Move for Closed Door Hearing with Retirement Fund Board Thwarted

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A request by Senate President Pro tem Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga Nua for the Senate to hold a closed door meeting to discuss what’s happening with the Retirement Fund, stirred up several senators during today’s session.

According to Nua the Committee needed to deliberate and dialogue with the witnesses, that is the Retirement Fund Board and then call a hearing at a later time.

He said the members of the Board of Directors were confirmed and entrusted by Senators.

There are several issues that Senators wanted to question the Retirement Fund board particularly the chairman Vaanatiu Tofala Iafeta about.

For example what’s become of the investigation of the former Director Luatua Filisouaiga Taafua, the final payout for Luatua and the ASTCA loan request.

Senator Uti Petelo did not support the idea of a closed session.

He said the Senate did not confirm the board members so they can abuse Retirement Fund monies.

He asked that the hearing take place and pointed out there’s no reason to be concerned about the presence of the media as they too have a role.

Senator Uti said the Retirement Fund doesn’t belong to the Senate, rather it belongs to government employees who are contributing members.

He explained the media‘s role is to get the word out to contributors so they know what’s happening with the Retirement Fund.

Uti also said the problems occurring with the Fund is public knowledge so he doesn’t understand why the secrecy.

Senator Soliai Tuipine offered that just like Jesus went away to pray in a secluded place, he supports Nua’s request for a private discussion before the committee holds a public hearing due to the magnitude of the subject of the hearing.

He said the Retirement Fund case would be the biggest lawsuit to go before the courts and its best that senators have their discussion with the board behind closed doors.

Senator Tuiasina Esera didn’t agree.

According to Tuiasina while Retirement Fund Board members were endorsed by the Senate, who gave the board their trust , whats happening is not what the trustees were confirmed for.

Senate President Gaoteote Palaie ended the discussion by saying that the Fono is in the dark with what’s happening with the Retirement Fund and the only way to find out is to bring the Board before the Fono.

He asked that the Senate refrain from secretive hearings as that creates suspicion.

The Senate Retirement Committee will hold their hearing with the Retirement Fund Board in the Senate chamber at 8:30 tomorrow morning.

And the media will be there.

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