A manager with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.) was among public servants who have been recognised for their long service to the Government and the country.

The Project Manager of the Pacific Ridge to Reef Project within the Ministry, Fata Eti Malolo, was awarded the Innovation and Excellence Individual Award on Monday during the Public Service Commission’s anniversary celebration.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer in an interview, Fata said being a public servant means giving your all to serve the Government and Samoa to the best of your ability. He said he is proud of his years of service in the country and he is thankful to God for the achievement.

“It’s all thanks to God really, for being with us in this wonderful life. Serving our country through the Government has been a pleasure and a journey worth taking,” he said.

“With such awards like these, well, we all know it can’t be given to those that have not done enough good deeds, so I’m so grateful and honoured to have received this award and it’s truly a blessing.”

Prior to joining the Ministry, he was a teacher and had been with the education sector since 1994 before exiting. Due to being a major in science coupled with his knowledge and skills, he made the decision to switch careers to join the M.N.R.E.

He initially started work as an officer in the Ministry before his promotion to senior officer, principal and now project manager. 

“God had plans for me and wherever he leads I will follow and if this is where he led me then I will gladly serve with honour,” Fata added.

Fata – who is a husband and father of three – is from Vaisala, Auala, Safune, Lano, Iva and Vaitele Fou.

And while he is no longer with the education sector, he still has a soft spot for science and continues to promote it at the education level. Working on a major project led by the M.N.R.E., he discovered schools in Savai’i, such as Asau College, lacking science teachers.

“I’ve been there in Asau for a few projects and I’ve observed that there’s not that many teachers there in Asau College,” he said.

“From the beginning of the world it’s all about science. It’s everything you do. From your walk, the way you talk, you’re doing a scientific principle so everything you do is all about science.

“In anything, you need to apply your scientific knowledge, even climate change. Life mostly revolves around science.”

Fata also acknowledged the Government for recognising the hard work of public servants with days like Teachers Day and others which were not celebrated before.