Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt said this week that international media are “in the dark” about the reasons behind his decision to ban the Samoa Observer from government press conferences, arguing that overseas attention has created “support for one newspaper at the expense of the entire country.”

He also addressed concerns raised locally, directing criticism at the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) for advising him to reconsider the ban. 

“Now you have given me advice, but you should advise where the problem came from,” he said. “Why are you advising me to lift the ban when you should be advising them?”

Laaulialemalietoa said his duty is to the nation. “Who do I stand for? It is the country I represent. I will not back down from protecting the people of Samoa.” He said he remains firm in his decision but hopes for a “constructive resolution” ahead. “As the Prime Minister, I will stand strong to do the right thing.”

On international reactions, he said some overseas commentators “do not understand Samoa” and claimed outside support was being used “to support one business and throw away the whole country that is trying to protect its future.”

He said the media is “part of democracy,” but argued that global reporting had focused on the ban itself rather than what he described as the issues that led to it.

Turning to domestic matters, the Prime Minister also questioned the actions of local journalists, saying JAWS did not engage with ministries affected by earlier Samoa Observer reporting. “You are talking to me, but why didn’t you talk to the ministries impacted?” he asked.

He also raised questions about the role of a media council. “Where do I go, or where does the government go, if this sort of thing happens?” he said, adding he was unsure whether such a body exists or has convened.

The Prime Minister said his concerns extend beyond media conduct to the protection of the Samoan language and culture. “My whole being is about the Gagana Samoa. If there is no language, there is no country,” he said.

He also accused the Samoa Observer of showing disrespect and said harmful reporting leaves lasting effects. “If you say something that hurts a person, it will stay with the person forever,” he said.

JAWS has called on the Prime Minister to lift the ban, saying the decision raises concerns about the safety and independence of the media whenever the Government feels threatened.

Laaulialemalietoa said he made it clear upon taking office that his position “is Samoa’s chair,” and the government must correct misinformation when it believes reporting is inaccurate or misleading. “The government has to say something if a journalist is in the wrong,” he said, arguing that overseas commentary does not reflect local realities.

He said the government supports the media but insisted that cooperation depends on factual reporting. “If you want to work together, the opportunity is open, but we cannot move forward until the writings are corrected.”

He dismissed one allegation as “a pure lie,” accusing journalists of trespassing onto his land. “People do not walk onto my land like it’s a market,” he said, urging respect for aganuʻu and cultural protocol.