Suspended CEO and ACEO cleared to return to work

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 23 FEBRUARY 2023: The suspended Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling and Acting ACEO of the Labour, Export and Employment Program (LEEP), Tofilau Matthew Tofilau are now cleared to resume work.

Cabinet this week approved the report and recommendations of the Public Service Commission, for the senior officials to resume their official duties and responsibilities.

The Public Service Commission’s report was on its investigation into two groups of seasonal workers that departed Samoa on the 8^th and 15^th of January despite a directive by Cabinet to suspend the program until after its review.

The Seasonal workers scheme is under the watch of the MCIL and the senior officers were suspended while the investigation was underway.

An MCIL internal investigation into the two flights identified the officer who went above the Cabinet directive and was behind the arrangement of the workers who departed on the two flights in question. The MCIL internal report has submitted its report to the Public Service Commission for its decision.

Cabinet at its meeting this week considered the Public Service Commission report and subsequently approved the recommendations.

1. To lift the suspension of Chief Executive Officer – Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling and Acting ACEO of the LEEP Division – Tofilau Matthew Tofilau, and they can return to the Ministry to resume their official duties and responsibilities;
2. To issue stern warnings to Pulotu and Tofilau, pursuant to relevant provisions of the Public Service Act 2004, to be more vigilant and proactive in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.

• That the PSC implements other matters relating to the investigation in compliance with the Public Service Act 2004.