The position of Chief Executive Officer for the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) has been formally advertised, but uncertainty remains over the status of the suspended CEO, Toleafoa Pativaine Petaia-Tevita, whose contract ends in August.

Toleafoa was suspended in February this year following what the former STA Chairperson described as an internal review process. Since then, no official announcement has been made about the outcome of that process, and she has yet to return to her post.

When contacted by the Samoa Observer this week, Acting Chairman of the STA Board, Tuiataga Nathan Bucknall, said there were no updates to share. “No, I don’t have an update,” Tuiataga said.

Current Acting CEO of STA, Niumata Kitiona Pogi, said staff at the Authority remain largely in the dark about the matter.

“I guess we are in the same position as the public on the matter,” said Niumata. “We are given very little information on the status of Toleafoa’s suspension, as the matter is handled exclusively between our Board and Toleafoa.”

He clarified that the CEO position is being advertised in line with normal government procedures, as the contract is due to expire, and said it is unrelated to the pending disciplinary matter.

“The CEO role is being advertised under normal government processes since Toleafoa’s contract is due in August, but has nothing to do with any new developments with her case,” he said.

“I apologise that I couldn’t be of more help in answering your questions, but please feel free to contact our Acting Chair as he’ll be in a much better position to respond.”

Toleafoa was suspended by the Board of the Authority in February of this year. The former Chairperson for STA, Tauiliili Alise Stunnenberg, said the board was going through a standard procedure for all government employees under review. She said the suspension was issued due to the unsatisfactory performance of the STA boss, but did not elaborate on the matter.