'Don't be fooled'

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, has cautioned General Election candidates against being “fooled.”

The veteran Member of Parliament who is the leader of the ruling Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P) said he has seen so many people suffer over the years because they are easily swayed by lies from voters.

“(Being a Member of Parliament) is a calling,” Tuilaepa said, adding that Samoa is a Christian country and this is a principle that should be well understood.

“There are so many people (who have suffered). They are easily fooled when what they should have done is think about their decision very carefully and pray about it.”

The Prime Minister made the comments when his thoughts were sought over the build up towards next March’s General Elections.

“There was an old man who ran a very successful business,” said Tuilaepa.

“One day he said he was running in the election so I asked him, why? I cautioned him and told him it would hurt his businesses.”

The Prime Minister said the businessman did not want to listen.

“He said to me that it’s very difficult because he now has the support of the constituency. Little did he know he was being fooled by old men who used him.

“So what happened to this old man is that people would buy their petrol from his petrol station with their voting IDs?

“I don't think the palagis will sell you petrol for your voting ID but this man did.”

In the end, the man lost the election. But Tuilaepa said he lost far more than the election.

“So after the election, the petrol station and all the businesses closed,” he said. “He then came and asked me for help and I told him I tried to help him but he didn't want to listen.

“There are many people like him. There a many people who used to run multiple businesses who have been fooled.

Their children are now suffering as a result.

They have nothing now.”

Tuilaepa said running for Parliament is not a decision that should be rushed into.

“You need to decide between your business and politics. You can only serve one master.”

Asked about the numerous campaign speeches being made by candidates, the Prime Minister said this was part and parcel of the game.

“Campaign speeches are normal,” he said.v Through these speeches, they can promise this and that project if they are elected.

“But when they get in, there is an order of work for the government which must be followed. You can’t expect to have it done right away. It’s the M.P. or the Minister’s responsibility to knock on the government’s door.”

Illegal guns in Samoa

Prime Minister Tuilaepa was also asked about the availability of illegal firearms in Samoa and how they got through.

“That’s the mystery,” he said.

“They’ve tried many ways which have been caught but they keep inventing new ways. I’m surprised that they are getting them through. It means there are ways being used.”

Tuilaepa said there is no reason for these guns to be available.

“There is one motive why these guns are smuggled and that is to shoot people, shoot the Police especially when the Police are about to carry out a raid.

“Every time a raid is carried out on a marijuana farm, there is always the risk of an officer being injured. That’s why the emphasis is on the safety and security of officers during a raid.”

Tuilaepa reminded that guns are important for farmers to protect their farms but they should be licensed.

“There is only one reason why someone in this country should have a gun and that is for your farm, there’s no other reason.”

Road widening project

The Prime Minister was also asked about the road-widening project from Vaitele to Vailoa being carried out by Ott Construction.

Tuilaepa said the project is being funded with “free money” from World Bank.

“They are giving it based on our good track record in terms of development.”

Tuilaepa said the long term plan is to have it reach the airport.

“It’s a big job, so we’ll do it in phases,” he said adding that the phases will be tendered out.

“That’s important because it will allow all road construction companies the opportunity to have a go. So whichever company wins, they will try their best so that next time, if they bid again, they already have a good track record.

Environment Week

Lastly, the Prime Minister spoke about the importance of the National Environment Week.

He said every little action counts towards the protection of Samoa’s environment.

“Some people take the issue of stealing sand very lightly, yet this is contributing to coastal erosion,” he said. “The government wants to protect our coastal areas. That’s the goal.”