Sixteenth Parliament sworn-in, New Cabinet Announced

PRESS RELEASE
18 March 2016

16th Parliament Sworn in, New Cabinet Announced

Following a successful and peaceful General Elections on March 4th, the first session of the Sixteenth Parliament of the Independent State of Samoa opened earlier today, at its temporary home at the Faleata Sports Complex, Tuanaimato.

Opened by His Highness the Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, the ceremony included the swearing-in of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Leaupepe Taimaaiono Toleafoa Faafisi; the swearing-in of Members of Parliament; the swearing-in of Prime Minister, Auelua Fatialofa Lupesoliai Tuilaepa Neioti Aiono Dr Sailele Malielegaoi, and the announcement of his Cabinet.

The Head of State made his official proclamation, and spoke to the Parliamentarians of the duty and privilege of leadership.
“We hope that you will not experience any major conflicts and chaos, but no doubt there will be challenges.
“I wish you well in your journey over the next five years. As you voyage forward, may you be blessed in your search for God’s wisdom, prudence, knowledge and discretion. ”

Officially sworn in for his fourth Parliamentary term and sixteenth year as Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi delivered a brief statement of gratitude and encouragement, as the country marked “a new beginning for the political evolution of Samoa”.

“Suffice for me to emphasize, the mandate to govern through a one party state has come through the voices of our people, and that this will not be and will never be lost on the government of the day.
“We pledge to honour this mandate and we accept that all our 47 members will be individually and collectively held accountable for their actions, and commitments to lead by example, premised on the principles of good governance.

Tuilaepa also gave special thanks to all of Samoa for their trust and belief in his leadership.
“I am humbled and honoured to take this opportunity today to offer thanksgiving and pay tribute to our people and country for the overwhelming support, for the government we are privileged to represent and as we express our gratitude we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to answer with mere words but to lead by them.”

Government’s Cabinet for 2016-2021:

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi (Lepa)
Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Office of the Attorney General; Public Service Commission.

Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa (Lotofaga)
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell (Satupaitea)
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour; Ministry of Public Enterprises; Samoa Tourism Authority; Samoa Land Corporation.

Tuitama Dr Talalelei Tuitama (Aana Alofi No.1 East)
Ministry of Health

Sala Fata Pinati (Gagaemauga No.1)
Ministry of Police and Prisons

Sili Epa Tuioti (Faasaleleaga No.1 East)
Ministry of Finance; Central Bank of Samoa; Development Bank of Samoa

Faimalotoa Kika Iemaima Stowers (Gagaifomauga No.1)
Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development.

Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Leuatea (Gagaifomauga No.3)
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries; Scientific Research Organisations of Samoa-SROS.

Afamasaga Lepuiai Rico Tupai (Aana Alofi No.3)
Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

Faaolesa Katopau T. Ainuu (Vaimauga Sisifo No.2)
Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration.

Tialavea Feo Leniu Tionisio Hunt (Vaa o Fonoti)
Ministry of Revenue.

Papaliitele Niko Lee Hang (Urban East)
Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure.

Loau Sola Keneti Sio (Sagaga le Falefa)
Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture.

Each Cabinet Minister will be assigned an Associate Minister.