Dear Editor,

I write in response to the article published by your reporter Sulamanaia Manaui Faulalo in the Sunday Samoan 2 February 2025 edition, which questioned the presence and subsequent removal of a tent at the Faleolo International Airport VIP Terminal carpark.

The tent in question is owned by me, CEO of the Samoa Airport Authority (SAA) Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu, and was provided for the SAA staff’s beginning-of-year church service. A simple search on the Authroity’s Facebook page would have confirmed this.

I would like to clarify that the tent was lent by me at no cost to the SAA or taxpayers. It was used for a single day to support our staff during our important mass and at no point was there any instruction from the Minister of Works Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI) Hon. Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai, or his office, to make a tent available for any Minister’s car at the VIP terminal.

It is unfortunate to see articles being written based on speculation rather than seeking out all the facts before publishing. Such reporting not only misinforms the public but also undermines the hard work and integrity of public servants who strive to serve the people of Samoa honestly.

Furthermore, I note that an email sent by Sulamanaia to the Minister and myself after hours – Friday 31/01/2025 at 7.16 pm – did not provide ample time for a response. This approach falls short of the standards expected of investigative journalism.

The insinuations made in the article have caused unnecessary harm to my reputation and that of the Minister, and for that I demand a public apology from your publication to both myself and the Minister for the misleading and speculative nature of the article.

I urge your publication to ensure that future reporting is based on verified facts and that journalists take the time to engage with relevant stakeholders to provide accurate and balanced coverage.

Sincerely,

Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu

CEO, Samoa Airport Authority