Constituencies get $1,000 for Independence activities

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 01 MAY 2022: The Independence Committee has provided $1,000 each for all 51 constituencies to assist them with their independence preparations today.

Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa announced the donations in Parliament yesterday morning for the Members of Parliament to receive the funds for their constituencies.

According to the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt, the assistance by the Committee is part of the $300,000 set aside for the 60th Independence celebrations.

Other than the official Flag Raising at the Tiafau Malae this morning, the villages have been encouraged to have their own activities and many constituencies are having their celebrations with a variety of activities starting with prayers services, parades and entertainment.

Some constituencies such as Gataivai and Palauli West in Savaii are holding independence celebrations this morning. Manono Island’s programme starts this morning with a prayer service and entertainment and culminates with longboats races on Saturday.

The villages have already had decorations of their villages to be part of a beautification competition run by the Samoa Tourism Authority for the yearlong celebration of Samoa’s 60th independence.

The Independence Committee is planning most of the activities to be celebrated during the weeklong Teuila Festival in September to be in time with the opening of Samoa’s borders for overseas visitors and the Samoan diaspora.