Samoa’s Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La’auli Polata’ivao Leuatea Schmidt, has resigned from Cabinet after his arrest yesterday on a charge of obtaining $136,400 by deception.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my resignation as a Minister of Cabinet,” said a press statement issued by his office earlier today.
La’auli said in a statement it was with a heavy heart he was announcing his resignations as a minister of cabinet.
He said he was resigning for the integrity of Cabinet and government as well as out of respect for the Prime Minister.
The statement said that he will still remain a member of Parliament “to await the outcome of court proceedings.”
La’auli represents the district of Gagaifomauga No3 of Savai’i and is a former Speaker of the House.
He said, “I am confident that God willing, justice will prevail.”
The minister was yesterday arrested and charged with obtaining $ST136,400 by deception.
His wife, Heather, was also charged with obtaining $ST140,000 by deception.
A business partner of the minister, Apulu Lance Polu, was also arrested and charged with obtaining a forged document, which did not involve cash.
All three defendants are to appear in the Supreme Court on September 18.
