PM LA’AULIALEMALIETOA RENEWS GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR STAR KIST SAMOA

By Nanai Taofiga Laveitiga Tuiletufuga

{TAFUNA, AM. SAMOA. 28th November 2025]- Star Kist’s Samoa canneries initiative to build two new housing facilities to provide accommodations’ for Samoa’s guests workers working at the cannery is applauded and highly commended by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.

Star Kist Samoa, is the single highest employer in the territory with 2,400 workers on her payroll. And 70% are Samoa citizens citizens hired as Guest Workers for the canneries in a government initiative to accommodate the cannery’s high manpower demands.

The guest worker program is exclusive for Samoan citizens only.

In American Samoa this week as guests of honor attrending the dedication of the new Legislative Building, the 2 new modern home for the territory’s Legislative Assembly, Star Kist President Injoo Ha and senior executives paid a courtesy call on Samoa’s leader and his delegation this morning.

In commending Star Kist, the Prime Minister acknowledged the valuable contribution by Star Kist to provide employment opportunities which is one of the highest remittances source injected into Samoa’s economy.

And as leader of the new Government, he assures President Ha that he is committed to strengthening the partnership but with the same token ensure that the rights of Samoan citizens hired as guest workers are respected and not abused.

He said lodging and accommodation for Samoan guests workers with families and relatives is a social issue which has impacted the program and he wants Government to play a leading role.

To that end, he has invited Star Kist President for a more detail meeting next January with himself and a Minister of his Cabinet to be named to brainstorm on ideas, suggestions on a way forward.

At the upcoming meeting, the Prime Minister is asking Star Kist to submit a report on their challenges, weakness and how the Samoa Government can facilitate to ensure that Star Kist Samoa’s business interest are dealt with to their benefit of both the company and the Government of Samoa.

“As the leader of the new Government, I can assure you that we are open-minded, open to negotiate and we want to be part of the solution not the problem,” he added.

For Government, the planned new Consulate Office In American Samoa, said the Prime Minister is the beginning of a new chapter in the two Samoas history. From there, Government will join Star Kist initiative to provide housing for guest workers in the territory by building more accommodations’ for the Samoan guest workers.

Government has a one acre-property in Tafuna where the new Consulate Office will be headquartered.

“Government is willing to listen and our Consular Fata Brian Kaio living here is available for further discussions before our meeting in January,” the Prime Minister concluded.