Government Press Secretariat, By Jasmine Netzler-Iose. The Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services (MPPCS) held its annual thanksgiving service at the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa Youth Hall at Sogi on the week leading up to Christmas.
Samoa’s Police and Prisons Minister Hon Faualo Harry Schuster, in his keynote address acknowledged the achievements of 2022 despite it being a challenging year.
The Minister conveyed his sincere appreciation to members of MPPCS for their commitment and work done throughout the past year.
“These achievements are worth mentioning as we give thanks to the Almighty God for his guidance,” said the Minister.
“MPPCS has come a long way and we are still continuing to improve our services to meet the needs of the people of Samoa.”
Since the beginning of the 2022 the Ministry has been at the forefront of safety and security, said the Minister.
Faualo acknowledged the committment of Police and Prison Officers during the Covid-19 lockdowns, when staff with Covid cut their recovery time short and returned to work earlier than expected, to help cope with the demands of keeping Samoa safe during the pandemic.
He noted other achievements by the Ministry to which he said were worth mentioning.
The year saw two graduating recruit classes, which increased the number of constables on the force.
MPPCS also took the lead at the 60th Independence Celebrations both in Upolu and Savaii, and have been instrumental in providing security to high-level visits of dignitaries to the country from American Samoa, New Zealand and Australia among many others.
The return of the Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division to the L.T.A. as part of Government’s Strategies to improve services was carried out without issues and internally, MPPCS put in place a Policies and Standard Operation Procedures to guide various area or work.
The Minister also acknowledged individual achievements by members of the force with special mention of those who obtained higher education qualifications and tertiary degrees, as well as regional awards.
The year also saw MPPCS launch it’s Ministry’s Strategic Plan for the period 2022/23 – 2025/2026.
“This is one of the Ministry’s milestone achievements since the last Corporate Plan of 2013.”
“I also commend all our officers and staff members who were injured in the line of duty – Malo le tautua atunu’u ma le fa’amaoni i la outou tautoga.”
Finally the Minister asked those in attendance to remember all the fallen comrades and colleagues in their prayers.
The Minister thanked all the stakeholder partners and donors for their ongoing support.
“As Government Ministries close down for the Festive Season, I know that we will continue with our services. As such, and on behalf of the Prime Minister and Cabinet I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year.”
To all our men and women, thank you all for your service to the people of Samoa!
Special awardees;
Special Reignition Award- Rosita Galuvao (27 years of Service to S.P.P.C.S),
Corrections Officer of the Year- Correction Officer Irene Mauinatu (Medical),
Support Staff Member of the Year- Peniamina Malagamaali’I,
Overall investigator of the Year- Constable Henry (Faleata Outpost),
Commissioned Officer of the Year- Inspector Albert Matautia (General Policing Unit),
Leadership Award- Inspector Fa’amatala Ese Va’alele (Traffic Enforcement Unit),
Committee’s Choice Award- Timothy Perefoti Komiti (ICT) and the
Unit/Station/Post of the Year went to the Traffic Enforcement Unit.
PHOTO: Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo
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