Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa Photo: Samoa Government
Preparations are on track in Samoa ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) next month but plans for a 'no-go zone' in Apia during the event are yet to be released.
Samoa's Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata'afa, in a public address on Tuesday, said all 56 member countries have indicated their attendance, including members of the British monarchy.
Other details in her address included venue, accommodation and meeting programme.
However, there's been no information on public ban areas for the meeting.
RNZ Pacific understands that the restricted areas include Beach Road on Apia's waterfront starting from Taumeasina Island Resort all the way to the courthouse in Mulinu'u.
People with special accreditation will be the only ones able to access the area.
A Samoa Police spokesperson told RNZ Pacific that details will be released to the public through social media.
The Samoan government said given the presence of high-level guests, the security and defence footprint will be "kept light".
The government has made an agreement with the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand governments to handle the security for the meeting.
"This is not the first time that the Pacific has hosted a CHOGM, but it is the first time that a Pacific Island country like Samoa will host a
CHOGM," Mata'afa said.
"Samoa has an important opportunity to bring a unique perspective to the table and to contribute and influence discussions on all aspects of political and socio-economic development."
Past CHOGMs have enforced no-go zones invoking "special power laws" where police stop and search citizens in the restricted areas.
Cross island road project 'not intended' for CHOGM
Samoa's transport minister said major works to upgrade the country's central cross-island road on Upolu island was not intended for CHOGM.
Construction started in April 2023 and was given a 12-month timeline to complete, but the project is ongoing.
Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Minister Olo Fiti said the upgrade was a "long-planned government project" and that rushing the work would cause problems later.
The road, which runs from Tiavi to Siumu, will be used to transporting CHOGM delegates staying in rural accommodation.
King Charles is reportedly staying at a resort in Siumu.
