The Public Trust of Samoa's new office was officially opened on Monday and gives members of the public easy access and convenience in the heart of Apia.

The new office in Matafelefele is located in a two-storey building directly opposite Samoa Housing Corporation's new premises that was previously the old headquarters of the corporation. 

Acting Prime Minister, Tuala Tevaga Ponifasio officially launched the public entity's new office, which was renovated and refurbished to align with the kind of services that it will be providing to the public.

In his opening remarks at the unveiling of the new office, Tuala said it has been a challenge for the PTOS to relocate from its old premises at the TATTE building.

"It was an initiative by myself, the chair and the board committee for the Public Trust, and Public Trust to relocate the office to a better place where it can be easier to find, access or locate for the members of the public to conveniently discuss their matters pertaining to their independent estates or will makings," he said. "A lot of people don't know the essence of this public trust service by the Government to the country. 

"It's challenging to accept for any person because once you make a will, it automatically means to people that God's calling upon you is closer. Make a will. Whatever or whenever God calls you, at least you know who will reap benefits from your assets or your properties."

The PTOS has a long history in Samoa going back to 1920 when it was first established by the New Zealand colonial administration to offer such services to members of the public.

The office later became an entity following the enactment of the Public Trust Act 1975. The roles and responsibilities of the PTOS are regulated under the Public Trust Act 1975 including disbursing of instates/properties of the deceased and regulating public trust services.

The relocation of the office to Matafelefele aligns with the goal of improving the public services, as well as the Government's plans for better public services from 2020 to 2025. This is the pathway for a bright future for Samoa from 2021-2026 with priorities to increase the completion of the Government's developments.

PTOS administer the lands and other assets of deceased persons as well as provides a free will-making service to Samoan citizens of all ages, with many years of experience. As part of their community work, PTOS also manage trust funds for infants/minors and persons of unsound mind. Overseeing lands and trust funds forms a big part of their work.

The PTOS is a public trading body owned by Government on behalf of the Samoan Community with a mission to offer professional and independent estate and trustee services to the Samoan community, and a vision to be the first choice provider of estate and trustee services in Samoa.