report was withdrawn for review after a reported 8.1% contraction estimate. Local public interest: Police are seeking help to identify an unidentified man found in Faleula being cared for at Afega police outpost. International spotlight: Samoa PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt apologized after a 2007 video surfaced showing a Nazi salute and “Heil Hitler.”

Rugby League World Cup build-up: Samoa’s Toa Samoa named a 23-man squad for the Oct 15–Nov 15 tournament, led by stars including Stephen Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Jarome Luai and co-captain Junior Paulo, with Payne Haas ruled out due to hand surgery; the team is set for a parade and service ceremony as players arrive early. More squads, big matchups: Papua New Guinea’s Kumuls confirmed their squad with heavy London Broncos influence, while New Zealand and Tonga also unveiled World Cup rosters featuring major NRL names. Local governance: Samoa Airport Authority re-advertised its General Manager role after the previous appointment, with applications due 20 Oct. Economy update: Samoa’s Bureau of Statistics withdrew an estimated GDP expenditure report showing an 8.1% contraction for 2025/26, saying it’s being reviewed for quality and compliance. Public safety: Police asked for help identifying an unidentified man found in Faleula, believed to be experiencing a mental health condition. Politics: Samoa PM La’auli Leuatea Schmidt apologized after a 2007 video resurfaced showing him saying “Heil Hitler” and making a Nazi salute.

Rugby League World Cup squads: Samoa has confirmed its 23-man Rugby League World Cup squad, with Jarome Luai and Junior Paulo set to co-captain and big names including Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Spencer Leniu (with Payne Haas ruled out due to hand surgery). NRL pay gap: A report says Kangaroos players are set to be paid $40,000 while other nations get $850 per World Cup game, with change expected in the next bargaining deal. Prime Minister apology: Samoa’s PM Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has apologised after a resurfaced 2007 video showed him saying “Heil Hitler” and making a Nazi salute at a private family gathering. Local policing: Police are seeking the family of an unidentified man found in Faleula, who is being cared for at Afega and appears to be experiencing a mental health condition. Sport beyond league: Samoa wrestlers won 11 medals at the New Zealand National Wrestling Championships, including five golds. Triathlon governance: SASNOC has endorsed Tri-Sports Samoa Association as the official triathlon body. Palolo harvest rules: The Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture has advised palolo harvesters to get prior approvals before accessing harvesting areas.

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.