A former Member of Parliament and Associate Minister hopes the 9 April election will mark his return to politics after a 15-year absence.

Lepou Petelo II, who is contesting the Faleata No.1. constituency, is a former MP and associate minister for education from 2002–2006.

He told the Samoa Observer in an interview that he knows what it takes to prioritise education in line with the caretaker Government’s 2040 Plan which was launched a fortnight ago.

Setting his sights on education, Lepou says he hopes to use it as a solution to prioritise opportunities for every person.

"I believe in education opportunities for our people so they are responsive to the changing tides of today’s day and age,” Lepou said.

"Developments aren’t just material things but investing in building knowledge to create relevant responses and interventions, not just today but that of tomorrow.”

The Faleata No.1. constituency continues to grow and the candidate said it is time to start investing in the people.

“Our constituency population has grown in numbers and we do need to invest in our people to become educated so they can find decent employment not just in the public but the private sector.  

“I am also appreciative of the support that small businesses have contributed to the development of the constituency, especially during Covid where families have spent quality time in farming to earn.

“Development in all facets of society is evident and we must be receptive to these changes in today’s climate that we cannot look back and say if only we had done something or if only we had worked together as a community.”

Extreme weather events are also a cause for concern for the aspiring politician, who emphasised the need for a focus on infrastructure, due to the frequent impact of bad weather.

Lepou said the flash floods early this year confirmed that the authorities shouldn’t be complacent to the need for infrastructure, especially for communities such as Moamoa Fou and those living within the vicinity of the Lotopa–Tulaele Ford and Vaimoso bridge.

“Climate Change is real and it takes our community to address it,” Lepou said.

As a former foreman with the Special Projects Development Corporation at Vaimea from 1982 to 1987, Lepou has worked in a number of infrastructural works around the country including most remote areas.  

“S.P.D.C was contracted by the government through the Department of Public Works during this period to provide many of its infrastructural projects, I was fortunate to be involved in many road projects in all of Savai’i and the international airport tarmac at Faleolo.”

Prior to working in the infrastructural sector, Lepou also worked as a lab assistant in soil testing at the University of the South Pacific (U.S.P.) Samoa Campus.  

He said it was a specialised field that one of his sons also studied and graduated with a bachelor’s degree.

“I have been involved in many research studies and soil testing carried out by the School of Agriculture at the University of the South Pacific, Alafua Campus from 1966 to 1970.  

“This would also be something I would assist our young people to take up as their fields of studies which the government is also prioritizing in the field of agriculture.”

As a registered Samoan orator, chief and matai who has served his village of Lepea for over 40 years, Lepou believes that the uniqueness of fa’a Samoa has taught him well.

“I have spent most of my life as a matai to serve my family, village, and as a proud member of the Lepea Catholic Church,” he said.

“It has given me honorable moments to have learned and earned experiences in traditional leadership and cultural milestones within my family, village, and church. 

“As former village Mayor and Member of Parliament, I have had the most humble experience in political leadership to always serve through respect and farsightedness for the people.”

Lepou is involved with the sporting fraternity and was one of the founding members of the Marist St Joseph’s Sports Club.  

It was the same Club that nurtured one of his son’s rugby careers (both in union and league) as well as his eldest daughter who also served as the general secretary.

In 2015 Lepou was awarded Outstanding Service and Commitment to Marist St Joseph’s Sports Club from 1970-2015 by his club during its 45th Anniversary celebrations.

It was a recognition that he feels should be shared with young people in the development of sports.