Dear Editor,

As we witness the ongoing political turmoil in Samoa, it is hard to ignore the sense of frustration and concern that many of us feel. Since January, the nation has found itself in a state of uncertainty, with a parliament in limbo, elected leaders engaged in political squabbles, and the use of divisive tactics that only deepen the rifts within our society. Families are torn apart, and the sense of unity that once bound us together seems to be slipping away.

While there have certainly been moments of political unrest in Samoa’s past, we cannot afford to let history repeat itself. One such dark moment was the tragic assassination of a parliamentarian, a painful reminder of how far political tensions can go. Let us remember this past so that we never again face such a devastating loss.

The current situation, while disheartening, has shed light on the true nature of some of our leaders. It has become increasingly apparent that there are those in power who are driven by personal ambition, seeking to serve only themselves, and there are those who genuinely care for the well-being of the people of Samoa. The unfolding events have exposed these individuals for who they truly are. If you fail to recognize this, I urge you to reconsider your perspective.

What is even more troubling is the lack of respect shown by certain elected leaders toward our public servants. Some have not hesitated to publicly undermine these dedicated individuals, calling them incompetent, without acknowledging the tireless work they do to serve our nation. A prime example is the former Minister of Agriculture, who spent months tarnishing the reputation of the Ministry of Police and Prison. Unfortunately, some of his supporters have blindly followed his rhetoric, attacking the police force and its leaders, who work tirelessly to ensure the safety of Samoa.

Let us be clear: the people working in our ministries, including the police, are public servants paid by taxpayers to serve Samoa. They operate within the boundaries of laws and policies designed to maintain order and uphold justice. It is evident that the former minister’s grievances stemmed from the Ministry of Police’s refusal to comply with his personal requests, rather than any legitimate failures within the department.

Similarly, the former Minister of Finance’s actions have raised serious questions about her judgment. When the Central Bank of Samoa raised concerns about the potential consequences of endorsing certain foreign investments, the former minister ignored their advice and took matters into her own hands. She even attended a ceremony in Hong Kong, representing Samoa as a minister, without considering the ramifications of her presence. Despite her attempts to deny the situation, the fact remains that she was there, and the Prime Minister had to state to distance the government from her actions. When confronted by the media, she chose to blame others rather than take responsibility for her decisions.

What is most alarming is the apparent willingness of some leaders to disregard the advice of qualified experts and public servants in favour of their own agendas. This is not just a matter of poor decision-making; it is a threat to the democratic principles on which our nation was built. The Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, should have acted decisively when the former Minister of Finance’s actions first raised red flags. Protecting such leaders only undermines the integrity of our government.

As Samoa faces these turbulent times, it is clear that we deserve better. We need leaders who are not only competent but also committed to the well-being of our people. The lessons of the past should serve as a guide for the future. We must elect leaders who prioritise the nation’s interests over personal ambitions.

Let this be a call to action: we must learn from the mistakes of the present and ensure that the right individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of leading Samoa forward.

Ta'uimeasina