Tupuola Theresa Finau, a tenant operating a business within the Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) Cultural Village, penned a letter addressed to the Tourism Chief, raising concerns regarding a meeting held on 20 September. 

Dated 24 September 2024, Tupuola characterised the STA Chief Executive Officer Toleafoa Pativaine Petaia-Tevita as "clearly aggressive and unbecoming of a C.E.O."

She asserted that Toleaofa’s remarks seemed to overstep boundaries, suggesting that the CEO treated the tenants as if they were children under her authority. 

“You accused all tenants of alleged posts on social media without concrete examples or evidence of the post you are referring to,” Tupuola stated, emphasising the damaging nature of such allegations without substantiation.

She warned the C.E.O. about the legal implications of her statements, noting, “Tarnishing everyone with these allegations is defamatory in nature and actionable at law.” 

Tupuola challenged the C.E.O.’s understanding of defamation, questioning her qualifications to make such claims and reminding her that “you are not a judge and you are not a court authorised to decide issues of defamation.”

Tupuola also expressed concerns regarding potential renovations of the Cultural Village, which Toleaofa mentioned during the meeting. 

“You indicated that the village will be closed for renovations. Is this true?” she questioned. She sought clarification on whether there was an official board resolution regarding the closure and the legality of using village workers for construction tasks. 

“What’s the legal status of using people like dancers to do building work?” she asked, highlighting potential safety issues when unqualified personnel are engaged in construction activities.

Furthermore, Tupuola raised alarms over S.T.A.'s outreach to the village council of Apia for intervention against tenants allegedly posting defamatory content online. 

“Is this a threat?” she queried, asserting the rights of tenants to voice their concerns and opinions.

Demanding transparency, Tupuola requested a written explanation from Toleaofa regarding the reasons for the cultural village’s closure, including specific dates and details about the alleged defamatory posts. 

“As a tenant whose payments are up-to-date, I demand you give me a written letter outlining the reason for the closure of the village and the dates involved,” she insisted. 

She warned that failure to provide this information would lead to legal action against the STA Board and the Authority, citing a breach of natural justice as a constitutional right.

Tupuola copied her letter to several high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, and members of the STA Board.

Toleaofa on Tuesday this week requested that the Samoa Observer hold the publication of Tupuola's letter until she could respond. However, as of Thursday, no response had been issued despite follow-up emails.