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Four more Associate Ministers sworn-in

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2 years ago

February 23, 2022

The four new Associate Ministers (in red) Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua, Fuiono Tenina Crichton, Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell and Maiava Fuimaono Tito with the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture following the swearing-in ceremony. Standing far left is the Associate Minister of Women & Internal Affairs – Seuamuli Fasi Toma who led the pray service.

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 23 FEBRUARY 2022: Four Associate Ministers were sworn-in yesterday to support the workload of Cabinet ministers.

The larger Ministries such and Public Works, Environment and Agriculture now have two Associate Ministers.

Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa said the appointments share the workload in assisting the Cabinet Ministers and also give the Associate Ministers experience in the work of Cabinet other than being ordinary Members of Parliament and Members of Parliamentary Committees.

Fuiono Tenina Crichton of Falealupo is the Associate Minister for the Ministry of Communications, Information and Technology and the office of the Legislative Assembly. He replaces Magele Sekati who has been shifted to be the Associate Minister of Finance.

Maiava Fuimaono Tito of Falealili 2 is the second Associate Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. He shares the workload with Associate Minister, Vaele Iona Paiaau Sekuini who also holds the important role of Chairman of Parliament’s Finance Committee.

Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell is the second Associate Minister for the Ministry of Works, Infrastructure and Transport, working together with fellow Associate Minister, Niuava Eti Malolo under the MWIT Minister, Olo Fiti Vaai.

Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua is the Associate Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment and Samoa Tourism Authority to work alongside the Minister, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster.

Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa congratulated the new Associate Ministers and noted that the additional appointments reflect the Government’s focus and drive to deliver projects and reforms for the people and country as had been outlined in her governments manifesto.