Twenty new correctional officers, who were sworn in on Wednesday morning, have been urged to be truthful to their oath of office and to serve the country with humility and love.

A special ceremony – which was held inside the District Court Room at Mulinu'u – was attended by the management of the Prison and Correctional Services division, the new recruits and their loved ones. 

District Court Judge Alalatoa Rosella Viane-Papali'i oversaw the swearing-in ceremony and reminded the new correction officers to be truthful to their oaths. 

She congratulated the 20 correction officers for making it this far and also acknowledged the support of their families, friends and loved ones who made the celebration possible for the new prison officers. 

Judge Papali'i also acknowledged the hard work of the officials who ran the training and courses for the new intake. 

Speaking about the important role correctional officers play in society, Judge Papali'i used the opportunity to remind the new correction officers of their responsibilities. 

She emphasised that the oaths they pledged on Wednesday are similar to the oaths taken by lawyers, judges and members of the Judiciary. 

Judge Alalatoa highlighted that they have already pledged to serve with honesty, honour and just accordingly to the law. 

"Our roles and responsibilities may differ but we all pledged to serve this country and to uphold the constitution of this land. We are to serve our people equally without fear, or discrimination and to the best of our abilities. 

"We are to protect the rule of law and to obey the law; remembering that no one is above the law. Don't forget to rely on the guidance of God to carry you through this new journey you are about to embark on. 

"Never forget that the constitution and the rule of law is the supreme law of this land and that it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone abide by it and protect it for peace and stability."

She then challenged the new intakes to familiarise themselves with the different laws that guide their work so they can carry out their duties and responsibilities to the best of their abilities and contribute to the development and maintaining of peace in Samoa. 

Judge Papali'i also reminded them to be honest and mindful of how they behave and to be patient. 

The Deputy Commissioner of Prisons and Corrections, Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga expressed his gratitude to the new recruits for taking up the challenge to become correctional officers. 

Leiataua said they are excited to have new officers to boost their numbers and help out with the workload within the prison facilities in the country. 

The 20 new prison officers, according to Leiataua, have increased the number of officers for Prisons and Corrections to 130. 

"But we still need more," Leiataua said. "We are grateful to have these new intakes to assist us with our work as we need more officers to help with supervising inmates when they travel from Tanumalala to court, hospital or during their rehabilitation programmes. 

"We need to have enough manpower so we can perform our duties to the best of our abilities. 

"The new recruits will fill some of our vacant positions and we believe this is a good number and they will help us in a lot of ways moving forward."

Leiataua also confirmed that the current ratio within the prison facilities in the country for the number of prisoners per correctional officer is 6:1. 

"As I said, we still need more people and we discovered that one of the reasons why people resign from the ministry is the distance so we try and motivate our staff to take care of the welfare so they are enjoying the work and not resign within a year after being hired."

Leaiataua also confirmed that the 20 new intakes will all be based at the main prison facility in Tanumalala. 

Prison officer, Kerisiano Kerisiano, 30, of Safotu said he was humbled and thankful to have been sworn in as a correctional officer. 

"It's a dream come true and I am very grateful that we have made it this far," Kerisiano said. 

He then acknowledged the support and prayers of his loved ones and also the help from the Prison and Corrections Officers who conducted the training and assessments for them. 

Mr. Kerisiano said his family members and older sister who works at the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration had motivated him to become a correctional officer. 

Here are the names of the new correctional officers: Vanessa Seuoti, Solomona Posenai, Ropati Lepou, Pio Manila, Otila Ah Fook, Malaetoimea Sili, Lenetty Tavu'i, Melissa Meleisea, Momo'e Lauese, Onesemo Moefa'auo, Eddie Tolovae, Fa'asinoala Ti'a, Folofe Talifilemu, Gaula Fa'aofo, Kerisiano Kerisiano, Agamalu Fa'alogo, Arrigona Masoe, Avele Solofuti, Blessing Vito, Boaz Vaefaga.