Samoa Cabinet

Samoa’s Cabinet approves for 20 schools in Savai'i

A Cabinet directive stated Saipipi Primary School and Amoa College would be $6,000 tālā each to repair the rooms and facilities, the Samoa Observer reported.

A further $4,000 tālā was allocated for the repair of electricity wires that were damaged in the Laumoli Primary School's hall, with the rest of the 17 schools each receiving $2,000 tālā to clean up their compounds and repair damage.

The assistance would be funded from money allocated for emergencies by the Ministry of Finance Budget for the 2022/2023 financial year.

Kolone Tikeri is new Secretary to Public Service Commission

A statement by the Office of the Press Secretariat said Cabinet made the decision on Wednesday.

During the selection process, nine candidates were interviewed for the position.

Tikeri graduated with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration in 2021 from the University of Newcastle, Australia. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management, Economics and Public Administration from the University of the South Pacific.

Tikeri started his career at the Public Service Commission and worked therein for four years.

Samoan Head of State appointment extended

Prime Minister Fiane Naomi Mata'afa says Parliament will decide at the next sitting on August 23 whether Tuimalealiifano gets another five-year term.

Tuimalealiifano took office on July 21, 2017 taking over from Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi after he served two terms.

Samoa's previous Human Rights Protection Party government introduced a constitutional amendment limiting the Head of State's time in office to two five-year terms.

     

Huge backpay for reinstated Samoan police inspector

Radio Polynesia has obtained a Cabinet Directive from December 9, 2021, which includes details of the payment.

In 2017 Leleimalegafa was suspended and two years later his employment was terminated by the former Police Commissioner, Fuiavaili'ili Egon Keil.

Leleimalefaga then appealed the decision, which the District Court has overturned after more than two years of court proceedings.

The cabinet directive said that during a Cabinet meeting in December, the backpay matter was discussed and approved for Leleimalefaga.

Samoan Minister speaks out after drunk driving episode

The Minister was sworn today by the Speaker of the House, Li'o Papalii Taeu Masipa'u.

After the ceremony, Toesulusulu said he's learned his lesson and urged members of the public not to repeat his mistake, of driving drunk.

Last week, Toeolesulusulu was given a 2,000 tala fine after pleading guilty to three related traffic offences, but he was also discharged without conviction.

He said "I am remorseful and I know it was the wrong thing to do. We all make mistakes and we learn from them."

Samoa eases some state of emergency restrictions

The Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, in announcing the changes, said the two meter social distancing rule remains, and other state of emergency restrictions should still be adhered to.

From today, ferries between the islands of Upolu and Savaii resume and will only run four times a week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

The bigger vessel can only take 60 passengers while the smaller boats can only carry 20 travelers.

Buses can operate in the morning until 5.30pm daily and can only carry 20 passengers.

Samoa Cabinet to discuss university inquiry next week

Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi said an inquiry report into the vice chancellor and two deputy vice chancellors has been presented and his ministers will discuss it on Wednesday.

Tuila'epa said until then nothing will be released.

Last month the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fui Dr Lau Asofou So'o, the deputy vice-chancellor of academics, Peseta Desmond Lee Hang and the deputy vice chancellor of the corporate service, Maugaoalii Faamanu Diana Mualia, were suspended over several issues including the checking of last year's student's results.

     

Fiame Naomi Mataafa sworn in as Deputy PM

Of the thirteen, the post that many had in question was whether Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo would remain Deputy Prime Minister in the new Government.

However, PM Tuilaepa confirmed Fiame Naomi Mataafa as the Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa.

Lauofo and former Finance Minister Faumuina Tiatia Liuga are not in the new Cabinet lineup.

The swearing-in ceremony today saw hundreds of guests gather at the Tuanaimato complex.

In his address, the Head of State Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi wished the new MPs the best in their time in office.