Latest news in Samoa? September 3rd, 2026

Key news developments in and around Samoa as of September 3, 2026:

• Measina Festival Fautasi Race: The village crew of Little Rina from Toamua claimed victory in the inaugural Measina Festival Fautasi Longboats Race, edging out Telefoni ole Va-i-Nuu (Manono-Tai) in a five-mile race held in challenging, windy conditions around Mulinuʻu. Samoa Global News
• Legal Developments: Lise Marie Schmidt entered a guilty plea in court regarding charges of misleading police and attempting to pervert the course of justice related to false claims made during the investigation into the death of Professor Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard, which had improperly implicated former Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa. Pacific Media Network
• Retail Fuel Adjustments: New retail petroleum prices took effect across the country, marking a small price drop for petrol, while regulated costs for diesel and kerosene experienced slight increases. Samoa NewsHub
• Pacific Islands Forum Representation: Discussions continue around regional status at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, where delegates from neighbouring American Samoa and Tokelau formally advocated alongside Guam for full forum membership. Marianas Press