Last weekend, the HMNZS Manawanui ran aground and sank just off the coast of Upolu.
Following the incident, the New Zealand Minister of Defense and her Chief of Navy immediately addressed the media and updated the people of New Zealand and Samoa on the situation.
Great alertness indeed on the part of the NZ Minister and her Officials to keep our people informed.
No lives were lost, thanks to the decisiveness of the captain and the quick action of our Samoa Police and Fire and Emergency first responders, as well as the local community who put themselves at risk to help with the rescue.
There was notably no immediate reaction or response from the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi government leadership, most of whom were celebrating and fundraising in Australia.
After almost a full day, the acting Prime Minister finally emerged to issue a video statement.
It was a good gesture of him to visit the rescued sailors at the New Zealand High Commission.
The acting Prime Minister did not say whether he visited the coastal communities immediately to assure the villagers of the emergency actions that will be taken to mitigate the ecological impact, but villagers are already complaining of the smell of oil making its way up and down the coast and waterways.
It is interesting to note that the Minister downplayed the damage on the environment, stating that only a leakage occurred and not a spill.
Last week, I had urged the FAST Party leadership to consider postponing their fundraising trip to Australia to be in the country as the nation prepared for CHOGM.
It was exactly for this type of emergency that I had made such a recommendation.
The first press conference and public update should have come straight from Apia, not 3,000 kilometers away in Wellington.
The nation needs its government leaders to be visible in the preparation for an event such as CHOGM.
And to deal with unexpected events like the sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui, which will attract negative worldwide attention, especially as it happened just off-shore from King Charles’ hotel room.
If the sons and daughters of New Zealand and the Pacific have to come to help Samoa protect and welcome CHOGM leaders, then surely the FAST Party leadership can show them the respect of being here to work alongside them.
Prioritize our country, our people and our guests and not the pursuit of money for your personal interest and benefit.
Be here, be visible and lead from the front.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP