Tourism CEO seeks legal advice over allegations against him

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 14 FEBRUARY 2022: The Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA), Fa’amatuainu Suifua Lenata’i is seeking legal advice against damaging allegations against him.

Following media enquiries in the weekend, he called a meeting with the media this morning where he “neither confirm nor deny the allegations”.

“I cannot say anything because I have not seen any complaint,” he said.

Fa’amatuainu is coming to the end of his 3 year employment contract and applications for his post closed last Friday.

He suspects the complaints have something to do with his bid for re-appointment.

“What a timing and coincidence because the complaints were lodged last Friday, the same day applications for the CEO post were due,” he said.

He wonders why these allegations were not lodged before but waited until the post was due.

Talamua understands Faamatuainu is among several applicants, including two from overseas for the post.

He clarified that the process of complaints or grievances against anyone within the Authority, is through the STA Board and if there was an investigation, whoever the complaint is about is suspended while an investigation is carried out.

The complaints were directed to the Minister of Public Enterprises, Leatinu’u Wayne Sooialo last Friday.

Minister considers proper cause of action
Leatinu’u confirmed he has received of 4 letters of complaints and grievances from several STA employees.

The Minister supposes that because STA is under MPE, it is why the complainants were directed at him.

“I am not going to ignore these complaints and because I just received them on Friday, I am looking at a proper cause of action to take,” he said.

The Minister of Tourism, Toeolesulusulu declined comment when approached.

STA senior staff told Talamua that there are more complaints coming against the CEO.

The complaints allege mismanagement, misuse of public property, abuse and threatening of staff.