The Samoa cabinet has terminated the services of the Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Tourism Authority, Fa’amatuainu Lenata’i Suifua.
TV1Samoa reports that Fa’amatuainu was advised of the decision in a letter from the Deputy Chairman of the STA board, Tuiataga Nathan Bucknall, dated 6 June 2022.
The letter advises that Minister of Tourism, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, told the Board of the Cabinet decision.
Fa’amatuainu was told in the letter that his position officially ends tomorrow, 9 June 2022, and was asked to return STA assets in his possession.
The letter also told the acting CEO to ensure all payments due to Fa’amatuainu be paid out.
Fa’amatuainu has been on leave since February 2022, while an investigation was conducted into allegations leveled against him by former and present staff at STA.
They accused the CEO of misconduct including claims of a $10,000 tala contract being awarded solely to his carpenter, which Fa’amatuainu denied.
Earlier this week the STA Board of Directors moved to reinstate Fa’amatuainu, saying there was insufficient evidence to terminate him.
Fa’amatuainu would not speak on the matter to TV1Samoa, saying only to wait until another day.
