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Samoa PM expected to be in N.Z. for a week

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, is in New Zealand seeking further medical treatment for the infection in his foot.The confirmation came from Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polata'ivao yesterday.La’auli said the Prime Minister left on the Virgin Samoa’s 10:30 flight on Sunday night.He was accompanied by his wife Gillian, a specialist, whose name was not revealed by the Speaker, and his doctor and Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama.The Chief Executive Officer of the Prime Minister’s office, Vaosa Epa, and bodyguard Sergeant Rapi are also travelling with him.“We had a small prayer service to bless his trip,” said La’auli.According to the Speaker, the Prime Minister is expected to be away for a week to ensure that the infection would not develop into anything critical.La’auli was unable to confirm which hospital Tuilaepa will be transferred to but said “possibly Auckland”.“He sends his love to the Samoa Observer,” he said - adamant that this quote was included in the article.He said this is what the Prime Minister said to him before he left on Sunday night. Last Wednesday, Tuilaepa was admitted to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital after the infection saw him experience both a fever and chills.Admitted straight to Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, La’auli confirmed that the infection was a result of the Prime Minister stepping on a nail while inspecting renovations at a close relative’s house. “He was well recovered from the infected nail wound but an ailment had spread to the wound and his doctor Tuitama advised that he be referred to New Zealand for a check-up,” he said.La’auli said last Wednesday was the first time the Prime Minister had ever been admitted t o hospital when Tuilaepa was rushed to hospital after “feeling the chilly and feverish”.“That was the first time he was ever hospitalised,” he said. La’auli, however, blames this incident on the Prime Minister being too “over worked”.“Too much work and I know he was advised many time to be cautious but he is one always adamant to work,” said La’auli.He confessed to advising Tuilaepa to leave matters of work those in the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P) while he focuses on getting enough rest.However, La’a u l i said the Prime Minister was adamant about continuing on with his work, something he said was the norm for politicians everywhere.