“Insubordination” is among the reasons that Director of Health, Motusa Tuileama Nua has recommended to Human Resources Director, Sonny L. Thompson that he terminate one of DOH’s long time employees. In an interview with Samoa News, the HR Director stated that nothing is final yet, as he’s looking into it, noting that this is a very sensitive case, which has already gained notoriety. The employee is DOH Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Director Siitia Soliai-Lemusu.

The HR Director told Samoa News that there was an involuntary reassignment for the employee, with the coordination of HR. He said, “The DOH Director can reassign his people with the coordination of the HR Director.”

Thompson said in a situation where it appears to be disruptive for the discipline or morale of a department, the director — with the approval of HR Director — can reassign anyone.

The HR Director stated that there is a thick stack of supporting documents attached to the letter recommending the termination of the DOH employee.

Thompson stated that if HR does proceed with the recommendation, the DOH employee has the right to appeal the decision. Samoa News asked about the context of the letter and HR Director pointed out that among the reasons Motusa is recommending to terminate Lemusu is due to “insubordination.”

 DOH employees, speaking on background in order to talk more freely to Samoa News, said Lemusu was reassigned to work under the Environmental Health Services Division and this did not sit well with her. They also told Samoa News that Motusa gave Lemusu a deadline to complete a plan for Environmental Health, however that task was not fulfilled.

The Director of Health declined to comment on the matter, and stated that the employment matter is now in the hands of the HR Director, who will make the final determination.

Efforts to obtain a comment from the DOH employee herself were not successful as of press time.