Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt delivered a virtual message on Saturday during a Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party roadshow for Safata No.2 candidate Tuia Paepae Letoa, days after leaving for New Zealand for medical checks.
The 15-minute message was broadcast live on the FAST party’s official Facebook page after the Minister of Health, Va’aaoao Salumalo Alofipo, introduced the Prime Minister to FAST supporters, including cabinet ministers.
It is the second by-election campaign in which Laaulialemalietoa has appeared virtually on a screen to deliver a message. He also delivered a virtual message during the recent Vaimauga No.3 by-election campaign when he was medically evacuated to New Zealand in April.
In his virtual address, Laaulialemalietoa apologised for delivering his message via social media platforms, saying he was unable to attend the roadshow in person because he was overseas for medical treatment.
He acknowledged those in attendance, including FAST party members, Cabinet Ministers, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and the Deputy Speaker. The Safata No.2 by-election was triggered after Tuia declared his intention to leave the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) and join the FAST party.
