It was a proud moment for several top Government officials and their families who witnessed the public servants take their oath of office on Wednesday at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi (T.A.T.T.E.) convention centre. 

The Head of State, Le Ao Mamalu ole Malo, Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II was present during the ceremony.   

Majority of the heads of Government Ministries and agencies have been in office for over six months, except for Public Service Commission members and those sitting on the Remuneration Tribunal appointed by Cabinet last week. 

The Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo said those taking their oaths of office are first time C.E.O.s whereas those being reappointed do not have to be sworn-in again. 

"You only take your oath once," he added. 

Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa congratulated the top officials for their appointments to be the vanguards of the offices they head for the next three years. 

Fiame noted that scriptures reaffirm that authorities that exist have been established by God and their oaths are an articulation of their commitment to God.

“Our collective purpose is to serve our country well,” she told the newly sworn Government officials. “As custodians of public resources it is our duty to exercise care, fairness and integrity in the way we conduct services delivery. 

“It is our responsibility to respond to the needs of our people in accordance with the laws and policies of Government. Above all it is our commitment to serve Samoa with true humility and with love.” 

Fiame also reminded that following last year’s political crisis public servants must remember that Governments change, but the public service remains to ensure continuity in quality government services. 

She said the political upheaval last year reawakened the need to review and reflect on the role of the public service and ensure that there is consistent and effective service delivery.

Those being sworn in include the P.S.C. board Chaired by Nonu Lemauga Saleimoa Vaai, Gatoloai Tilianamua Afamasaga and Fonoti Perelini Perelini. 

In an interview with the new P.S.C. Chairman, he said the Commission's priority now is the recruitment of officers for the several Government offices. 

He also agreed with the Prime Minister that public servants should remain neutral from any political influence. 

Nonu also said there are discussions on bringing back the P.S.C. function in carrying out the appointment of C.E.O.s that is being done by Cabinet. 

At the ceremony were also seven Chief Executive Officers who took their oaths of office. 

They include; C.E.O. for Ministry of Women Community and Social Development, Dr. Mema Motusaga, C.E.O. for Samoa Water Authority (S.W.A.), Fuimaono Dominic Schwalger, C.E.O. for Ministry of Works Transport and Infrastructure, Fui Tupai Mau Simanu, C.E.O. for Samoa Bureau of Statistics, Leota Aliielua Salani, C.E.O. for Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.), Pativaine Reita Petaia-Tevita, C.E.O. for Ministry of Finance, Saoleititi Maeva Betham – Vaai and Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (F.E.S.A.) Commissioner, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga. 

Speaking to Samoa Observer, the head of Finance, Saoleititi said he is humbled with the opportunity to serve the Government after working in the treasury as her first job when she just finished university. 

“I’m still enjoying the work and challenges of the work,” she said. 

“It is always the objective of being a scholarship student funded by Government to serve the Government and when you get the calling you should rise to the challenge and serve the Government, to help Government and to help our people.” 

From the villages of Vaisala, Vailele and Saleilua Falealili the C.E.O. said her plans is to ensuring to build capacity and to be able to work as a team and deliver on outcomes for the benefit of Samoa’s economy. 

Proud relatives of the Government officials filled the T.A.T.T.E. Convention Center to witness the ceremony and congratulate their loved ones.