Minister of Public Enterprises Leatinu’u Wayne So’oialo has clarified the Samoa Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer, Fa’amatuainu Suifua Lenata’i is “currently on special leave”.
This is contrary to media reports that Fa’amatuainu had been placed on suspension, in response to questions from Radio Polynesia. “The STA CEO is currently on special leave, whilst the investigation into allegations against the STA CEO is still in progress,” said Leatinu’u.
Two months ago, Fa’amatuainu was placed on leave pending an investigation by the Samoa Tourism Authority Board following complaints by STA staff and a former employee of misconduct including claims of a $10,000 contract awarded solely to his carpenter, which Fa’amatuainu denied.
Radio Polynesia obtained three copies of the complaints lodged against the CEO over claims of Government properties allegedly taken to his residence, such as cement, roofing iron, plywood and tiles; which Fa’amatuainu vehemently denied taking any part in removing of Government properties.
Leatinu’u said the STA Board has provided its investigation report to the STA CEO to provide his comments on the Board’s findings.
Adding that once the STA CEO has provided his comments, then the report will be submitted to the Ministers of STA and MPE before it is presented to the Cabinet.
In March, Fa’amatuainu was criminally charged by the Police, in connection to a criminal complaint lodged by one of the STA staff, Kerisimasi Melani Tunufa’i over allegations of insulting words in an incident last December.
The charge of insulting words against Fa’amatuainu was confirmed by Acting Police Commissioner, Papalii Monalisa Keti in response to questions from Radio Polynesia at the time.
