Samoa

Polynesian leaders in Apia for 7th annual meeting

In his opening remarks, Tonga interim Prime Minister and chair of the 7th PLG, ‘Akilisi Pohiva reminded the meeting to pursue firm and action-oriented decisions and platforms for partnerships.

Pohiva said Polynesia is the smallest in development yet the largest in the world in the oceans they occupy.

“In our annual meeting we are reminded to pursue the uniqueness of Polynesia’s sustained heritage, culture, traditional knowledge and information of which we have the privilege of diversity and continuity in maintaining our sovereign states.”

Apia prepares for Forum leaders

Samoa’s capital is getting ready for the 48th Pacific Islands Forum.

The theme of the annual regional gathering is The Blue Pacific – Our Sea of Islands. The meeting will highlight the oceans, climate change and resource management, from tuna fisheries to deep seabed mining.

Speaking to journalists before the meeting, Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said: “By the sheer fact of our geography, such as trends associated with shifts in the centres of global power, this places the Pacific at the centre of contemporary global geopolitics.”

Only Samoa and Guam left in Pac Games race

The Pacific Games Council has visited Samoa and Guam in the past fortnight to evaluate their bids but said with no government support forthcoming in Tahiti their initial expression of interest cannot be evaluated further.

The President of the Tahiti Olympic Committee, Tauhiti Nena, said they tried to persuade the administration to reconsider their decision no avail.

Real Tonga to provide services between Tonga, Samoa

Real Tonga Airline is on the verge of signing an agreement with government to service the route three times a week, says Polynesian Airlines General Manager Tupuivao Seiuli Alvin Tuala.

Real Tonga Airlines plans to use one of its 34-seater planes from the northern island of Vavau - which is closer to Samoa than Tonga's main islands. And test flights have proven successful, according to a statement from Samoa Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

PGC team impressed with Samoa's bid for 2019 Pacific Games

The team of PGC President, Vidhya Lakhan and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Minogue met with President Patrick Fepuleai and Executive Board of Samoa’s Pacific Games Association (SASNOC) to whom the Games would be entrusted if Samoa is successful.

They also met with Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, together with the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Sport Sili Epa Tuioti and Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio respectively and the Presidents and delegates of the sports proposed for the 2019 program.

Group B comes down to the wire

Already out of contention for the semi-final stage, competition debutants American Samoa will be out to cause an upset when they face Tonga in the opening match of the day. Tonga need a strong win – and Cook Islands to defeat Fiji – to equalise with Fiji on points and overtake the Melanesian nation on goal difference.

Feeling positive after claiming their first point of the competition on Monday, Tonga coach Lafaela Moala has put Cook Islands and Fiji’s encounter out of his mind and is keeping focus on repeating the impressive performance Tonga gave against Fiji.

PNG outclass Samoa while Fiji topple Vanuatu

The Garamuts backed up their day one win over Fiji with a mammoth 212 run win over a young Samoan side.

Opener and player of the match Igo John Mahuru (98 off 139 balls) led from the top to bring up the tournament’s first half century, unfortunately falling just short of his hundred after trying to go long down the ground.

He was ably supported by his captain Vagi Karaho (41 off 37 balls) and Kevau Tau (32* off 34 balls) as PNG set an imposing total of 295 from their 50 overs.

Cook Islands claim first semi-final berth in OFC U 16 meet

Although their final placing won’t be confirmed until the last matches for Group B on Friday, Cook Islands secured at least a second place finish in the group – enough to qualify – after Fiji and Tonga’s 0-0 draw in the opening match of the day.

3 countries interested in hosting 2019 Pacific Games

The countries are Guam, Samoa and Tahiti.

Tonga was initially confirmed to host the 2019 Pacific Games but withdrew the right to host a few months ago saying the cost of hosting the event will affect the economy.

In press statement the PGC said it is delighted with this response and thanks the three countries for stepping forward with their intention to host the 2019 Pacific Games and delivering a strong vote of confidence in the importance of the Games and the benefits of hosting them.

Eight teams confirmed for U-16s

After finishing bottom of their group in their debut last year, a fresh-faced Samoa team has rallied all the experience they can for this year’s campaign with hopes to improve on home soil.

Argentinian FFA B Licence coach Guillermo Schiltenwolf has been appointed to guide the squad from the sideline, and some key recruits have recently joined the camp in Samoa as they prepare for redemption.