Latest Samoa News

Commonwealth nations adopt their first ocean declaration

Oct. 26, 2024 10:50 AM EDT

APIA, Samoa (AP) — Commonwealth countries adopted Saturday their first ocean declaration during their summit held for the first time in the Pacific island nation of Samoa as calls from some of Britain’s former colonies for reparatory justice for the trans-Atlantic slave trade grew louder. ...

Calls for reparations for Britain's slave trade are rooted in dark legacy

Oct. 25, 2024 12:56 PM EDT

LONDON (AP) — A debate about reparations for Britain’s role in the slave trade overshadowed a summit in Samoa of the Commonwealth, many of whose member nations were once British colonies. Britain insists it will not pay to make amends for the historic wrong, but both King Charles...

King Charles tells summit the past can't be changed as leaders ask Britain to reckon with slavery

Oct. 25, 2024 04:34 AM EDT

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — King Charles III told a summit of Commonwealth countries in Samoa on Friday that the past could not be changed as he indirectly acknowledged calls from some of Britain’s former colonies for a reckoning over its role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. ...

Climate-threatened Pacific Islands criticize Australia at Commonwealth meeting

Oct. 24, 2024 04:19 AM EDT

APIA, Samoa (AP) — Several Pacific island nations singled out Australia to do more to phase out fossil fuel exports during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting which opened in Samoa on Thursday. Tuvalu’s Prime Minister, Feleti Teo, alongside senior officials from Vanuatu...

Charles gets a warm welcome on his first visit as king to Samoa. But uneasy questions await

Oct. 24, 2024 03:50 AM EDT

SIUMU, Samoa (AP) — In the dark, dozens of people lined a narrow road near the Samoan fishing village of Siumu, gathering near a sign bearing a portrait of King Charles III and waiting excitedly for a glimpse of the real monarch. A buzz surged through the crowd as a motorcade...

King Charles III's Commonwealth visit to Samoa will highlight climate change ... and dance

Oct. 22, 2024 23:49 PM EDT

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III should be prepared to dance when he visits Samoa this week. Freddie Tuilagi made sure of that when he visited St. James' Palace recently wearing nothing but a bark cloth wrap and a necklace historically worn by orator chiefs. Charles, in a blue suit...

Samoan coast where King Charles will visit worries about the future after ship damaged reef

Oct. 22, 2024 04:02 AM EDT

SIUMU, Samoa (AP) — Under clear skies Tuesday, shortly after sunrise in the beachside fishing village of Siumu, Samoa, a dozen men and children prepared their small boats for a day at sea. But underwater, a mile off the coast, a sunken New Zealand naval vessel is forcing them to travel farther...

No evidence of major fuel spill on Samoan reef where New Zealand navy ship sank

Oct. 08, 2024 01:31 AM EDT

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Divers and marine experts found no evidence of a major fuel spill on a Samoan reef Tuesday after a New Zealand navy ship ran aground and sank, Samoa's deputy prime minister said. All 75 people on board the HMNZS Manawanui evacuated safely as the boat...

Samoa warns of 'highly probable' fuel spill after New Zealand navy ship caught fire and sank

Oct. 07, 2024 06:49 AM EDT

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — A fuel spill is “highly probable” after a New Zealand navy ship grounded, caught fire and sank off the coast of Samoa, the Pacific island nation's acting prime minister said late Sunday. All 75 people on board the HMNZS Manawanui were taken to...

King Charles III to visit Australia and Samoa in a test of stamina after cancer diagnosis

Sep. 10, 2024 15:58 PM EDT

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III has announced plans to visit Australia and Samoa next month on a trip that will span a dozen time zones and test the monarch’s stamina as he recovers from cancer treatment. The Oct. 18-26 tour, which Buckingham Palace outlined Tuesday, marks a...