The newly appointed Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Va'ai says he is ready to serve the people of Samoa with "humility and love". 

In an exclusive interview with this newspaper, the former Samoa Shipping Services boss said the appointment came as a surprise for him and his family.  

Lautimuia replaced Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio'o, who is now the Minister for Women, Community and Social Development, as part of a Cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa on Wednesday.

The Vaimauga No. 3 M.P. credited God for his blessings, saying he "owes everything to him". While Lautimuia admits that being the Finance Minister is a "huge challenge", he remains optimistic. 

"I would like to think that I am ready to take up this big challenge," Lautimuia said.  "I also know that I have to go into this work with humility and rely heavily on God to guide me through this next chapter of his life. 

"It's a huge challenge, but it's not impossible, so I'm looking forward to it."

Lautimuia said his new Cabinet appointment "meant a lot" to him and he is passionate about serving his people and country. 

"I am just a servant for this country and whatever God wants me to do, it's a calling and I will willingly accept and do my best to glorify his name.

"I did not expect to get this kind of appointment in this parliamentary term. As you know, I entered parliament by way of a by-election and the goal was to serve my constituency and country in this role for the remainder of this term and prepare for the next general election. 

"But I did not expect this to happen now. However, as they say, our thoughts are not God's thoughts so I feel very humble, to be honest. 

"I know this is all part of God's plans for me, I didn't know this would be my time, but if he wants to use me in this way to serve, then I will accept it with a humble heart and will serve my people with humility. 

"I acknowledge our Prime Minister for trusting me to take up this huge responsibility and be of service to our people in this capacity. It's a calling and I can never thank God enough for using me.

"I am looking forward to the challenge; I know it's a huge challenge and I know and understand what's on my plate right now. But I have faith in the chief executive Officers we now have because I know they are the backbone of the government. 

"I've worked in the Government long enough to know that Ministers rely on the C.E.O.s for their support in order to achieve great things for Samoa. There needs to be trust between the Minister and the C.E.O.s in order to achieve their goals and serve Samoa."

When asked by this newspaper how will he contribute to Cabinet and Samoa in his new role as Finance Minister? The new Cabinet Minister said he wants to work harder following his elevation.  

"For me, I want to work hard in this position and be of service to our Cabinet so that we have a Government that's credible in the eyes of the ordinary citizens of Samoa. 

"We want to have a Government with integrity so that no matter what happens, the people will always trust that the government will always do the right thing in the best interest of the public. 

"I will serve loyally to the best interest of the public. I still feel like a public servant and I wish to remain that way and continue to serve our country to the best of my ability."

Lautimuia then explained that he had not officially met his constituency and informed them of the latest appointment. However, he said the members of the district councils are very "proud" and happy with the news. 

"I thought about being a Cabinet Minister at one point. I grew up in a very politically driven family and as I worked in government, I knew that there would come a time when I would serve somewhere either in the region or in parliament. 

"But I've always been passionate about politics and the initial plan was to just get into parliament. So this is a dream come true and all I can say is God has been so good to me and I owe him everything."

Lautimuia served as the General Manager for Samoa Shipping Services before he was elected the MP for Vaimauga No.3. earlier this year. 

Prior to that, he held senior management positions in the public service as an Accountant Reporting and Management Accountant with the Ministry of Finance (6 years), Director of Corporate and Strategic Services at Ministry of Police and Prisons (10 years), and Assistant Regulator/Manager Electricity at the Office of the Regulator (2 years).

And while with the Ministry of Finance, he represented the Financial Secretary on boards of various State Owned Enterprises and Companies including the Samoa Housing Corporation, Samoa Shipping Corporation, National Pacific Insurance (N.P.I.) and Computer Services Limited (C.S.L.).

Lautimuia holds a Bachelor’s Degree with double majors in Accounting and Financial Management, and Management and Public Administration from the University of the South Pacific, Fiji.

 He also completed a Diploma in Business with the Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand as well as a member of the Samoa Institute of Accountants and an associate member of the Samoa Institute of Directors.

His community role includes service to his home village of Magiagi where he holds the ‘Lautimuia’ title. His Afoa title is from Vaisala, Savaii. 

He is an active matai on the village council of Magiagi, chairman of the board of trustees of the Magiagi pre-school, deacon and treasurer of the E.F.K.S. church Magiagi, and President of the Lupe o le Soaga (Magiagi) rugby club.

The son of Lautimuia Afoa Vaai Sr. of Vaisala and Auala and Sua Papali’i of Sapapali’i, Lautimuia is married with three children.