Dear Editor, 

In the Weekend Observer issue dated Saturday, 18^th February 2023, the abovementioned headlined article by reporter Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi was covered on front and second page.

This article referred to “recent data released by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics (SBS)” more specifically the Employment Report for the September 2022 Quarter which was published and disseminated on Monday, 21$‘ November 2022; coverage by the media was conducted almost 3 months after the report was released.

I am very concern on the timeliness and relevance of the information portrayed via newspaper which could affect the public’s perspective on issues such as employment and other indicators of the economy. Had this article been published at the end of November or December, it would have been more relevant then, for the public’s awareness and to also aid in decision-making.

The news was not only outdated but the choice of words used such as “recent” when the author knew that this was not the case may pose a risk on the public trusting the integrity of the data compiled and published by the Samoa Bureau of Statistics.

However, we do acknowledge your contribution in increasing awareness on these reports through newspaper and media coverage to ensure that the public is alert of these issues.

Additionally, all publications and reports are uploaded onto the Bureau‘s website on www.sbs.gov.ws. Additional arrangements could also be made to ensure that there is direct communication between the Bureau and yourself so that all reports and indicators compiled and published are delivered to you in a timely manner so that articles such as the abovementioned is issued on a timely basis.

Kind regards,

Leota Aliielua Salani

Government Statistician

• Editor's Note: The Samoa Observer takes on board the concerns highlighted by the Government Statistician on the timeliness of publishing the bureau's reports. However, it should be noted that the SBS Employment Report September 2022 Quarter, which the Government Statistician makes reference to in her letter which the Samoa Observer article was based on, is actually the most recent for the 2022 calendar year. The other Employment Reports, also found on the same SBS website page, are for the June 2022 Quarter and the March 2022 Quarter.