Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Tagata Pasifika

The Pacific voice on
New Zealand television
since 1987

Samoa’s police commissioner announces leave of absence due to health

Samoa Police Chief Fuiavailili Egon Keil Photo: RNZ Pacific/Monica Miller
Samoa Police Chief Fuiavailili Egon Keil Photo: RNZ Pacific/Monica Miller
Samoa Police Chief Fuiavailili Egon Keil Photo: RNZ Pacific/Monica Miller

Samoa’s police commissioner will be taking leave “for a number of weeks” on the advice of his doctor, Samoa Police announced this afternoon.

Commissioner Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil will be seeking medical treatment in New Zealand “for a condition that cannot be treated in Samoa but by a medical specialist found overseas”.

Deputy Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti will fulfill the role of Commissioner of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services during his absence.

The news comes in the midst of tense political upheaval in Samoa. Parliament is yet to convene despite orders from the Supreme Court to convene by Monday 5 July, and in defiance of the Supreme Court, the Head of State has declared parliament to convene on Monday 2nd August – a move questioned by legal experts.

Meanwhile, the police commissioner this week received a letter from the caretaker government requesting criminal charges be laid against leaders of the election winning Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party and its legal advisers; FAST today filed an application with the Supreme Court to have its impromptu swearing-in ceremony recognised.

“While our country is going through a difficult time following the Samoa General Election, I remain confident that the community will continue to receive professional police and prison services during my absence,” said Commissioner Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil.
“I look forward to returning in good health ready to serve our community.”

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