MerMada Pacific

05/06/2026

04/06/2026

. 04 June,2026. Ministers responsible for women across the Pacific have convened in Fiji for the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Ministerial Retreat, setting the stage for the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting (PIFWLM), which begins tomorrow.

Held under the theme “Leading Together: Strengthening Collective Voice, Agency, and Connection,” the retreat brought together regional leaders to reflect on the future of women’s leadership in the Blue Pacific and how inclusive, values based leadership can support the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Discussions focused on strengthening gender equality and social inclusion across regional priorities, while also creating space for leaders to share experiences on the barriers and opportunities facing women in leadership across the Pacific.

Leaders highlighted the importance of intergenerational leadership, mentorship, collaboration, and ensuring women’s voices remain central in decision-making at national, regional, and global levels.

The retreat also underscored the need to move from dialogue to action, particularly in strengthening women’s participation in governance and addressing structural challenges that limit leadership opportunities.

Among those invited to attend the 2026 Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting is former Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa, joining other regional women leaders, ministers, and representatives from Forum member countries.

The upcoming Forum Women Leaders Meeting will formally open tomorrow and is expected to bring together Heads of State, ministers, senior officials and regional partners to advance shared priorities on gender equality and social inclusion.

The annual meeting provides a key platform for strengthening women’s leadership across the Blue Pacific and ensuring that regional policy continues to reflect the voices and experiences of women and girls throughout the region.

ENDS

04/06/2026

Independence Ball 2026

04/06/2026

04 June, 2026. State of Emergency possible as Samoa moves to Amber Alert.

Samoa has been placed on Amber Alert as fuel supplies drop to critically low levels with officials warning there is a high possibility a State of Emergency could be triggered if the situation continues to worsen.

The Disaster Management Office confirmed the alert after national fuel reserves fell to less than 30 days of supply mainly due to a delayed fuel shipment.

Speaking to Mai News, the Disaster Management Office said the fuel situation has been seriously affected by delays in supply deliveries.

Officials explained that fuel tankers normally arrive every three months, but the current shipment has been pushed back significantly, with the last delivery in February and the next expected in July creating a gap of around six months.

The DMO said this delay is the main reason for the Amber Alert, as it is now putting pressure on electricity generation, transport and essential services across the country.

Officials warned there is a high possibility the situation could escalate into a State of Emergency if fuel reserves continue to fall or if the delayed shipment is further disrupted. They say the Amber Alert has been activated early to prevent a sudden breakdown in essential services.

The Electric Power Corporation will begin power shedding to reduce fuel use for electricity generation. Critical services such as hospitals, water supply, telecommunications and emergency operations will be prioritised under a protected “No-Shed List.”

According to the National Fuel Supply Emergency Response Plan released a few months ago, the Ministry of Education must prepare for possible remote learning, shorter school days or temporary closures depending on how the situation develops.

Government ministries have also been instructed to reduce travel, cut fuel use, and shift to remote working arrangements where possible.

Also part of the plan is a call on the public to reduce non-essential travel, share transport and limit electricity use to help stretch remaining fuel supplies.

The government says these measures are necessary to ensure fuel lasts until the delayed shipment arrives.

The DMO says the situation remains under close monitoring and further restrictions may be introduced if conditions worsen in the coming days.

ENDS

03/06/2026

04 June, 2026. Crews from the Samoa Outrigger Canoe Association's nine affiliated clubs competed in the Independence Regatta at Apia Harbour as part of Samoa's 64th Independence Celebrations.

The regatta featured strong competition across all divisions, from Junior Boys and Girls to Open, Masters, and Social Paddlers, highlighting the sport's growing popularity and broad community participation.

Paddlers demonstrated outstanding athleticism, teamwork, and determination throughout the day's racing, while spectators gathered along the waterfront to support crews in a vibrant atmosphere.

SOCA thanked the Government of Samoa, sponsors, officials, volunteers, clubs, coaches, paddlers, supporters, and families for their contributions to the event's success and continued support of Va'a development in Samoa.

ENDS

Photos: (SOCA)

03/06/2026

Taualuga a le Itumalo o Gagaifomauga #3 i faafiafiaga o le Fu'a i Mulinuu i le taeao nei.

03/06/2026

03 June 2026. As Samoa proudly celebrates its 64th Independence anniversary, one of the special guests returning home has brought with him not only a rich musical heritage but also a deep appreciation for the songs that have become part of the nation's soundtrack.

Legendary Samoan entertainer Faanana Jerome Grey met with members of the media this morning during a personal and heartfelt press conference, where he reflected on his enduring legacy and the stories behind some of the iconic songs that continue to resonate with Samoans around the world.

Speaking candidly with journalists, he shared the origins and inspiration behind several of his most beloved hits, including No Huhu, Eleni and We Are Samoa-songs that have transcended generations and remain staples at family gatherings, celebrations, and community events throughout the Pacific.

"The music was always about people, culture, and bringing communities together," he said. "These songs hold special memories for many families and it's a privilege to continue sharing those stories."

The gathering provided a rare glimpse into the personal side of the Grey family with discussions ranging from the songwriting process to the experiences that shaped many of the melodies and lyrics that audiences have embraced for decades.

As part of the Independence celebrations, he announced a special corporate table event to be held this Saturday at Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa, where music lovers will have the opportunity to enjoy an evening dedicated to the timeless catalogue of Jerome Grey classics.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, his sons will join him on stage as backing musicians, creating a unique multi generational performance that celebrates both family and music.

Guests attending the event can expect to hear many of the songs they have grown up with, including crowd favourites that have become synonymous with Samoan music and identity.

The Saturday performance promises to be one of the highlights of the Independence festivities, bringing together old and new generations to celebrate the enduring influence of one of Samoa's most treasured musical families.

For many fans, it will be more than just a concert, it will be an opportunity to relive cherished memories and honour a musical legacy that continues to inspire audiences across the Pacific.

ENDS

03/06/2026

03 June, 2026. Junior Poi Neru Tiatia has challenged his inclusion in a Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) request that was reportedly sent to commercial banks in Samoa on 2 June 2026, directing them to freeze accounts linked to three individuals named in the document.

As reported earlier by Mai News, the request also named Nakitah Anne Charles and Mathew Nhan Thien Nguyen. The documentation reportedly formed part of an ongoing investigation involving financial and intelligence information being examined by authorities in Samoa and overseas.

Following publication of the report, Tiatia contacted Mai News disputing both the reported account freeze and the information contained in the FIU request.

Tiatia said he is "clean" and questioned why his name was being mentioned in connection with the matter.

Mai News advised Tiatia that its reporting was based on documentation and information received.

The matters referred to in the documentation remain under investigation and the inclusion of a person's name in an investigative request does not imply guilt or criminal liability.

ENDS

03/06/2026

O le happy lava le mea taulia. 😂

do not own the rights to the song