The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ministry of Finance, Saoleititi Maeva Betham‑Vaai, has been officially appointed chairperson of the Samoa National Provident Fund (SNPF) Board.

The cabinet endorsed the change, with Saoleititi replacing Papali’i Panoa Moala, who was officially removed as chair in June. Papali’i will remain on the board until his term expires.

The Caretaker Minister of Finance, Lautimuia Uelese Vaʻai confirmed that the cabinet made this decision due to “continuous issues” and “investment-related concerns” within the Fund, notably shareholder disputes at the Mulifanua Beach Resort, where SNPF is the major investor

Papali’i’s dismissal follows a prolonged period of internal tension. In early 2024, SNPF’s senior management sent a formal “letter of concern” outlining a toxic workplace environment, governance breaches, and the Fund’s approval of large loans, including a controversial $67 million package to six borrowers over nine months. This prompted an independent investigation and the chair’s suspension.

His suspension was eventually lifted on the condition that he resolve the internal friction between the Board, management, and staff—a condition that was not met, according to cabinet findings.

Additional concerns surfaced over the misuse of SNPF resources. Papali’i reportedly procured an iPad and a Samsung S23 phone from Digicel at the Fund’s expense, billing SNPF for the devices and related phone plans—actions widely criticised as abusing public funds. The administration also approved restructuring that included five new positions, projected to cost over $500,000 annually and following a consulting process that reportedly cost more than $250,000.

Lautimuia reiterated that the cabinet’s actions aim to safeguard contributor funds, ensure transparency, and restore public confidence in the Fund’s management.