New Minister wants teamwork

14 September 2017, 12:00AM

The new Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Lopao’o Natanielu Mua is prioritising teamwork so his Ministry can accomplish their targets.

The Minister is responsible for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries as well as the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.).

During a formal welcoming ceremony last week, Lopao’o called on the sector to give it their hundred percent effort as this is his agenda. 

“Give it your 100 percent effort because you depend on it, your families depend on it, your church, your village and your country depends on it.”

“Our Ministry is the backbone of our country’s economy and I’m urging you today to work together.”

The Minister reminded his staff that they each have a job to do, and reiterated the significant of agriculture to our people’s survival.

“Our agriculture commodities will not be affected if the financial market crash nor if we have no money, because we will still have food to eat, and live not only from our land but also from the sea.”

“We can put the food on the table, not the money that put the food on the table but the actual ulu (breadfruit) and talo, Samoan cocoa..... And I tell you if there is going to be another financial crisis; Samoa will not have to worry if agriculture sectors’ capacity is fully.”

“That is the reality and how serious our jobs are and my job as well.”

He noted that the Agriculture Sector’s contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product also needs attention.

“Our contribution to our country’s G.D.P. last year is a little over seven percent,” said Lopao’o.

“That’s why we always need to be proactive and work harder and with courageous and determination despite the challenges we face.”

“Our ultimate task is to improve the lives of our people and improve agriculture because the people look up to our Ministry.”

For the Board of Directors and heads of each division, the Minister’s advice is for them to take the lead at the forefront.

“We want the Board of Directors and heads of each division to be at the front and take the Ministry forward in the right direction.”

For S.R.O.S, the Minister said there are many products which have been developed and ready for commercialization.

And for S.R.O.S. to seek assistance from the National Provident Fund or Government to commercialized their products.

“That is my agenda and dream. Government will assist us if we show them the fruits of our hard labour.”

14 September 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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