Samoa Uniting Party

28/01/2026

Ua faapipii atu le tali mai a le Matagaluega.

28/01/2026

Ua faapipii atu le kopi o le tusi a o le Taitai o le SUP i le mataupu o le tofiga Taitaifono o Komiti o Fono Faavae.

12/01/2026

STATEMENT FROM HON. FIAME NAOMI MATAʻAFA
Leader of the Samoa Uniting Party

Ua tau ai i niusina lana fa’atamasoaliiga, ua iu ia te ia le tausinioga. Ua pale o ia i le pale o le Ola, aua ua mapu ia i aao o lona Faaola.
With deep sadness, I acknowledge the passing of our colleague, friend and former Minister of Sports and Recreation, Honourable Laumatiamanu Mathew Ringo Purcell.

On behalf of the Samoa Uniting Party, I extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Eseta Purcell and children, his family, his loved ones and all those whose lives were touched by his service.

This is a time of great loss and we share in the sorrow of his family.
Honourable Laumatiamanu was a man shaped by service. From his years in the Samoa Police Service to his work in government, he lived by the Samoan principle “O le ala i le p**e o le tautua” — the pathway to leadership is service. He did not seek attention or praise, instead, he worked quietly, faithfully and with a deep sense of responsibility to the people of Samoa.

As a minister, he served with integrity, discipline and respect. He carried his duties with humility and care, always placing the interests of the people and the nation above his own. His commitment to youth, sports and community development reflected his belief in nurturing future generations and strengthening our country.

I fondly remember Honourable Laumatiamanu as a man of calm strength and thoughtful words. He was steady in challenging times, respectful in disagreement and loyal to those he worked alongside. His presence brought reassurance and his counsel was always given with sincerity and care. Those fond memories will remain with us.

A warrior has fallen, yet the foundation he helped to build through his service remains firm. We give thanks to God for the life he lived, the values he upheld and the faithful service he rendered to Samoa.
As we grieve, we hold fast to the promise found in Scripture: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” May this assurance bring comfort and strength to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Ia tafi mala lau malaga Honourable Laumatiamanu. E le galo oe.

19/11/2025

Samoa Uniting Party Condemns Ban of Samoa Observer

The Samoa Uniting Party expresses its strong concern over the Government’s decision to ban the Samoa Observer from attending the Prime Minister’s press conferences. Party Leader and former Prime Minister Hon Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa says the move is a clear attempt to silence scrutiny and represents a serious decline in Samoa’s democratic standards.

Fiame says the banning of a major newspaper cannot be viewed as a simple administrative decision. It is an act that strikes at the heart of media freedom, a right that allows the public to understand and question those who hold power. She reflected on her own time as Prime Minister, noting that no journalist or media organisation was ever shut out, regardless of how challenging their questions were. She said leadership requires openness, accountability, and the ability to face criticism without fear or restriction.

The Samoa Uniting Party also raises deep concern about the prolonged absence of the Prime Minister from the country. Fiame says the lack of formal communication about his whereabouts, wellbeing or capacity is unacceptable, stressing that Samoans deserve to know the condition and availability of their national leader. She said that when a person holds public office, transparency is an obligation, not a choice.

Fiame also addressed the troubling rise in online hostility directed at the Samoa Observer, including reports of inflammatory comments made through electronic platforms by the owner of Talamua. She says this behaviour is a sad reflection of the state of public discourse and is dangerous for Samoa.

According to Fiame, when journalists become targets of intimidation or hostile commentary, it reveals a culture in decline and undermines the values that protect everyone’s freedom. She says that disagreement is normal, but inciting hostility towards the press is unacceptable and should be condemned by all responsible leaders.
She warned that these trends taken together, place Samoa at risk of moving towards practices more commonly seen in authoritarian systems where the press is limited, information is withheld, and criticism is discouraged. Fiame says democracy weakens not through one dramatic event, but through a series of actions that slowly reduce transparency and silence independent voices.

Fiame offers her support to journalists across the country, encouraging them not to step back or be intimidated. She says their work is essential to Samoa’s wellbeing and that the nation relies on them to ask the difficult questions and report freely. She also urges the public to remain aware of the importance of media freedom and to expect openness from those who govern.

The Samoa Uniting Party reaffirms its commitment to democratic principles, transparent governance and the protection of Samoa’s press from political pressure or intimidation.

END

17/11/2025

Sad state of affairs...

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has banned the Samoa Observer from covering him and says the restriction now extends to members of his Cabinet.

17/11/2025

Great letter...other MPs need to make some noise...

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DHHLSLS1p/

As citizens of a free democratic Samoa, we are born free but not equal. Different physical, mental traits, circumstances and backgrounds render us different and unequal. Some are tall, some are short,...

13/10/2025

Mo le silafia e le tatou aiga SUP. Malo faafetai le tapuai. O le tatou Press Release lenei na tuuina atu i le au tusitala i le faaiuga o le vaiaso.

PRESS RELEASE

FAST Government Adopts Key Policies from Previous Budget
Former Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata‘afa has responded to the newly tabled national budget by the FAST Government, noting that it closely aligns with the fiscal plan her cabinet proposed earlier this year.

The budget, presented on Monday by Minister of Finance Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo, was previously voted down by the faction of the FAST party now in government, along with the HRPP, which ultimately triggered the general election.

Fiame highlighted that the budget contains policies that have strengthened Samoa’s economic stability. Since FY2021/22, total public debt fell from $949.5 million tālā to $760.4 million tālā in FY2024/25, while debt as a percentage of GDP dropped from 41.0% to 21.2%. Six loans were fully repaid, including five external and one domestic loan.

The budget also raised the national minimum wage from $3.00 tālā to $4.84 sene over two years and boosted foreign reserves from $0.8 billion tālā to $1.6 billion tālā, increasing import cover from 10.9 to 15.2 months. Surpassing $1 billion in reserves in May 2023 marked a historic milestone, coinciding with Samoa’s 60th anniversary of independence.

Strong support for the tourism sector since FY2021/22 — through grants, concessional loans, and incentives helped open new hotels such as Survivor Samoa Resort, Mulifanua Beach Resort, La’imoa Hotel, and the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows, while upgrading 57 eco-tourism, cultural, and historical sites.

Samoa Airways also saw a major turnaround: debts fell from $80 million tālā in June 2022 to $10 million tālā by June 2025, equity rose from negative $54 million tālā to positive $33 million tālā, and net profits for three years reached $87 million tālā, compared to net losses of $93 million tālā over the previous five years.

Employment grew steadily from 96,721 in FY2021/22 to 104,976 in FY2024/25, supported by 153 new jobs through District Council Offices, community skills programs, and small business and youth incubator initiatives.

Exports increased from $82.9 million tālā in FY2021/22 to $105.0 million tālā in FY2024/25, reflecting Samoa’s resilience in global trade and the positive impact of government-backed economic programs.

Former Finance Minister Lautimuia Uelese Va‘ai , emphasized the significance of these policies, noting that they reflect careful planning, disciplined ex*****on, and a commitment to Samoa’s long term prosperity. “This budget is more than just numbers on a page, it is the very same budget I was looking forward to presenting to Parliament earlier this year. Its adoption now represents the continuation of sound, sustainable economic management that benefits all Samoans and underscores the importance of foresight, fiscal responsibility, and leadership that prioritizes the nation’s future,” he said.

Fiame looks forward to the parliamentary debate on this familiar document, confident that its proven policies will continue to drive Samoa’s growth and create opportunities for all citizens. “What matters most is that the country remains on a stable economic path, ensuring prosperity and security for all citizens,” she said.

Tele vaega o le Tala o le Tupe na teena e le Palemene na mavae atu nei, o loo aofia i le Tala o le Tupe o le a talanoaina e le Palemene.

Ua faalauiloa le finagalo o le sa avea ma Palemia o Samoa ia Fiame Naomi Mataafa, e tusa ai o le ripoti o le Tala o le Tupe a le Atunuu , lea ua taatia nei I le Palemene e fai iai se finagalo o le Maota I se taimi ua le toe mamao.

Saunoa Fiame, e leai se eseesega o le Tala o le Tupe na faalauiloa I le A*o Gafua na sei mavae nei, ma le tala o le tupe lea na saunia e lana Kapeneta ao tu mai I le foe e taiataia le Malo

O le tala o le tupe na tuuina mai i le A*o Gafua e le Minisita o Tupe Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo, o le ripoti lava lea na teena muamua e se vaega a le FAST lea na faatea ese, e aofia ai le HRPP, ma mafua ai loa ona toe faia le palota a le Atunuu. O le fesili aisea na teena ai, ae o lea ua toe tuuina mai?

Na saunoa Fiame, o le tala o le tupe lea ua tuuina mai, e tutusa mai le tala o le tupe na teena, ma o loo aofia ai faiga faavae na fesoasoani malosi e faamalosia ai le mautu o le tamaoaiga o Samoa.

Talu mai le tausaga faaletupe 2021/22, ua paʻu ai le aitalafu a le atunuu mai le $949.5 miliona tālā i le $760.4 miliona tālā i le tausaga faaletupe 2024/25, ae ua paʻu foi le pasene o le aitalafu i le GDP mai le 41.0% i le 21.2%. E ono nonogatupe ua totogi atoatoa – e lima mai fafo ma le tasi i totonu o le atunuu.

O le paketi foi na siitia ai le totogi maualalo na iai tagata faigaluega mai le $3.00 tālā i le $4.84 sene i totonu o le lua tausaga, ma faateleina ai tupe teu mai fafo mai le $0.8 piliona tālā i le $1.6 piliona tālā, ma siitia ai le malosi e ufiufi ai oloa mai fafo mai le 10.9 i le 15.2 masina. O le ausiaina o le silia ma le $1 piliona i tupe teu mai fafo ia Me 2023 o se laasaga maualuga , ua ogatasi ma le 60 tausaga o le tutoʻatasi o Samoa.

O le lagolago malosi i le vaega o turisi talu mai le FY2021/22 — e ala i fesoasoani, nonogatupe faafaigofie, ma faamanuiaga — ua mafai ai ona tatalaina nisi o faletalimalo fou e pei o le Survivor Samoa Resort, Mulifanua Beach Resort, Laʻimoa Hotel, ma le Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows, faatasi ai ma le toe faafouina o nofoaga e 57 e aofia ai nofoaga o turisi, aganuu, ma talaʻaga.

Ua vaaia foi se suiga lelei tele I le kamupani vaalele a le atunuu, Samoa Airways lea ua paʻu le aitalafu mai le $80 miliona tālā ia Iuni 2022 i le $10 miliona tālā ia Iuni 2025, ua siitia le vaega o tupe (equity) mai le -$54 miliona tālā i le $33 miliona tālā, ma ua maua ai le $87 miliona tālā i tupe maua mama i totonu o le tolu tausaga, faatusatusa i tupe leiloa e $93 miliona tālā i le lima tausaga ua mavae.

Ua faateleina pea galuega mai le 96,721 i le FY2021/22 i le 104,976 i le FY2024/25, e lagolagoina e galuega fou e 153 e ala i Ofisa o Itumalo, polokalame atinaʻe tomai a nuʻu, ma polokalame lagolago mo pisinisi laiti ma tupulaga talavou.

Ua siitia auina atu i fafo oloa mai le $82.9 miliona tālā i le FY2021/22 i le $105.0 miliona tālā i le FY2024/25, o se faamaoniga o le gafatia o Samoa i fefaatauaiga faavaomalo ma le aogā o polokalame faatamaoaiga a le malo.

Na faaalia e le sa avea ma Minisita o Tupe, Lautimuia Uelese Vaʻai, le tāua o nei faiga faavae, ma ia taʻua ai o loo atagia mai ai fuafuaga tatau sa faapea ona faatinoina e le Kapeneta na sei mavae nei, e pine I lugao fuafua tatauina o auala uma mo le manuia o le atunuu.

Saunoa Lautimuia, “O le tala o le tupe e le na o ni numera i luga o se pepa aua ae o le tala o le tupe ua tuuina mai o le ripoti lava lea e tasi na ia faamoemoe e tolaulau I luma o le Palemene na mavae nei ae peitai e lei faataunuuina lona talanoaina”.

O le tala o le tupe e pei ona fuafua e talanoaina e le palemene, o loo aofia ai fuafuaga mamao na faataoto e le Kapeneta tuai mo le manuia o le Atunuu, e aofia ai faiga faavae mo le p**ea tatauina o le faasoaina o le tupe, faapea ma vaega taua e tatau ona ave iai le faamuamua a le Malo.

Saunoa Fiame o le vaega taua, o le amanaia lea o le tala o le tupe na teena nei, aua le manuia o tagata uma o le atunuu. “O le mea sili ona tāua, ia tumau le atunuu i se tala o le tupe mautu, ina ia mautinoa ai le manuia o tagata uma o Samoa.

END

06/10/2025

Malo le soifua i le tatou aiga SUP,

We hope you’re all doing well. Many of you have been wondering where we’ve been — we’ve taken some time to regroup, replan, and we will continue the work you entrusted us to do for our country.

All our usual updates, media reports, and podcasts will be shared right here on this platform. Stay tuned and stay connected as we bring you the latest on our work and progress.

More updates coming soon.

Together, we move forward.

Faafetai ma ia manuia i le alofa o le Atua i tatou aiga uma i Samoa ma atunuu mamao.

SUP Team

12/09/2025

As the Prime Minister’s time in office comes to an end, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible team that stood faithfully behind her throughout her term.

I had the privilege of speaking with them personally during the campaign, and what an outstanding group they are. Their professionalism, vigilance, and quiet strength ensured that our Prime Minister was protected and supported wherever she went. They carried out their duties with honour, often behind the scenes, yet always essential.

I have no doubt that the Prime Minister is deeply grateful for the most amazing team she had by her side during some of the most demanding moments in leadership.

To Nanai and the entire security team, faafetai tele. Your dedication has not gone unnoticed. You served with excellence, and you leave with the respect and gratitude of a nation, especially your SUP aiga.

God bless you all and God Bless our first Female PM. Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa.