"Honesty is greater than any qualification or degree."

The New Minister for Works, Transport and Infrastructure (M.W.T.I.), Olo Fiti Va'ai, gave the staff in his Ministry an insight into the values that would guide his leadership of the organisation at a welcoming reception on Friday morning.

A special welcoming ceremony was held at the Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi (T.A.T.T.E.) building where Olo and his Associate Minister, Niuava Eti Malolo were officially welcomed by the different organisations under the M.W.T.I. portfolio. 

This includes the Samoa Airport Authority; the Samoa Water Authority; the Electric Power Corporation; the Samoa Ports Authority; the Samoa Shipping Corporation; Samoa Shipping Services, and the Land Transport Authority.

The new Associate Minister, Niuava wore his hat as a lay preacher and officiated a service followed by a traditional ava ceremony by the Ministry.

In addressing his Ministry for the first time as the Minister, Olo reminded the public servants that no other qualification is higher than "honesty."

"A lot has been said about people's incapability to carry out their work and duties," said Olo. 

"But to me, you can have high qualifications and degrees but without honesty, there is no use. Intelligent people with higher qualifications all around the world end up in prisons because of dishonesty."

While Olo is new to the ministerial role, he is confident that "he fully understands his role."

This is because he has spent more than 15 years being a part of the Parliament's Infrastructure Committee.

Olo also used the opportunity to urge the public servants to "work together" to serve Samoa to the best of their abilities. 

"Whatever has happened in the past, politically, should not affect the way you carry out your duties and responsibilities. 

"Transition of government is normal, but you should remain faithful to your calling and work together for the betterment of the country. We are a family and let us work together. 

"Put aside our differences and let us work in unity. Leave the politics to the politicians while you focus on carrying out your roles and responsibilities for the people of Samoa.

"As public servants, you work for the people, not a particular party."

In saying that, Olo also reminded the sector that "patience is a virtue."

"We have gone through so much in the past few months and if there's one thing I learnt from all of that is that success is sweeter if you wait patiently for the plans of God to fall into place."

Nevertheless, Olo also challenged the top officials of the different organisations under his watch "to open up their ideas freely." 

In saying that Olo is of the belief that the former government did not allow those who hold top positions in government to offer their ideas and knowledge freely. 

Olo said after years of reviewing annual reports and progress reports from the sector over more than a decade, he believes the nation is ready for new ideas. 

He said the best way forward is to empower the heads of the Government Ministries and State-owned bodies to express their own ideas for improving the services they can provide the people of Samoa. 

"But today, I give you the key to unlock those potentials and ideas and urge you all to share your opinions and ideas openly without hesitation. 

"We do need great ideas and new ideas to enhance the work that we do, so I ask you all to share your ideas, insights and visions, freely." 

Olo takes up the role from the former Minister and veteran Parliamentarian, Papali'i Niko Lee Hang.