OPENING REMARKS by the Hon. Associate Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Aiolupotea Tony Aiolupo
Rev. Gaolo Elisaia
Cabinet Ministers
Ms Aliona Niculita – Resident Representative UNDP Sub-regional Office in Samoa
Heads of Government Ministries and Border Agencies,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen.
Talofa lava and warm greetings to you all.
It is my honour this afternoon to officially launch a suite of ;important biosecurity enhancements for Samoa:
• the new state-of-the-art dual-view X-ray machine,
• the new Biosecurity Samoa uniform, and • the newly wrapped biosecurity vehicles promoting awareness on regulated pests and prohibited imports.
Together, these developments represent a major step forward in strengthening Samoa’s border protection system, and safeguarding our agriculture, environment, health and economy.
Biosecurity is our first line of defense against invasive pests and diseases. When harmful organisms enter our borders, the consequences can be far-reaching — threatening our crops, livestock, biodiversity, and even our people’s wellbeing.
The installation of this dual-view X-ray machine is a strategic investment that elevates our border screening capability at the country’s busiest gateway. Its advanced imaging allows for quicker, more accurate detection of risk goods, improving both efficiency and passenger experience.
Most importantly, it strengthens our capacity to protect Samoa from threats that could undermine our food security and national resilience.
Today’s milestone would not be possible without the continued support of the Global Environment Facility through its GEF-7 Samoa Project – Enhancing Climate Resilience of Samoa’s Communities through Integrated Management of Invasive Alien Species. This project is implemented through UNDP and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment as lead agency and implementing partner. I sincerely acknowledge your partnership and continuous support. Your investment reflects a shared commitment to protecting Samoa and the wider Pacific region from the impacts of invasive species.
I also acknowledge the Samoa Airport Authority, Samoa Customs Service, and our border control partners for your close cooperation. Border security is a shared responsibility, and your partnership ensures the safety of our nation.
We also launch today the new Biosecurity Samoa uniform, symbolising professionalism, visibility, and pride in service. Our MAF Biosecurity officers are frontline guardians of Samoa’s safety, and this uniform reinforces their identity and the trust placed in them.
In addition, the vehicle branding and awareness messages will support public education on regulated pests, prohibited goods, and ongoing measures to protect industries such as Samoa’s honey sector. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment not only to compliance and enforcement, but also to community awareness and national responsibility.
These developments complement the Government’s priorities under the Pathway for the Development of Samoa and the Agriculture Sector Plan, supporting a safer, more resilient, and sustainable future for our people.
To our MAF Biosecurity staff — thank you for your hard work and dedication. These tools will strengthen your ability to protect Samoa at our borders and ensure our continued success in safeguarding the nation from pests and diseases.
With these remarks, I am honoured to officially launch:
• the new dual-view X-ray machine,
• the Biosecurity Samoa uniform, and
• the Biosecurity Samoa vehicle branding campaign.
May these developments strengthen our shared mission to keep Samoa safe, secure, and resilient.
God Bless this gathering and God bless Samoa!
Soifua.
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