Caretaker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi has described the Vaia’ata prison project as a “strategic development “ undertaken by his government.

Speaking at the official opening of the extended prison facility in Savai’i last Friday, Tuilaepa acknowledged the challenges that the project faced, though he said he was confident the project would be concluded.

“It is unquestionable that Government and the Ministry encountered a number of challenges and dilemmas along the way, however, those challenges ensured us that ‘where there is a will, there is a way’,” he said during his speech at the soft opening ceremony of the new prison in Savai’i.

Tuilaepa said the Vaia’ata prison is the beginning of a fresh start to build infrastructure that is safe, secure and environmentally friendly for prisoners.

“The opening of the two buildings for the Vaia'ata prison facility, here in the big island of Savai’i,” he added. 

“This has been one of government’s strategic developments over the past few years, to build an enabling physical surrounding that is safe, secure and environmentally healthy for all fellow prisoners assigned here to Vaia’ata prison facility.

“Notwithstanding the security and safety of staff and being able to have access to the most relevant equipment for implementation on a daily basis.”

The caretaker Prime Minister said the strategic intention and outlook of this project is that it will not only benefit the community through improved safety and security, but to ensure the protection and wellbeing of all prisoners through reduced re-offending.

“We believe, for all the good deeds we aspire to establish for the better, there are always obstacles that eventually get in the way of us achieving our goals; fortunately, today, we are all witnesses of such accomplishment.

“Therefore, the overarching goal and strategic direction behind this project is the overall safety and security of Samoa as a Christian nation.”

According to Tuilaepa, the estimated budget for the project is $600,000 which is inclusive of $300,000 for one building.

“The overall actual spending for this project is at a total of $619,000. 

“We would like to congratulate the [caretaker] Minister of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services [Tialavea Tionisio Hunt] for taking the lead and for continuously pressing on with this project.

“We would also like to thank the Commissioner, management and staff of the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services for your commitment and being steadfast, while in the middle of a lot of unexpected challenges.

“Special thanks to all fellow prisoners who have well utilised their talents in making this project a success. Malo lava, faafetai.”

Built by prisoners, the opening ceremony of the extended prison facility was closed to members of the public and the media were not invited to cover the occasion.

Attempts by this newspaper to take photos and cover the opening ceremony were unsuccessful, as the Police Commissioner Fuiavailili asked the Samoa Observer's reporter to leave the premises, saying she was "not authorised" to enter the compound.

The caretaker Prime Minister’s speech was distributed to the media by his press secretary.