Apia, Samoa – The Public Bodies Forum, held on 10th September 2024 at the Tanoa Hotel in Apia, was officially opened by Hon. Leatinu’u Faumuina Wayne Sooialo, Minister for Public Enterprises (MPE). The forum brings together 25 of Samoa’s public enterprises, reduced from 27 due to the recent dissolution of the Samoa Land Corporation (SLC), Samoa Trust Estates Corporation (STEC), and Samoa Sports Facilities Authority (SSFA). These entities have been replaced by the Ministry of Lands and Survey and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
His address, Minister Sooialo stressed the need for public bodies to follow the government’s strategic plans, which were detailed in the Letters of Expectations distributed at the start of the year. He urged public enterprises to prioritize the finalisation and implementation of their Corporate Plans, which align with the government’s broader objectives.
“Discussions between myself, the Chairs, and CEOs of our public bodies are ongoing to ensure the corporate plans are finalized and put into action,” Sooialo said.
The Minister reiterated the role of these plans in guiding the work of public enterprises, which is key to improving governance and accountability. He also stressed that all public bodies must complete their Corporate Plans by the end of September, with progress closely monitored through quarterly and annual reports submitted to MPE.
“Corporations should abide and follow policies of good governance,” said the Minister, referencing the principles outlined in the Public Bodies Framework. He warned that non-compliance has been observed in some public bodies, urging strict adherence to established policies.
Additionally, Leatinu’u highlighted existing Cabinet policies on salaries and benefits for CEOs/General Managers, which require adherence to government regulations. He also stressed the importance of following asset protection policies, including vehicle regulations outlined under the Public Finance Management Act 2001.
The forum will focus on assessing the performance of public enterprises over the past financial year and preparing for the upcoming year’s challenges and objectives.
Key topics include governance, the execution of corporate plans, and adherence to government policies on financial management and asset protection.
