The Government Press Secretary, afioga Nanai Laveitiga Tuiletufuga, has been suspended pending an investigation into the mishap that saw the announcement of Toleafoa Dr Viali Lameko as the CEO of Health, instead of June Scanlan Lui.
Prime Minister Hon Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt confirmed the suspension during his weekly press conference with local media on Friday 19 December 2025.
Last week Cabinet had appointed June Scanlan Lui as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Health.
However the Government Press Secretary issued a press release stating that Toleafoa Dr Viali Lameko was the newly appointed CEO.
An apology was issued and a corrected press release announcing Ms Scanlan Lui then followed. However the damage was done and social media was already flooded with congratulations messages for Dr Lameko.
The Prime Minister said this type of mistake should never have happened. He said the Press Secretary will go through the Public Service Commission process in relation to the error.
The Prime Minister said the investigation will determine how such a mistake was made, where a Cabinet decision was so blatantly incorrectly published.
Nanai is suspended for four weeks with pay pending the Public Service Commission investigation.
Laaulialemalietoa said if the process takes too long then the Press Secretary may need to go on leave without pay, however, if he is exonerated and reinstated, then any deducted salaries would be fully repaid.
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