Lau Susuga ile ta’ita’I ole sauniga
Honorable Ministers of Cabinet
Associate Ministers
Members of Judiciary
Honorable Members of the Legislative Assembly
CEOs of Government Ministries and Government Corporations
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning. I am delighted to join you this morning to celebrate the opening of the new Prison facilities here at Tanumalala. May I also extend a warm welcome to all those who have travelled just to be here to witness the completion of this new prison development.
For those of us who have come to this building for the first time, we are pleasantly surprised to note that this upscale facility with modern architectural design was in fact converted from an old prison facility still standing at Tafaigata. Indeed, the physical transformation and modernization of the prison’s new home bears a strong resemblance to the transformation of Prison and Correction services for years to come and a stronger indication of an uncompromised commitment by government for more comprehensive measures for a safer Samoa.Lau Susuga ile ta’ita’I ole sauniga
Honorable Ministers of Cabinet
Associate Ministers
Members of Judiciary
Honorable Members of the Legislative Assembly
CEOs of Government Ministries and Government Corporations
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good morning. I am delighted to join you this morning to celebrate the opening of the new Prison facilities here at Tanumalala. May I also extend a warm welcome to all those who have travelled just to be here to witness the completion of this new prison development.
For those of us who have come to this building for the first time, we are pleasantly surprised to note that this upscale facility with modern architectural design was in fact converted from an old prison facility still standing at Tafaigata. Indeed, the physical transformation and modernization of the prison’s new home bears a strong resemblance to the transformation of Prison and Correction services for years to come and a stronger indication of an uncompromised commitment by government for more comprehensive measures for a safer Samoa.
The inception of this new facility had stemmed from a vision and forward planning by the government to upscale, improve facilities and improve services by the Ministry of Prison and Corrections for the safeguarding of inmates but most importantly to provide exclusive protection for the wider community of Samoa.
From humble beginnings, Tafaigata had certainly served its time. Despite of many challenges it had faced many years it stood all and strong to provide the best it can get with what they given. But as our country developed and at the height of new technological prowess, we, as the day’s government, we realized that Tafaigata Prison is no longer able to hold on and certainly its current condition was not enough to warrant a much safer community moving into the future. Hence the birth of the vision to build a new prison facility.
As you can see now, it has grown in size, quality and importance, it will gradually establishing itself as a locally, nationally, and regionally recognized quality facility for rehabilitation, education and training.
Indeed, an organization must move with the times, in terms of its development and expectations. As we share the joy of opening the new Prison and Correction facilities, we also embrace the shared vision and commitment by the government to safeguarding quality assurance of the inmates as the general public.
This new facility is the beginning of new and improved development towards international standards and the commitment by our government to support and align with Prison standards under the UN.
This project was 90% funded by our government and 10% by the Japan Counterpart Funds. The total cost of this whole new facility is $18,225,270
On this memorable occasion, I must thank and congratulate all those who have worked so hard in contributing to the building of this new facility. The building opens up a new space for commitment and importance, designed to meet the increasing demand and expectations of Prison and Correction services.
May I wish all colleagues and all of you in attendance today a very pleasant day. I also like to wish the Commissioner of Prison and Corrections and his staff a pleasant working environment. May I also wish you all good health and every success.
Thank You.
