Minimum Wage Update: Samoa’s minimum wage rises 40 sene to WST$5.24 per hour from 1 July 2026, with the staged plan reaching WST$6.05 in July 2028—aimed at protecting workers’ purchasing power without shocking businesses. Labour Mobility Pressure: In Parliament, Faasaleleaga 2 MP Vaaelua Senetenari warned overseas labour recruitment is draining village manpower, making farm work harder to staff and more expensive. Skills & Jobs Push: Samoa marked Post-School Education Week 2026, with the education minister stressing PSET as a job pathway and noting high dropout rates for boys after Year 10–12. Public Sector Training: The Public Service Commission highlighted workforce development progress, including 109 officials graduating in HR, public sector management, and procurement. Cybercrime Alert: Interpol reports a sharp rise in cybercrime across Asia and the South Pacific, with many Pacific states facing weak preparedness and enforcement. Fuel Crisis & Renewables: Pacific energy experts urged faster, locally led renewable energy and community-led planning, warning the current fuel shock hits poorer and rural households hardest. Expo 2027: Samoa confirmed participation in Expo 2027 Belgrade under “Rhythms of Samoa: Connecting Through Sport, Trade and Culture.” CHOGM Accommodation Prep: Property owners in Antigua and Barbuda are being urged to register as CHOGM bookings intensify, using Samoa’s 2024 delegate numbers as a benchmark. Sports & Business Links: Ah Liki Wholesale and Pasifika Sanitary Products announced an exclusive distribution partnership for Pacific-focused sanitary care in Samoa. Infrastructure & Governance Debate: Budget debate continues with calls for better governance and scrutiny of spending priorities, plus warnings about meeting loan obligations to development partners.