Matau Esau Lotu is the new president for the Samoa Japan International Cooperation Agency (S.J.I.C.A.) Alumni Association.

The announcement was made during the Association’s recent annual general meeting, held at the Taumeasina Island Resort under special arrangements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

However, Mr. Lotu is not new to this role, as he was the former president of the association from 2015 to 2018. 

He said it is a great honour to be chosen once again to lead their association. 

“S.J.A.A. has shown extraordinary positive developments over the years, it is even more encouraging to see the association continue to improve in its proposed budget for its activities,” he said. 

His appointment takes effect for 12 months from 1 April, 2021 to 30 March, 2022.

“I look forward to the future activities that aim to rigorously drive forward responsibilities and transparency. 

“And to bring development that is more positive, so it is in the line of expectations that S.J.A.A. will overcome this pandemic and the unavoidable economic recession as well.”

The meeting also approved the association’s Audit Report of the 2019 – 2020 financial year. The programme also included a special presentation from a representative of SENESE, on her action plan upon returning from a J.I.C.A.-related training in Japan. 

In addition, S.J.A.A. announced its new Executive Committee: treasurer, Pearl Allen; secretary Marita Ah Sam; and three other executive members Malienafau Tupa’i, Fefiloi Kerstin and Da Young Tuuau-Misi including the new President, Mr. Lotu. 

The J.I.C.A. Resident Representative, Hoshino Akihiko congratulated and thanked everyone for supporting the efforts to further develop the role of S.J.A.A., and their patience, while the nation is under the State of Emergency due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“The worldwide spread of the coronavirus has had a severe impact on the global economy," he said in a statement by S.J.I.C.A. alumni association. 

“People all over the world are coming together, and making a concerted effort to deal with this economic shock. 

“At the same time, we are seeing a global determination to overcome the current crisis, and turn it into an opportunity to achieve future growth.” 

The S.J.I.C.A. association was established in 1998, and since then has run numerous initiatives to advance awareness and prevention of climate change and better care for environment. 

In addition, the association has an annual charity activity and donation to the Home of the Elderly at Mapuifagalele, and maintains a close dialogue with government and the community through its volunteering activities. 

J.I.C.A. has sent over a thousand Samoans to various programmes held in Japan (i.e. Knowledge Co-Creation Programme and Sustainable Development Goal’s Global Leadership Scholarship Program). The participants of these trainings are the registered members of S.J.A.A.