Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (October 9) announced that the eight-day National Day Golden Week of the Mainland and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday (National Day Golden Week) (October 1 to 8) concluded smoothly yesterday (October 8). All aspects of receiving visitors to Hong Kong operated smoothly. Despite being affected by a typhoon, a total of around 1.64 million inbound visitors were recorded. Among them, Mainland visitors accounted for over 1.4 million. The number of visitors to Hong Kong is at a satisfactory level, with bustling crowds and a lively atmosphere in the city, which has boosted business across various industries.

     Mr Chan said, “This year’s National Day Golden Week coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival, offering a wide array of vibrant activities throughout the holiday period. In addition to the National Day fireworks display and the National Day Raceday held on October 1, there were celebrations showcasing Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage, such as the Tai Hang fire dragon dance, the legendary LED Fire Dragon Fiesta at Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai, and district-wide Mid-Autumn lantern carnivals. Meanwhile, the Government and various sectors of the community introduced a series of special offers and activities spanning public transport, culture and arts, leisure, dining and shopping to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the Mid-Autumn Festival with tourists and the public, enabling them to experience the festive ambience displaying the charm of Hong Kong.”

Visitor flow, situation of control points, and traffic and public transport arrangements 

     Mainland inbound visitor arrivals peaked on October 1 with over 230 000 visitors arriving in Hong Kong. During the National Day Golden Week, the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Control Point received the highest number of Mainland visitors, followed by the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point.

     Relevant departments deployed additional manpower and operated additional counters and channels to facilitate passenger and vehicular flows. The Security Bureau activated the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre from October 1 to 8 to closely monitor and co-ordinate the public order situation at various boundary control points (BCPs). The overall operation of the BCPs and traffic were smooth and orderly.

     The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department (TD) operated round the clock to holistically monitor traffic conditions and public transport services across the territory, including BCPs, major stations and various tourist hotspots. The TD guided local and cross-boundary public transport operators (PTOs) to enhance their carrying capacity, including increasing the frequency of bus services connecting various land-based BCPs and strengthening cross-boundary coach services, to meet passenger demand. In addition, PTOs deployed additional staff to maintain order and reserved sufficient vehicles and manpower to further enhance services when necessary. During the National Day Golden Week, the overall traffic conditions were generally smooth. 

     The Security Bureau launched “Easy Boundary”, a one-stop information platform on immigration clearance on September 22 this year, which provides rough estimates of the average waiting time for passengers and private cars at land BCPs, and useful information such as road traffic conditions and ad-hoc situations in the vicinity of BCPs, enabling visitors to plan their cross-boundary trips. The TD also provided information on the service and waiting time of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus), the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) and MTR on “Easy Boundary” and the HKeMobility mobile app.

Mega events and major tourist attractions

     The National Day Fireworks Display over Victoria Harbour on October 1 attracted over 340 000 spectators. The event concluded with effective crowd control arrangements and was well-received by local residents and tourists. The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance also drew an audience of over 100 000 spectators, offering them a chance to witness the charm of this national intangible cultural heritage. The Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2025 held at Victoria Park for eight days attracted over 380 000 visitors to experience the festive atmosphere.

     Visitors to Hong Kong during the National Day Golden Week were spread across different tourist attractions in the city. High visitor flows were observed at major tourist attractions including theme parks, the Peak, Ngong Ping, Avenue of Stars, as well as outlying islands and various hiking trails. Smooth and effective crowd management measures were implemented. 

     During the National Day Golden Week, a total of about 12 100 visitors visited the High Island Reservoir East Dam. Through the concerted efforts of various departments, order at the East Dam was well maintained and minibus services between Pak Tam Chung and the East Dam generally operated smoothly. Furthermore, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) enhanced promotional efforts and cleaning services to maintain the cleanliness of the local environment. In response to the increased traffic and visitor flow, the Government implemented a series of traffic management and information dissemination measures in the area around the East Dam. These included increasing the frequency of the Green Minibus Route No. 9A (Pak Tam Chung – The East Dam, High Island Reservoir). The Police deployed uniformed officers to patrol strategic locations at Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung Man Yee Road, and the East Dam to ensure the safety of visitors, and implemented crowd management measures when necessary, with temporary traffic lights and information display screens installed at both ends of the narrow section of the Sai Kung Man Yee Road to implement temporary traffic control during peak hours, thereby ensuring traffic safety. The AFCD website and the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s website published visitor flow information of the East Dam area, enabling visitors to better plan their trips. 

     The AFCD, the Marine Department and the Police mounted joint operations for four consecutive days starting from October 5 by deploying vessels and staff to patrol the Sai Kung Public Pier, Sharp Island and Hap Mun Bay to distribute leaflets to vessel operators and visitors, reminding them to protect nature and disseminating messages related to maritime safety, “Take Your Litter Home”, not disturbing or harming wildlife, etc. They also inspected to see if any illegal acts were conducted. Vessel operators and visitors generally co-operated with the Government’s joint operations. The AFCD, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department also deployed staff to enhance cleaning services on Sharp Island. The Government will review this National Day Golden Week’s experience to enhance various aspects and to explore further measures to strengthen ecological conservation.

Inbound tour groups and hotel occupancy rates

     In terms of Mainland inbound tour groups, around 1 300 Mainland inbound tour groups brought nearly 49 000 visitors to Hong Kong during the eight-day National Day Golden Week, with around 60 per cent engaged in overnight itineraries. The number of tour groups exceeded the record of last year’s seven-day National Day Golden Week by 24 per cent.  The tour groups were generally in good order. The overall hotel occupancy rate reached 90 per cent in general.

     Mr Chan said he is delighted to see that the series of festive events and National Day special offers were well received, bringing a vibrant atmosphere to Hong Kong. Businesses also responded positively, noting that these events effectively stimulated spending among both local residents and visitors. He expressed gratitude to all relevant government departments, organisations and industry partners for their collaborative efforts in preparing to welcome visitors, as well as to residents for their co-operation in creating a warm, home-away-from-home travel experience for those visiting Hong Kong.

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The International Low-Altitude Economy (LAE) Summit was held in Hong Kong today, drawing over 1,000 government representatives, industry leaders, academic experts and members of international organisations from Hong Kong, the Mainland, Europe and Singapore to discuss the low-altitude sector’s development.

Those gathered also explored policy frameworks, technological innovations, and the fostering of regional and international collaboration.

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong outlined that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is rapidly advancing LAE development. Of a first batch of 38 Regulatory Sandbox pilot projects, he said, 17 have already commenced, while another 11 are expected to be launched by the end of this month.

In terms of legislation, Mr Wong highlighted that the first phase of legislative amendments in Hong Kong has been completed. These cover drones weighing 25kg to 150kg, and allow unconventional aircraft to conduct trials under specific conditions.

He also mentioned that the Hong Kong SAR Government will soon roll out advanced “Regulatory Sandbox X” pilot projects, and that these will encompass more complex application scenarios such as cross-boundary routes and passenger-carrying low-altitude aircraft.

The summit involved keynote speeches, fireside chats, an innovation showcase and multiple parallel sessions. It aimed to establish a cross-disciplinary and cross-regional exchange platform to promote collaboration and inject new impetus into LAE development in Hong Kong, the region and the wider world.

The event was organised by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and co-organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Working Group on Developing Low-altitude Economy and the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Government announced today (October 9) the quarterly land sale programme for the third quarter of 2025-26, i.e. October to December 2025.
 
The Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, said in the third quarter of 2025-26, the Government will put up for tender a residential site at Choi Hing Road, Jordan Valley, Kowloon. The site is able to provide around 570 flats. It is selected from the Annual Land Sale List announced in February this year and is situated in a mature urban neighbourhood at New Clear Water Bay Road with comprehensive surrounding facilities and a traffic network. The site is originally zoned as “Government, Institution or Community”. The Government is now rezoning the site for “Residential” use and expects the procedures to be completed within the quarter.
 
The Government will require the developer of the site to set aside part of its floor area for social welfare facilities. Separately, the relaxation of the gross floor area (GFA) exemption arrangement for car parks in private developments, as announced by the Chief Executive in his 2025 Policy Address, will be applicable to this residential site. The developer is not required to construct underground car parks to enjoy full GFA exemption for no more than two storeys of above ground car parks. The measure would help lower construction costs and shorten construction time.
 
Apart from government land sale, residential land supply this quarter also includes Tuen Mun Area 16 Station Package One property development project that was recently put up for tender by the MTR Corporation, capable of providing around 1 280 flats. As for private development and redevelopment projects, eight projects are expected to complete the land administration procedures in the third quarter, providing a total supply of around 4 570 flats, representing a relatively high level in recent years for two consecutive quarters. It also reflects that developers are recently more active in premium negotiations with the Government. Out of the eight projects, two projects are larger in scale and located in an area of high development potential in the Northern Metropolis, including a land exchange case at Hung Shui Kiu Area 19B in the Hung Shui Kiu/Ha Tsuen New Development Area under the “Enhanced Conventional New Town Approach” earlier announced by the Development Bureau, providing around 1 900 flats; and another case situating in Sheung Shui, providing over 2 500 flats. The project details will be announced by the Lands Department after the completion of procedures. 
 
     “Taking all sources of land supply into account, the total private housing land supply in the third quarter of this financial year would support the development of around 6 420 units. Together with the supply from the first two quarters, the total private housing land supply of the first three quarters of this financial year is expected to support some 12 430 units, which is around 94 per cent and is very close to our annual target of private housing supply (13 200 units). This figure has not yet reflected projects not requiring lease modification from the third quarter, as such figures are only available at a later stage. We are pleased to see the good progress in supply and the rather active performance of private development projects this year. The Government will continue to carefully plan for projects to be rolled out in the next quarter, taking into account the demand and supply situation of the private market,” Ms Linn said.
 
The Government will continue to sustain its effort in rolling out land in a prudent and pragmatic manner and will flexibly adjust its land disposal strategy according to market situation, in order to meet the development needs of society.
 
The list of the sites to be tendered in October to December 2025 is in the Annex. The actual tender timetable will be drawn up taking into account the progress of necessary preparatory work. The Lands Department will announce the detailed land sale arrangements before individual sites are put up for tender.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) noted at its meeting today (October 9) the statistical figures of the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA) and other drug-related figures in the first half of 2025. ACAN noticed that the total number of reported drug abusers in the first half of 2025 was lower than that of 2024, while the number of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 registered a slight increase. ACAN will closely monitor the situation in the remaining quarters of 2025, and will carry out its anti-drug work according to the latest situation.

Figures from the CRDA revealed that the total number of reported drug abusers in the first half of 2025 decreased by 4 per cent (from 3 055 to 2 919) when compared with that of 2024. The three most common types of drugs abused in the first half of 2025 were heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine (commonly known as “Ice”). The number of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 in the first half of 2025 increased from 453 to 457 when compared with the same period last year. Among these reported young drug abusers, 211 of them abused etomidate. In this group, the most common type of drugs abused was etomidate, followed by cannabis and cocaine. 

Source: Government of Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE 3 October 2025, Apia] – Samoa is taking active steps to build resilience by capitalising on a “new era” where Pacific communities placed at the forefront of climate change impacts can begin to systematically define, address and seek support for climate-change induced loss and damage.

The new era follows three decades of advocacy and active engagement by Pacific countries, led by Vanuatu as chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in 1991, for the global community to recognise loss and damage not just as a concept but a lived reality that must be addressed.

On Friday, key environment stakeholders in Samoa gathered at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) headquarters in Valima for the Building Our Pacific Loss and Damage (BOLD) Response Project Inception Workshop for Samoa as one of the countries under this project.

Assistant CEO Environment Sector Coordination Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), Ms Amituna’i Moira Faletutulu, said the workshop is an important milestone for Samoa to transition from planning to implementation.

“Loss and Damage as we know refers to climate impacts beyond what we can adapt to. These are the damages that touch our people, our ecosystems, our cultures, and our identities,” Ms Faletutulu said.

“For Samoa, where our wellbeing, cultural heritage and relationship with the land and the ocean are deeply intertwined, the significance of this work cannot be overstated.”

The BOLD Response Project, a six-year project funded by the International Climate Initiative in Germany, aims to strengthen Pacific island countries’ resilience to climate-related loss and damage.

The one-day workshop facilitated by SPREP and Climate Analytics launches Samoa’s BOLD Response project and provide a platform to consider the projects objectives and approach. It was an opportunity for interaction amongst key stakeholders to discuss the project and ensure the approach to achieve the agreed objectives are aligned with national priorities, needs, and existing efforts.

“Through this work, we will be better positioned to access financing from the new Loss and Damage Fund and ensure that Samoa remains at the forefront of shaping global conversations on loss and damage,” Ms Faletutulu added.

“The BOLD Project is not just responding to climate loss and damage, it is about building resilience, preserving our identity and ensuring a sustainable future for Samoa.”

The workshop set the priorities to guide the development of a country-level draft project concept to assist the implementation of activities under the project in the coming years.

SPREP’s Climate Change Adaptation Adviser, Ms Muliagatele Filomena Nelson, said the workshop was an opportunity for SPREP and Climate Analytics to engage with key Samoa stakeholders to deepen understanding of the BOLD Response project.

“The long-term nature of the BOLD project enables us to invest in the critical relationships in each country as well as across the region,” she said. “This will help us to develop resources that respond directly to local priorities and needs.”

The subject of Loss and Damage was first introduced to the UN Climate Negotiations by Vanuatu in 1991, on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States, proposing the creation of an insurance scheme for countries likely to be impacted by climate change such as rising sea-levels.

Since then, loss and damage has been a continuous priority for Pacific countries with a major breakthrough coming in 2022 with the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP27.

At Dubai in COP28, the historical agreement on the capitalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund was hailed as a major victory by Pacific countries.

But there is still much work to be done, and the BOLD project is a key step for Pacific countries. A core focus of the BOLD Response Project will be on supporting communities in addressing non-economic losses. By enabling Pacific countries integrate loss and damage considerations in their national planning, the project has the potential to safeguard important economic and non-economic values.

The BOLD project is being implemented in the Fiji, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

For more information on the BOLD Project, please contact SPREP Climate Change Adaptation Adviser, Ms Filomena Nelson filomenan@sprep.org or Climate Analytics – Patrick Pringle patrick.pringle@climateanalytics.org

END.

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme – SPREP

October 9, 2025

Source: Government of Samoa

KEYNOTE Speech by the Minister of Education and Culture, Aiono Alec Ekeroma [Friday 03rd October 2025]

Today marks a milestone not just for Rober Louis Stevensons School but for Samoa’s education system. This new primary school building represents more than concrete and classrooms; it embodies hope, opportunity and our collective investment in the future.

I commend the RLSS Trust Management Board for your vision and dedication. Quality infrastructure creates quality learning environments and you have delivered exactly that for our students.

To the parents and donors who contributed to this project; your generosity speaks volumes about our Samoan values of supporting education and community development. Donations like yours make dreams become reality.

Our new government is committed to strengthening education across Samoa. We recognise that every child deserves access to safe, modern learning facilities, whether in urban Apia or our rural villages.

This building at RLSS is an example of what can be achieved through partnership between private institutions, communities and government support. As we move forward, we will continue fostering these partnerships because education is a shared responsibility.

Our Ministry will work tirelessly to ensure that infrastructure development goes hand-in-hand with quality teaching, updated curricula and support for our educators who shape your minds daily.

To the students who will learn in these new classrooms; this building is yours. Treasure it. Respect it. But more importantly, make the most of the opportunities it provides.

Your education is the foundation for Samoa’s future. Study hard, dream big and remember that these walls are here to support your journey toward excellence.

To the RLSS, thank you for this wonderful invitation and for allowing me to share this special moment with you. May this building witness countless success stories, inspire generations of learners, and stand as a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in education.

I am honored to officially declare that this new RLSS Primary School Building is now open. May it serve our community well for many years to come.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

TATALAINA ALOAIA O LE FALE A’OGA FOU A LE A’OGA TULAGALUA A ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

SAUNOAGA a le afioga i le Minisita o Aoga ma Aganuu ia Aiono Alec Ekeroma [Aso Faraile 03 Oketopa 2025]

Lau Susuga ile Ta’ita’i o le Sauniga, Rev. Seilala Luamanuvae,

Afifio Pa’ia Fa’alemalo, Pa’ia Fa’aleatunu’u ma Mamalu Fa’aletalalelei,

Afio le Taitaifono ma le Komiti Faafoe o le tatou A’oga.

Susuga le Pulea’oga ma le Aiga Faiaoga, Matua, fa’apea alo ma fanau a’oga.

Malo lava le soifua maua. Malo le lagi e mama.

Ua mae’a ona momoli le tatou taulaga fa’afetai i le Atua, e ala i le sauniga ua mavae o le taeao. Faafetai atu i le Taitai o le Sauniga mo le upu folafola o le Talalelei, ua faatō ai manū aua lenei galuega aemaise o alo ma fanau o le atunu’u o le a utuvai i lenei laumua. O le tatalo, ia saga faatumu e le Atua le utu aua le upu ma le mau, aua lona finagalo ma le vala’auina.

Fa’afetai atu i le Taitaifono ma le Komiti mo le avanoa ua vala’aulia ai le tatou Malo e fai se molimau e tusa ma lenei galuega fou.

O le fa’afetai ma le fa’amua i le Atua, ina ua tau lau o le tatou Komiti faapea le tatou Laumua nei aua lenei galuega tele. E lē o toe faigofie nei aso, peita’i o le galulue fa’atasi ma le loto gātasitasi ua tino ai la outou tatalo sa fau i le ao fau i le po. E mafua nei taumafaiga uma, ina ia tini taunu’u alo ma fanau nei i se lumana’i manuia, lelei ma mautu mo taeao ma le lumana’i.

O le tula’i mai o le tatou Malo, e le o itiiti le fa’amuamua o lo’o ave i a’oa’oga. Auā o le talitonuga o le tatou Malo, a popoto ma atamamai fanau o Samoa e tapena atu nei, e matuā fa’amausilīina le malosi ma le atia’e o latou olaga ma aiga mo taeao ma le lumana’i. E āfua ona mautinoa e tupu nei talitonuga, pe afai e lelei faleaoga, siitia le tomai o faiaoga, mamā ma matagofie le siosiomaga mo le a’oa’oina o le fanau aoga, ma ia malupuipuia le si’osi’omaga e fa’afoe ai galuega mo faiaoga faatasi ma alo ma fanau aoga.

E le puaoa le lagi, i le silafaga a lo tatou Atua i lo outou gapatia ma olooloia, i lo outou tautīgā ma le afuliligi, o manū na e fa’aifoifo i a outou alo ma fanau o le a fa’aaogaina lenei galuega matagofie ma lelei.

Soifua.

October 9, 2025

Source: Government of Samoa

[LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY – PRESS RELEASE] – Pursuant to Parliament Standing Orders 170(2) (a) (b) (c), the Deputy Speaker Hon. Afamasaga Leone Mati Va’ili Masame today declared the names of Members assigned to Parliamentary Committees as recommended by the Parliamentary Commission for approval of the Assembly.

The five Parliamentary Committees and its members are as follow:

STANDING ORDER | ELECTOAL | PETITIONS AND CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES COMMITTEE

• Afamasaga Leone Mati Va’ili Masame [Chairperson]

• Amituana’i Malolo Tautofi Roma

• Leatigaga Matāfai Lauina Iiga

• Leilua Sagato Karene

• Taitu’ave Lafaitele Valo’aga Ta’aititi Iona

• Hon. Tuila’epa Lupesoli’ai Sa’ilele Malielegaoi

• Hon. Lauofo Fonotoe Nuafesili Pierre Lauofo

• Lenata’i Victor Fa’afo’i Tamāpua

• Hon. Leatinu’u Wayne So’oialo

FINANCE AND EXPEDITURE COMMITTEE

• Tilafono David Hunter

• Aiolupotea Misa Tony Aiolupo

• Amituana’i Malolo Tautofi Roma

• Asiata Tavu’i Tafu Salevao

• Taitu’ave Lafaitele Valo’aga Ta’aititi Iona

• Lenata’i Victor Fa’afo’i Tamāpua

• Lupematasila Lavea Galumalemana Tologatā

• Lima Graeme Tuālaulelei

• Hon. Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua

SOCIAL SECTOR COMMITTEE

• ‘Ale Vena ‘Ale

• Lavea Solomona Paulo

• Leatigaga Matāfai Lauina Iiga

• Leilua Sagato Karene

• Taufua Edmund Taufua

• Hon. Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio

• Faumuinā Opapo Soana’i Oeti

• A’e’au Tima Le’avaise’etā

• Fa’alogo Kapeliele II Fa’alogo

ECONOMIC SECTOR COMMITTEE

• Aiolupotea Misa Tony Aiolupo

• Asiata Tavu’i Tafu Salevao

• Tea To’oala Peato

• Taitu’ave Lafaitele Valo’aga Ta’aititi Iona

• Vui Iiga Sione Iiga

• Namulau’ulu Papāli’i Leota Sami Leota

• Tuiā Logoiai Pu’a Fuatogi Letoa

• Taioali’iseu Fiti Aimaasu

• Motuopua’a Seve Henny Afereti Papāli’i

INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR COMMITTEE

• Amituana’i Malolo Tautofi Roma

• Leilua Sagato Karene

• Fiu Fa’aolatane Ponifasio Vasa

• Salā Paulo Tuala Poto

• Taufua Edmund Taufua

• Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi

• Va’aelua Senetenari Sāmau

• Lefue Perenise Lelevaga

• Hon. Mau’u Ati’ifale Siaosi Pu’epu’emai

Parliament sessions calendar for the remainder of the year and early next year was also made known in parliament yesterday.

ENDS.

Photos by Parliament of Samoa

October 9, 2025

Source: Government of Samoa

KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio‘o, Acting Minister for Police & Prisons

It is a true honour to join you today for the launch of this national “Say No to Drugs” campaign — a campaign that speaks directly to the heart of Samoa, to our families, and to our future.

As someone who has served in the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, I have seen firsthand the pain and the hope that live side by side in our communities.

A Story from Savai‘i: Hope in the Eyes of Our Youth

Last December — on the 6th of December 2024 — I sat in Savai‘i with close to 400 young people and their families during the Youth Campaign “Say No to Drugs”, organised by the Ministry I once led.

It was one of the most powerful and humbling moments of my service. We listened to the voices of our young men and women — many speaking openly for the first time about peer pressure, fear, and the courage it takes to choose a better path.

One young man stood up and said, “We are not lost — we just need someone to believe in us.”

That day, I saw something extraordinary — not despair, but determination. The outcome was clear: our youth are ready to rise, if we as leaders, parents, and communities walk beside them.

That experience resonates deeply with this 12-month national campaign — because it reminds us that saying “No” to drugs also means saying “Yes” to life, “Yes” to hope, and “Yes” to the dreams of our young people.

Protecting the Heart of Samoa

The Pacific is no longer just a transit point for illegal drugs — it is our shared Blue Pacific home. As these threats move closer, we must protect our shores not only with stronger borders but with stronger hearts.

Our response must be rooted in our values — fa‘asinomaga, alofa, tautua ma le fa‘atuatua — identity, love, service, and faith. 5

This campaign is not just about enforcement; it is about empowerment, prevention, and healing.

• Empowerment: Giving our youth confidence to say no, and showing them opportunities to say yes — to education, work, and faith.

• Prevention: Strengthening the role of our churches, schools, and village councils — because protection begins in the home.

• Healing: For those already affected. We must not lose them to shame or silence.

We must never leave anyone behind — through love, we restore life.

The success of this campaign depends on every Sui o le Nu‘u, every Sui o Tama‘ita‘i, every pastor, teacher, youth group, and family. Each one of us must become a protector, a messenger of hope, and a guardian of the next generation.

Samoa is one big family — o le tatou aiga tele. When we stand together — tātou tula‘i fa‘atasi — nothing can break our spirit.

Let this 12-month campaign ignite a movement that continues long after the year ends — where every district declares itself Drug-Free, and every village becomes a place of safety, faith, and opportunity.

As I look back to that day in Savai‘i, I still remember the hope in the eyes of those 400 young people. Their message was simple but powerful: “We are ready — help us protect our future.”

Today, we answer that call. We say no to drugs, yes to life, yes to hope, and yes to each other.

6 O le aso e fausia ai taeao — “Through unity, we build tomorrow.”

May this campaign light a fire in every family, every village, and every heart — a fire of courage, vigilance, and love for our Samoa.

May we, the people of Samoa, stand watch together — parents and children, faife‘au and chiefs, teachers and youth — to guard the soul of our nation.

Call to Action

“Today, I call upon our Samoa Police, Prisons and Correction Services to lead by example — to begin regular drug testing within your ranks, as a powerful statement of integrity and commitment to a drug-free Samoa.

And I encourage all Government Ministries and agencies to follow this example.

Let us stand together, united in purpose and accountability — showing our young people that real leadership begins with clean hands, clear minds, and courageous hearts.”

For Samoa’s strength has never been in its wealth, but in its heart. And when that heart beats as one —We cannot be broken!

I now declare the “Say No to Drugs” Campaign officially launched.

God bless Samoa.

TATALA ALOAIA LE FAALAUILOA MO LE 12 MASINA “LEAI ATU I FUALAAU FAASAINA”

SAUNOAGA AUTU a le afioga Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio‘o, Sui Minisita o Leoleo ma Falepuipui.

Lau Susuga i le Taitai o le Sauniga, Faifeau Toeaina

Rev Enefatu Lesā

Afioga Masiofo a le Ao o le Malo

Afioga i Minisita o le Kapeneta

Your Excellency Will Robinson – High Commissioner of Australia

Members of the Diplomatic Corp

Sui mai Nuu ma Afioaga

Le mamalu o le Au Valaaulia ma Samoa ua potopoto

Talofa lava.

O le asṓ ua tatou faatasi ai nei e faailoa aloaia le faalauiloa o le “Leai atu i fualaau faasaina” – o se faalauiloa o loo augani sa’o mai ile loto, i o tatou aiga ma le lumanai o Samoa.

A o o’u galue ile Matagaluega o Tina ma Tamaitai, sa ou vaaia tiga ma mafatiaga ua oo iai aiga, o nuu ma afioaga ona o le fualaau faasaina. Ma o loo filogia ai ma le talotaloga ina ia vave faatino se vaifofo e tafieseina ai lenei mala mai totonu o le tatou atunuu.

O le Aso 6 o Tesema 2024, sa ou iai i se faatasiga i Savaii sa tuufaatasi e le Matagaluega o Tina ma Tamaitai. E lata ile 400 tupulaga talavou na auai i lea Koneseti e ta’ua o le – Leai atu i Fualaau Faasaina,

E lagona le ootia o le loto, aua o se taimi muamua lea ua mafai ai ona faasoa mai ai alii ma tamaitai talavou ile tele o faatosina ma faaosoosoga, o fa’amata’u ma le tele o luitau o loo fetaia’I ma I latou I aso uma ae faafetai o loo iai lava le agaga ma le malosiaga e tetee atu ai ma filifili le ala e manuia ai.

2 Na tulai leisi alii talavou ma faapea lana tala, “Matou te le o leiloloa – ae ua matou manaomia lava seisi e talitonu ia matou”

O le aso lava lea na ou vaaia ai se tulaga mata’ina i tupulaga talavou – ua leai se faavaivai, ae ua vaaia le lotomau ma le loto finafinau.

Ua manino le au o fala, ua lava tapena o tatou tupulaga e tulai mai e faatino la latou matafaioi tausi pe a tatou galulue faatasi. Tatou o matua, ta’ita’i o le Malo, taitai o nuu ma afioaga ma tatou uma lava e manaomia le tatou savavali faatasi ma tupulaga talavou.

O le lagona le na e manatua pea ai le na faatasiga, ma ua ogatasi foi manatu ma le tatou faalauiloa lenei ua amata faagasolo mo le 12 masina.

E faamanatu mai ai le feau taua – o le Leai atu i Fualaau faasaina.

Aua o le Leai atu i Fualaau faasaina, ua tatou Ioe atu ai ile Ola, Ioe i se olaga o faamoemoega, ma Ioe i moemitiga a tupulaga talavou. Ia tatou puipui le fatu o le lumanai o Samoa.

O le atu Pasefika ua avea o se auala e fe’aveai ai Fualaau faasaina ae o le tatou faasinomaga ma le tatou nofoaga mautu lea ma isi atunuu o le pasefika.

Ae ua vaaia le malosi tele o le sau o le faamata’u ma e ao ona tatou tutu faatasi ma galulue faatasi e puipui le tatou atunuu e le gata ile faamalosia o tatou tua’oi e taofi le ulufale mai o Fualaau faasaina, ae ia malosi ma o tatou loto.

O lenei faalauiloa e le na o le faamalosia o tulafono ma faiga faavae, ae ia o faatasi ma le agaga o le faamalosi’au, puipuiga ma le faamalologa.

• Faamalosiau i tatou tupulaga talavou ina ia mautu ma faaauau pea le latou Leai atu i Fualaau faasaina ma faailoa ai avanoa e Ioe ai e pei o avanoa tau aoaoga ma galuega faapea le ola faatuatua

• O le galuega tau o puipuiga e amata mai totonu o aiga, ma e ao ona faamalosia le galuega e faatino ai puipuiga e o tatou ekalesia, aoga ma pulega alii ma faipule o afioaga taitasi.

• Ia tatou galulue faatasi e ofoina atu se agaga alofa ina ia maua se faamalologa a i latou ua aafia ina ia aua ne’I o latou fano atu ona o le maasiasi ma upu taufaifai.

O se avanoa e talosagaina ai le Matagaluega o Leoleo ma falepuipui ina ia faamaite le Drug Testing i le tatou Matagaluega ma faasolo atu ai i Matagaluega uma.

E le mafai ona tatou tu‘ua i tua se tasi — e ao ona tatou toe fa‘aola i le alofa.

E manuia le taunuuga o lenei faalauiloa pe a tatou galulue faatasi, i totonu o aiga, nuu ma ekalesia. O Samoa o se aiga tele. Tatou te malolosi pe a tatou tulai faatasi.

O le tatalo, ina ia mafai ona faaauau pea lenei faalauiloa taua o le Leai atu i Fualaau Faasaina mo isi tausaga oi luma, pe a maea le 12 masina o lenei faalauiloa. Ia faatino pea seia oo lava ina mamā atoa Samoa mai Fualaau faasaina ma ua saogalemu le nonofo i totonu o afioaga taitasi.

E le mafai ona galo le feau taumolimoli mai e tupulaga talavou e 400 mai Savaii ina ua alalaga mai ua manaomia le tatou fesoasoani e puipui le latou lumanai.

O lea ua tatou tali atu ile latou valaau ile aso lenei. Ia Leai atu ile Fualaau faasaina, ae ia Ioe ile ola, Ioe i se olaga o faamoemoega, ma ia tatou taufai ioe e fesoasoani leisi i leisi aemaise mo a tatou fanau ma tupulaga talavou.

Soifua.

October 9, 2025

Source: Government of Samoa

[PRESS RELEASE Apia, Samoa Oct 8, 2025] – The National University of Samoa has signed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with the Samoa Submarine Cable Company Limited, marking a significant step toward enhancing the university’s digital infrastructure, network capacity, and ICT resilience. This initiative aligns closely with NUS’s mission to advance academic excellence, particularly in the STEM disciplines.

The signing formality was attended by the SSCC Chairperson Afioga Malaeulu Aysha Perlina Rimoni and Acting CEO Tina Ula-Saili, NUS Vice Chancellor and President, Afioga Professor Tuifuisa’a Patila Amosa, representative from the Office of the Attorney General and NUS Chief Operation Officer, signifying a strong, whole of sector commitment to advancing Samoa’s digital education and infrastructure goals.

This strategic agreement establishes a framework for confidential collaboration between NUS and SSCC to explore opportunities to strengthen broadband connectivity, improve ICT systems and advance sustainable digital development across the university.

The NDA offers a strong value proposition, including cost efficiencies, comprehensive technical and support services and a clear governance and collaboration framework. It also provides roadmap assistance for NUS ICT department to lead to the implementation of greater ICT systems and support future partnerships with other institutions.

This partnership reflects NUS’s approach to digital transformation, positioning the university as a leader in technology-driven education and digital learning and research for students and staff within NUS and across the Pacific.

END

The National University of Samoa

October 9, 2025

Source: Government of Samoa

REMARKS by the Australian High Commission to Samoa Mr Will Robinson

Ou te muamua ona faatulou ile taitai ole sauniga, afio lau afioga le Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano, afio lau afioga le Minisita o Leoleo, Mulipola Anarosa Ale – Molioo, sui ole malo, faapea le mamalu ole aofia.

Talofa, talofa, talofa lava.

Faafetai ile Alii ua taitai mai so outou soifua maua lenei aso. We give thanks to the Lord for bringing us together on this new day.

Today, we stand united in our shared commitment to protect our communities and our aiga from the harmful impacts of illegal drugs. In Samoa, where churches are central to communities, their leadership on this issue is crucial. I thank Chairman of EFKS Reverend Elder Enefatu Lesā and Chairman of the Methodist Church Reverend Faulalo Leti for being here today.

From my first meeting with Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa, and with you Mulipola, the government has made clear to me that tackling illegal drugs is a foremost priority. I congratulate Samoa Police on the launch of the “Say No To Illegal Drugs” Awareness Campaign today.

The Prime Minister was also clear that this is a matter on which he seeks Australian support. So I am proud that the Australian Federal Police has stepped up so quickly to support this initiative through the Samoa Australia Police Partnership (SAPP).

The fight against drugs is not one that can be won by a single village in Samoa or a single country in the Pacific. It requires all of us – government, community leaders, schools, families, and international partners – working hand in hand.

Like Samoa, Australia continues to face challenges with illegal drug use and the related health, social, cultural and economic harms. Our National Drug Strategy 2017-2026 provides a 10 year framework to combat drugs and build safe, healthy, and resilient communities, with efforts focused on demand reduction, supply reduction, and harm reduction.

The impact of drugs on the wellbeing of our communities is multifaceted, and we must first and foremost reduce harm where possible. Drug-related HIV infections are increasing in various Pacific countries. Such health issues are a tragedy for individuals and placing an expensive new strain on Pacific health systems. Australia is already working closely with Fiji to support its national response to HIV, and we are similarly ready to support national harm reduction efforts here.

The support of communities is crucial to the success of demand reduction initiatives like the “Say No To Illegal Drugs” Awareness Campaign. Through the Samoa Australia Police Partnership, the Australian Federal Police will support additional community events and activities throughout the next 12 months to raise awareness and combat drug use and trafficking. Together, we are working to empower communities and promote strong values that keep our communities safe.

These efforts are undertaken in parallel to regional efforts to reduce supply. I commend the Samoa Police on recent initiatives like the Ika Moana exercise, bringing together Guardian Class Patrol Boats from across the Pacific to undertake joint patrols of Samoa’s EEZ.

I also commend Samoa’s hosting of the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre, which shares regional law enforcement information.

And here in Samoa, I commend Samoan security agencies for their collaborative efforts, supported by Australia and other regional partners.

Samoa Police have been working with the AFP and Defence Australia to identify and respond to drug trafficking in Samoa and throughout the Pacific. The Ministry of Customs has been working tirelessly to stop drugs at the border – I commend them on their recent success preventing a shipment of methamphetamine. We are proud of our growing partnership through our Australian Border Force presence, our collaborative efforts are crucial to countering supply efforts in Samoa and the region.

There is a well-known Samoan proverb, “A malu i aiga, e malu foi i fafo” – protection within your home is protection for all. It reminds us that the fight against drugs starts at home, with strong families and supportive communities. When our homes are safe, our villages and our nation is safe too.

Illegal drugs threaten the collective wellbeing of the Pacific’s people, culture, and future. By standing together, we send a clear message there is no place for illicit drugs in our communities.

This is a true demonstration of security by the Pacific, for the Pacific.

Let us continue to work in unity, support one another and build a safer Samoa for the generations to come.

Fa’afetai ma ia manuia.