Papali’i Sonja retains Tourism’s top job

15 June 2016, 12:00AM

It’s official. Papali’i Sonja Matatamali’i has retained the Chief Executive Officer role at the Samoa Tourism Authority.

This was confirmed in a statement from Cabinet, issued by the Office of the Press Secretariat yesterday.

“Cabinet has approved the reappointment of Papalii Sonja Matalavea Hunter as Chief Executive Officer for the Samoa Tourism Authority for the next three years,” the statement said.

“The vacancy was advertised for public interest, and nine candidates submitted applications.

“An assessment was conducted by the Interview and Selection Panel and five candidates were shortlisted for interviews. 

“After assessment and interviews by the panel a recommendation was submitted before Cabinet for the final decision.”

Cabinet also confirmed the appointment of Ulugia Petelo Kavesi as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Samoa Land Corporation (S.L.C.).

Ulugia holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Arts in Development Studies and a Bachelor of Agriculture Degree majoring in Agricultural Economics from the University of the South Pacific.

At the time of his appointment, Ulugia was the Accident Compensation Corporation Administration Manager, a post he has held since 1999. 

He was also the Manager in charge of Research and Statistics for the Samoa Tourism Authority from 1998 – 1999 and previously worked as the Agricultural Economist in 1997 and as a graduate research assistant at the University of the South Pacific-EU Project from 1991 – 1994.

Ulugia hails from the village of Vaiusu, Faleata. He is married with four children.

15 June 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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