Samoa’s year-long 60th Independence celebrations promote inclusiveness

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA 24 MAY 2022: Church bells ringing and sirens will be set off across the country at 12am midnight next Wednesday, 31 May to signal the commencement of Samoa’s 60th independence anniversary celebrations that will run for a whole year.

Announcing the programme, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa said the programme of the celebrations starting 01 June 2022 to 31 May 2023, has been designed to promote the spirit of participation and inclusiveness.

“Our journey over these many years is a testament of our unity as a nation, our 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.”

Commencing the official program, the government will hold the official flag raising ceremony at Tiafau, on 01 June 2022 which will be a public holiday as usual.

The number of invited guests and attendees to this event will be limited due to Covid-19.

“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 on Wednesday morning, 01 June,” said Fiame.

“Through this new initiative, we will have a blend of Government hosted, and community led programmes throughout the whole year. A calendar of events has been developed for this year-long celebration to be released in the near future.”

All cultural entertainments and planned events for the independence will be held in September together with the Teuila Festival commemoration.

An open invitation has also been sent out to communities and organisations that wish to include their programmes and events in this calendar.

There will be no schools and organisations marching during the Flag Raising ceremony 01 June 2022.

The commemoration of the independence on the 1st of June will be undertaken in districts and villages across the nation.

According to the Prime Minister, the intention to hold the celebration of the independence this way is to provide golden opportunities for all citizens and communities to participate while at the same time adhering to health measures.

This will be the first time the independence celebration will be commemorated across each district in the country.

Fiame also acknowledged the planned celebrations by Samoans abroad in their respective countries.

“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 respective countries you live. We acknowledge your contributions and continued support for our country and families in Samoa. On behalf of government and all our people at home, we wish you all the best in your celebrations.”

The Prime Minister also emphasized the health preventative measures for everyone to abide by during these celebrations.

The details of the programme will be released by the Independence Committee.