Minister resigns following traffic related charges

Apia, Samoa – 02 April 2025 – The Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour, Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua has resigned and the Head of State has accepted the resignation effective from 12.00am tonight, Thursday 03 April 2025.

Faleomavaega’s resignation followed a car accident at Le Mafa last weekend, and he has been charged for negligent driving injuring passengers in another vehicle involved in the accident.

The Prime Minister said the Minister’s decision to resign from his portfolio responsibilities is in view of respect for rule of law and protection of Cabinet’s integrity.

The former national rugby coach entered politics through a by election in October 2021 and was elevated to a ministerial post in January this year after a split in the FAST ruling party and the termination of four Cabinet Ministers who stated their lack of confidence in the Prime Minister.