A proud moment for many, at the Malae o Ti’afau as Samoa’s first female Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa raised the Samoan flag celebrating 60 years of Independence on how far Samoa has come.
In 1962 Fiame’s father the Late Fiame Mata’afa Faumuina Mulinuu II raised Samoa’s first flag of independence from under the governance of New Zealand.
Today, the Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo of the Ministry of Police and Prisons.
The ceremony was well attended, with Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, dignitaries, members of the Judiciary and Government officials, and Samoa’s Head of State, his Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo Leinafo Fa’amausili.
Leading the ceremony were FESA Commissioner Tanuvasa Petone and Chairman of the Disaster Advisory Committee, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo.
During his special remarks, his Highness stated with God’s guidance has steered Samoa safely through the fury of storms and life’s challenges.
“Today is certainly a day to celebrate the success of our democracy and to remember the sacrifices and fast heightened vision of our forefathers to strive for independence.
“However, on this occasion, we should also with respect consider what remains to be done; we know we will achieve independence in the sense only when we are able to finish hardship and to ensure that all citizens fully enjoy the fruits of national development.”
Tuimalealiifano stated Samoa’s successes today are a significant testament that the whole country is taking part in this day of Thanksgiving from the Government to districts and villages to various sectors of the community and economy our development partners, the spiritual role of the clergy and prayer warriors and in particular, the children a source of our strength cross strength are acknowledged with sincere gratitude.
His Highness thank all the churches and prayer groups in Samoa for continuing to uplift the country, its leaders, and people in prayers.
“I firmly believe that your commitment to seek the lord’s direction for Samoa is why our country remains peaceful and harmonious.”
He also thanked the Prime Minister and Cabinet for the leadership of the Government.
“Our independence celebration is unique and historical,” said his Highness. He acknowledged Fiame as Samoa’s first female Prime Minister a milestone in Samoa’s 60 years of Independence.
He also thanked the Speaker of the House, Members of Parliament, and Members of the Judiciary and acknowledged their contribution, as well as communities at all levels of village governance in their efforts to help Government accomplish economic resilience and sustainability Health and good hygiene standards and to uphold peace and harmony in your respective districts and villages.
“They play a prominent role in the successful diplomatic implementation of our development aspirations and the continued assistance and support of all our development partners; your contributions to Samoa in the spirit of genuine partnerships that help us respond to multiple challenges due to climate change and the Covid 19 pandemic.”
Adding that the phase of economic growth has come down in all countries of the world and Samoa has also been affected by these adverse external conditions and while not much can be done about the conditions that prevail outside of Samoa “we must make every effort to resolve any problems inside our country so that our economic growth and the creation of employment opportunities in the country.”
His Highness noted the theme for the 60 years of independence “to sail with faith is a revelation and guidance to our journey into the future and as the Bible declares that faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things unseen and it also ascertains that we should walk by faith and not by sight may we continue to have fervent faith in the Lord for he has promised that he will never leave nor forsake us.”
As reported earlier, Cabinet approved a yearlong celebration of the Independence, from 1st June, 2022 to the 31st of May, 2023.
Through this new initiative, Prime Minister Fiame said last month that it will have a blend of Government hosted, and community-led programmes throughout the whole year.
“A calendar of events has been developed for this yearlong celebrations to be released in the near future. An open invitation has been sent out to communities and organisations that wish to include their programmes and events in this calendar.
In this connection, I am pleased to announce that the programme for the celebration of our 60th anniversary on the 1st 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.”
Adding that Cabinet also approved that all cultural entertainments 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 in. We acknowledge your 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.”
