There is one corrections officer to every six prisoners, said the Assistant Commissioner for Prison and Corrections Services, Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga as 20 new officers joined the Samoa Corrections Services.

The addition of the 20 means there are now 130 corrections officers in total compared to almost 800 prisoners.

Leiataua said they needed more.

Meanwhile, smiles, hugs and tears of joy were the order of the day at the T.A.T.T.E. Convention Centre as 20 new correction officers celebrated their graduation on Wednesday morning

They were joined by their loved ones, families and friends as well as members of the judiciary, management and staff for the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services. 

Reverend Dr. Alesana Pala’amo led the special celebration with a brief service followed by the keynote address delivered by the Police Commissioner, Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo. 

Auapa’au spoke about the importance of staying true to your calling and honoring the oath they had taken. 

He said the celebration on Wednesday is the culmination of 12-weeks of intense training and studies and therefore commended the graduates for their sacrifices and service. 

He added that taking up such a demanding and difficult, yet noble path is a big step. 

“The past 12 weeks has prepared you to face the reality of the job and to be the best and to serve the people of Samoa through your protection and in securing the prisons and corrections facilities as well as your service to the rehabilitation of the prisoners in your care,” Auapa’au said. 

“Remember your oath. 

“Today, you should be celebrating as you have come this far. Your parents, families, friends, villages should all be proud of your achievements. 

“The people of Samoa are counting on you to do your job with honesty and in accordance with the law. 

“Congratulations and all the best with executing your duties as prisons and correction officers.”

The 20 new corrections officers were sworn-in last week at the District Court by the District Court Judge, Papali’i Rosella Viane-Papali’i. 

"We are grateful to have these new intakes to assist us with our work as we need more officers to help with supervising inmates when they travel from Tanumalala to court, hospital or during their rehabilitation programmes," said Leiataua. 

"We need to have enough manpower so we can perform our duties to the best of our abilities. 

"The new recruits will fill some of our vacant positions and we believe this is a good number and they will help us in a lot of ways moving forward.”

Here are the names of the new correctional officers: Vanessa Seuoti, Solomona Posenai, Ropati Lepou, Pio Manila, Otila Ah Fook, Malaetoimea Sili, Lenetty Tavu'i, Melissa Meleisea, Momo'e Lauese, Onesemo Moefa'auo, Eddie Tolovae, Fa'asinoala Ti'a, Folofe Talifilemu, Gaula Fa'aofo, Kerisiano Kerisiano, Agamalu Fa'alogo, Arrigona Masoe, Avele Solofuti, Blessing Vito, and Boaz Vaefaga.