AGP Executive Report
Last update: 6 hours agoSamoa Budget Push: Parliament has passed the 2026/2027 Appropriation Bill, approving a $1.5b tala budget under “AIGA – Accelerating Inclusive Growth and Access,” with a projected cash deficit of $215.9m (3.1% of GDP) to be funded via concessional loans, development partner support, and cash balances. Government Accountability & Leaks: Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has axed weekly press conferences for all media, saying it will “calm the seas,” while also warning public servants after leaked Cabinet directives tied to a near-$1m payment to Bluewave Wireless. Land & Environment Governance: The Lands, Surveys and Environment Amendment Bill cleared its second reading, formally separating land/survey functions from environmental functions while keeping MNRE responsible for the environment side. Media Licence Threat: Revenue Minister Pauga Talalelei Pauga threatened to revoke the Samoa Observer’s business licence over claims of “incorrect and biased” reporting. Regional Business & Trade: Spain removed Gibraltar from its non-cooperative tax blacklist and also removed Samoa from the list relating to its offshore business regime. Sports & Economy: Pacific Strongest 2026 crowned new strongman champions in Apia, with titles across men’s, masters, and women’s divisions.
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