The Executive Director and Leader of the Samoa Independent Seventh Day Adventist Church (SISDAC), Pastor Alaimoana Willie Papu did not deny that the church is seven months overdue on its loan repayments to the Samoa National Provident Fund (SNPF).

He confirmed that the church was committed to settling outstanding repayments of its $13 million loan with the SNPF.

Speaking to local media following the recent handover of a $200,000 donation from the church to the Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party, Pastor Alaimoana acknowledged the church’s outstanding loan but assured that efforts are underway to clear the debt.

“We are working on collecting money from various sources, including the hotel, and we will soon pay off everything,” he said. “Our goal is to have everything settled by the end of this year.”

Pastor Alaimoana also addressed what he described as “defamatory” statements targeting SISDAC regarding its financial obligations and recent political donations. 

However, he dismissed the criticisms, maintaining that the church is managing its finances responsibly.

He emphasised that the church is nearing the completion of renovations at its hotel, a key revenue-generating asset expected to contribute significantly to the repayment of its loans.

He acknowledged that the loan from SNPF was to buy and renovate the hotel as an investment for the church and that it offers employment opportunities for members of the church. 

In addition, Pastor Alaimoana hinted at potential legal action against an unspecified newspaper and the SNPF itself. He suggested that proceeds from this lawsuit could further assist in covering the remaining debt.

SISDAC’s loan from the SNPF is among several significant disbursements made by the Fund, which reportedly loaned a total of $67 million to various organisations within nine months from May 2023 to February 2024.