Cabinet appoints new CEO for Finance and reappoints 3 others

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 17 MARCH 2022: The Prime Minister today announced the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Finance.

She is Saoleititi Maeva Betham-Vaai who has been in charge of the Apia office of the World Bank and a career public servant who previously worked with the Ministry of Finance since 1992.

She takes over the position left vacant last August after former Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi’s son, Leasiosiofaasisina Oscar Malielegaoi resigned on issues of conflict of interest.

She will work alongside Samoa’s first woman Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo to implement and deliver the new Governments manifesto and 5 year Development Plan launched two weeks ago.

The appointee is the twin sister of the former Attorney General, Savalenoa Mareva-Betham Annandale who was terminated over trust issues with the new government administration.

Cabinet has also approved the reappointment of three Chief Executive Officers.

Elita Toala continues as CEO of the Ministry of Public Enterprises (MPE), Tevaga Viane Tagiilima for the Unit Trust of Samoa (UTOS) and Agafili Shem Leo for the Ministry of the Prime Minister (MPMC).

According to Fiamē, these CEO appointments were discussed thoroughly by Cabinet and the respective ministries.

The reappointed CEOs have completed their previous three year contracts and were shortlisted following the interviews for Cabinet’s approval.

The government CEO appointments are on three year contracts.