A total of seven Prison and Correctional services officers were promoted in a “low key” ceremony last week including the swearing in of the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Prisons and Corrections, Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga. 

During a brief ceremony held at Tanumalala Prison headquarters, Leiataua took the oath of service along with six other working staff for the Prisons and Corrections area who were also promoted. 

Motunuu Mikaele Teofilo is the newly appointed Director of Programme and Development while Tualai Luuga is the Principal Internal Investigator.

Two senior programme officers’ appointments were commissioned, including Lomitusi Maifea and Salauseu Keneti Teo along with two other programme officers including Teuila Aukusotino and Howard Masoe.

“The ceremony was attended by the Commissioner of Police, Prisons & Corrections who also gave the keynote address,” the S.P.P.C.S. public statement reads.

“The Commissioner stress[ed] the importance of following the law and policies. He also highlighted to the promoted officers that, ‘it is not about the rank but the person who holds the rank’ ensuring that with higher ranks the greater the responsibility.”

Deputy Commissioner, Leiataua’s appointment was approved by Cabinet earlier this month.

He was first appointed as Assistant Commissioner in September last year; three months later, Leiataua was transferred to oversee the prison.

Leiataua who took over the operation of the Tanumalala Prisons in November said he was blessed to have the opportunity to oversee the prison. 

“Safety is my top priority, not only for our people in keeping the prisoners within the jail cells but also our Corrections Officers that work at the prison,” said Leiataua. 

“The main priority is rehabilitation programs for the prisoners to assist them in making better decisions and becoming law-abiding citizens to minimise re-offending,” Leiataua told the Samoa Observer. 

Last year in November, the Former Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Programme Development Service Unit for the Ministry of Police and Corrections Services, Maiava Viiga Fuimaono said the focus on punishment, instead of rehabilitation is detrimental. 

Maiava who is a candidate for Falealili No. 2 under the flag of the new political party, Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi said the lack of focus on rehabilitation in prisons is “devastating” for inmates’ welfare.

Maiava resigned following a disagreement with the Police and Prisons Commissioner, Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil, in March, shortly after the latter and the Police took over responsibility for the management of prisons.