Dear Editor,

In response to a letter published under the title “When the Minister of Finance fails to understand her own budget”, we wish to offer a more balanced perspective.

Such assertions overlook the depth and complexity essential in national fiscal management. The national budget is a complex policy instrument, representing months of analysis, consultation, and coordination across multiple sectors. To interpret or present it requires not only technical skill but also the ability to balance competing national priorities — a task the Minister continues to approach with diligence and humility.

Since the new Government took office in September 2025, our focus has been clear and unwavering — to serve Samoa with integrity, to strengthen our economy, and to ensure that every tala is used wisely for the good of our people. The Minister’s immediate role was to provide strategic direction and ensure that the final document reflects both sound economic principles and the Government’s broader development priorities. Her leadership continues to be guided by prudence and transparency, values essential to maintaining public confidence in the nation’s finances.

It is important to recognise that constructive dialogue about policy is healthy for our democracy, but such discussion should be grounded in respect and understanding of the process involved. The Minister has consistently demonstrated her commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency, even amid competing demands and economic uncertainty.

Rather than question her understanding, let us focus on supporting efforts that strengthen accountability, promote sound management, and advance the national interest.

Public discussion and debate are the lifeblood of a democracy. But freedom of expression must always walk hand in hand with responsibility — to speak with truth, to build rather than belittle, and to remember that our words shape how our children learn to see leadership.

Leadership is not a show; it is perseverance. It is the quiet work of service — the long nights behind every policy, the careful stewardship behind every page of the budget, and the deep sense of duty to every family that depends on the choices we make.

E pei ona ta’ua i le folasaga a le Afioga i le Minisita, o le Tala Fa’atatau  Autu o le Tupe 2025/2026, ua le na o se vala’au, ae o se tau’alaga i so’o  se Samoa, e mana’omia le folau ma tausoa fa’atasi. O a futia ua sola,  tatou fa’agalo ae tuli so tā ai. O lo’o fa’amanatu mai ai foi le feagaiga i le  Va o le Malo o Samoa ma ona tagata, po’o le va o matua i le asō ma fanau  i le lumana’i.  

E toe momoli atu ai le fa’afetai ma le fa’amalo i le mamalu o Sui Usufono  uma o le Palemene i le lava papale ma le onosa’i. O le Palemene a le Malo o Samoa e soalaupule ai mata’upu taua mo le atina’e o le atunu’u. E   fa’asoa ma le fa’aaloalo ma le fa’atamali’i.

Mo le tatou aufa’asalalau – e taua lo outou sao mo le atina’e o le atunu’u.  Use that power to lift, not to wound. To inform, not inflame. Responsible reporting teaches our young people that truth is greater than drama, and integrity outlasts applause.

We welcome observations and critiques made in good faith, and remain focused on delivering results through collaborated actions.

Ia tatou tutula’i fa’atasi — o ta’ita’i, le vasega o tusitala ma Samoa atoa — o le tautua ma le auauna, e lē fa’ailoga tagata pe fa’alumaluma. O lo  tatou tutula'i fa'atasi e fausia ai se Samoa, mo ona augatupulaga fou ma  ona tagata uma.

The Office of the Finance Minister