No more contract extensions for Government CEOs

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 24 FEBRUARY 2022: The Government is putting its foot down and will not have variations to extend Chief Executive Officers contracts when their contracts have expired.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa announced the new government policy today in a move to tidy up a common in practice in the past where CEOs contracts that have expired, are advertised late and rely on a variation to extend the term until an appointment is made.

There have also been lapses in the Public Service Commission that should advertise the positions three months before the contract is up, have interviews and make appointments.

“There is no need for an extension as there are other people in the Ministry that can continue the work of the CEO,” Fiame said in defence of the new policy.

However, the new policy still gives room to extend a CEO’s contract upon a request by the respective Minister who must provide valid reasons for the extension for Cabinet’s approval.

Asked for an example of a valid reason worth granting an extension, Fiame said when there is unfinished work that warrants the CEO’s extended time to complete.

She also pointed out that the Public Service Commission is required to advertise the positions three months before the contracts are up. As the Minister in charge, she said the PSC need to streamline its work to avoid unnecessary delays by advertising such positions in the time required.

So when the positions are advertised late, it also affects the timeline for interviews and final selection process.  Fiame said one of the reasons given for the delay is the availability of panellists for the job interviews.

Public confusion over whose contract has ended and who has been terminated
The current practice has caused confusion and coupled with media reports that certain CEOs have been sacked when in fact their contracts have expired.

Under the new Government policy, three CEOs contracts have expired and are now at home awaiting their positions being advertised of which they are entitled to re-apply.

These CEOs include the Ministry of Communications, Information & Technology (MCIT), the Ministry of Works, Infrastructure & Transport (MWIT) and the Ministry of Customs & Revenue.

The former CEO of the Ministry of Education, Afamasaga Dr. Karoline Fuatai.

CEO of Education, Sports & Culture was terminated
Fiame clarified the circumstances surrounding the termination of the CEO of the Ministry of Education, Sports & Culture – Afamasaga Karoline Fuatai.

The CEO was terminated for subordination when she put out a public notice that contradicted the public announcement by the Prime Minister that opened up the country under Covid-19 Level One Alert including the opening of all schools the following week.

Fiame had just announced publicly the opening up of the conditions that included the opening of schools and the CEO put out her public notice that the schools remain closed for a further two weeks.

“It’s a reminder to all CEOs that Cabinet decisions given under the State of Emergency are the law as it affects the whole country,” said Fiame.

The Cabinet decision to terminate the CEO was delivered by the Minister in charge and Afamasaga said farewell to her staff and the Ministry on Tuesday this week.