The Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development was deeply honoured to be graced by the presence of the Honourable Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt, together with the two Deputy Prime Ministers, Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo and Hon. Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo, alongside Cabinet Ministers and Associate Ministers, at a national engagement with 445 village representatives Sui o Nu‘u, Sui o le Malo, and Sui o Tamaitai o Nu‘u from Upolu and Savai‘i.
This landmark gathering marked the first time that the Prime Minister, both Deputy Prime Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, Associate Ministers, and senior leadership convened together with village representatives in a single national forum, reflecting the high regard Government places on village leadership as the foundation of Samoa’s governance and development.
In his address, the Prime Minister spoke with deep respect and appreciation for the service of village representatives, acknowledging their enduring role in safeguarding peace, unity, and the wellbeing of villages and families across the country.
He reflected on the progress achieved to date through strong collaboration between Government and village leadership, noting that many of Samoa’s social and development gains have been made possible through this enduring partnership.
The Prime Minister also recognised the increasing responsibilities carried by village representatives and noted the recent increase in village representatives’ wages as a deliberate decision by Government to better support their important work and service at the community level.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister outlined the future direction of Government, emphasising the need for clearer governance arrangements and stronger coordination as the scope of Government continues to expand.
He noted that the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development will transition to a strengthened Ministry of Family Affairs, encompassing families, women, children, youth, men, and persons with disabilities, to better reflect its expanded mandate and people-centred focus.
The Prime Minister further explained that the District Development Programme (DDP) and broader governance functions will be realigned to work together, ensuring stronger coordination, clearer accountability, and improved support for the delivery of Government services across communities.
A central message of the Prime Minister’s address was the urgent need for unity in confronting the growing threat of drugs, which he described as a serious challenge endangering children, young people, families, and the future of Samoa. He stressed that prevention and protection must be driven by collective action, with Government, village leaders, churches, families, and communities working together.
“The way forward for Samoa is not division, but unity learning from our past, planning carefully for the future, and standing together to protect our children and strengthen our families,” Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt said.
The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment to working together in partnership, grounded in respect, shared responsibility, and a common purpose to ensure a safe, resilient, and prosperous future for Samoa.
The Ministry reaffirmed its appreciation to the Prime Minister, the two Deputy Prime Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, Associate Ministers, and village representatives for their leadership, service, and continued dedication to the wellbeing of the nation.
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