Month: October 2025

Source: Government of Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE Apia, Samoa – 26 September 2025] – Samoa Immigration marked a significant milestone with the official handover of a newly upgraded Border Management System (BMS) and a suite of advanced equipment from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), made possible through the generous support of the Government of Japan.

This upgrade is part of a wider regional initiative to strengthen border management capacity across Pacific Island countries. In Samoa, the project centred on modernising the country’s BMS, which serves as the backbone of migration management and plays a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient border operations – reflecting the strong commitment and dedication of all parties involved.

The upgraded system introduces a range of enhanced capabilities, including integrated passport issuance, strengthened citizenship management, and a new online visa application platform, which together reinforce the integrity and security of Samoa’s migration processes. The system also provides advanced case management and alert management functions, greatly improving risk profiling and intelligence. By streamlining the processing of applications and traveller movements, the system enables immigration officers to focus on priority and high-risk cases while ensuring greater transparency and accountability.

With the increasing need for stronger border security in Samoa and the wider Pacific region, the upgraded system will provide timely and accurate data to support decision-making, facilitate early risk detection, and improve coordination during public health emergencies or other crises. Ultimately, these improvements will not only bolster Samoa’s capacity to manage borders securely but also facilitate smoother travel and trade, benefiting the tourism sector and the more than 500,000 travellers who pass through Samoa’s border crossing points annually.

As part of the handover, Samoa Immigration also received new workstations, passport scanners, document examination tools, uniforms, and equipment for seaport operations. The total value of equipment and BMS updates handed over on 26 September 2025 amounts to WST 1,268,526, with the overall project investment reaching WST 1,544,039.

The impact of these enhancements extends well beyond the immediate project objectives. Speaking at the ceremony, Fiso Jennifer Key, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan for its generous support and to IOM for its role in implementing the project. She underscored that the upgraded system and equipment will significantly improve service delivery, strengthen national security, and facilitate safe, efficient, and transparent border management in line with international standards.

His Excellency Mr Ryotaro Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan, highlighted that the upgraded system and equipment mark an important advancement for Samoa’s national security. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Samoa and the wider Pacific region, emphasizing that the upgrade reflects the strong partnership between Samoa Immigration, IOM, and the Government of Japan. He further noted that this collaboration underscores a shared commitment to safe, secure, and efficient migration management across the Pacific — a principle reaffirmed at the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 20) held in Tokyo in July 2024.

END.

Source: Government of Samoa

Signing Ceremonies Of The Project For The Procurement Of Mobile Clinic Vehicle And Equipment For The National Kidney Foundation Of Samoa And The Project For Renovation Of Aleipata College Under Japan’s Grant Assistance For Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP).

[PRESS RELEASE] – The Government of Japan reaffirmed its commitment in assisting community developments at grass-roots level across Samoa, through a provision of grants formalised in two signing ceremonies for a non-governmental organisation and a school held earlier today (1 October), at our Embassy in Apia.

The selected recipients under Japan’s fiscal year 2025 allocations are the National Kidney Foundation of Samoa and Aleipata College.

H.E. Mr. SUZUKI Ryotaro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa signed over the grants under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) to the representatives of each recipient.

The National Kidney Foundation of Samoa received a grant of up to SAT 349,413 for the procurement of a mobile clinic vehicle and twenty units of medical equipment including cholesterol and diabetes-related testing devices, blood pressure monitors, stethoscopes, weighing scales to name a few. The mobile vehicle, the first of its kind for the Foundation, will greatly contribute to their outreach examinations.

It is expected that approximately3,725 individuals each year will be able to undergo kidney examinations leading to earlier detection and improved health outcomes. In addition, the awareness raising activities will reach about 19,300 individuals annually. This assistance will extend these vital services to rural and remote communities as well as to schools.

Aleipata College School Committee received a grant of up to SAT 353,001 for the renovation of its existing school buildings, comprising sixteen classrooms and exterior corridors. Through these improvements, the project aims to enhance the learning and teaching environment for both students and teachers. The school has been struggling with numerous infrastructure issues due to natural disasters and deterioration of its 20 year old buildings. It is expected that a total of 320 students and 19 teachers will directly benefit from the renovated facilities.

The Government of Japan remains committed to supporting small-scale projects directly benefitting at the grass-roots level as well as contributing to the socio-economic development of the Independent State of Samoa through its GGP.

Ends.

October 7, 2025

Source: Government of Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE Apia, Samoa – 29 September 2025] – Samoa Airways confirms that its second aircraft 5W-FAY successfully departed this morning and is now en route to Canada via Christmas Island, Hilo Hawaii, and Santa Maria for a full retrofit as part of the airline’s ongoing fleet upgrade program.

This follows the successful retrofit of the airline’s first aircraft, 5W- FAW which was completed February this year.

As part of the preparations, Samoa Airways signed two key agreements with Canadian aviation companies Planes and Parts to provide pilots and ferry services for the aircraft’s journey to Canada, and another with Unity Aviation Canada which will carry out the retrofit work of its aircraft’s.

The first aircraft costing just over $10 million Samoan Tala was fully funded by the airline. The second retrofit project now underway is also being financed by the airline with UTOS loan financing if required, demonstrating local support and trust in the airline’s long-term growth strategy.

“This marks another key step in our fleet enhancement program,” said Fauoo Taua Fatu Tielu, CEO of Samoa Airways. “We remain focused on building a stronger, more efficient airline that meets international standards and reflects the needs of the Samoan people. The upgrade of our aircraft ensures we continue providing safe, reliable, and comfortable service for our passengers.”

This latest development builds on Samoa Airways improving financial position. Earlier this year, the airline announced a profit of $11 million, a significant turnaround for the national carrier. In August this year, Samoa Airways announced a $1 million dividend to the Government of Samoa, a milestone moment that reflects growing operational and financial stability.

Special recognition is extended to Capt. Dana Speers and First Officer Robert Little, who are commanding the 5W-FAY ferry flight. Samoa Airways also acknowledges the support of its staff, partners, and stakeholders who helped make this milestone possible.

The retrofit of 5W-FAY is part of a broader strategy to modernize the airline’s fleet, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the travel experience for passengers in Samoa and across the Pacific.

END.

Samoa Airways

October 7, 2025

Source: Government of Samoa

Attorney General Sua Hellene Wallwork explains the “economic emergency” that triggered the Proclamation of the current State of Emergency.

[PRESS RELEASE]- I have received a request to clarify the wording for the Proclamation of Emergency (“Proclamation”) that came into effect on 30 September 2025. The Proclamation declared that Samoa is in a State of Emergency caused by a lack of lawful authority to issue money from the Treasury Fund which has arisen due to the failure to pass an Appropriation Bill for the current financial year.

At the outset, it is important to note that the Ministry of Finance confirms there are enough public funds in the Treasury Fund to finance the delivery of public services, infrastructure and other government initiatives. The challenge that has arisen is the inability to access the Treasury Fund without an Appropriation Bill passed by Parliament for the current financial year that started 1 July 2025. Accessing the Treasury Fund without lawful authority would breach the Constitution.

An Appropriation Bill, when passed by Parliament, legally authorises Government to use the funds from the Treasury Fund (provided other requirements are also met). Parliament is expected to consider and pass an Appropriation Act when it sits again this month.

Since 1 July 2025, Government has had some limited ability to access the Treasury Fund. Article 95 of the Constitution gives authority for spending from the Treasury Fund when an Appropriation Bill has not been passed, but that authority is limited to 25% of the amounts approved for the previous financial year. Government spending from the start of the financial year has been based on this authority. However, as at 30 September 2025, most of this 25% approved amount has been spent.

Without any lawful intervention, it was expected that an economic crisis would ensue if Government has no legal authority to access the Treasury Fund after 30 September. Aside from the salaries of the public service and operational costs of infrastructure, Government also has contractual obligations it must meet. The flow on effect of not having access to the Treasury Fund would be significant and would impact our society as a whole.

As such, it was necessary for Cabinet to consider other available options for the operations of Government.

Article 105 of the Constitution empowers the Head of State to declare a State of Emergency. Declaring a State of Emergency is a significant government action that requires a formal process and proper justification. The exercise of such power must be used cautiously.

Before a State of Emergency is declared, the Head of State (after consultation with Cabinet) must be satisfied that a grave emergency exists threatening the security or economic life of Samoa. The emergency may be caused by war, external aggression, internal disturbance or natural catastrophe.

The translation of the words “grave emergency” in the Samoan version of Article 105 of the Constitution is “faalavelave tutupu faafuasei mamafatū”. The language used in the Constitution signifies the severity of the circumstances that must be considered before the activation of Article 105.

The Head of State, in consultation with Cabinet, has considered the circumstances and is satisfied that the lack of lawful authority to spend Treasury Funds is a grave emergency caused by internal disturbance (specifically, an economic emergency) giving him grounds to declare that a State of Emergency exists.

To meet the economic emergency and to ensure payment is made out of the Treasury Fund, Article 105 of the Constitution and section 30 of the Public Finance Management Act 2001 are invoked. In that way, a State of Emergency is triggered through a proclamation by the Head of State and an emergency expenditure of public monies are approved by the Honourable Minister of Finance.

—

END

October 7, 2025

Source: Government of Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE Apia, Samoa 2 October 2025] – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Culture, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Health, has launched a joint initiative to promote school gardening and healthy eating practices. This coordinated effort engaged over 300 students at Avele College, fostering awareness of sustainable agriculture and nutrition within the school community.

“The school garden project is more than planting crops—it’s planting knowledge,” said Honourable Aiono Alec Ekeroma, the Minister of Education and Culture during a visit to Avele College, Apia. “Each garden becomes a living classroom where students engage with science, apply mathematics, and connect meaningfully with Samoan culture. It’s a hands-on, practical approach that makes Agriculture Science exciting, relevant, and part of everyday life.”

The Associate Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Honorable Aiolupotea Tony Misa, highlighted the vital role the MAF Crops Division will play over the next 12 weeks in the School Garden project.

The Division will engage directly with students, teaching and demonstrating the entire farming cycle, which includes selecting and sowing seeds, field preparation, seedling transplanting, and post-harvest recommendations. Associate Minister Aiolupotea, also emphasized the crucial need for active support and participation from teachers and parents to ensure the long-term success of the newly launched initiative.

In 12-week cycle, students enrolled in agricultural science, health, physical education, and food science programs will experience the complete farm-to-table journey. They will grow vegetables and fruits (such as cucumbers, eggplants and bananas), tending to them throughout the season, harvesting the fruits of their labor, and learning to prepare healthy meals with what they’ve grown. Avele College students, Helen Tinousi Lilomaiava and Bornagain Liovaa, are excited to start gardening and cooking together with classmates. Both have done gardening and cooking with families at home, however “at school, with different fruits and vegetables, it will be fun to learn something new together,” they said.

“While there have been initiatives of this kind in the past, this program is especially important as it integrates health education with practical learning for students. School gardening allows young people to understand and apply the principles of nutrition, sustainability, and healthy eating, while also strengthening the farm-to-table connection within their families and communities. At a time when childhood and adolescent obesity is increasing, it is critical that we nurture these skills and values early. We see our students not only as learners, but as future leaders who can champion healthier lifestyles and influence positive change within their households and villages,” said Dr. Robert Thomsen – Acting Director General of Health, Ministry of Health.

“Our ecosystem serves as a natural classroom for students,” stated Philip Tuivavalagi, Assistant FAO Representative for Samoa. He emphasized FAO’s commitment to supporting Samoa and noted that “across the Pacific, FAO is dedicated to enhancing nutrition, developing sustainable agriculture, and strengthening resilience.”

This initiative is a part of FAO Technical Cooperation Programme, funded by all FAO member countries through their regular ‘assessed contribution’. Emphasizing global efforts, this programme is not funded by a particular donor’s contribution. Since 1976, this programme has made FAO’s know-how and technical expertise available to member countries, including Samoa, particularly for immediate and specific needs.

***END***

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries – Samoa

Source: Government of Samoa

KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Minister of Education, Aiono Alec Ekeroma [02nd October 2025]

Honorable Ministers of Cabinet,

Representatives from the UN and FAO

Distinguished Guests

Teachers, Students, and Community Leaders,

Ladies and Gentlemen

Talofa Lava and warm greetings on this beautiful morning.

It is a privilege and I am grateful that I stand before you today to launch this transformative initiative – the Samoa School Gardening Programme. This is more than a project. It is a movement. A movement that reconnects our children with the land, with their health, and with the values that have sustained our people for generations.

In Samoa, land is part of who we are. Our ancestors lived close to nature and grew their own food. Now, through the Samoa School Gardening Programme, we’re bringing that knowledge back into schools by building up Agriculture Science.

School gardens will be hands-on learning spaces where students grow crops and learn about nutrition, climate, biodiversity, and business. They’ll use science, apply math, and connect with Samoan culture in every harvest. This makes Agriculture Science fun, practical, and part of everyday life.

This programme shows what we can achieve when we work together. A big thank you to our partners—the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF)—for their support and commitment. Special appreciation goes to the Agriculture Science Department and the Principal of Avele College for stepping up to pilot this exciting project. Together, we’re connecting education with agriculture, turning ideas into action and policy into real progress.

Let us also acknowledge the role of families and communities. Your continued support is the foundation that helps these gardens thrive.

This initiative aligns with our national goals for education, health, and food security. It supports the Sustainable Development Goals and our commitment to climate adaptation. But most importantly, it empowers our children to become agents of change.

Imagine a Samoa where every schoolyard is green with promise. Where students eat what they grow. Where learning is hands-on, joyful, and rooted in real life. That is the vision we embrace today.

To our students: may you dig deep – not just into the soil, but into your curiosity and courage.

To our teachers: may you cultivate not only gardens, but generations of leaders.

To our communities: may you harvest the fruits of unity and shared purpose.

Let us sow today what Samoa will reap tomorrow—a nation that is educated, nourished, and proud of its roots.

Fa’afetai tele lava. Soifua ma ia manuia.

TATALAINA O LE POLOKETI O TOGALA’AU MO AOGA I SAMOA

SAUNOAGA a le afioga i le Minisita o Aoga ma Aganuu le afioga Aiono Alec Ekeroma [Aso Tofi 02 Oketopa 2025]

Afioga ile Minisita Lagolago o Faatoaga ma Faiga Faiva

Sui mamalu o le Faalapotopotoga o le FAO

Susuga i Ta’iulu o faalaotopotoga ese’ese

Susuga i Pulea’oga, Faiaoga, aemaise alo ma fanau a’oga

Le mamalu o le au vala’aulia

O le a ta’oto pea ia le Fatuloa nai Vaimatafia. e pei o le upu i le Aiga Sa Asomua.

O mamalu ua mae’a ona tosilauti ma mamanu fa’atiti e le fofoga o le tatou aso. Ona manatu lea, faia lea mo I tatou.

Faatalofa ma Faafeiloai atu ile pa’ia maualuga o le tatou aso. Malo le soifua maua ma le lagi e mama. Malo le folau.

E momoli atu le fa’afetai tele mo le tatou Sauniga Lotu I lenei taeao. Faafetai i lau susuga I le Taitai o le Sauniga; faafetai i alo ma fanau mo siufofoga malie; faafetai tatalo ma lauga.

O le tatalo, ia saga faatumuina pea le utu, i meaalofa mai le Atua, aua tiute e tusa o tōfiga.

Soifua.

October 7, 2025

Source: Government of Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE]- I fully respect the role of the Samoa Law Society in advocating for the rule of law. However, I respectfully assure the members of the Samoa Law Society that the Honourable Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, has not intervened with the prosecutorial processes for the matters he is involved in. These are sensitive matters that are currently before the Court and it is not appropriate for my Office to comment on these.

The Honourable Prime Minister has made a public statement that he will allow the Court proceedings to take their course. Since taking office, the Prime Minister has not made any enquiries or taken any steps to interfere with the prosecution process. The Prime Minister is well represented by senior legal counsel in his private capacity and I have every confidence that he is receiving the best advice.

I have also assured the Council of the Samoa Law Society that there is no impediment to the Office of the Attorney General and my constitutional functions with having the Honourable Prime Minister as the Minister for our Office. It is my understanding the Prime Minister has always been the Minister for the Office of the Attorney General. There is nothing unusual with this portfolio being with the Prime Minister.

At this time, we continue to keep the Honourable Prime Minister and his family in our prayers as we await his safe return to Samoa to lead our Government.

I also take this opportunity to urge all members of our Law Society to continue to uphold our standards of professional conduct and ethics, especially in the way we communicate with each other.

It is also important to remind the media to report more responsibly. Using inflammatory headlines on the online publications without making the article freely available contributes to unnecessary and misinformed discourse on social media.

Su’a Hellene Wallwork

ATTORNEY GENERAL

October 7, 2025

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA congratulates Czech Republic on successful completion of Chamber of Deputies elections

Date：2025-10-05
Data Source：Department of European Affairs

October 5, 2025  
No. 391  

The Czech Republic held Chamber of Deputies elections on October 3 and 4. According to the results announced by the Czech Statistical Office on October 5, the ANO (YES) 2011 party, the SPOLU (Together) coalition, and the STAN (Mayors and Independents) party won 80, 52, and 22 seats, respectively, out of the 200 seats in the Chamber of Deputies. This made them the top three political parties or groups in the new parliament. 
 
The overall election process was peaceful and smooth, demonstrating the Czech Republic’s mature democracy. MOFA extends its sincere congratulations to the people and government of the Czech Republic on this achievement.
 
Taiwan and the Czech Republic are democratic partners. In recent years, bilateral relations have flourished, and cooperation has continued to deepen in a wide range of areas, including the economy and trade, science and technology, education, culture, and public health. 
 
The Czech parliament has long shown cross-party support for Taiwan, such as by adopting numerous Taiwan-friendly resolutions. Its actions have fully underscored Czech society’s amity toward and high regard for Taiwan.
 
The government of Taiwan looks forward to further deepening its diverse cooperation with the Czech Chamber of Deputies and the new government in the future so as to jointly promote peace, stability, and prosperity in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. (E)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

MOFA sincerely congratulates Sanae Takaichi on election as president of Japan’s LDP

Date：2025-10-04
Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

October 4, 2025 
No. 390 

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party of Japan held its presidential election on October 4. After two rounds of voting, Representative Sanae Takaichi was elected as the new LDP president. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expresses his sincere congratulations on her election and has instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan to promptly send a congratulatory message on behalf of the ROC (Taiwan) government.
 
The LDP is a like-minded partner that has maintained deep relations and long-standing interactions with Taiwan. LDP members of both houses of Japan’s National Diet (the House of Counsillors and the House of Representatives), as well as its Youth Division, regularly organize delegations to Taiwan so as to promote substantive bilateral exchanges in a wide range of fields. 
 
For example, in April of this year, Representative Takaichi led a delegation to Taiwan to meet with President Lai Ching-te and exchange views on issues of mutual concern with important members of various sectors of Taiwan. Recently, she also publicly expressed condolences on the X platform regarding the losses caused in Taiwan by Typhoon Ragasa, demonstrating her support for Taiwan through concrete actions. 
 
Furthermore, under the ruling LDP, the Japanese government in recent years has consistently emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and backed Taiwan’s international participation at important international forums. Taiwan is sincerely grateful for these gestures.
 
Building on the existing foundation of positive interaction and upholding the spirit of integrated diplomacy, MOFA will further deepen all forms of substantive cooperation with the LDP to foster closer Taiwan-Japan relations and jointly promote peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific. (E)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Hong Kong Customs today (October 7) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 3.8 kilograms of suspected heroin with an estimated market value of about $1.9 million.

A male passenger, aged 40, arrived in Hong Kong from Penang, Malaysia, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected heroin concealed in his check-in suitcase. He was subsequently arrested.

The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The cases will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (October 8).

Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).