MAF Associate Minister Vaele Paiaaua Iona passes away

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 25 MARCH 2022: Messages of condolences have been flowing in today from families, friends and supporters of the FAST Party and Member of Parliament for Gagaifomauga No.2. Vaele Paiaaua Iona who passed away unexpectedly at the National Hospital, Moto’otua early this morning.

The fifty two year old government MP is the Associate Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries in his first term in Parliament. He is also the Chairman of the Finance Committee of Parliament.

FAST Party Chairman, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao visited the late MP at the National Hospital morgue this morning and offered their condolences to the wife and family.

La’auli confirmed the FAST Party is hosting a memorial service via Zoom tomorrow (Saturday) evening to honour and remember the MP who is described as “a gentleman” and his contribution to a political movement and time in shaping the country’s modern history and political development.

Vaele is a farmer and a businessman who was elected in the April 2021 general election.