Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Playwright and author Papalii Sia Figiel was laid to rest on Saturday at the Tafaigata Cemetery, where family, friends and loved ones gathered to remember her life.

The funeral service was held just after 10 am at Matautu Tai EFKS Church, where loved ones reflected on Papalii’s life and faith.

In his sermon, EFKS Rev. Moli Moli spoke about the need for forgiveness and love.

“Unity is built on forgiveness, and that forgiveness is a sacrifice, not a feeling,” Moli said, urging those present to “let Sia go,” in reference to her passage to a better place.

One of Papalii’s sons, Malamalama, delivered the first tribute, thanking those who attended his mother’s service. He kept his remarks brief.

Papalii’s older sister, Kuki Figiel, shared memories of Sia’s deep faith, recalling her recitation of tauloto, or Bible verses, during White Sunday. She said one of Papalii’s journals from her time at Tanumalala Prison contained memorized scriptures. Kuki also recited Psalm 23, a passage close to the family, and highlighted her sister’s intellect and deep connection to Aganuu Samoa, noting their late mother’s pride in her.

Other tributes were delivered by her younger brother, old girls from St Mary's and her lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, who spoke about her life and work.  

Papalii was found dead inside her cell at Tanumalala Prison on January 26 while awaiting sentencing in a high-profile murder case. She had been in custody since May 2024 after being charged in connection with the death of Professor Caroline Sinavaiana-Gabbard.

Her trial concluded in late 2025, and she was awaiting sentencing at the time of her death.

(Source: Samoa Observer)

KIRIBATI ANTI-CORRUPTION EFFORTS

Kiribati President Taneti Maamau is urging Pacific leaders to recommit to the region's anti-corruption efforts.

The President said progress had been made to strengthen regional cooperation and create transparency, but the momentum must continue.

He called on Pacific leaders to ensure anti-corruption agencies remained independent and technology was leveraged to increase openness.

(RNZ Samoa)

NEW HIGH COMMISSIONER TO PNG

New Zealand has appointed career diplomat Georgina Roberts as its New High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea.

She will take over from Peter Zwart, who served in the role since early 2023.

Roberts was previously High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands.

(RNZ Samoa)

RAID CARRIED OUT AT VAITELE-UTA

A drug raid took place on Sunday night in Vaitele-uta, where multiple people were seen being taken into custody.

Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga told the Samoa Observer that a raid took place, but he was waiting for the full report before he could disclose more information.

“Yes, a raid occurred, but waiting to confirm where it took place,” the commissioner said.

The comment came after Samoa Observer reached out for confirmation regarding the operation.

Authorities said the raid was carried out but provided no further details while verification continues. 

Information gathered from those who witnessed the raid said police came in numbers and arrested men and women present in the Vaitele-uta household.

Police have yet to confirm what was found at the scene.

The police's war on drugs began in December, and as a result of various operations, multiple arrests have been made. Many have been charged and presented in court. The police also embarked on a name and shame exercise by publishing pictures of all those arrested.

The police have also asked the members of public for support in the fight against drugs, especially methamphetamine.

(Samoa Observer)

WOMAN DIES ON AIR NEW ZEALAND FLIGHT

Air New Zealand has confirmed that a passenger traveling to Apia died before her flight landed yesterday afternoon.

The elderly Samoan woman died on flight NZ296 from Auckland.

The flight, due to land and for passengers to disembark at 2:10pm, kept all passengers on board for half an hour.

This was while the woman was removed by National Health and Air New Zealand staff, according to another passenger.

The passenger reports the elderly woman had Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) administered to her, but it appears she did not survive the emergency procedure.

At least three staff attended to the woman.

Her body was immediately transferred to a local hospital but efforts to revive her were not successful.

No further information was available about the cause of death at the time of writing.

Comment is being sought from the local authorities.

The death on Air New Zealand comes close to two months after a passenger also died on a Samoa Airways flight from Auckland to Samoa on December 26 last year. 

(Samoa Observer)

FIJI JUDGE REPRIMANDS LAWYERS

A Fijian judge has reportedly reprimanded two prominent female lawyers for publicly discussing a case before the Suva Magistrates Court.

Fijivillage.com reports that Magistrate Yogesh Prasad told Tanya Waqanika and her lawyer Barbara Malimali to refrain from public comment on Tuesday.

Fiji's anti-corruption agency has charged Waqanika with one count of breaching the Political Parties Act.

A plea was not entered and Waqanika was remanded on bail until March 24th.

(RNZ Samoa)

RESTORING LAHAINA

Restoration efforts continue at Lahaina Harbor, where something as simple as planting a few trees can help a community return to normalcy.

Treecovery Hawaii led the effort to plant nearly 10 native trees, including endemic loulu palms, along the harbor to help restore the community culturally by replanting multiple native species back in Lahaina and other communities affected by wildfires.

“A lot of species from around the world were grown here, you know,” said Duane Sparkman, founder and board president of Treecovery.

He said the presence of non-native tree species “was just because people like these beautiful ornamental trees, and after the fire, we have a chance to put in the native trees and really talk about the true native Hawaiian species.”

“Greenery is people’s lives around here, especially Lahaina. If you can get shade and fruit and trees that will produce flowers so you can make leis, you are winning. And so that’s where we want to get people back to, is the accessibility to those things,” he added.

Treecovery is working with Maui County to add more endemic species island-wide.

They also plan to add more aeae, an indigenous herb, around the base of the existing palm trees later this month.

(Hawaii News Now)