Apia, SAMOA— “Tomorrow, we will sign the memorandum of understanding with US- San Diego based Bumble Bee and they will break ground sometime this year to proceed with the construction of their company, because they are keen on establishing it here,” said Samoa’s Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi in an exclusive interview with Samoa News yesterday. By “here” he was referring to the Matautu wharf.

Samoa News notes that the MOU between Samoa and Bumble Bee will firm up its commitment for the loin and fresh fish operation to be set up in Samoa, and Tuilaepa has promised his country some 1,000 jobs to come with the Bumble Bee operation.

The prime minister explained that initially the plan was set for Bumble Bee to establish a cannery next year — however due to their keenness in this project, they opted to start off early this year. “It’s not easy, as they’ve pointed out that they also have other options but, the good thing is the plans are coming to life and it’s something that we have been longing for — to have a cannery operation here in Samoa,” said Tuilaepa, speaking in Samoan.

He also made it clear that Bumble Bee is a California- based company, but not in American Samoa, so the rumors circulating that he must consult with American Samoa Government leaders are not true. “This company is out of California, not Tutuila, that’s why I don’t have to consult with Tutuila leaders (government leaders) as reported by media outlets (in Samoa),” said Tuilaepa.

Samoa News asked if the Samoa government has considered a suggestion by an opposition member of Parliament to set up the proposed cannery operation for Bumble Bee  on Savai’i island instead of the current plan to use property in the Apia town area — the opposition leader said the bad smell from cannery operations will affect the town area.

Speaking sarcastically, Tuilaepa said “That is the right move! Have everything in Savai’i!” He pointed out this company is run by bright people who know that any new establishment in Savai’i will die down (ave i Savai’i e oki).” Also, if they operate out of Savaii everything will have to be shipped over there, he noted.

Samoa News asked where the Bumble Bee operations will be located, and the prime minister said, “at the Matautu wharf”.

Samoa News will report on other issues discussed during this one-on-one exclusive interview with Tuilaepa in tomorrow’s edition of Samoa News.