Samoa Ports Authority

The 35-year-old mother of two has completed assessment to become a marine captain.

She holds a Certificate IV in Master Class 5 from the National University Samoa’s School of Maritime.

A statement issued by the government said “A special ceremony was held specially for this prestigious achievement, and it was presented in front of the Board of Directors, Management, Staff and Ioana’s family members.”

Sixteen Samoa Ports Authority security officers have been suspended.

The Samoa Observer reports Auapa'au saying the matter has was referred to the Ministry's Criminal Investigation Division last week.

Auapa'au also confirmed two companies had lodged complaints and they are looking at CCTV footage from the port, but so far no one has been charged.

The Commissioner could not say how much fish had gone missing.

The dividend represents 35 percent of the Authority’s audited net profits of $10,679,925 for the financial year ended 30 June 2022.

A statement said this is the sixth consecutive year SPA has returned dividends to its shareholder; the Government of Samoa and SPA noted having paid a combined total of close to $20 million tala in dividends from 2016/17 to 2021/22 financial years to our Government.

The Dividend declared and approved by the SPA Board represents 35% of the Audited Net Profits for the financial year concluded on 30 June 2021. This is the sixth consecutive year SPA has recorded a profit which has allowed SPA to pay it’s shareholder; the Government of Samoa 35% as stipulated under the Public Bodies Act.

Only two applicants had applied for the post.

According to a government release, Cabinet upheld the unanimous recommendation by the three member panel for So’oalo’s reappointment after a due diligence process was conducted.

During his first term in office, So’oalo played a leading role in securing funding of USD$26.2 million to finance the Enhancing of Safety, Security and Sustainability of the Apia Port Project.

Also under his leadership, SPA’s cash position has strengthened by 76% from close to $6 million in 2007 to $10.3 million in 2020.

A Savali News report said the rigorous precautionary screening measures have been mandated by the Ministry of Health to prevent the importation of the coronavirus COVID-19..

“The decision reached by Cabinet at its special meeting Sunday will eliminate any looming disruptions to the country’s imported food supplies and other essential needs,” said Secretary to Cabinet, Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo.

And the Ports Authority is already on the move to ensure full compliance.

The cheque was presented Thursday by the Chairman of the Board; Afioga Tuiloma Neroni Slade on behalf of the Minister of Samoa Ports Authority, Papaliitele Unasa Niko Lee Hang, Board of Directors, Management and staff.

The dividend represents 50% of the Authority’s Net Profits for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2017. This is the highest return the Authority has paid to its shareholders since its establishment 19 years ago.