Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa is calling on churches and villages to ring church bells and set off sirens across the country at 12.00 midnight of Tuesday 31st of May, to signify 60 years Samoa’s independence.
Under the Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi Administration, the Government is taking a different approach to the year-long celebration of Samoa’s 60th anniversary by taking it to the villages.
“As we approach our 60th Independence anniversary celebrations on the 1 st of June, our programme has been designed to promote the spirit of participation and inclusiveness,” said Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa during her special announcement tonight.
She said Samoa’s journey over the years is a testament of the Country’s unity as a nation, faith in the Lord, and perseverance in trials and tribulations.
“We would not have made it this far, if we had not steered together, through the divine guidance of our God. “We believe that centring our celebration for independence in communities truly reflects our journey over these 60 years.
“It is also a tribute to our forefathers from all districts who led our movement for independence. We remember their offering and sacrifice.”
Cabinet approved a yearlong celebration of the Country’s Independence, from 1st June, 2022 to the 31 st of May 2023 which is a blend of Government hosted, and community-led programmes throughout the whole year.
A calendar of events for this yearlong celebration will be released soon with an open invitation to communities and organisations that wish to participate and the celebration of the 60th anniversary on the 1 st of June will be undertaken in all districts and villages in Samoa.
“This will be the first time our independence will be celebrated throughout the whole of Samoa. The celebration programming and implementation will be at the discretion and guidance of the respective Council of Chiefs in each district to organise a thanksgiving service in the morning of Wednesday 1 st of June.”
Declared as a public holiday, the Government will hold the official flag-raising ceremony at Tiafau however, due to health restrictions for COVID 19, only a few will be invited to this event.
“It is our hope that conducting celebrations in each district across the country, will provide a golden opportunity for more participation and inclusion of our people while adhering to health measures to contain the spread of the COVID 19 virus. ”
The Prime Minister said Cabinet has approved that all cultural entertainment and other events planned for our 60th independence celebrations will be held in September together with the commemoration of the Teuila Festival.
“I would like to use this opportunity to reach out to our Samoan diaspora residing across the
world.
“I am aware that many of you are also planning your Independence celebration in the respective countries you live.” The Country’s leader acknowledged the contributions and continued support for our country and families in Samoa.
“On behalf of the government and all our people at home, we wish you all the best in your celebrations. For our celebrations at home, I would again place importance on continuing to observe health measures to help minimize the spread of the virus.”
