Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt has announced updates following the usual cabinet meeting on Wednesday, ranging from a restructure of the Ministry of Women to plans for a new national airline.

He also warned of growing drug abuse and acknowledged mounting pressure on the country’s hospitals and power systems.

Speaking at his press conference this week, the Prime Minister confirmed that the cabinet had approved a split for the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD), which will become the newly named Ministry of Family Affairs. The Ministry of Family Affairs will then be split into two parts: one that focuses on the $ 1 million project and the other that focuses on families and the broader communities.

“It won’t just be about women, it will be about families, fathers, mothers, youth and children,” Laaulialemalietoa said.  

On aviation, the Prime Minister said the government is preparing to establish a new aircraft company by the end of 2026, with detailed plans to be outlined when the national budget is announced in June 2026. Samoans will be invited to invest, with shareholding opportunities starting from $500 through subscription pathways under the Unit Trust of Samoa (UTOS) and Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA)

“We are ready to do it again,” he said, noting that the government has cleared more than $100 million in debt from the previous airline. Plans also include introducing smaller aircraft to service regional routes such as Fiji, Tonga, Tahiti and Rarotonga. 

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the error made when announcing the new Chief Executive Officer of Health, June Scanlan Lui.

Turning to health, Laaulialemalietoa acknowledged the heavy workload faced by doctors and nurses at Motootua Hospital, citing increased patient volume and rising illness nationwide. He said new equipment, including MRI and CT scanners, would arrive in the coming weeks, along with engineers to support operations. The government is also working to strengthen emergency, surgical and acute care services, while maintaining overseas treatment options for patients. The Prime Minister met with the doctors and nurses earlier this week.

On energy, the Prime Minister described previous power outages as a “crisis,” confirming that about five temporary generators would be installed over the Christmas period. Longer-term plans include new generators by 2027–2028 and stabilising the electricity supply by 2030, with the potential for reduced power prices if efficiency targets are met. The overall project is estimated at $60 to 70 million. He thanked the Japanese Government for gifting 50 small gas lights and kerosene lamps, and 20 solar lights, to help Samoan families amid power outages.

Laaulialemalietoa also issued a stern warning on illegal drugs, revealing that around 1,200 people are affected by methamphetamine use. “This is not something the government will take lightly,” he said, urging communities, village councils and law enforcement to work together, alongside stronger border surveillance and enforcement measures.