By Eirenei Ariu
For the fifth consecutive year, the Samoa Ports Authority (SPA) has not failed to full her statutory responsibilities and obligations to assist Government as dictated by law.
Without a lot of fanfare the SPA Board presented close to $2.7 million Tala in dividend payment to the Government last week.
The cheque was presented by the Minister of Samoa Ports Authority, Papaliitele Unasa Lee Hang on behalf of the Chairman, Board of Directors, Management and the staff to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi and Minister of Public Enterprizes, Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell.
This year’s payment increases the SPA’s total dividend paid to Government to $13 million tala from 2016 to 2020.
“SPA is proud of its sound financial performance and being able to honour its statutory responsibilities such as paying dividend to assist our Government with many developments which have and are reaping immense benefits for our Country,” the Authority acknowledged in a Press Statement.
And SPA’s profitable success has not been without challenges despite the COVID19 drastic impacts worldwide. Under trying times SPA joined the Government COVID19 Stimulus Package Program Samoa Ports through concessions valued at $500,000 tala worth to members of the public, business partners and port users.
“…irrespective of the impacts of Covid19 and Measles on market conditions during the financial year, SPA still managed to record a profit,” the SPA statement reiterated.
In accepting the dividend, the Prime Minister Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi congratulated and thanked the Chairman, Board members and the Authority’s critical role in revenue collection.
“Thank you for this tremendous contribution which will assist the Government with its ongoing operations to benefit our people and our country,” the Prime Minister congratulated.
SPA is a State Owned Enterprise and payment of dividend to Government is a statutory obligation.
