The Prisons and Corrections Service in Samoa looks set for a new era with the government announcing the replacement for a predecessor who is still under suspension.
Cabinet has approved the appointment of Taitosaua Edward Winterstein as the Commissioner for the Ministry of Prisons and Correction Services.
The appointment is for three years.
The position was advertised with 19 candidates submitting applications. Ten were shortlisted for interviews, according to a press release.
After assessment by a selection panel, a recommendation was submitted before Cabinet for the final decision.
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He replaces former prisons Commissioner, Sala Seaga Uili, who remains suspended with full pay, along with Police Commissioner, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo.
Cabinet has delayed release of the Commission of Inquiry report in Police and Prisons for a total of three months.
Taitosaua’s appointment as Commissioner comes after four years with the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (S.R.O.S.).
He was Manager for the Environment and Renewable Energy section at S.R.O.S.
from 2007 to 2013.
Prior to that, Taitosaua was employed by the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services in Australia for 17 years, from 1990 to 2007.
He also served in the New Zealand Department of Justice as Assistant Warden from 1987 to 1989, on a part time basis.
Over a wider ranging career, Taitosaua also worked in the New Zealand Meteorological Service office in Wellington from 1984 to 1989, and before that he was in the New Zealand Department of Education from 1982 to 1983.
Taitosaua started his working career in Samoa in the Ministry of the Prime Minister and the Samoa Meteorological Office from 1976 to 1982.
The new Commissioner of Prisons holds a BSc. from the University of the South Pacific. He was educated at St. Joseph’s College before resuming further studies overseas.
Afioga Taitosaua hails from the villages of Safune and Asau. He is married with two children.
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