The Cabinet has endorsed the appointment of the Samoa Bureau of Statistics' Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Leota Ali'ielua Salani as the country's new Chief Statistician. 

The position has been vacant for the last nine months following the death of then chief statistician Ali'imuamua MalaefonoTauā-Faasalaina in November last year.

However, the Government Press Secretariat late Thursday evening advised in a press statement that the Cabinet has endorsed the appointment of Leota as the new C.E.O. for the next three years. 

Clocking 30 years in the bureau as the Assistant C.E.O. the Government-issued statement said the new appointee has led numerous undertakings relating to the coordination and compilation of statistical activities surveys, reviews of national accounts systems as well as the development of a composite Indicator that monitors and evaluates the performances of the various sectors of the economy.

"In its review, the selection panel noted that Leota has a holistic and a good in-depth knowledge of the overarching goals and core responsibilities of the Bureau in the provision of important statistical data that informs the formulation of relevant policies to improve service delivery and achieve national resources.”

Leota was one of three applicants who expressed interest in the top position in the Government. One of the key functions for the new appointee is the implementation of the National ID card. 

In a recent interview with the Minister responsible for the bureau, Leota Laki Sio said that they are hoping that the consultations will be completed at the end of this year before a report would be submitted to Cabinet before it goes to Parliament for passage. 

Ali'imuamua's passing was received with sadness by the United Nation agencies that worked closely with her for many years. A statement from the UN office shortly after Aliimuamua’s death acknowledged the chief statistician’s work and contribution in the development of the nation.

“Through her data knowledge and exemplary commitment to Samoa and its people, Malaefono served the cause of evidence-based public policy, transparent governance and international reporting, contributing substantially to the country’s development progress and performance on the global stage,” read the statement.

“Aliimuamua Malaefono was truly a gifted, kind hearted and inspiring woman leader who was instrumental in guiding many of the United Nations projects in which her analytical skills made a difference."