As the nation is gripped by a legal crisis, the Police Commissioner, Fuiavailiili Egon Keil, is placing his faith in his management team as he prepares to leave the country to undergo medical treatment. 

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, Fuiavailiili confirmed that he will be flying out to get his medical issues resolved due to treatment not being available in the country. 

The Commissioner said it is unfortunate that the timing is off but his priority is his health to ensure that he can perform his duty with the level that is required of him.

“I don’t want to go but this is on the advice from my doctor that I have to get treatment overseas because it cannot be done here in Samoa,” said the Commissioner. 

“Once I formally get the okay and have the flights and [Managed Isolation and Quarantine) in New Zealand settled then everything has to come into play. 

“I have some solid and good people [management] that are here and it doesn’t really matter if I’m here or not we will be communicating online.

He said he had full confidence in his management team, who will be assuming leadership roles during the uncertain times over in his absence. 

He will be returning to resume his role once he gets medical clearance (the Commissioner's contract is due to expire in December). 

“We have our policies and procedures in place and all the routine and are aware of what our priorities are,” he said. 

There are currently three deputy commissioners; Papalii Monalisa Keti, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo and Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga. 

The Commissioner said his three deputies can do the job and is comfortable knowing that he can leave and has the right people in place to take over. 

“It’s true that I’m leaving but there are certain things that come into play and once those are okay I can safely go and do what I can do medically and quickly come back,” Fuiava said. 

“I want to be part of this whole political dilemma, I want to be here as part of it and at the same time I can’t do my job if I’m not healthy. It's in my interest and the interest of the public.

“We don’t have any influence from what politicians are doing or other players…at the end of all this we want to be seen as the organisation that are doing the right thing, not bias and balanced.” 

The Commissioner could not confirm when he is leaving and said that he cannot leave without getting official approval.