It was an emotional day for the four new Cabinet Ministers who have taken over the portfolios of their colleagues nearing the end of the current parliamentary term.

While the representatives have been promoted to higher office they echoed the importance of reuniting the Fa’atuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party members.  

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony held at the Head of State’s residence in Vailele on Wednesday, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Ma’ataafa announced the new office holders and their responsible ministries. 

The Minister of Commerce Industry and Labour (MCIL) is Faleomavaega Titimaea Tafua, Minister of Women Community and Social Development (MWCSD) is Lagaaia Tiaituau Tufuga, Minister of Communication Information and Technology (MCIT), Mau’u Siaosi Puepuemai and the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries is Niuava Malolo Eti.

The promotion of the new Cabinet members comes at the back of the revocation of appointment for La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, Mulipola Anarosa Ale–Molioo, Leota Laki Lamositele and Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo.

Faleomavaega is the M.P. for Aleipata Itupa I Lalo and his elevation to the ministerial post is a milestone for his constituency and a special accomplishment that is close to his heart. 

His father, the late Tafua Kalolo Tafua was the last parliamentarian from Aleipata Itupa I Lalo to hold a ministerial portfolio 40 years ago.  

Faleomavaega thanked the Lord for his appointment and the Prime Minister for the opportunity afforded to his constituency to serve at a higher level. 

“These appointments can only be made by the Prime Minister and for that I am thankful,” he said after taking his oath. 

“I’m also grateful that my constituency has been considered for this position, it has been a long time since our constituency held a ministerial post. The last time we had a minister was in 1985 and he was my father, Tafua Kalolo Tafua.” 

Lagaaia from Palauli No.3, said his appointment took him by surprise when he received the call from the Prime Minister on Tuesday to prepare for his swearing-in the next day. 

He said it has been some time since his constituency last held a ministerial post and this new calling was not something that crossed his mind. 

The last MP from the district to have held a ministerial post was Leituala Tone Tu’uaga who was appointed the Minister of Women in the 1996 to 2001 parliamentary term. 

The new minister commented that they have not left the FAST party and it is his prayer that the ruling party can come together again. 

“They are not different from us and we haven’t left too,” he said. 

“We are not at odds and the truth is that we want to continue the fellowship with FAST. Maybe next week we will be reunited again.” 

Mau’u from Vaa o Fonoti echoed the same sentiment saying the light will come and he only hopes for the unity of the party and he remains supportive of the government. 

Niuava from Vaisigano No.1 said he was thankful for the calling and is prepared to continue his service. 

While he was reluctant to comment about the current division he noted there will be a day. 

Rev. Iese Uele from the Congregational Christian Church Samoa in Vaiala did the opening prayer and called on everyone regardless of which party they are aligned with to maintain their support for the government.