Former Cabinet Minister Vaai Mafasolia Papu Vaai laid to rest

APIA, SAMOA – 10 FEBRUARY 2022: Former Cabinet Minister, Vaai Solia Pau Vaai was laid to rest at his family home, Vaisala, Savaii, yesterday afternoon.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa spoke at the funeral service and acknowledged Vaai’s service and contribution as a Cabinet Minister who served two constituencies in the three terms he served in parliament.

The eldest son of the very first HRPP Prime Minister, Vaai Kolone in 1982, he went on to follow his father’s footsteps as a politician.

Under the chiefly title Solia, he first entered Parliament as an HRPP Member for the Falealupo district from 1991 to 1996. The whole country was devastated by Cyclone Ofa in 1990 and again hit by the more devastating Cyclone Val in1991. He emphasized the basic needs for his constituency, one of the most affected by the two major cyclones.

The late Vaai Mafasolia Aeaionuu Papu Vailupe Vaai.

He again won the Falealupo seat in 1996 where he was appointed Minister of Justice.

In 1998, he represented the electoral constituency of Vaisigano No.1. and served as the Minister for Agriculture  & Fisheries from 1998 – 2001.

He later left HRPP and formed the opposition party Tautua Samoa with other former HRPP MP’s but was unsuccessful in returning to Parliament.

He later became a vocal critic of the HRPP and personally refused to accept a planned HRPP convoy that was to visit his fathers’ grave during the political impasse that developed following last April’s general election. He became a strong supporter of the FAST party and government until his passing.

Prime Minister Fiame acknowledged Vaai’s service to the Falealupo and Vaisigano constituencies and as a Minister of Cabinet and Parliamentary Committees he served to the fullest.

Fiame then presented the Flag of Samoa to the widow as a token to honour and remember the late Cabinet Minister and his service to the government and people of Samoa.