The son of veteran Cabinet Minister, Tuiloma Pule Lameko, is following in his father’s footsteps.
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Aumua Isaia Lameko is stepping into the political arena. His decision to declare his candidacy for March’s General Elections also means the end of his father’s political career.
Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Aumua said his father decided it was time for him to step down, due to his health.
It’s been more than 30 years since Tuiloma became a Member of Parliament.
He first served in Parliament at the M.P. for Safata, from 1978 to 1996. From 2001 until now he has held one of two Falealili seats.
The Minister of Revenue is now 80-years-old.
Aumua said he could never match his father’s accomplishments, but felt he could contribute to the development of the country. He named tourism and exports as the top two areas that generated revenue for the country.
“Those are the top two developments that need to be well established,” said Aumua.
“If people don’t have access to good roads they can’t go and work their lands…people also need to have access to water and electricity to do all that work.”
According to Aumua, most people from Falealili have moved inland since the tsunami.
Access to water and electricity were basic needs, crucial to the constituency.
He said most people picked for the Regional Seasonal Employment scheme were from Falealili.
The scheme, which runs through November to April, would mean most of the pickers won’t be casting their votes in March.
Aumua worked for the government from 1994- 2014, in the Public Service Commission, Ministry of Finance, Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Education.
Following his decision to leave the public service, he returned to the village to work the land.
Aumua said M.Ps should have a plantation, in order to serve their village and constituency.
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