The Minister for Health, Valasi Tafito Selesele, criticised the Samoa Observer for using the term "severe" in its coverage of the new hospital hours, despite the word appearing in the Ministry’s own press release. When the Observer pointed this out, the Minister responded, "I don’t believe that." However, the Ministry’s Chief Executive Officer, Aiono Alec Ekeroma, immediately clarified that the wording did originate from an official ministry notice. He explained that it had not been approved, as

A disagreement over “trust issues” between the Prime Minister and his former Cabinet Minister La’auli fueled the discussion, which led to the two leaders grilling each other on their family’s heritage. | Samoa Observer

Government ministries are meeting with the incoming administration at Maota o Samoa, Vaitele. The Samoa Observer remains barred, with security reinforcing the ban on photos and videos — even from outside the compound. Video: Junior S Ami / Samoa Observer | Samoa Observer