The Minister for Health Valasi Tafito Selesele’s frustration towards the Samoa Observer seems a little ‘harsh’ considering it was the use of the words the ministry had provided in the notice.

Director General Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma admitted that the notice’s wording was incorrect and he should be applauded for accepting that the error was on their part. The Samoa Observer stands by its report and the facts stated in the article, ‘Severe shortage of doctors.’

Valasi claimed the newspaper was involved in politics and even went on to say it should be mindful in the selection of its words. He wants the newspaper to make the people happy.

Firstly, this whole situation shows a disconnect in the ministry. There seems to be a lack of communication between the minister, the head of the ministry and the management. That is one way to explain why the minister had not seen the notice.

Secondly, it is a known fact that a doctor shortage exists, even with them not going on leave or taking a break, the problem impacts normal operations. The minister has been quoted many times admitting to the doctor and nurse shortage issue. Then why the frustration instead of action to fix the problem?

It was also surprising that the health minister brought up the issue of the Speaker and the Minister of Justice being temporarily detained in New Zealand for allegedly bypassing security checks when boarding an Air New Zealand flight.

“Just like the word detained it means locked up but if you investigate the Minister nor a Member of Parliament was locked up at the time,” Valasi said at the press conference on Tuesday. Yes, minister, they were not locked up but they were held back and questioned about their alleged security breach and therefore detained.

The articles in the Samoa Observer are not about making people happy. The founder of this newspaper established it to hold the government accountable, provide information to the masses and ensure everyone especially politicians remained truthful to the people.

We have done this for over four decades and we will continue to do so even if you think the words used are ‘harsh.’ We will not call a spade a fork to make people happy. If the situation is ugly, we will call it ugly. If the Manu Samoa are walloped, we will not say it was a close call.

Similarly, if the services at the hospital are not up to standard, it will be highlighted so action can be taken. We also highlight the good that the ministry or government does.

The Samoa Observer has done this by staying politically neutral. We do not tow a political line. We never will. We highlight facts, uncover corruption, and ask for accountability and transparency because the people of this country have a right to know.

We will continue to shed light on the positive and hold everyone accountable. The Samoa Observer will be critical when there is a need to be. We are an enabler of democracy; having better-informed voters would lead to a more legitimate government.

We ensure that citizens make responsible, informed choices rather than acting out of ignorance or misinformation. Information serves a “checking function” by ensuring that elected representatives uphold their oaths of office and carry out the wishes of those who elected them.

We provide the public with in-depth and factual information to inform their political decision-making. We act as a watchdog against abuses of power and offer a forum for the exchange of opinions, experiences, and perspectives.

Have a great day Samoa.