Samoa Observer

Samoan and Maori graduate Noelani Ah Chong has completed a conjoint Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland, marking a milestone she said reflects years of family sacrifice, faith and support. buff.ly/CogGGCG

Women's leadership in Samoa is tautua (service), according to Maluseu Doris Tulifau, executive director of Brown Girl Woke. buff.ly/2HC9IfV

Between the Lines. Not stopping for cops, school week shortened, civil servants pay worry, buses cutting trips and that concert in town. buff.ly/IzwrYzN

Editorial. Why are three cabinet ministers, including the Minister for Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo, pictured with promoters of a pyramid scheme called BG Wealth? buff.ly/l96N0Yi

Longer oars, new rigs and a crew full of young rowers are shaping Apia’s preparations for the 2026 Independence Day fautasi race. buff.ly/wKbXq26

The Samoa Police superiors are yet to explain why a police officer’s name was omitted in the last minute from the promotion list that was circulated two days before the event. buff.ly/lMFN4A0

Every year during mandarin season, families from the villages of Falealupo and Sataua in Savai’i travel to Upolu to sell mandarins and earn money for their families. buff.ly/iXIcYmv

Families affected by last year’s nationwide power outage are still waiting for compensation, despite the Government previously announcing that $1.9 million had been allocated for approved applicants. buff.ly/9OVBx8T

The government has awarded nine tenders so far this year, totalling approximately $13 million across construction, telecommunications, consultancy, and engineering services. buff.ly/eebtdcz

Drivers are calling for improved traffic management in Apia as congestion continues to build daily from morning through to the evening. buff.ly/XeayCb2

Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, secretary of the Human Rights Protection Party, has publicly challenged Prime Minister Laʻaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt to reconcile the differences between the two for the good of the nation. buff.ly/92CzWMW

A Master of Arts graduate from the University of Auckland says a deep commitment to Pacific knowledge systems and indigenous solidarity has shaped her academic journey. buff.ly/YBaF7Yk

Between the Lines. It's still money, park taken down, leaders holding grudges, public money used for gifts and those pictures of drug suspects. buff.ly/5xgc9cZ

Three cabinet ministers, including the Minister for Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo, have been pictured with promoters of a pyramid scheme called BG Wealth. buff.ly/2MKlwIL

Editorial. In a bid to improve the quality of life for those working on minimum wage, the government has kept to its guns and increased the minimum wage rate by 40-sene. This equals an additional $16 for those on minimum wage and working 40 hours a week. buff.ly/u4cOVXM

A lawyer of Samoan and Cook Islands Maori heritage has graduated with distinction in a Master of Laws, completing her studies while working full-time and raising her young child. buff.ly/wAw6ztV

Tuilaepa said the Government should "be honest" with the affected residents rather than continue asking them to check their bank accounts. buff.ly/poWaO0j

Samoa and New Zealand have launched the first cohort of the Long-Term Placements Programme, a bilateral initiative aimed at strengthening primary healthcare systems, building workforce capability and deepening professional and cultural ties between the two countries. buff.ly/7Y1tjze

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt said there is a significant problem in the procurement of medicines, with $12 million in overdue payments, as patients continue to face shortages at the main public hospital pharmacy. buff.ly/3QRPMTu

Prime Minister Laʻaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt confirmed the government has allocated $5 million for the Independence Day celebrations, including $1 million from unforeseen funds and $4 million from the Ministry of Finance. buff.ly/MSiazyk