A member of the Government's Independent Selective Committee, Tuu’u Amaramo Sialaoa, has been appointed as a board member of the Samoa International Finance Authority. 

The appointment was made by Cabinet according to the Ministry of Public Enterprises Chief Executive Officer, Elita Tooala in response to questions from the Samoa Observer.

Tuu’u is part of the Independent Selective Committee that reviewed at least 200 applicants from individuals applying for positions on Government boards last year.

The Independent Committee is chaired by Oloipola Terrence Betham and Narda Ah Yen is the third committee member. 

Tuu’u did not confirm nor deny that he applied to be a member of the S.I.F.A. board when asked for a comment in a phone interview. 

When put to Tuu’u that he did not apply to be on the S.I.F.A. board and yet was appointed a board member, he said:

“I have to decline and given that it is quite sensitive your inquiries and also the public is looking on, and I just feel it’s not appropriate for me to comment at this time."

Ms Tooala said his appointment to the S.I.F.A. Board was made by Cabinet in line with Schedule 3 of the Public Bodies (Performance & Accountability) Act 2001.

“The directors' appointment process are governed with principles of good governance including amongst others declaring conflicts of interest when arise during the process.

“At current all appointees are given a period of time to formally accept or reject the offer to serve on S.O.E. Boards.

“We have yet to hear from Tu’u’u on this. Should he accept the offer, then he will need to resign from the I.S.C. and Cabinet will appointment someone else to replace him,” explained the C.E.O. 

Regarding the Cabinet’s appointment of Tuu’u, he said he’s yet to make a decision. 

“I have yet to make that decision and that decision is between me and the Cabinet and that is how I look at it,” said Tuu’u. 

Furthermore the C.E.O. explained the director’s appointment process is still ongoing. 

“The warrants of appointments are in progress and same time all the newly appointed directors have been sent a letter of offer which they will accept or otherwise. 

“We will only update our website when warrants of appointments are signed by the Head of State and directors have accepted their offer,” added Ms To’oala.