Samoa Airport Authority (SAA) CEO Tumanuvao Evile Falefatu has rejected claims that a tent placed at Faleolo International Airport’s VIP Terminal carpark was set up for ministerial use.
In a letter to the editor, Falefatu stated that the tent belonged to him personally and was used for an SAA staff church service. He said the tent was provided at no cost to the authority or taxpayers and was removed after a single day.
He also criticised the Sunday Samoan Observer for publishing what he described as speculation, arguing that a basic search of the SAA’s Facebook page could have clarified the tent’s purpose.
Falefatu further stated that an email from the newspaper seeking comment was sent outside working hours and did not allow enough time for a response before publication.
He has demanded a public apology for what he sees as misleading reporting that damaged both his and Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai’s reputations.
