Witnesses Claim Money Donated was Cultural Practice of Fa’aaloalo

The petitioner, former Member of Parliament, Ili Setefano and respondent Agaseata Valelio Tanuvasa Peto of FAST.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 15 JUNE 2021: The first four witnesses in the A’ana Alofi #3 election petition trial claimed that money donated by the Faatuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party Roadshow was in accordance with the cultural practice of “fa’aaloalo.”

The witnesses testified for the petitioner, former Member of Parliament, Ili Setefano against elected member, Agaseata Valelio Tanuvasa Peto of FAST.

The accusations against Agaseata include bribery and treating before and during the election.

The first witness Peniata Sila Siloi of Leulumoega Tuai arrived as the Roadshow was already in progress at Nofoalii village around February 2021.

“I heard Laauli saying this is the money for the village of Leulumoega and Sinaifoa Vaimoana, a matai of Leulumoega received the money,” said Peniata.

After the meeting, Peniata sought out Sinaifoa who gave him $50.

During cross examination by Agaseata’s lawyer Alex Sua, Peniata was asked if he remembered if there was an Ava Usu (welcoming ava).

“There must have been one but I missed it,” he said.

“Do you know how much money was presented by FAST for the village?” Su’a asked.

Peniata – “No.”

Su’a – “Was it Agaseata that gave you the money?”

Peniata – “No Your Honours.”

Su’a – “Did you see Agaseata give Laauli the money to be acknowledged?”

Peniata – “No Your Honours.”

Su’a – “Do you know Agaseata?”

Peniata – “Yes I know his face but I do not know him personally.”

Counsel for the petitioner, Leiataualesā Jerry Brunt asked the witness again if he saw Agaseata give Laauli any money.

“I did not see it,” said Peniata.

Peniata was then asked what he thought the money was for to which he said it in respect and FAST showing its appreciation for the meeting.

Leiataualesa – “What happened during such meetings?”

Peniata – “The usual such as the ava usu, speeches and lots more.”

Leiataualesa – “Were election candidates introduced at the meeting?”

Leading presiding judge, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson intervened and the question was withdrawn. He also warned counsel that he cannot cross examine his own witness.

Justice Vui then asked Peniata about the money and when it was handed over to the village and what it meant.

“The money was given after the meeting and I believe this was the fa’aaloalo acknowledged by FAST.”

Other witnesses also agreed that there is a reason why a fa’aaloalo is presented, especially the tu ma aga a Samoa in events such as church meetings, village meetings and big occasions.

On the day of the Roadshow, Patele Sio was attending a Government seminar on ending domestic violence against women in the village where they were given food by the organizers of the seminar after.

Sio then joined the Roadshow where he heard FAST tell the gathering that should they become the Government of the day, they will deliver on their promises to the country.

Sio said FAST gave $1000 for the village of Leulumoega and he also received $50.

Throughout cross examination and re-examination, all four witnesses maintained that the cultural and traditional aspects of the fa’a Samoa, cannot be denied or ignored no matter the occasion.

Assisting Justice Vui is Justice Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala Warren and the case continues.