The Minister of Finance Lautimuia Uelese Vaai has confirmed that the Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F.), Lemalu Selesitina Meni-Reti remains on leave.

It has now been almost three months since Lemalu suffered a fall at the SNPF office and had to be stretchered off in an ambulance.

In response to questions from this newspaper last week, Lautimuia said Lemalu suffered from a leg injury and has not resumed work. 

The absence of the C.E.O. comes at a critical juncture for the S.N.P.F., as the fund grapples with various concerns and issues that have surfaced over the past two weeks. 

Questions regarding the C.E.O.'s whereabouts and involvement in addressing these matters have emerged, prompting stakeholders to seek clarity on the situation.

Sources close to the matter have disclosed to this newspaper that Lemalu suffered an unfortunate accident in December, falling from the stairs at the S.N.P.F. headquarters. She hasn't returned to work since then. 

This incident reportedly occurred just before a scheduled press conference where the announcement of the recent dividend payout to contributors was to be made. 

Since then, Lemalu has been absent from her duties, raising questions about her condition and the impact on the fund's operations.

However, Lautimuia confirms that in the absence of the C.E.O., the Acting Chief Executive Officers (A.C.E.O.s) of the fund have assumed responsibility for overseeing its operations. 

Lemalu Selesitina Meni-Reti took on the role of C.E.O. in July of 2023, following her appointment the previous month. 

Almost two weeks ago, the management of the fund wrote a "letter of concern" expressing their dissatisfaction towards the Chairman of the fund, Papali'i Panoa Moala in a letter addressed to the Minister of Finance. 

Papali'i has flatly refuted all the allegations contained in the said letter and explained that some of the concerns raised by management were approved by Lemalu. 

Attempts were made to get a comment from Lemalu but have been unsuccessful. 

Lautimuia confirmed last week that the Chairman will be suspended while they investigate the allegations made against him by the management and staff of S.N.P.F. 

They will also investigate whether the Chairman and Board upheld the fund's lending policies and regulations in the disbursements of $67 million to just five clients within nine months.