The Samoa Observer editorial is brought to you today by the word "postponed." The Oxford Dictionary defines postpone as a verb that means to cause or arrange for (something) to take place at a time later than that first scheduled.

The construction of a planned headquarters for the Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party has been postponed to allow its members to prioritise resolving internal friction. Hopefully, for the sake of the nation, a reconciliation is on its way or will that too get postponed until after a few parliamentary sittings?

Former Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo, stated that he has postponed his plan to challenge his dismissal as a cabinet minister to maintain peace. The laws are very clear about the termination of cabinet ministers. The Constitution allows the Prime Minister to choose her cabinet, it is not contracted employment.

The procurement of the anticipated bigger interisland ferry for travel between Upolu and Savaii has been postponed because the cabinet has yet to endorse it. Yet, the minister responsible did not postpone his post on social media. The cabinet endorsement was not talked about then.

The FAST party’s election promises have been postponed to be included in their 2026 manifesto, something that was promised to be done in the five years they would be in power from 2021. They did not ask people to postpone their votes in return for the postponed promises.

The much-needed work to improve the national hospital has been postponed because talks are ongoing with foreign donors as the government will not take a loan to improve much-needed services. For years, there have been leaks, a shortage of staff and equipment, ongoing thefts and a deteriorating building. Major works are needed but when.

The finishing of the construction of Cross Island Road is postponed because of the rainy weather. This has to do with nature but it seems it is going to be a long wait. All major infrastructure work was postponed in the last two years to give the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting priority.

The chairman and Leader of the FAST party, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt assured supporters the party headquarters will be built in due course. He had told the media that one of the party’s main goals in its recent overseas trip was to establish the FAST headquarters but plans have since changed.

Even if the FAST headquarters will be built, the question is who will get to use it, the FAST Party or the FAST government? There is a feeling that the postponement has nothing to do with the friction in the party but more to do with who signs for the cheques. It is believed the expelled members hold that power for now.

In terms of how much the party currently has, La’auli said there was a lot of money and the actual figure can be confirmed from the bank. MP for Faleata No.4, Ale Vena Ale said the party has over a million tala.

Speaking of party funds, laws are needed for the sake of transparency and accountability that compels each political party to declare who their donors are and how much money they have in their accounts. This will go a long way in ensuring good governance. But like all things, this too might get postponed for another decade.

Similarly, the launch of the anti-corruption policy and the talk of the right to information was good. Those are much needed to curb corruption and let people know what is happening with government funds but there is a ‘postponement’ on the required action.

Postpone is indeed an amazing verb. Just use the word indefinitely in front of it and it will describe the action needed to tend to things that matter to the people of the nation.