Leaders must be honest – P.M.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, had a very simple message for the Leadership Samoa Class of 2015 last week.

During a meeting at his office as part of the Group’s study tour, Tuilaepa was speaking about the qualities of an effective leader when he highlighted the importance of honesty among other key principles.

He spoke about the value of leaders who are aware about the issues and are willing to abide by the laws and policies governing organizations and the country.

According to the Prime Minister, leaders must be decisive and stand firm on the decisions they make. In that vein, they must also not be afraid to make the tough decisions.

The Leadership Class met with the Prime Minister on the second day of their Study Tour where they delved into the topic of leading from the front.

Their first stop was at the Legislative Assembly where Tigaina Laupepa, Assistant Clerk – Chamber and Procedure, elaborated on the roles and functions of Parliament, as well as the opportunities and challenges faced by Parliamentarians and those aspiring to represent their people. She emphasised that it was an honour and a privilege, but also required great dedication.

With the March 2016 election around the corner, the Class then visited the Office of the Electoral Commission. Acting Commissioner, Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio, explained the roles and responsibilities of the office in ensuring that Samoa conducts efficient and effective elections, with processes the people of Samoa understand and trust.

He also spoke about the new Electoral Amendments, assuring that Samoa’s performance in relation to the conduct of fair and transparent elections is perhaps one of the best in the Pacific region.

Up next was the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, Masinalupe Tusipa Masinalupe.

According to Masinalupe, for a Ministry to be successful, leaders need to empower their staff and management. This, he said, is his guiding principle for his ministry.

One of the highlights of the tour was a meeting with Police Commissioner, Egon Lincoln Keil. He emphasized that the main role of the Ministry was to ensure the safety and security of the people of Samoa and visitors to our shores. The Commissioner assured that they are striving to improve conditions and situations within the police force, but this takes time.

The leadership class then visited the Samoa Prisons Correction Services.

The Director of Development Services, Levaopolo Rosa Siaosi, talked about the new Ministry’s vision and plans for the future. One of the foundations of the ministry’s approach to correction services is the rehabilitation of offenders, to reduce the likelihood of reoffending and to reintegrate them into their communities on completion of their sentences.

The final session for the first day was with the Samoa Law Reform Commission.

The Executive Director, Leota Theresa Potoi, talked about the roles and functions of the Commission. In an ever-changing environment, one of the greatest challenges is reconciling traditional ways with western legal concepts in a world that is increasingly global.

The final part of the study tour included visits to a number of embassies in Samoa including Australian High Commissioner, Sue Langford, the New Zealand High Commissioner, Jackie Frizelle, America’s Charge D‘Affaire, Llewyllyn Hedgbeth, and Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa, Tuimaugaoalii Kasumaza Shibuta.

All in all, the study tour focusing on Parliament, Law and Order, Stable Government and Good Governance Study Tour has been informative and very interesting for the group.

“We wish to acknowledge with much appreciation the invaluable contribution of the distinguished speakers who shared their wealth of knowledge and experience with us,” the Class said in a statement.