Pacific / Samoa

Samoa's Justice Ministry imposes strict gift policy

16:16 pm on 14 October 2019

A strict no-gift policy has been imposed by Samoa's Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration, banning the public from offering gifts and rewards to staff members.

Photo: 123rf

The policy also prohibits ministry employees and officials from accepting gifts of any kind.

A public notice in English and Samoan has been posted around the head office at Mulinu'u, saying the ministry is committed to conducting its business to the highest standards of integrity and good governance.

The government has recently appointed a new chief executive, Moliei Simi Va'ai - the first woman to head the ministry.

The last chief executive, Papalii John Taimalelagi Afele, was sacked after an inquiry by the Public Service Commission on breaches of duty.

The notice said any act by an employee in breach of the strict gift policy would be treated as putting the ministry in disrepute and a serious violation of its code of conduct.