Cabinet will make an exception to appoint a new Chairperson for Samoa Airways soon, rather than waiting for July when all Board of Directors appointments are due. 

This was confirmed by the Minister of Public Enterprises, Lautafi Selafi Purcell, who told the Samoa Observer the appointment will be made "soon."

The decision follows the resignation of former Chairperson, Fe’esago Siaosi Fepulea’i. At 82-years-old, the former Chairperson said it is the right time for him to resign. 

Samoa Airways Board member Tuia Paepae Letoa is the Interim Chairperson.

But Lautafi, who is also the Minister of Samoa Airways, said Cabinet is looking at making a decision soon. 

“It will not be long until Cabinet makes the appointment,” he said. 

“All Board of Directors appointments are due in July but this appointment it might be an exception to appoint it while the others will be made after.”

Lautafi did not give away any nominees for the position only saying “you will find out soon enough”. 

He added he was working on the paperwork for the Chairperson, which is based on a recommendation made by the Independent Select Committee of the Ministry of Public Enterprises. 

There are more than 185 individuals serving as Board of Directors members in 28 Public Bodies.  The Directors are appointed on a three years contract with a limitation of two terms on each Board. 

According to Lautafi, unless it is special recommendation then a director can continue on for the third term. 

He said two terms (six years) is more than enough for each director to work and make changes for the development of the country. 

“If you haven’t made any changes for six years then its time for you to move on and let someone else on board,” said the Minister. 

“But it is two terms and we try to bring in new people and shift others around to use their skills in different areas.

“We don’t have the luxury of changing everyone on the Board; we don’t have the numbers so we try to reshuffle them around.” 

Those being selected on Board of Directors are expected to turn the Public Bodies into efficiently run organisations delivering quality services. 

The selected members are from private and public sectors and bring a wealth of experience that is needed to improve the performance of the state-owned enterprises.