Senior Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, Tuitama Dr. Talalelei Leao Tuitama received a standing ovation from some of his fellow Parliamentarians following his valedictory speech on Monday. 

The A’ana Alofi No.1 M.P. and Minister of Women, Community and Social Development (M.W.C.S.D.) has bowed out from Parliament after 20 years of service in Government. 

Tuitama, a former Minister of Health, thanked his village of Faleasi’u for their trust in him as their voice in Parliament for the past 10 years. 

“My appreciation is from the bottom of my heart. Your support is the reason why we have succeeded along with the recognition we received along the way, not only in the Parliament, but also in Cabinet,” he said. 

“The blessings the constituency received was not because of me but due to your genuine support and powerful prayers. Thank you, thank you very much.

“To my village of Faleasi’u, what can I do in return for your highest regard? I appeal to your compassionate wisdom to accept that this is all your servant could do. 

“I don’t have to remind you that right now, many other constituencies are still pleading for inland road developments, but all four of our sub villages have been covered with inland roads while some of our roads are starting to deteriorate due to poor maintenance by some of our villagers.”

He revealed that about $1.5 million was spent by the Government on their road developments.

Tuitama added that close to $100,000 was spent by Government to complete the refurbishment of his village’s natural spring pools as requested.

“Our school buildings and sport fields have also been improved. For many years, our students have had to squeeze in to our Sapulu school building, as well as the safety concerns when they had to walk on the road to our one school, at Sapulu,” he said. 

“Now, we have two primary schools; one at Sapulu and one at Moamoa. We had also recently opened the extension to the school at Sapulu. 

“Both schools are quite full… with 514 students currently enrolled at Sapulu and 402 students in Moamoa with nine teachers plus the sports field commonly used for training by village teams; it amounts to $1.5 million that was spent on these developments.”

Tuitama also acknowledged the Government’s effort in ensuring Faleasi’u families are able to access clean and safe drinking water, at a cost of $7.12 million. 

The Sapulu road development is also underway, Tuitama said, costing $2.3 million, expecting to benefit families in the area. 

He then totaled the amount of money spent on these developments for his constituency to $15 million. 

“My dear constituency, this is not a small amount of money as well as the work that has been done,” said Tuitama. 

“But the reason why I have spelt it out, is not for you to praise your representative, but to give credit where it is due, to our Government for their honest provision and recognizing some of our needs.

“That is the proof of true and the good governance of the H.R.P.P. and it is with great pride that I am a part of this political party.” 

Tuitama said while he wishes to continue serving his constituency, he recognises the eagerness of other qualified fellow villagers who also wish to serve in his place. 

“I recall our meeting at Vaifoa whilst preparing for the previous general election; I clearly expressed my intention that it would be my last time contesting for the seat,” he said.

“The last request of your retiring Member of Parliament is for our constituency to support the government that has proven themselves through good governance and their works which has benefitted our country and our villages.

“May God bless our upcoming general election. Thank you for your trust and support for the ten years I have occupied the seat of our constituency, and may you forgive my weaknesses.” 

His wife, Lafainatau Letelemalanuola Leao Tuitama was present to witness his last speech in Parliament along with three of his daughters.

Tuitama concluded his speech by thanking his wife, nine children and families for their faithful support and love whilst he served in Government. 

He also extended his appreciation to the Speaker of the House, Leaupepe Toleafoa Fa’afisi, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, his Associate Minister Salausa Dr. John Ah Ching and Management and staff of M.W.C.S.D., fellow Ministers and Parliamentarians for the years spent serving together.

Tuitama, is a trained medical doctor, who served as a President of Samoa’s General Practitioners Association.

He was first elected in Parliament in the 2001 general Election representing the seat of Va’a-o-Fonoti.

Following the 2011 general election Tuitama shifted to represent his village of Faleasi’u and A’ana Alofi No.1 constituency. As Health Minister he focused on non-communicable diseases, and oversaw a merger of health agencies.