A total of 12 Chief Executive Officers were sworn into office on Friday afternoon and were reminded their “purpose” as public servants is to “serve the public”. 

The Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, congratulated the C.E.O.s and noted the overarching message of their oath is to serve the public with honesty. 

“Let God lead your path,” said the Prime Minister. 

He added the oaths of the Chief Executive Officers were made before the public and God. 

“Remember to let your oath guide you when at the helm of making decisions that will have an impact in our country,” the Prime Minister said. 

“You were chosen by God as there is no high authority. You are gifted with wisdom, knowledge and common sense and have the ability; each and every one of you hold high degrees and have returned to serve the public.” 

The Prime Minister said the newly sworn in Chief Executive Officers have worked as peers for their previous bosses before taking another step ahead in their career. 

“You are now at the helm [of the Ministries] do not forget to guide yourself with wisdom and love,” he said. 

He quoted the Samoan proverbs that wisdom without control will not end well and that while knowledge is power without love it is meaningless. 

“You will take the lead [and form] good examples [for] your staff from the front,” said the Prime Minister.

He told the newly sworn Chief Executive Officers the seed planted today will sew their future ahead. 

“Continue to plant the seed of righteousness and remember not to slack in fulfilling your duties," the Prime Minister said.  

“The contractual term is for three years and it’s not a very long time and if you are a slack that will showcase at the time your term is up.

“Do not delay your decisions; act accordingly to the directives approved by Cabinet. The more success in projects and development will reflect the type of C.E.O. you are, hardworking and honest leader.” 

The Prime Minister reminded those present of a famous biblical verse: one who is honest in small things will lead big things. 

“One aspect of your job is to advise the Cabinet Ministers in what you know is right. Do not be scared to raise your concerns even if the Minister does not agree, do what is right, as it will benefit the country as a whole," Tuilaepa said. 

“You are the backbone of the Cabinet."

He urged the Chief Executive Officers to work hard and diligently, with principals and be honest. 

The C.E.O.s were told to inform the public of their projects and what they are working on for their benefit. 

“Always make time to see people seeking assistance from your respective Ministries," the Prime Minister said. 

The C.E.O.s who took their oath of office on Friday afternoon, included the National University of Samoa’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Alec Ekeroma; the Samoa Tourism Authority’s, Fa’amatuainu Lenata’I Suifua; the Electric Power Corporation, Faumui Iese Toimoana; the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Frances Debra Brown-Reupena; the Regulator, Gisa Fuatai Purcell; the Samoa Life Assurance Corporation Heseti Sione-Vaai; the Samoa Qualifications Authority, Lealiifano Easter Manila Silipa; the Samoa Shipping Services, Leiataua Samuel Phineas; the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Moliei Simi Vaai; the Attorney-General, Savalenoa Mareva Betham-Annandale; the Samoa International Finance Authority, Tuifaasisina Sieni Tualega-Voorwinden and the Legislative Clerk, Tiatia Graeme Tualaulelei.