The two newly appointed Ministers took their oath on Tuesday as they stepped up to join their Cabinet colleagues led by the Prime Minister to serve and respond to the needs of the people. 

The former associate minister of works, transport and infrastructure, Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell was promoted in the Cabinet reshuffle announced last week to lead the newly created Ministry of Sports and Recreation. 

Former senior public servant and recently elected Member of Parliament for Vaimauga No. 3 Lautimuia Uelese Vaai has taken over the finance portfolio and is the new Minister for Finance.

He replaces the outgoing minister of finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo who has been tasked to accelerate the SAT$1 million district fund under the Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development.  

Lautimatiamanu and Lautimuia took their oath of office before the Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi Va’aletoa II on Tuesday morning.

Also present was the Council of Deputy, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia, Speaker of the House, Papalii Lio Masipau, members of the diplomat corps, Government officials and relatives and families of the new Ministers.

It’s been 25 months since the new Government began its tenure in office and Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa said her Government has traversed through various challenges following the 2021 General Election. In addition, she said this also includes steering the Government through a period of transition. 

Fiame congratulated the new Cabinet Ministers who will work alongside the 13 other Ministers which includes herself. 

“Our vision is to work collectively to foster social harmony, safety, and freedom for all,” she said. “We are committed to accomplishing what we have set out in the pathway for the development of Samoa to empower communities, build resilience and inspire growth.

“It starts with us Cabinet Ministers, our collective responsibility is to serve our country well.”

As custodians of public offices, Fiame said it’s their duty to exercise care, fairness and integrity in the way they conduct service delivery. 

She then reminded her Government that it is their responsibility to respond to the needs of the people in accordance with the laws and state policies.

“Above all, it’s our commitment to serve Samoa with true humility and with love,” said Fiame.

The new Cabinet Ministers had the opportunity to take photos with the Head of State and the Prime Minister at the end of formalities. The Opposition Leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and a few of his party members also attended the swearing-in of the new Ministers. 

The swearing-in ceremony service was led by Rev. Uatitagi Asuelu.