The Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) hosted a farewell ceremony and presentation of gifts for the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Biosecurity team today.
The Government of Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) wishes to acknowledge the support of the New Zealand government through its Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), with the deployment of six Biosecurity officials to support Biosecurity Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), held in Samoa last week.
The six-personnel team travelled to Samoa and worked alongside Biosecurity Samoa officials for the past two weeks. During their time, the Biosecurity NZ team assisted with the arrival clearance of heads of state, dignitaries, support personnel, and visitors to Samoa, partnering with local border agencies, ensuring a successful CHOGM, and a protected Samoa from any biosecurity risks.
The assistance from MPI strengthened our personnel numbers during a time, which saw leaders and visitors from around the world travel to our shores for CHOGM. The officials continued the implementation of border measures with the aim to safeguard Samoa’s borders from the threat of pests and diseases, as well as sharing their expertise with the team in providing ongoing efforts in maintaining the level of protection of Samoa.
The Minister of the MAF, Honourable Laaulialemalietoa Leautea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, expressed sincere gratitude to the government of New Zealand for the continued support to Samoa. He further acknowledged the NZ MPI Team Leader/Principal Adviser Pacific (Border), Mr. Howard Hamilton and team members, Senior Quarantine officers – Ms. Anne Donaldson, Ms. Sharon Osman, Ms. Anoano Seumalii-Vaai, Ms. Sarah Schubert and Ms. Claire Milliken on their willingness to provide assistance to Biosecurity Samoa and wished them a safe journey home.
