‘It’s not your land,’ Samoa P.M tells Opposition Leader

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi did not mince words when he addressed claims by the Opposition leader, Palusalue Fa’apo II about land at Mulivai Safata on which a Chinese-based company proposes to build a casino.
“It is not his land,” Tuilaepa said. “And the government does not talk to people who have no right to these lands.”
Prime Minister Tuilaepa was speaking on Radio 2AP when he was asked for a comment about the issue. Palusalue had said that the Government failed to consult the village first. Further, the Opposition leader wondered where Mulivai will find the 500 acres for the proposed project.
But Tuilaepa accused Palusalue of disturbing the peace.
“The only thing I know is that he is trying to cause a conflict so that a casino cannot be built there at Mulivai,” said Tuilaepa. That is exactly what he is doing.
“Any Member of Parliament who has bad thoughts like that has only one reason why; he does not want to develop this part of the constituency.”
Tuilaepa reassured the public that plans for the casino at Mulivai Safata are making good progress.

 
“Su’atele has just left my office,” the Prime Minister said. “He is the Paramount Chief of that part of the village. They have already met and there is nothing to worry about as they have already given us a yes.”
Su’atele Tuilaepa was referring to is Leota Suatele Manusegi. He is a former Member of Parliament.
 
“This is a development venture particularly for Mulivai, Safata and its villagers will benefit from it as will Samoa as a whole,” said Tuilaepa.
The Prime Minister also cautioned Palusalue.
“Don’t just sit there and encourage conflicts because the end result is simple, there are three other places earmarked by government for this venture,” he said.
“If this area falls through, the government will move to the next place.”