Dear Editor,
Samoa’s public service is built on integrity, professionalism, expertise, and a duty to serve the nation—not the political interests of the government of the day.
That is why the decision by the Prime Minister and Cabinet not to allow Central Bank of Samoa Governor Maiava Atalina Ainuu-Enari to take up a prestigious fellowship in New Zealand is deeply concerning. It raises important questions about how Samoa values its public servants, their professional development, and the independence of our national institutions.
The Central Bank plays a critical role in safeguarding Samoa’s economic and financial stability. An international fellowship is not simply a personal opportunity; it is an investment in knowledge, leadership, regional relationships, and Samoa’s future capacity.
As a former Samoan public servant who served for decades, I learned an important lesson: our loyalty was to the people we served and to Samoa—not necessarily to the government of the day. Public service gave me invaluable skills and experiences that continued to benefit me when I later moved abroad.
