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THE PUBLIC SERVICE IS NOT A POLITICAL WEAPON

Dear Editor,

Samoa’s public service is built on integrity, professionalism, expertise, and a duty to serve the nation—not the political interests of the government of the day.

That is why the decision by the Prime Minister and Cabinet not to allow Central Bank of Samoa Governor Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari to take up a prestigious fellowship in New Zealand is deeply concerning.

It raises important questions about how Samoa values its public servants, their professional development, and the independence of our national institutions.

The Central Bank plays a critical role in safeguarding Samoa’s economic and financial stability. An international fellowship is not simply a personal opportunity; it is an investment in knowledge, leadership, regional relationships, and Samoa’s future capacity.

As a former Samoan public servant who served for decades, I learned an important lesson: our loyalty was to the people we served and to Samoa—not necessarily to the government of the day. Public service gave me invaluable skills and experiences that continued to benefit me when I later moved abroad.

I remain proud of Samoa’s public servants and their willingness to serve with integrity, regardless of which government is in power. We should also recognise the courage, resilience, and wisdom of Samoan women in leadership.

Governor Ainuu-Enari’s achievements deserve to be supported and honoured. They should open doors for her, not become a reason to close them.

I remember being one of the vocal advocates of the Tumua and P**e Protest March in the late 1990s against the then-HRPP government. After the protest, my Minister at the time, Afioga Leniu Tofaeono Avamagalo, called me to his office. I expected to be reprimanded. Instead, he greeted me warmly and said: “Ia sau ia si ou afafine, ua uma lou ita ma lau solo tete’e? Omai loa e fai lelei a tatou galuega.” “Come now, my daughter, has your anger gone after your protest march? Now let us get on with our work and do it well.”

On another occasion, the then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Susuga Tuilaepa Aiono Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, jokingly asked me: “Ua a, o afea e toe fai ai se isi solo tete’e?” “So, when is the next protest march?”

Those moments taught me that political disagreement does not have to undermine respect, integrity, or professionalism. A public servant can disagree with the government and still return to work, putting the interests of Samoa and its people first.

We saw the importance of our public servants during the 2019 measles outbreak, when they worked tirelessly and demonstrated remarkable commitment, resilience, and professionalism in protecting our communities. In times of crisis, the strength of a nation depends not only on its resources, but on the people who are willing and able to serve.

I have watched with pride and gratitude as Governor Ainuu-Enari and Afioga Saoleititi Maeva Betham-Vaai, CEO of the Ministry of Finance, have demonstrated professional excellence, resilience, persistence, and dedication in their service to the people of Samoa. Their knowledge, wisdom, and leadership give me confidence that Samoa can face whatever financial and economic challenges may come our way.

Our public servants deserve our trust, respect, protection, and support for their professional development. When public servants fear that honest advice or professional independence could cost them opportunities, a culture of silence can develop.
When honest advice is replaced by quiet compliance, Samoa loses.

I respectfully call upon the Prime Minister and Cabinet to reconsider this decision and put the national interest first by allowing Governor Ainuu-Enari to take up this fellowship. This would demonstrate respect for professional independence and reaffirm a fundamental principle: Samoa’s national institutions serve the people of Samoa—not any government of the day.

Dr. Tina Tauasosi Faleilua Moimoi-Posiulai
Former Samoan Public Servant

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