15 Dec 2017

Samoa public servants not banned from protest march - chairman

3:04 pm on 15 December 2017

The chairman of Samoa's Public Service Commission says he has not ordered public servants to refrain from taking part in a protest march against government planned for tomorrow morning in Apia.

Apia, Samoa.

Apia, Samoa. Photo: Ramunas/123RF

Tu'u'u Dr Ieti Taulealo has told the Samoa Observer that he has not issued any letters to public servants ordering them not to take part in the march as has apparently been circulating on social media.

He said he only heard about the reports last week after his wife asked him about the Facebook reports.

The chairman, who was a leader of the public servants strike in 1981 which eventually toppled the government of the day and ushered in the ruling Human Rights Protection Party, said all public servants were free to attend any march or event they choose.

The march, organised by the Samoa Solidarity International Group, has been given the green light from Police.

Samoa Solidarity International Group's Ruta Lealaitafea Westin handing out pamphlets to people at the Makeki in Apia. December 2017.

Samoa Solidarity International Group's Ruta Lealaitafea Westin handing out pamphlets to people at the Makeki in Apia. December 2017. Photo: Samoa Solidarity International Group/Facebook