MIL-OSI Parser

[PRESS RELEASE] – The Central Bank of Samoa (CBS) has been made aware of media reports circulating regarding alleged counterfeit banknotes currently being used in Samoa. CBS takes these reports seriously and is looking into the matter and will work closely with our Financial Institutions and relevant Authorities to address the issue and protect the integrity of Samoa’s currency.

CBS wishes to reassure the public that Samoa’s banknotes include advanced security features to help the public distinguish genuine notes from counterfeits. Key features and tips for checking them:

Polymer Notes

• Teuila Window: Look for a transparent window with a clear Teuila flower design. Hold the note up to the light to confirm clarity.

• Tactile Dots: each denomination has a series of raised dots

Paper Notes

• Watermark: Hold the note up to the light to see the watermark image (profile of the late Head of State and ‘CBS’ letters) embedded in the paper.

• Metallic Thread (5,10 and 20): changes from green to red and vice versa when tilted against the light.

Additional Tips

• Check the Texture: Polymer notes feel smoother and more durable than paper notes.

• Compare with a Genuine Note: If in doubt, compare with a note you know is authentic.

These simple checks can help businesses and individuals quickly verify banknotes and reduce the risk of accepting counterfeit currency.

The public is also reminded that the following notes are legal tender in Samoa: 5 tala, 10 tala, 20 tala, 50 tala, 60 tala, and 100 tala.

Legal tender refers to the official banknotes and coins issued by the Central Bank that must be accepted as a valid form of payment for goods, services, and the settlement of debts within the country.

The Central Bank encourages all members of the public and businesses to remain vigilant and to check banknotes carefully when receiving cash, especially for higher denominations.

If you suspect that a banknote is counterfeit:

1. Do not return the note to the person who gave it to you.

2. Keep the note safely and report it immediately to the Samoa Police or bring it to the Central Bank for verification.

3. To record where and how you received the note, as this information is critical for supporting investigations.

CBS also reminds the public that under the Crimes Act 2013, it is an offence to knowingly possess, use, or attempt to use counterfeit or forged banknotes. Individuals found guilty of this offence are liable to a term of imprisonment of up to five (5) years.

The Central Bank will continue to support our legal enforcement agencies in all counterfeit-related investigations and will work closely with Financial Institutions to strengthen detection, reporting, and prevention measures. Maintaining the integrity of Samoa’s currency remains a key priority of the Central Bank.

Should you require further information you may contact our Banking and Currency Department on telephone 34100.

END.

Central Bank of Samoa

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The Ministry of Health wishes to formally respond to the Samoa Observer breaking news article dated Friday, 12 th December 2025, titled “Hospital generators kick in late.”

The article reported that the generator at the National Hospital, Motoʻotua, took almost 30 minutes to activate following a power outage, allegedly affecting patient care and medical services.

The Ministry confirms that this information is incorrect and provides the following verified technical report to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Verified Technical Findings – Power Outage at Motoʻotua (12 December 2025) On Friday, 12 th December 2025, at approximately 6:00pm, the hospital feeder experienced a power outage. Following a full assessment by the Ministry’s Maintenance Division, the findings are as follows:

1. Generator Activation Time

* The Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital generator activated after a 47-second delay, in accordance with the system’s programmed settings.

* This timing aligns with the safety protocols established by the

manufacturer for essential health facilities.

2. Impact of EPC Power Fluctuations

* The EPC power supply was fluctuating significantly at the time of the outage.

* Due to these fluctuations, the generator required additional time to stabilize its voltage output before it could safely supply power to the hospital building.

* This is a built-in protective feature designed to prevent equipment damage, electrical hazards, and potential harm to staff and patients.

3. Load Transfer Safety Design

* The generator is not permitted to transfer load to the hospital while EPC voltage remains unstable.

* The system is designed to wait until all three electrical phases fully disconnect before taking over the building load. This prevents dangerous back-feeding or equipment failure.

4. Manufacturer’s Cool-Down Protocol

* During periods of fluctuation, the generator is required to undergo a cool-down period before shutting down.

* This is part of the standard safety configuration to preserve generator lifespan and ensure operational reliability during subsequent outages.

Assurance to the Public

At no point during the incident were critical patient services left unsupported for an extended period, as suggested in the article. The automated generator system functioned exactly as designed, prioritizing the safety of patients, staff, and hospital infrastructure.

The Ministry encourages media partners to verify information related to essential health services with the Ministry prior to publication to avoid unnecessary public concern.

The Ministry of Health remains committed to maintaining reliable, safe, and resilient health service operations for Samoa.

END.

Ministry of Health Samoa

The post OFFICIAL STATEMENT – CLARIFICATION OF SAMOA OBSERVER BREAKING NEWS “Hospital generator kick in late” [Friday 12th December 2025] appeared first on Government of Samoa.

Aso Gafua, 8 Tesema 2025

SAUNOAGA AUTU Minisita ole Matagaluega o Fa’amasinoga ma le Fa’afoeina o Tulaga Tau Fa’amasinoga Afioga Fesolai Apulu Tuigamala

Susu lau Susuga ile Taitai o le sauniga, Lau Susuga Rev. Olive Samuelu.

Afio lau Afioga ile Peresetene, Lau Afioga Lesatele Rapi Vaai, tainane Afioga i Fa’amasino ole Fa’amasinoga o Fanua ma Suafa.

Afifio foi Afioga i Faipule ole Palemene o Samoa ua fa’atasi mai i lenei taeao.

Afio lau Afioga, i le sa avea ma Fofoga Fetalai, lau Susuga Papalii Li’o Ta’eu Masipau.

Afio lau Afioga o le sa avea ma Minisita, Lau Afioga Lagaaia Tiaituau Tufuga.

Afio lau Afioga o le sa avea ma Sui ole Palemene, lau Afioga Tofa Li’o Foleni.

Sui o Nuu ma Sui o Tama’ita’i o Nuu.

Le mamalu ole ‘au vala’aulia, ae a Samoa ua potopoto.

E iai le manatu, o o tou paia ma mamalu fa’aifogata, o le’a taoto a o se alao’o, aua o paia ma mamalu e tumau mai le vavau i le fa’avavau, ma o Samoa ua uma ona tofi.

O lea foi ua te’a sa o uila, ma ua maea toto le niu o le tuaoi i lo tatou va feagai ai ma lo tatou Tapa’au Sili, e ala i le galuega sa feagai ai ma lana auauna totofi. Fa’afetai tele i lau Susuga ile fa’afeagaiga mo le manavaga o le Ola, i upu fa’ala’ei’au ma apoapoa’iga fa’aleagaga i lenei taeao.

O le tatalaina aloa’ia o le Fa’amasinoga o Talosaga o Fanua ma Suafa i le aso, ua avea ai lenei aso mau fa’ailoga, ma o se taeao fou, mo le Fa’amasinoga o Fanua ma Suafa.

O lenei Fa’amasinoga o Talosaga, ua fa’avaeina i lalo o le Fa’avae o Samoa, e pei ona teuteuina e le Tulafono o Teuteuga o le Fa’avae 2025, lea sa pasia e le lua-vae-tolu (2/3) o le Palemene ia Fepuari 2025, fa’atasi ai male Tulafono o Teuteuga o le Tulafono o Fanua ma Suafa 2025.

O lenei Fa’amasinoga o Talosaga o Fanua ma Suafa, ua suia le Fa’amasinoga o Talosaga ma Iloiloga (Land and Titles Court of Appeal and Review) lea sa fa’avaeina i lalo o Teuteuga o le Fa’avae 2020. O lea ua fa’amautu ai le tolu o la’asaga i le fa’atulagana o le Fa’amasinoga o Fanua ma Suafa.

O lona taua, o lea ua mafai ai ona maua le isi avanoa fa’aopopopo mo le mamalu o le atunu’u ma so’o se tagata Samoa e sulufa’i ai i le Fa’amasinoga o Fanua ma Suafa aua le finauina ma le puipui o a latou measina – o suafa matai ma fanua fa’aleaganuu.

O lenei Fa’amasinoga, o lo iai le pulega fa’a-fa’amasinoga e tagofia ai ma fofogaina ai ni talosaga apili e agai i fa’aiuga a le Fa’amasinoga Maualuga o Fanua ma Suafa lea e fa’atoai mai i totonu ole 40 aso i le maea ai o se fa’aiuga ole Fa’amasinoga Maualuga.

Ole Taitaifono o lenei Fa’amasinoga ole Afioga ile Peresetene o Fanua ma Suafa, ma o loo aofia ai ma se Fa’amasino ole Fa’amasinoga Sili male Peresetene Lagolago ole Fa’amasinoga o Fanua ma Suafa.

Ia fa’amanuia tele le Atua i lau Afioga ile Peresetene, poo le Taitaifono foi, fa’apea fa’amasino ole Fa’amasinoga o Talosaga, ile galuega taua olea outou feagai ai.

Ia iai pea le tofa male utaga loloto, fa’apea foi male amiotonu aua le fa’afoeina o lenei Fa’amasinoga, ina ia malu mapuipuia a tatou suafa matai ma fanua fa’aleaganuu – o measina a aiga, o le fa’asinomaga male mitamitaga ole tagata Samoa, mo nei ma a taeao.

Fa’afetai tele i lo outou paia ma lo outou mamalu, ile Afifio male tala mai o aao, i lenei taeao aua le molimauina o le fa’amoemoe o lenei aso, ole tatalaina aloaia ole Fa’amasinoga o Talosaga o Fanua ma Suafa.

O lea ou te fa’asilasila atu ai ua tatalaina aloa’ia lenei fa’amasinoga.

Soifua ma ia Manuia.

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1. PASSENGER INTERCEPTED AT FALEOLO REGIONAL AIRPORT – Friday 12 December 2025

Ministry of Customs border officers through a targeted operation identified the suspect upon arrival on the last flight from American Samoa on Friday 12 December 2025 and initiated a body search pursuant to the legal provisions under the Customs Act. Police assisted in the search due to suspect’s reluctance to cooperate.

During the search of the suspect, officers discovered a small bag concealed inside the suspect’s underwear, containing five packages, all of which subsequently tested positive for methamphetamine weighing 141grams. The successful interception of the five concealed packages demonstrates the determination of criminals to smuggle illicit drugs into Samoa through any concealment method including hiding it in their private areas.

A 32-year-old male of Vaitele and Nuu has been charged with Possession of Narcotics (Methamphetamine) and Importation of Prohibited Goods. A conviction for possession of Class A narcotics (Methamphetamine) carries a penalty of Life Imprisonment.

2.6 KILOGRAMS OF METHAMPHETAMINE CONCEALED INSIDE A BOX OF CHICKEN – Saturday13 December 2025.

This morning Ministry of Customs and Revenue intercepted and discovered 6.032 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside a box of frozen chicken at the Matautu Wharf. The shipment originated from American Samoa and was targeted for inspection based on intelligence. Officers discovered two vacuum packed packages of methamphetamine concealed inside the frozen box of chicken. The concealment method demonstrates the continued attempts by criminals to smuggle illicit drugs into Samoa through ordinary goods.

A 59-year-old male of To’omatagi has been charged with Possession of Narcotics (Methamphetamine) and Importation of Prohibited Goods. A conviction for possession of Class A narcotics (Methamphetamine) carries a penalty of Life Imprisonment.

These two cases mark the seventh methamphetamine interception at Samoa’s borders this year since the historic 9.4kilograms of meth intercepted in January.

JOINT STATEMENT:

The Chief Executive Officer of Customs and the Commissioner of Police jointly expressed deep concern over the continued attempts to bring methamphetamine into Samoa.

They emphasized the devastating impact of the drug on families, particularly young people, noting that addiction is escalating and can lead to severe harm and even fatalities. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Samoa’s borders and ensuring the safety and well being of our people.

“Customs and Police remain committed in our determination to identify and dismantle drug networks. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure all those responsible face justice and to ensure a safe, secure and prosperous Samoa”.

MCR and MPPCS cautioned individuals involved in these illegal activities to refrain from bringing drugs into Samoa.

Any individual or groups of people who persist, will face severe penalties including lengthy prison terms. These operations reflect the importance of close interagency collaboration in the fight against transnational crime as emphasized in its joint campaign, ‘‘Say NO to Illegal Drugs / Tetee atu i fualaau fa’asaina”.

Both leaders commended the professionalism and vigilance demonstrated by all officers involved, noting that the successful operations reflect the continued effectiveness of joint border security efforts.

The interceptions represent success in the ongoing fight against illicit drugs and highlight the importance of strong interagency cooperation in safeguarding Samoa.

The post JOINT PRESS RELEASE- METHAMPHATAMINE INTERCEPTED AT THE BORDER. 13th December 2025. appeared first on Government of Samoa.

PRESS RELEASE December 17, 2025] – The United States Embassy in Samoa hosted a ceremony today to formally mark the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and the Government of Samoa for the construction of a new Saina-Toamua School. The event was attended by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Daniel J. Tarapacki and Samoa’s Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Aeau Christopher Hazelman, who both delivered remarks highlighting the urgent need for this initiative.

With more than 600 students currently enrolled, Saina-Toamua Primary School faces significant challenges due to deteriorating facilities. Since May 2024, the U.S. Embassy has worked closely with the Ministry of Education and Culture and the school’s leadership to address these concerns and ensure the safety and well-being of students.

Through funding provided by the U.S. Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid program, the United States will support the construction of a new school complex featuring 16 classrooms, a library, a computer lab, a science lab, a principal’s office, a staff room, and separate toilet facilities for students and staff. The project also includes the safe demolition of the existing school, ensuring the new facility meets the highest standards and will serve the community for years to come. The total project cost is estimated at approximately 1.9 million USD.

“This investment reflects our shared belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities,” said Chargé d’Affaires Daniel J. Tarapacki. “By working together, the United States and Samoa are demonstrating our mutual commitment to the future of education and to the well-being of the people of Samoa.”

This project stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the United States and Samoa, underscoring the values and strong ties that unite both nations. By supporting the Saina-Toamua community, the two countries are not only building a new school; but also strengthening their partnership for the future.

The United States extends its sincere gratitude to the Government of Samoa, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the school principal, and the entire community for their collaboration and trust. The new Saina-Toamua Primary School is expected to become a place of hope, learning, and opportunity for all.

End Release.

US Embassy Apia, Samoa

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[PRESS RELEASE 18 December 2025 Apia, SAMOA] – The latest round of funding from the Small Grants Programme (SGP) – funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – will now benefit 57 communities whose project proposals have been successful.

These new projects will be funded by the Government of Australia through the Samoa CARES programme, which is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), and technical support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF).

A grant award ceremony and inception workshop was held on November 17, 2025 to help build these communities’ capacities in implementing their approved workplans and financial reporting.

One of the successful recipients, the village of Faletagaloa Safune in Savai‘i, welcomed the approval of their project saying it will contribute to environmental sustainability through the use of renewable solar energy. The project will also address critical lighting needs in areas of the village that are not currently connected to the main electricity grid, thereby enhancing community safety and overall wellbeing.

“We extend our profound gratitude to the Government of Australia, GEF, UNDP, and the SGP National Steering Committee for their leadership, commitment, and careful consideration in reviewing and approving our proposal. We look forward to the successful implementation of this project in partnership with all stakeholders,” said Tologataua Sioeli Alofaifo, Faletagaloa village and project representative.

A total of 113 applications were received during the Call for Proposals, reflecting widespread interest once again in the SGP mechanism.

“What has always stood out to the Australian High Commission is the way that the SGP (Small Grants Programme) projects innovatively combine elements of environmental protection with resilience building, economic opportunities, and social inclusion efforts – leading to holistic sustainable development outcomes,” said Claire McGeechan, Deputy High Commissioner,

Australia.

.

The selection of successful projects came after an intensive screening and approval process that was based on the technical assessment and recommendations from the SGP Technical Advisory Group and signed off by the National Steering Committee (NSC).

“I offer my warmest congratulations to the Community-Based Organizations that have been successful with their project proposals. Your success reflects your commitment, leadership, and your strong understanding of the needs of your communities and environment. These projects show that meaningful solutions to climate change and environmental challenges are best led by communities themselves,” said Paolo Dalla Stella, UNDP Officer-In-Charge.

END.

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