The Office of the Public Service Commission through its Human Resource Development Division hosted its first CEO Forum for Fiscal Year 2018/19, at the Samoa Conference Centre on Tuesday 3^rd July 2018. The Commission extended invitations to CEO’s of all Government Ministries and Corporations and a total of 41 CEOs and 32 observers attended and participated.

This annual gathering provides Chief Executive Officers with an opportunity to discuss and deliberate on issues pertinent to the development of the Public Sector. The Forum commenced with welcoming remarks from Commission member Auelua Samuelu Enari, followed by the keynote address and official opening of the forum by the Hon. Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi.

The first presentation of the day was delivered by the Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the Senior Executive Services Division, Mr. Jason Hisatake, on the new direction for the Public Service. The second presentation was delivered by the ACEO of the Human Resource Development Division, Mrs. Sarona Esera on the new focus for Human Resource Development.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of improving service delivery standards to respond to rising needs, challenges and population increase.  He also referred to Ministries to be responsible for hiring and terminating of staff while the PSC provides oversight to ensure compliance. This allows PSC to focus more on Human Resource Development and Trainings.

He also underscored the importance of technical competencies and gave the example of when MESC was required to train more Science teachers.  He also noted the importance of obtaining more opportunities for scholarships/training to study special competencies courses like engineering needed for Samoa’s development.

In this connection he also encouraged CEOs when representing Samoa at intergovernmental meetings to use these opportunities to also seek assistance for our capacity building needs.  He reinforced the importance of conducting Performance Reviews to support the delivery of services to the Public and to enhance skills and capacity development of public servants. 

The PM also emphasized to CEOs the importance of delegation and effective follow-up in the management of their respective organizations.