01/01/2026
NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF
THE INDEPENDENT STATE OF SAMOA, THE
HONOURABLE LA'AULIALEMALIETOA LEUATEA
POLĀTA’IVAO FOSI SCHMIDT
Talofa lava Samoa,
As 2025 draws to a close, the new year is expected to be a time of
positive change, deep reflection, and strengthened community
connections. We stand at the threshold of the New Year, with
thanksgiving and gratitude for God’s grace that has embraced Samoa
during our hard and arduous journey in the last 12 months. On
reflection, what were achieved we achieved well. What remains
incomplete, heralds the opening season for our continuing journey into
the new Year along with the associated challenges that we need to
overcome.
Following the general elections in August, and the subsequent
commencement of Cabinet’s responsibilities as the new government,
the Budget for Financial Year 2025-2026 was approved. A seamless
implementation phase across all sectors of the economy has begun
towards a secure and stable economy now and into the future. The
Budget reflects the Government’s broader strategy of empowering
communities, building resilience and inspiring growth.
Our economy continues to thrive steadily with Samoa’s Real Gross
Domestic Product recording an annual average growth of 4.2 percent
in FY24/25. Samoa’s external sector has remained robust with Official
foreign reserves translating to 15.2 months of import cover in FY 24/25.
Both tourist earnings and private remittances remained strong,
contributing to stable growth in our foreign reserves.
The one million Tala project for district developments is on target with
preparations to commence all operations for 51 districts on the 12th of
January 2026. We have learnt from both the successes and failures that
the empowerment of communities promotes innovation for more
economic opportunities to reduce disparities and vulnerabilities.
We have proven since independence 63 years ago that our greatest
strength lies in our unity. This has anchored our efforts to successfully
traverse the challenges of our democracy. Embracing the strengths of
our culture and traditions, is the lynchpin of our shared identity that
transcends boundaries. Let us continue to honour the values enshrined
in our heritage – values that inspire unity and solidarity, to support and
care for one another, uphold communal wellbeing and ensure no one is
left behind.
Samoa subscribes to an expanded definition of security by the region
as inclusive of human security, climate change, humanitarian
assistance, environmental security and regional cooperation to build
resilience. Right now, I emphatically call for urgent, collective and
concerted efforts to combat illicit drugs in our country. The need to
bolster our vigilance at our national borders is critical and crucial. A
devoted workforce, trusted and timely intelligence sharing, appropriate
equipment and reliable networks are important requisites we must
secure. This fight is not solely a government’s responsibility but that of
the whole country. A united Samoa in the fight against drugs can be the
only hope of our children and youth growing in an environment without
the shackles of addiction.
My government remains steadfast in its commitment to improving
health and education. Every citizen has a right to access quality
healthcare and quality educational services. Investment is greatly
encouraged in initiatives to empower our youth, support education at
all levels including early childhood education, prioritise reforms of our
healthcare systems and equipment, and continuing efforts to build
human capital capacity for effective and efficient service delivery.
With the democratic processes settled and the Government carefully
reviewing its national priorities it is also time for Samoa to again take
up its place among the leadership of the Blue Pacific region as well as
the international arena.
At this juncture I acknowledge with gratitude the ready support of; and
strengthened partnerships with all our development partners who have
stood with us to address our priority development needs, as well as
emergency needs during times of crisis. In this regard, I greatly
welcome the underpinnings of the strengths of the partnerships through
the provision of budget support by our partners which Samoa embraces
as a reflection of trust, respect and transparency.
Likewise, I pay tribute to the public servants and those serving in the
private sector. You have continued to play your role to deliver services
to our people even in the face of political disharmony.
Our Diasporas around the globe are applauded for continuing to
provide the lifeline for many families throughout Samoa. Migration has
not severed the familial bonds for support in various forms.
The Head of State’s Christmas message called for reaffirmation of unity
through prayer and supplication to the Lord for Samoa. As a nation
founded on God, our unity in prayer, is the only way to seek divine
guidance in our daily walk-through life, and what the future holds for
us all.
I am happy to announce that our week of prayer and fasting will begin
on Sunday, 11th January until the 16th of January, 2026.
I wish you all a peaceful, blessed and safe New Year Samoa.
SOIFUA.
