Central Bank Governance Shake-up: Samoa’s Central Bank Amendment Bill 2026 cleared its second reading, separating the governor from the board chair role after opposition warned about independence and “undue influence,” while the Finance Minister said the change strengthens oversight without letting the Minister or Ministry direct day-to-day decisions. Parliament Watch: The Credit Information Register Bill 2026 passed final reading, setting up a Central Bank-run credit register with reporting rules for banks and other lenders, plus written notice duties for applicants. Foreign Investment Rules: Samoa’s Foreign Investment Amendment Bill 2026 advanced on second reading, tightening definitions, registration requirements, and beneficial-owner and trust disclosure obligations. Cabinet Appointments: Samoa’s oldest MPs, Tea Toala Peato and Tea To’oala Peato, were sworn into Cabinet roles covering the Legislative Assembly and the Ombudsman. Regional Environment & Policy: Samoa is set to join a €6m, four-country marine litter and plastic-waste project via SPREP, while a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition reports sharp differences between healthy deep reefs and damaged shallow ones. Pacific Health & Youth: Calls for a Future Generations Act to put Pacific health at the centre gained support, and Fiji’s cardiology warning highlighted lifestyle-driven non-communicable disease risks. Diplomacy & Development: Samoa met a World Bank delegation on growth and jobs, including progress on a climate-resilient transport project. Sports Governance: Fiji formally joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, joining Samoa, PNG and Tonga under a major Australian-backed development plan. SIDS Business Push: Maldives will host the 2026 SIDS Global Business Network Forum and Island Investment Forum (Aug 23–25), continuing the SIDS business agenda that began in Samoa in 2014.