7 June 2021 Apia Samoa. Police Commissioner Sua Fuiavailiili Egon Keil says the decision to renew the contract of Deputy Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti is well deserved.
“We have received Cabinet’s confirmation for DC Keti to continue for an additional 3 years as Deputy Commissioner of Police,” said Su’a Fuiavailiili.
“Congratulations to Monalisa. It is a well deserved appointment,” added the Police Commissioner.
Sua’s contract which ends in July has also been extended by six months.
Samoa was informed by the country’s only daily newspaper on its Sunday paper that the caretaker Government had revoked the contracts of both the Police Chief and his Deputy.
Contacted on Sunday afternoon, Police Commissioner Sua Fuiavailili Egon Keil clarified with Samoa Global News that he was awaiting confirmation of a submission to have Papalii’s contract renewed for a further three years. The Police Commissioner said he was expecting to be informed today (Monday).
That confirmation has been published by Agafili Tomaimanō Shem Leo, CEO of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet and Secretary to Cabinet who has issued a correction to the Samoa Observer report.
“We can confirm that Cabinet in FK(21) Faapitoa 20, of 4th June, 2021 reappointed the Deputy Commissioner for Police and Prisons, Papalii Monalisa Keti, following the completion of the R & S process as per requirements of the Police Service Act, 2009,” states Agafili.
Press Release published in verbatim below.
CORRECTION TO THE SAMOA OBSERVER ARTICLE “POLICE CHIEF’S CONTRACT CUT SHORT BY CABINET” (Sunday, 6th June, 2021) and related EDITORIAL, “REVOKING OF TOP COPS’ CONTRACT BAD TIMING” (Monday, 7th June, 2021).
Reference is made to Samoa Observer’s article as mentioned above and the Editorial today, 7th June, 2021.
This is INCORRECT.
The Cabinet decision FK(21) Faapitoa 20 of Friday, 4th June, 2021, approved the continuation of the Police and Prison Commissioner, Fuiavailili Egon Keil’s Contract for 6 months, starting from 6th June, 2021.
The extension of the Commissioner of Police and Prison Service’s contract is based on Part (13)2 of the State of Emergency Orders. The State of Emergency for the protection of the country from the COVID 19, was extended for another 4 weeks following Cabinet’s approval also on Friday, 4th June, 2021.
The extension will also allow for the Recruitment and Selection (R &S) process to take its course for the appointment of a Police Commissioner, as per conditions clearly stipulated in the Police Service Act 2009, Part 3 (Division 3, Section 12).
The government continues to bolster national efforts to keep Samoa protected from the virus while ensuring that peace, security, and social harmony are observed throughout the country. The extension of the Police Commissioner’s contract for 6 months is also aligned to these priorities.
We can also confirm that Cabinet in FK(21) Faapitoa 20, of 4th June, 2021 reappointed the Deputy Commissioner for Police and Prisons, Papalii Monalisa Keti, following the completion of the R & S process as per requirements of the Police Service Act, 2009.
The Office of the Attorney General is finalising the remaining processes for these appointments.
This Cabinet decision revoked all earlier Cabinet decisions (FKs) on this matter.
Agafili Tomaimanō Shem Leo
CEO Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet/ Secretary to Cabinet
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