Despite being the Member of Parliament for Vaimauga No.2 district, Lenatai Victor Tamapua expanded his responsibilities to Saleimoa where his mother's family bestowed on him the paramount chief title of 'Pula'.

His family gathered last Saturday to celebrate his bestowment which he dedicated to his late mother, "Fouai Alualu Tamapua", adding that his responsibilities as a son to his parents were never ending and as a chief in his family.

"The last holder was my uncle who passed more than 10 years ago. Since then, we’ve been praying and anticipating this day. I pray the Good Lord for His guidance, strength and wisdom, to undertake the responsibilities that come with the title that my family has entrusted me with," he said in an interview with the Samoa Observer.

"This title is from my mother’s’ family and I dedicate this title to my mother ‘Fouai Alualu Tamapua’, whom passed on the 9th March 2022."

Asked what this title means for him as an individual and as a leader of the country, Pula said this was another step forward and he looked forward to the challenges along his journey.

"I look forward to the challenges. But more importantly, how I can utilise my strengths to contribute as a leader in my family, village and the church."

Lenatai is a member of the Human Rights Protection Party and was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Samoa in the 2011 election. 

He was reelected in the 2016 election. In March 2016 he was appointed Associate Minister of Justice and Courts Administration and in January 2019, he was awarded the title of Fuimaono by his village. He was re-elected in the 2021 election.

As an MP for Vaimauga No.2, Lenatai said one of the things he holds dear to his heart is the well-being of the mangrove conservation and the safety of the people impacted by climate change.

Meanwhile, the MP was the only new title holder that was bestowed the title on Saturday at Saleimoa.