The warship HMS Tamar is berthed at the Apia International Port as Samoa prepares for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM). The Royal Navy ship from the United Kingdom is permanently based in the South Pacific and has been patrolling the south coast of Upolu since HMNZS Manawanui ran aground on the Tafitoala Reef on October 6 before catching fire and sinking the following morning.

Preparations have been four years in the making, with businesses stockpilling supplies, villages decorated in each country's colours and a huge community effort to be ready to host.