PM gets down to business, Lemanu sends congratulations

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Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and the Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa Ua Tasi (FAST) cabinet took office this morning with a throng of local media.

Streamed live on social media, the country’s first woman PM walked into her bare office in the government buildings named after her father, Samoa’s first Prime Minister, Fiame Mataafa Faumuina Mulinuu II.

PM Fiame obliged a media request for a photo opportunity as she sat in the PM’s chair for the first time.

Asked how she felt in her new surroundings, an unflustered Fiame said she was grateful that they have achieved their goal that has taken a while to get through.

Fiame then asked media to take their leave as she had meetings to attend to.

Soon after, she and her cabinet met in the official cabinet meeting room.

All ministers had spent the morning meeting with heads of the various ministries and corporations under their portfolios.

Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga said at a meeting of his own cabinet today that he was able to talk with PM Fiame this morning.

He extended to her congratulations and best wishes if the government and people of American Samoa, as she takes up the leadership of Samoa.

Lemanu noted that the new government has taken office, with acknowledgement by the outgoing Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, following the ruling of the Samoa Court of Appeal.

Lemanu said PM Fiame in turn expressed appreciation and good wishes to the tapuaiga of Tutuila and Manu’a.

He added that after the new government settles in they will make contact with the new administration of Samoa again regarding the usual issues.

Photos: Govt of Samoa