We often heard during election campaigns in 2020/2021, that the principles of Good Governance and the Rule of Law would guide the activities of the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Government.
It did for the first two weeks when the Leader of the Government gave a speech on the occasion of a prayer meeting and broadcasted that her government would welcome the support of the public servants.
Then came the start of the unceremonious sackings of the top CEOs and their positions being taken up by FAST friends, supporters and relatives.
When the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) questioned the Government on these illegal decisions, the response was, the FAST Government has different policies from the previous Government where new Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa was a Minister continuously in the HRPP Cabinet for 24 years of Good Governance, the Rule of Law and respect for the Independence of Parliament, the Judiciary and the Head of State.
There are court cases pending against PM Fiame and her Cabinet, brought by the HRPP, for actions we see as unconstitutional and illegal.
As a Political Party that was established to protect the human rights of every Samoan, hence its name, the Human Rights Protection Party, we have given notice that this party is serious in its political determination to protect this Country from any Government that does not observe the Rule of Law.
Our prayer is for the Court to exercise true independence and to accord priority to the principle that Justice delayed is Justice denied, and for Justice not only to be observed but also to be seen to be practiced.
Bullying tactics is also inappropriate.
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For Samoa, as for many small developing states, the retention of experienced, dedicated, honest and highly qualified men and women of impeccable character in the work force is a must.
Established salaries classification by occupational groupings whilst maintaining a balanced relativity in the salaries structure between the Government employees and Private sector, jobs satisfaction and equal opportunities to Chief Executive positions in the Ministries and Corporations do strengthen the desire by our educated sons and daughters to dedicate their lives to the service of our Government and people of Samoa.
We are a Country of many educated proud Samoans, not a Country of simpleminded idiots.
The release from Government this week, of the long-awaited appointment of the new Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Health has shocked many, and blunted the desire by the professional public servants to serve to the best of their ability.
The MOH’s new CEO is the current Vice Chancellor of our National University of Samoa, who has not even completed his current first three-year term contract with NUS which was very likely to be extended again.
He is also a businessman operating a very popular Health Clinic, close to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole National Hospital at Motootua, employing part time specialist doctors from the Government services.
Which begs the question, why on earth did this simple conflict of interest matter miss the advisers and the panel which interviewed the candidates?
This is what is to be expected when employing “yes” nincompoops as advisers.
The message conveyed by his appointment decision of Cabinet to all top Management Staff of the Public Service of our beloved Independent State of Samoa, is very disheartening.
The appointee holds the solution.
His role now as Vice Chancellor of NUS is the most-well suited in the eyes of our people for him to drive the development of our University.
Do what he must do and save the embarrassment to Government, and all his educated colleagues who hold him in high regard in his role as VC of NUS.
There are many capable, highly qualified and experienced doctors and administrators in Health right now for one of them to be chosen to the helm
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP