Government and Opposition MPs have found common ground on the need to protect business opportunities for Samoan citizens, as Parliament debated major amendments to Samoa’s foreign investment laws.

The Government has announced a reshuffle of Cabinet responsibilities, with Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt taking direct responsibility for a significant group of infrastructure, transport and state-owned entities. The changes also formally confirm Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo as Deputy Prime Minister and bring Hon. Tea Tooala Peato into Cabinet as a Minister.

The Land Transport Authority has clarified that the Toyota Hilux formerly registered as LTA23 remains the property of the Government of Samoa, following questions over its change to private registration plates and its use by the Prime Minister’s Principal Adviser, Apulu Lance Polu.

Questions are growing over the credibility of the Samoa Observer as Government ministries and agencies increasingly issue public statements correcting or challenging information published by the newspaper.

The Government of Samoa has responded to growing scrutiny over withdrawals from District Development Programme (DDP) accounts, saying public money must be accounted for, but withdrawals alone should not be characterised as corruption without evidence.

Samoa has become the centre of an important international fisheries gathering this week, as scientists and fisheries experts meet in Apia to examine the health and future management of tuna stocks across the Western and Central Pacific.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt has delivered a firm message to students of the National University of Samoa, following violent confrontations on campus that resulted in a police investigation and disciplinary action by the university.

Like many Samoan rugby supporters, I genuinely hoped the differences within our game could be resolved. I hoped Lakapi Samoa and those advocating for a new rugby union would find common ground, put aside their differences, and work together for the good of Samoan rugby.