13 August 2020, Savaii. The Unit Trust of Samoa (UTOS) has partnered with the Gambling Control Authority (GCA) to extend its services to unitholders on the Big Island of Savaii.
UTOS Unitholders can now buy units or open new accounts at the main branch of GCA in Salelologa, Savaii.
The partnership was jointly announced by the Minister of Finance Hon. Sili Epa Tuioti, and the Minister of Public Enterprise Hon. Lautafi Selafi Purcell at an official launch held at the Amoa Resort last Friday 7th August 2020.
The initiative is a response to a need voiced by unitholders in Savaii during recent Annual General Meetings of UTOS.
“It has been a problematic process for unitholders in Savaii traveling to Apia to access these services”.
Minister of Finance Sili Epa Tuioti says the decision was made after a thorough review process by UTOS.
“The Gambling Control Authority has now become the official distribution agent for UTOS, selling units in Savaii;
“Unitholders residing in Savaii can now avoid the long travels to Apia, by visiting the GCA Salelologa branch to make deposits into their UTOS account or open new accounts”.
The Minister added that the long term goal is to have more branches available in the outer villages, for both Savaii and Upolu.
“That allows unitholders such as farmers, fishermen and hardworking Samoans the chance to invest in the Trust”.
Units are traded online and the Minister offered his assurance that UTOS has one of the most secure online systems for buying and selling units, supported by International accredited Cyber Security Companies.
Minister for GCA, Hon. Lautafi Selafi Purcell said that the partnership is a gateway for more Savaii residents to invest in the Unit Trust of Samoa and reap the benefits.
Lautafi further explained that players of GCA Lotto games can now immediately invest a portion of their winnings in UTOS, as an option available to them.
Additionally, GCA has a mobile vehicle service that covers all of Savaii every Thursday and Friday for residents that are unable to travel to Salelologa.
Unitholders showed their appreciation to the Government of Samoa and to the two organisations for the initiative.
If you have any questions regarding the possibility of investing in the Trust from Savaii please contact UTOS on 26949 / 29916, or GCA on 26512 / 7772121, or visit GCA branches at the Salelologa Market.
