Good afternoon Samoa.
Warm welcome and greetings to our people on this beautiful afternoon. A special welcome to our visitors, friends and relatives from overseas.
At its meeting this week, Cabinet considered a number of submissions. Two of the major policy matters discussed by Cabinet include;
1. SEASONAL WORKERS
The temporary suspension of trips scheduled for Seasonal Workers for the month of January 2023 remains in effect, as the Cabinet subcommittee appointed to look into relevant policies and processes governing the seasonal worker programmes aims to complete its report and present to Cabinet before the end of this month.
There is no doubt that the seasonal worker programmes continue to be a significant development mechanism for our people and our country. However, like anything else, there are challenges and areas that must be addressed to ensure the programme is well managed and sustained going forward. In addition, the welfare of the workers from Samoa is an important component of these programmes that cannot be overlooked.
These factors have been taken into account in the work of the Cabinet subcommittee.
2. SAMOA EXPORT AUTHORITY
This important milestone would soon become a reality after Cabinet approved the establishment of the Samoa Export Authority this week. The Authority is one of the key initiatives highlighted in the Government’s manifesto. The Authority will start with the exportation of agricultural products through the Samoa Trust Estates Corporation (STEC). In the long term, it is anticipated that all other exports will be part of this Authority in the future.
On a different matter, I am happy to inform the country that the Honourable Prime Minister is recovering well in New Zealand and if all goes well, and our Lord permits, she hopes to return to Samoa at the end of the month.
Meanwhile, we are in the middle of the wet season which is usually associated with heavy rain, and flooding and to the extreme extent, cyclones. We also continue to live with COVID 19 and a number of other health challenges. It is important that we are prepared and remain vigilant at all times.
I urge our country to continue to pray for one another and keep our faith in the Lord. God bless Samoa.
Soifua ma ia Manuia.
