Samoa Observer
Church leader urges HRPP to limit baby bonus to married parents
- Title
- Church leader urges HRPP to limit baby bonus to married parents
- Runtime
- 0:31
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Reverend Tusi Pou Tuigamala has called on HRPP to limit its proposed $1,000 baby payment to children born to married parents.
- Title
- La’auli, co-accused close case without testifying
- Runtime
- 0:21
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- La’auli and five others chose not to testify. They deny conspiracy charges. Final submissions set for October in District Court.
Video: Junior S Ami / Samoa Observer
- Title
- La’auli and Fepuleai return to court in fifth week of trial
- Runtime
- 0:16
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- #BREAKING FAST Party leader La’auli Leuatea Schmidt and former MP Fepuleai Faimata Su’a returned to court this week as their high-profile trial reached its fifth week. They face multiple charges, including conspiracy and defamation, stemming from a 2021 hit-and-run case.
Photo: Junior S Ami / Samoa Observer
- Title
- Police officer denies key claims in 2021 hit-and-run conspiracy case
- Runtime
- 0:23
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- A police officer related to two of the accused in the high-profile conspiracy case has denied claims he received a phone containing photos of the 2021 hit-and-run. Corporal Ieremia Su’a told the court he was not on duty at the time of the incident and rejected suggestions his testimony was fabricated to regain his job with the police. The trial continues with witnesses appearing from Australia via Zoom.
Photos: Junior S Ami / Samoa Observer
- Title
- Fiame holds back on manifesto as parties ramp up campaigns
- Runtime
- 0:14
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Caretaker Prime Minister and SUP leader Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, when approached by the Samoa Observer, declined to comment on rival parties’ promises and said her party will release its manifesto “when we’re ready.” Campaign activity has intensified, with HRPP, FAST and SLP ramping up efforts ahead of the snap election.
Video: Junior S Ami
Story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws
- Title
- Tualima threatens photographer during court appearance
- Runtime
- 0:28
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Notorious inmate Lauititi Tualima appeared in court this on Tuesday under heavy security, where he was heard threatening a photographer, warning him to move away or face being assaulted.
Video: Junior S Ami / Samoa Observer
- Title
- Laauli cuts ties with Observer amid ongoing conspiracy trial
- Runtime
- 0:25
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- FAST party chairman Laauli Leuatea Schmidt has cut off communication with the Samoa Observer, accusing the newspaper of twisting stories to damage the party’s reputation. The remarks come as Laauli faces multiple charges in a conspiracy case linked to a fatal 2021 hit-and-run. Police told the court the suspected vehicle was a Toyota Noah, not a Landcruiser linked to another MP.
Video: Junior S Ami / Samoa Observer
- Title
- Tuilaepa hits back at Lautimuia over economic credit claims
- Runtime
- 0:19
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- HRPP leader Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi has dismissed claims by caretaker Finance Minister Lautimuia Uelese Vaʻai that Samoa’s current economic stability is due to FAST’s leadership. Tuilaepa said the fiscal systems and debt management strategies credited by Lautimuia were established under previous HRPP administrations. He accused the minister of “playing politics” and urged the Samoa Observer to accurately report his remarks.
Photos: Junior S Ami / Samoa Observer
- Title
- Lealailepule gives evidence in week five of conspiracy trial
- Runtime
- 0:27
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi has taken the stand as the high-profile conspiracy trial enters its fifth week. The MP’s name was linked to the 2021 hit-and-run through a statement police say was never officially recorded. Witnesses earlier told the court he was not at the scene.
Video: Junior S Ami / Samoa Observer
- Title
- 'Our work allows others to make promises': Lautimuia
- Runtime
- 0:23
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Caretaker Finance Minister Lautimuia Uelese Vaai says campaign promises by rival parties are now financially possible due to the strong economy built by the current government. He points to falling inflation, reduced national debt, and record-high foreign reserves as signs of recovery and resilience.
- Title
- Negotiations start to overthrow PM
- Runtime
- 0:05
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- "Fiame is there, but already gone."
Full video: https://buff.ly/fFOwVb3
Video: Junior S Ami / Samoa Observer
- Title
- Negotiations start to overthrow PM
- Runtime
- 1:19
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Despite past exchanges and name-calling, La’auli’s FAST faction and Tuilaepa’s HRPP are now in talks through their legal teams, negotiating the terms of a no-confidence motion against PM Fiame.
Video: Junior S Ami / Samoa Observer
- Title
- Miss Pacific Islands Litara Ieremia-Allan says sisterhood outshines controversy
- Runtime
- 1:40
- Date posted
- 2 years ago
- Description
- Miss Pacific Islands Litara Ieremia-Allan reflects on her "surreal" win, overcoming self-doubt, and the sisterhood that united contestants despite controversy. "Our collective light shines brighter,” she said.
Video: Junior S Ami / Samoa Observer
Story: @
- Title
- Shots fired
- Runtime
- 0:17
- Date posted
- 2 years ago
- Description
- A large police presence has been reported in the Siusega area as authorities continue their search for a suspected gunman who fired at three police officers earlier this afternoon. The Police Commissioner confirmed that one officer was injured during the standoff and confrontation. According to eye-witnesses, the police were responding to a call about a domestic dispute involving the alleged gunman, who is believed to be a Chinese national.
- Title
- Fiame on vacating office
- Runtime
- 0:19
- Date posted
- 2 years ago
- Description
- Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa reaffirmed during a press conference that the position of Prime Minister can only be vacated through Parliament, emphasising the Legislative Assembly’s exclusive authority in such matters.
- Title
- Teen claims she has stigmata
- Runtime
- 4:06
- Date posted
- 2 years ago
- Description
- Cuts on a teenage girl from Mulivai, Safata, are sparking beliefs that they could be stigmata—bodily wounds resembling those of Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
- Title
- New $25 million regional terminal floods
- Runtime
- 1:19
- Date posted
- 2 years ago
- Description
- The newly opened $25 million regional terminal and apron at Faleolo International Airport were flooded after heavy rains last Saturday, sparking concerns over possible design flaws and insufficient planning.
- Title
- Commonwealth pushes for ocean protection with historic Apia Ocean Declaration
- Runtime
- 0:53
- Date posted
- 2 years ago
- Description
- Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland discusses the upcoming Apia Ocean Declaration at C.H.O.G.M., highlighting the urgent need for global action to protect oceans from climate change. In an exclusive interview with the Samoa Observer, she emphasises the impact on small island states and the collective responsibility of the Commonwealth's 56 member nations.
- Title
- Oil on the ocean: Ecological disaster looms
- Runtime
- 1:58
- Date posted
- 2 years ago
- Description
- An oil spill originating from the sunken naval vessel HMNZS Manawanui has already made an impact on the surrounding environment. Within its natural habitat, a sea turtle is observed struggling amidst the contamination of spilled fuel and debris from the sunken ship.
Read story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/111434
- Title
- Toa Samoa parade in Apia
- Runtime
- 3:00
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- Fans in Apia got a glimpse of Toa Samoa as they celebrated their achievements with a parade along Beach road in style. Our videographer Piui Simi was on the ground to capture the action.
- Title
- Sommer Lemisio is 2022 dux of RLSS
- Runtime
- 3:10
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- Form 6 student Sommer Lemisio is the 2022 valedictorian and school dux of the Robert Louis Stevenson School.
As the college’s top Form 6 student overall this year, Ms. Lemisio was also the recipient of the Pacific Commercial Bank Tanoa and the Zhenna Chan Mow Faauiuga Award together with $500 cash prize.
- Title
- Black Ferns champ is proud Samoan
- Runtime
- 5:59
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- She is a rising star of New Zealand rugby who has gone on to win the World Cup, the Olympics and Commonwealth Games medals and she is a Samoan treasure.
Theresa Fitzpatrick came to Samoa to take a break from what has been a hectic and testing two years of rugby but while here she wants to give back to Samoa, so she spent some time training and giving a few pointers to the Samoan women’s rugby team.
Video: Piui Simi/ Samoa Observer
Read story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/100830
- Title
- How can Samoa stop relying on imported foods?
- Runtime
- 3:50
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- There is a general belief that Samoa has an abundance of land that can be utilised, despite its dependence on imported food.
Video: Piui Simi/Samoa Observer
Read the story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/street_talk/100847
- Title
- Anti-violence education for school leavers
- Runtime
- 1:30
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- It is an attempt to eliminate gender-based violence through education and the target are youth who have dropped out of school, Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture believe this can be achieved through education.
- Title
- Abuse victim speaks out
- Runtime
- 2:20
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- Samoa's children are not safe in their own homes according to testimonies by victims of sexual violence including a 16-year-old girl who arrived at the Campus of Hope at Tuanaimato two years ago with her three-month-old baby.
The teenager said she was only 12-years-old when she was first attacked by a sexual predator, who was a close relative. She informed her mother but she chose to deal with the matter within the household and promises were made that such an act would not happen again.
Video: Piui Simi/Samoa Observer
Read the story:
- Title
- Air NZ to make 12 flights a week
- Runtime
- 2:06
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- New Zealand and Samoa are even closer as Air New Zealand has announced more flights a week between Auckland and Apia starting next month.
- Title
- Weigh-in gets heated for pro boxing debutants
- Runtime
- 2:17
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- Two Samoan boxers will make their professional debut in Samoa this weekend. Commonwealth Games silver medalist, Ato Plodzicki Faoagali and fellow Samoan boxer Marion Ah Tong will go up against Apisai Naciqa and Ratu Rakoru of Fiji on Friday at the Tuanaimato Sports Complex.
- Title
- Lima eyes Olympic gold
- Runtime
- 3:08
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- Samoa sevens coach Brian 'the Chiropractor' Lima says they are looking at an Olympic gold on the back of an impressive outing in Hong Kong.
Video: Piui Simi/Samoa Observer
Read full story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/sport/100612
- Title
- Solosolo villagers proud of son Brian To'o
- Runtime
- 3:08
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- Solosolo villagers on Thursday celebrated the exploits of their son Brian To’o on the field at the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) in England with a vehicle parade and school students doing the Siva Tau.
In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Brian’s uncle, Muavaa Poai was humble and thanked God for his gift through their son Brian and his guidance upon him.
Video: Piui Simi/Samoa Observer
Full story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/100618
- Title
- The inspiring story of the most promising player in rugby league
- Runtime
- 4:08
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- The inspiring story of the most promising player in rugby league in the world right now would not have unfolded as it did if it wasn't for the wisdom of his grandfather who asked a trusted friend to adopt his son 35 years ago while on holiday in Australia.
At only 19 years of age, Joseph Suaali'i will become the youngest player ever to play in a Rugby League World Cup Final. His meteoric rise is another reminder of the sacrifices made by Samoans who dreamed of a better future for their children.
The Samoa Observer was in Satitoa - the village that produced arguably the most gifted player in rugby league - to speak with his family.
Video: Piui Simi/ Samoa Observer
Read the story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/100608/
- Title
- Parade goes Toa-crazy
- Runtime
- 0:52
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- The hype is real and so is the hope for the Toa Samoa to create history once again at the Rugby League World Cup.
Video: Piui Simi/Samoa Observer
- Title
- Public call for action to stop student brawls
- Runtime
- 3:17
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- NUS Journalism student Jean Datsun Tuimauga and Photographer Rashmi Lameta talk to members of the public about last Friday's student brawl.
- Title
- Samoa gets behind the Toa
- Runtime
- 1:36
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- A parade to help boost the morale of Toa Samoa was held in Apia ahead of their must-win clash against Tonga at the Rugby League World Cup.
- Title
- Public say Tuilaepa still needed by country
- Runtime
- 2:30
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- Reporter Gutu Faasau and Photographer Piui Siwi talk to members of the public on calls by H.R.P.P. Members for their leader to resign.
Read the story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/street_talk/100422
- Title
- S.I.T.A. host Tech Expo for Covid Recovery Technology
- Runtime
- 2:06
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- Samoa Information Technology Association (S.I.T.A.) has hosted a Tech Expo for Covid Recovery Technology which united secondary school representatives from New Zealand, Australia and American Samoa.
Read the store: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/100405
- Title
- "He should resign," says Tu'u'u and Ale
- Runtime
- 4:32
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- The Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) has lost two more Members of Parliament to reduce its numbers to 20 M.P.s after two of its senior legislators resigned on Thursday.
Read the story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/100412
- Title
- Tuilaepa says Court's independence under threat
- Runtime
- 2:19
- Date posted
- 4 years ago
- Description
- The suspended Opposition Leader has warned the Government against the removal of the Land and Titles Court President, saying it threatens the independence of the Court.
Read the story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/100383
- Title
- "They are wise people": Archbishop to new Government
- Runtime
- 1:47
- Date posted
- 5 years ago
- Description
- “Now H.R.P.P. has lost and F.A.S.T has come into power, we respect them and we assist them in any way we can, and so our prayers are with them but also our prayers of thanksgiving goes to the H.R.P.P. because of what they have also done for many years.” - Archbishop, Alapati Lui Mata’eliga.
Reporter: Marc Membrere
Video: Vaitogi Asuisui Matafeo
Read the story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/90375
- Title
- Truck crash claims school boy's life
- Runtime
- 0:26
- Date posted
- 5 years ago
- Description
- A teenage schoolboy waiting to take his younger siblings home from school has died after being run over by a truck this afternoon.
The large truck carrying an excavator heading into town allegedly lost control on the road bend above The Shrine of Three Hearts where the 16-year-old was waiting along with other parents.
Read full story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/80228
- Title
- Parliament sitting 3rd February 2021, 9am.
- Runtime
- 1:19:31
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Parliament sitting 3rd February 2021, 9am.
- Title
- Heated exchange erupts between P.M. and La'auli
- Runtime
- 2:14
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi and the Leader of the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) party, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, went toe-to-toe in a heated exchange when Parliament convened on Tuesday morning.
“Just sit down,” Tuilaepa yelled across the floor to La’auli. But La’auli wouldn’t have it, shouting back: “You sit down.”
Read the story: https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/74617
- Title
- La'auli stands by F.A.S.T policies
- Runtime
- 3:09
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Former Member of Parliament for Gagaifomauga No. 3, La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, is standing by the issues Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (National Unity in God) Party has laid out as its General Election platform. During an interview with the Samoa Observer, La’auli dismissed Prime Minister Tuilaepa’s claim that F.A.S.T. is merely trying to score political points. This is what La’auli said:
- Title
- "Fa'avae i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi" party ready for registration
- Runtime
- 4:32
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Samoa's newest political party, Fa'avae ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi, (F.A.S.T.) will be officially registered with the Office of the Electoral Commissioner on Thursday.
- Title
- Govt. seeks independent legal opinion on Bills
- Runtime
- 4:32
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi answers questions about the Government’s decision to seek an independent legal opinion on the Constitution Amendment Bill 2020, Land and Titles Court Bill 2020 and Judicature Bill 2020. He also talks about the H.R.P.P’s election plans, confirming they already have 101 candidates and counting as the nation draws closer to the General Election next April.
- Title
- Former M.P. vows to continue fight
- Runtime
- 3:52
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- A former Member of Parliament, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, does not regret his decision to oppose the Electoral Constituencies Bill 2019, which led to his sacking by the ruling Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.).
- Title
- New 'FAST' political party to be launched in July
- Runtime
- 1:55
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- The former Speaker reiterated that before the end of the month a new party will be launched and their candidates will be named.
- Title
- M.P. Faumuina happy with removal from H.R.P.P.
- Runtime
- 9:15
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Member of Parliament for Urban West, Faumuina Wayne Fong, who was unaware of his removal from the ruling Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) says he accepts the decision from the political party.
- Title
- Journalism without fear or favour at the Samoa Observer
- Runtime
- 3:54
- Date posted
- 6 years ago
- Description
- To mark World Press Freedom Day today, we asked members of our editorial team about the value of a free press in Samoa - and what it means to practise journalism without fear or favour.
- Title
- Young children escape car crash
- Runtime
- 0:20
- Date posted
- 7 years ago
- Description
- It was a lucky escape for two young children who were in the backseat of a small white car that was unexpectedly rear-ended in a traffic smash on Thursday afternoon.
- Title
- Neighbour remembers deceased Kiwi as a loving friend
- Runtime
- 0:20
- Date posted
- 7 years ago
- Description
- An 81-year-old neighbour of an elderly Maori man who was found dead in a motel at Lotopa, remembers him as a loving friend to her and her children.
