The latest dispute between shareholders of the Sheraton Mulifanua Beach Resort and John Flannery, who represents the second-largest shareholder, Digicel Caribbean Executive AV Services Ltd., has cast yet another unflattering light on those in positions of authority.

An attempt by shareholders to oust Flannery was halted by an interim court injunction, with Flannery reportedly arriving at last week’s shareholder meeting holding the court order, creating what must have been a highly awkward encounter.

However, what truly overshadowed the entire situation was the response from Samoa Airport Authority (SAA) Chairman, Leiataua Isikuki Punivalu.

When the Samoa Observer asked for his comment on the resolution to revoke Flannery, Leiataua replied bluntly, “Why does the general public need to know? It’s not government shares…nobody has the right to know,” before abruptly ending the call.

Leiataua’s statement is deeply worrying and highlights an issue that urgently needs to be addressed.

As the SAA holds 4.9 percent of the resort’s shares—alongside the SNPF’s 55 percent stake, the Parliamentary Pension Scheme’s 1.3 percent, and CSL’s 0.2 percent—the combined public ownership far outweighs all private shareholders.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, the Samoa Observer has verified that the hotel is burdened with a $40 million tala debt, with a proposed offering on the table. 

If this offering proceeds, the SNPF could end up with an 88 percent stake in a hotel that is effectively broke, requiring it to inject even more money on top of the $22.5 million tala already loaned to the hotel. 

This creates a risky and unusual cycle, with the SNPF injecting money into a failing business it is already lending to in order to cover its debts—a situation that risks spiraling endlessly.

With this increased exposure funded by the hard-earned contributions of Samoan workers, the public’s right to be informed becomes even more critical.

So, Leiataua’s claim that the public has “no right to know” is not only inaccurate but dangerously dismissive, especially given the financial stakes involved.

The public, as the primary stakeholder, absolutely has a right to know.

But sadly, Leiataua’s remarks are not surprising, as attitudes like his have unfortunately become far too common among public officials, many of whom seem to believe that their government-appointed positions shield them from accountability.

The role of the press is not to target individuals or act out of malice but to seek the truth and ask questions, especially when public resources or interests are involved. Those in high office should answer these questions with the same respect they expect in return.

History has repeatedly shown that officials who dismiss or disrespect the media often come running back when they find themselves in need of public support. 

If there is any doubt, one need only look to the Opposition leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, whose relationship with the press has come full circle.