CEO Calls for Retraction, Says Appointment Not Yet Endorsed

October 24, 2025

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The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Women has issued a press release to clarify the status of the appointment of long serving public servant and former Ombudsman for Samoa as the Village Mayor for Malie.

Loau Donina Tili Va’a, says she is calling for a full retraction of a Samoa Observer article which quotes her as saying:

“The administrative steps for officially endorsing the former Ombudsman Maualaivao Pepe Seiuli as the new mayor for Malie are being finalised.”

This morning in a PR posted on the MWCSD Facebook page, the CEO denies the quote, and “kindly reminds all media outlets to ensure that information attributed to the Ministry is verified, accurate, and responsibly reported, to uphold public trust and the integrity of information shared.”

The article states that the appointment was in its final stages.

MWCSD Press Release in verbatim:

OFFICIAL CLARIFICATION

The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development (MWCSD) wishes to clarify recent public reporting – including an article published by the Samoa Observer on 22 October 2025 – regarding the appointment of the Malie Village Mayor.

For accuracy, the Ministry confirms that no appointment or endorsement has been made at this time.

Administrative processes are still underway, and official confirmation will only be issued once all required procedures are completed and verified.

The Ministry has formally advised the Samoa Observer and requested a full retraction and correction to ensure the public record accurately reflects the Ministry’s official position.

The Ministry deeply respects the vital role of the media in informing the public. However, we kindly remind all media outlets to ensure that information attributed to the Ministry is verified, accurate, and responsibly reported, to uphold public trust and the integrity of information shared.

MWCSD remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, integrity, and accountability in all community governance matters.

Fa’afetai tele lava, Loau Donina Tili Va’a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development.