The new Chairperson of the Development Bank of Samoa board, Tamaleta Taimang Jensen is eyeing several developments in Samoa to improve agriculture, fisheries and boost the economy, which he says is his new calling.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Tamaleta said his appointment is yet to be made official as per normal procedure but he is already keen to get the job done and boost several developments around Samoa.

Asked what his plans are for the development of the bank and Samoa, Tamaleta said he hopes to improve the developments of the country through the Bank in its' decision making.

"My contract is for three years but in terms of my responsibilities, I aim to improve not only the bank but also the devleopment in Samoa such as agriculture because D.B.S handles such big developments in terms of loans " he said.

He also stressed that he projected several sectors in Samoa such as tourism, agriculture and the economy to slacken off but find its way and grow.

The academic will multitask after he is officially appointed as the Chair and will remain a teacher as it is also his goal to assist through the education sector.

Tamaleta is also a former University academic who contested the Vaimauga No.2 seat in the 2021 General Election. 

The 62-year-old former National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) Economics lecturer had also run in past General Elections.

His goals when running for the elections were in the educational sector, deteriorating road infrastructure, and dwindling health services,  areas that he wantws to address hence his decision to contest.

Tamaleta is married and has five children. He was a banker at ANZ and had also worked for the Ministry of Finance and holds a Masters of Business Studies from Massey University. He was also involved with the Samoa Rugby Union and has been a lecturer at the N.U.S. for four years.

D.B.S is mostly tasked to serve hoteliers with big loans for the development of their businesses and meanwhile, many hotels had been on the market due to unmet payments to the bank.