It may have come at a cost but the decision to ground flights by Samoa Airways because of the positive drug tests must be applauded. The airline is serious regarding safety, which is good to know.

It is reassuring to know that the national carrier will not take any chance or bend rules for the sake of making money and it will never compromise lives. That in itself is a statement and something the nation can be proud of.

Scheduled flights for Samoa Airways on Wednesday were cancelled following the positive results for illegal substances and alcohol in 10 per cent of tested staff. To remedy the issue, Samoa Airways had to charter Talofa Airways costing the airline $30,000 to accommodate passengers travelling to and from American Samoa on the day. 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the national carrier, Fauoo Fatu Tielu confirmed three staff tested positive for illicit drugs namely methamphetamine, amphetamine and cannabis.

A total of 96 staff from the airline underwent testing that was referred to the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) with results received in January and late last week.

Given its role as the ground handler for major international carriers like Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Fiji Airways, Samoa Airways is acutely aware of the necessity to uphold a safe, drug-free environment to mitigate the risk of accidents and ensure optimal operational safety.

Fauoo had remarked that the results did not surprise him because of the high prevalence of narcotics in the country. Samoa Airways has become one of the first to openly discuss the results of the drug tests showing the transparency and accountability commanded by its leadership.

Samoa Airways has shown that they value the commitment they have undertaken to abide by the contractual agreements that they have with international partners. Should this become compromised, Samoa stands to lose a lot.

This is also a lesson that other government-owned entities should learn. If the rules, regulations and procedures are there, follow them and nothing good will come if you try and bend them. The VIP Terminal affair which led to two politicians being temporarily detained in New Zealand is a good example of what not to do.

To say that 10 per cent of the staff tested positive for drugs and alcohol is also concerning. The Samoa Fire and Emergency Authority also tested its staff but the results were not made public. The Samoa Police and Corrections Services were talking about the drug tests, hopefully they have started conducting theirs. The police need drug tests, it will show how many officers are clean and how many are not.

This is very important in the fight against drugs because those involved in this battle should not be corrupted in any form. Medical staff should also be tested as they are involved in a service where a mistake could be the difference between life and death.

The other worrying thing is if the drug tests are conducted across the board in all government departments, the results may come out very surprising. A police clearance will not show that a person takes drugs that could interfere with their judgement, a drug test is needed for that. SROS can carry out the tests and their services should be utilised.

It is the responsibility of the government to ensure the best services for the people of Samoa and if this means that government need to be tested for narcotics, go ahead and do it.