Keynote Address by Deputy Prime Minister Hon Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio at the Official Launch of the Samoa Alcohol Guidelines (16 May 2024, Taumeasina Island Resort)

SAMOA, May 16 - Reverend Siaosi Salesulu

Hon. Ministers of Cabinet and Associate Ministers

Chief Justice and Judiciary

President and Members of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industries

Chief Executive Officers of government ministries

Members of the Alcohol Control Board

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to the Official Launch of the First Alcohol Standard Guidelines for Samoa.

Today marks a pivotal moment in Samoa’s journey towards responsible alcohol consumption and manufacturing. One of the functions of the Alcohol Control Board is to ensure the well-being and safety of all members of our society.

When the government set out to implement its goals under its Pathway for Strategic Development Plan for a healthier and safer Samoa, the Alcohol Control Board came to face one of its biggest challenges: the absence of clear guidelines to assist the Board in its work, more importantly, in controlling alcohol in view of the Alcohol Control Act 2020.

The main focus of the Alcohol Standards Guidelines is to provide a guide for the Board in administering the Alcohol Control Act including its powers on the administrative and enforcement fronts. It is also an important document that clearly states the requirements and compliance conditions for all types of alcohol licenses stipulated in the Act.

The vision of the government through its strategic plan is to “Foster social harmony, safety and freedom for all’. This is also the Board’s priority. And these guidelines will provide a step forward and further the government’s response to addressing alcohol-related concerns.

We will work together with government agencies and Ministries, the private sector, Police and our court administration, law enforcement, and the people of Samoa to ensure that Samoa does not fall into an alcohol-lead crisis. We encourage all government agencies including the Ministries, courts, police, manufacturers, to continue to collect and maintain data and document updated and relevant information and statistics to aid, monitor and evaluate our work in the future

It is with great pride and conviction that I announce the launch of comprehensive alcohol standards and guidelines for manufacturers, consumers, and enforcement agencies alike.

To our manufacturers: your role in shaping societal norms and behaviours cannot be understated. The guidelines we unveil today are not meant to stifle innovation or growth but to foster a culture of responsibility. We call upon you to prioritise quality over quantity, to label your products and document your processes transparently, and to join us in educating consumers about the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

To alcohol consumers: your health and safety are paramount. These guidelines are not intended to infringe upon personal freedoms and choice but rather to empower you with knowledge and support. We urge you to heed the recommended limits, to recognize when moderation is necessary, and to seek help if alcohol begins to negatively impact your life or the lives of those around you.

Enforcement and compliance agencies play a vital role in upholding these standards.

We will provide the necessary resources and support to ensure that these guidelines are effectively implemented and enforced.

Together, we will work tirelessly to create a culture where responsible alcohol consumption is the norm, not the exception.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Alcohol Control Board for their diligent work in compiling and finalizing these guidelines. In particular the work of SROS, the OAG, the Ministry of Health, Finance, Police, Chamber of Commerce, professional members of the community on the board, CEO of Revenue & Customs, our Alcohol Inspectors and the Board’s secretary.

I also extend my thanks to the Hon. Prime Minister and Cabinet for their endorsement, and to all those who have contributed to the successful completion of the First Alcohol Standard Guidelines for Samoa. Especially those who have supported our work in the past three years.

In conclusion, let us embark on this journey together, united in our commitment to the well-being of our communities.

By adhering to these standards and guidelines, we can create a safer, healthier, and more prosperous Samoa for generations to come.

Thank you.

Photos by Government of Samoa (Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo)