C.E.O. to contest election

Little over a week since Cabinet reappointed him Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ulu Bismarck Crawley announced he will contest the upcoming general election. 

Ulu will contest as a member of the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.) candidate for the Faleata 3 Constituency. 

“Service” is the main reason Ulu is running for office, the Government executive told the Samoa Observer. 

“It is all about serving our country and our people and if it’s God’s will [I win] will fulfill the obligations mandated for the Constituency,” he told the Samoa Observer. 

Chairman of the National Emergency Operation Centre Chairman Ulu has been at the forefront of national efforts, to protect Samoa from the coronavirus.

He was reappointed to a second term on 26 June. 

Ulu said his plans for Faleata 3 include following through with the H.R.P.P.’s manifesto in terms of healthcare, education and food security. 

At the H.R.P.P. headquarters on Tuesday, Ulu was accompanied by High Chiefs from his constituency. 

Last week Cabinet announced the renewal of Ulu’s contract for another three years. 

“Like I said it’s about serving [my people] and if it calls for me to continue serving in Parliament, then so be it,” he said. 

Ulu, who is 55,  has more than 25 years of experience in the environment sector. He holds a Master’s in Environmental Law and postgraduate qualifications in a variety of environmental fields including Geographical Information System.

Last year Ulu was awarded the Media Friendly Award for being the head of a Government agency who was most approachable by the media. 

Previously he had worked at the Apia Observatory (currently Meteorology), the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme and consulted to organisations such as the United Nations and the World Bank.