The suspended Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) Toleafoa Pativaine Petaia-Tevita has been granted an extension to respond to a report from the STA Board regarding the reasons behind her suspension. 

The Chair of the STA Board, Tauiliili Alise Stunnenberg, confirmed to the Samoa Observer that Toleafoa now has until 10 March.

The suspension which was officially communicated to Toleafoa on 21 February initially required her to respond by last Friday. 

However, the STA Board has decided to extend the deadline to allow more time for Toleafoa to address the concerns raised in the Board's report. 

At the time of the suspension, Tauiliili clarified that the decision was part of standard procedure for all government employees under review.

According to Tauiliili, the suspension was issued due to "unsatisfactory performance," though she did not elaborate on the specific issues that led to this conclusion. 

The nature of these concerns has remained unclear, and efforts to contact Toleafoa for comment have thus far been unsuccessful.

Toleafoa assumed the role of CEO for Samoa's Tourism Authority in 2022. She holds an impressive academic background, including a Master’s in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s in Business, and a Bachelor’s in Accounting. Her qualifications were expected to bring a strategic and effective leadership approach to the Samoa Tourism Authority.

The suspension follows a regular performance review process for government executives, which evaluates their effectiveness in fulfilling their duties. 

As Toleafoa prepares her response, attention remains on how this matter will unfold and what impact it will have on the future of Samoa’s tourism leadership.