The flow of information and narration from the state in 2024 has been tightly controlled and confined to email responses and written speeches sent to media for publication. 

On the other side of the coin, we have whistleblowers who braved the risk of sharing confidential information for the love of their country and bringing allegations to light. 

A steady stream of leaked documents, tip-offs and confidential conversations from sources shone a light on the abuse of power, secrets and conflicts within the Government of which the public would otherwise never have been aware - all thanks to courageous and principled sources.

Some of the Samoa Observer’s sources have come forth to share their thoughts as to why and what inspires them to blow the whistle on matters they see are morally unacceptable and injustice. 

“It doesn’t sit well with me morally to witness the blatant misuse and wastage of our country’s assets without any repercussions,” said one of the sources.

Another whistleblower felt “a lot is going on in the government affecting the public at large yet the Prime Minister isn’t addressing it. 

“Her silence and inaction is concerning. SO [Samoa Observer] is the only forum where these are critically analysed and revealed. It is crucial in its role as watchdog and fourth estate that it continues to do this.”

Another source felt compelled to share confidential information saying, “The greatest thing that we can give our people is to do the right thing and ultimately it is also God’s will”. 

“When we do the right thing our leaders should follow suit and make righteous decisions to benefit our people.” 

Others spoke about being “proud Samoans and very passionate public servants with the sole heart to serve and the confidence that I can make a difference” in the area they have been called and chosen to work in.  

“Never ever let go of injustices,” said another whistleblower. 

“Be a responsible citizen otherwise you’ll always have regrets…and live in a lawless society.” 

Another government employee noted “I am a servant of God first, and a public servant last. Punishment from the first one supersedes the latter.” 

Whistleblowers play a key role in reporting serious wrongdoing and scandalous activities and one has said to have seen “corruption spread like cancer evidently, this year”. 

“I love my country but when public funds and resources intended for common good are being diverted for personal gain, it grinds my wheels,” said the source. 

“The more we allow corruption to flourish the more we pay the price.” 

Starting from February this year, there was trouble in the Samoa National Provident Fund (SNPF) and allegations of abuse of power and misconduct frustrated employers and contributors who didn’t hesitate to tell all. 

Details of substantial investment loans of $67 million released within nine months to six borrowers to several correspondence and letters of complaint from the fund’s management made their way to the Samoa Observer’s door. 

The revelation triggered an inquiry against the chairman of the SNPF’s fund who was suspended for several months. 

In April, more documents came to light on a separate internal inquiry conducted by SNPF board Grievances Committee that cleared the Chairman from accusations made by the management.  

After the Cabinet-directed inquiry into Chairman Papalii Panoa Moala, he received a slap on the wrist from the Cabinet for breaching internal policies and protocols and was told to “iron out internal friction” and clean up the toxic environment within the fund. 

In May and June, letters obtained by the Samoa Observer showed the differences in opinion between the Chief Justice and his fellow bench colleagues over amendments to the structure of the judiciary system. 

Further down the month, the much talked about $1 million development project encountered more teething problems with an investigation into Fa’asaleleaga No.2 and Lepa.  

A copy of those findings and opinions from the Attorney General was obtained by the Samoa Observer and published for the information of the public. 

Opposition Leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi whose district was directly affected commended the “angel” who gave the report to the newspaper noting he has been writing many correspondences to the Attorney General on the findings and those involved but to no avail and was only made aware of it until it was published. 

 The months that followed saw a letter of complaint penned by one of the longest serving employee of the Legislative Assembly against the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly alleging misconduct, conflict of interest and other accusations. 

This was followed by regular tips from sources highlighting ongoing issues at the national hospital infrastructure and damages to expensive assets forcing the public to find service from private clinics.

Furthermore, there has also been public interest in the government’s investment in the Sheraton Mulifanua Resort currently facing a $40 million debt crisis – major shares are held by the SNPF. 

The worrying financial state of the property where the majority of the shares are funded by contributors' retirement funds is revealed in documents from a principled source.

Most recently in the limelight is the Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Olo Fiti Vaai’s airport portfolio and projects that cost taxpayers millions of tala. 

From the alleged breach of security screening of the Speaker and a Cabinet Minister to the tug-of-war between the Samoa Airport Authority and the Air New Zealand airline over the use of the $11 million VIP lounge. 

Internal correspondence between the operators and those involved showed growing friction between SAA and Air NZ over its decision not to accept passengers using the VIP lounge on its flights without going through security screening at the main terminal. 

“I am a believer in transparency and accountability and if I feel the need to raise something that does hold these principles, I believe it should be highlighted,” said one of the sources. 

“It is a risk to my livelihood but if I do not expose wrongdoings, people in power will continue to get away with it. I believe the best platform to do it is with the credible help of independent media.”

One other source challenged the Samoa Observer to remain impartial and independent so it could report without favouritism or fear. 

“It has printed about the truth for more than 40 years and is therefore trustworthy and that speaks for itself.” 

Trust is a very important ingredient for whistleblowers for their protection and one said “If I didn’t trust your newspaper I wouldn’t have told you” stressing the need to have a “truly independent media that will go against all odds”. 

Although it was reassuring that the launching of a national anticorruption policy in 2024 would stretch its muscle to protect whistleblowers not much has materialised since the ribbon-cutting ceremony and sources will continue to release sensitive information under the veil.