31 Aug 2017

New Samoa cabinet minister to be announced

8:47 am on 31 August 2017

Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, will announce the appointment of a new cabinet minister at a swearing in ceremony this morning.

Samoa's PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi

Samoa's PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi Photo: RNZI Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

The appointment will replace the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, who resigned last Wednesday.

Laauli's resignation came after a criminal charge was filed against him following an internal dispute at the privately owned Nonu juice company in which he is a director.

The former minister and his wife are each facing one count of obtaining money by deception.

Another director was charged with obtaining a false document and the trio will appear in court in two weeks' time.