Twelve district council chairpersons remain unconfirmed, one day before the finalisation deadline, as the government announces weekly government fasting in 2026, changes to the Savali newspaper, a new CEO for the Ministry of Revenue and a $118,000 for Samoa’s volleyball team. 

There are 12 districts still awaiting confirmation of their District Council chairpersons as the government moves to finalise appointments under the District Development Programme (DDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD). 

According to Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, 39 district chairpersons have already been confirmed after interviews and approved by the cabinet, with the remaining applicants expected to be finalised by 23 December, when all appointments will be officially announced together.

Laaulialemalietoa, in his weekly press conference, clarified earlier commencement dates for work in the new year for the DDP. While he initially mentioned 12 December, he corrected himself to 22 January, the date when all District Council offices are expected to open, and operations will begin. However, earlier reporting by the Samoa Observer indicates 12 January.

The Prime Minister also confirmed earlier in a press conference that he was among four applicants for district chairperson roles who were not interviewed during the selection process.

In government-wide matters, Laaulialemalietoa announced that all government ministries and agencies will fast every Wednesday, beginning 11 January. The first fasting period will run for a whole week, from 5 am to 1 pm daily, before returning to the weekly schedule. He has also extended the invitation to the nation. 

The Prime Minister said the government will soon meet with the Ekalesia Soofaatasi (Church congregations) to discuss issues, including strict observance of Sunday as "matuā tapu," noting concerns about construction activities conducted on Sundays, particularly by overseas companies. The discussions will also cover shop opening hours.

The Prime Minister also announced that the Ministry of Revenue has a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Fuimaono Vaitolo Foia, appointed by the cabinet on Wednesday.

Laaulialemalietoa said he will oversee the Samoa Fire Services portfolio for now. Once the new minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Ale Vena Ale, has settled in, they will discuss the portfolio further.

He also noted changes to the Savali newspaper, saying that while the old edition focused primarily on matai title notices, the revised publication will include government notices, celebrations, and other announcements.

Meanwhile, the cabinet has approved $118,000 in funding for the Samoa International Volleyball Team as it prepares for the Oceania Qualification Tournament in Australia. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in the team, saying they are strong enough to participate in the Commonwealth Games.