PM reminds CEOs of Public Servants Values & Ethics

By Lagi Keresoma

Apia, Samoa – 21 November 2023: Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa today reminded 11 government Chief Executive Officers of the values and ethics of a public servant.

Fiame was speaking at the swearing in ceremony of CEOs and said their oaths witnessed by many, was a milestone of their accomplishments in their careers as public servants.

“Your oaths this morning attest to the essence of your service to our country, ethics and values, and the need for God’s divine guidance and counsel in the performance of your duties. Let that be at the forefront of your leadership as CEOs.”

The Prime Minister reminded them of the Government’s vision to work collectively to foster social harmony, safety and freedom for all and be committed to accomplish what we the Government has set out in the Pathway for the Development of Samoa to empower communities, build resilience and inspire growth.

Secretary/CEO, Public Service Commission, Kolone Tikeri (3rd from left) with family after the swearing in ceremony.

Fiame also pointed to the global challenges and for a small country like Samoa, planning, implementation and monitoring of national development initiatives and programmes must be meticulous and realistic hence the collective approach “to live within our means.”

“In this regard, Cabinet and I value your policy advisory support, and your leadership in executing your prescribed roles and responsibilities and we look forward to your leadership as CEO’s,” she said.

Sworn-in after a year of service
The swearing–in ceremony this morning seemed like the CEOs were just only appointed, however many of them have been working and leading their respective Ministries for some time now. In fact Aeau Chris Hazelman has been CEO of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MESC) for a year as he was appointed in November 2022.

Aeau Chris Hazelman with family after the ceremony.

Two other CEOs, Fonoti Talaitupu Taefu for the Ministry of Customs & Revenue and Tuitoga Christiana Angela Te’o as Public Trustee were both appointed in March 2023.

The CEOs sworn-in today were:
* Aeau Chris Hazelman – CEO, Ministry of Education & Culture
* Fiso Dr. Fiame Leo – CEO, Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa
* Fonoti Talaitupu Taefu – CEO, Ministry of Customs & Revenue
* Kolone Tikeri – Secretary/CEO, Public Service Commission
* Lemalu Selesetina Pulega Meni Reti – CEO, Samoa National Provident Fund
* Mua’autau Raie Silipa – CEO, Development Bank of Samoa
* Sautiamaivasa Titimaea Tiotio – CEO, Samoa Housing Corporation
* Tafesilafai Ipiniu Filipo – General Manager, Samoa Shipping Services
* Tuiafelolo Alexander John Stanley – Electoral Commissioner
* Tuitoga Christina Angela Te’o Faitele – Public Trustee
* Tuifuisa’a Professor Patila Amosa – Vice Chancellor National University of Samoa

Lemalu Selesetina Pulega Reti – CEO SNPF & Fonoti Talaitupu Taefu – CEO of Customs and Revenue.