Tea To’oala Peato has been sworn in as Samoa’s newest Cabinet Minister, taking responsibility for the Legislative Assembly and the Office of the Ombudsman.
The 87-year-old Member of Parliament for Fa’asaleleaga No. 4 was sworn in this morning at Parliament, becoming one of the longest-serving members of Samoa’s Legislative Assembly to join Cabinet.
During the ceremony, Minister Peato took his oath on the Bible, pledging to perform his duties with respect, integrity and to the best of his knowledge and ability.
His appointment was announced by Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polāta’ivao Fosi Schmidt pursuant to Part IV, Section 32(b) of the Constitution of the Independent State of Samoa 1960, relating to executive power.
The Prime Minister recommended Minister Peato’s appointment to the Head of State, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Suālauvī II, who subsequently confirmed the appointment.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister urged the newly appointed minister to carry out his responsibilities with love and faith, reminding him that every calling comes from God and that people are given opportunities to serve others throughout their journey in life.
He acknowledged Minister Peato’s many years of service as a Member of Parliament, saying that no service goes without reward because God sees all.
The Prime Minister also told Minister Peato that God had witnessed his years of service to the Parliament of Samoa, and that his appointment was an opportunity to continue contributing to the work of government.
Minister Peato becomes the 15th member of Cabinet, filling a position that had remained vacant since former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo stepped down from his portfolio following a court decision relating to an election petition.
His appointment as Minister responsible for the Legislative Assembly and the Office of the Ombudsman was confirmed by the Head of State pursuant to Section 7(1)(a) of the Ministerial and Departmental Arrangements Act 2003.
Prior to his appointment to Cabinet, Minister Peato served as Associate Minister for the Ministry of Lands and Survey, assisting Minister Foisala Lilo Tu’u Ioane in carrying out his ministerial responsibilities.
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