“Let No Power Control Samoa” – Rev. Fa’apea Elia

By Lagi Keresoma/

“The Western world raped us. They came and forced upon us their western culture and beliefs without our consent; stripped us of traditional attire and culture because they had the power to do so,” said Reverend Elia.

Apia, SAMOA – 02 June 2024– Not even the heavy downpour could drown the voice and clear message of Reverend Fa’apea Elia of the Vaimoso Methodist Church as he delivered a powerful message that every Samoan and Government should hear.

“Let no other power, force come against Samoa and her culture; let us govern and make our own decisions,” he stated.

The message was delivered during the Vaimoso village commemoration of Samoa’s independence 01 June 2024 where the villages, schools and organisations within the Faleata No1 district participated.

Vaimoso village holds a significant place in the history of Samoa’s struggle for political independence from colonial rulers Germany and later New Zealand as the Mau Movement for independence had its headquarters there and spearheaded Samoa’s fight for independence from colonial rules.

Vaimoso orators leading the parade.

Rich in that history, paramount chief Tupua Tamasese 111 imparted his dying words to the Mau Movement after he was fatally shot by the New Zealand police during a peaceful demonstration in December 1929 “not to avenge my blood that has been spilt for peace.”

As Vaimoso celebrated independence this year, words of the song about the machine gun that gunned down Tupua Tamasese, reverberated throughout an overcast morning as sung by the young marchers. “Aue le fana ta’avili ua ‘ote’ote mai, Tu loa si alii ma ua fai mai, Filemu ia to’a le tai, Tali i lagi so ta ‘ai, Faitalia Peretania.”

Vaimoso youth wearing the uniform of the Mau Movement

Targeting the youth and children at the celebration, Reverend Faapea Elia reminded of the struggle of Samoa’s ancestors from around the country who  congregated at Vaimoso for a cause that paved the future of the country.

Reiterating the words of a Tongan nun, he said the “Western world raped us.”

“They came and forced upon us their western culture and beliefs without our consent; stripped us of traditional attires and culture because they had the power to do so,” said Reverend Elia.

“Lives were lost during the struggle and we do not want another powerful force on our lands. Let no other power control Samoa,” he said.

His words impacted on the elderly people who were emotional when the popular song “E le fana ta`avili ua oteote mai” was played and Reverend Elia reminded the audience of the Mau leader parting Tupua Tamasese Lealofi 111 words “Filemu ia to’a le tai”

Faleata No 1 Member of Parliament, Manuleleua Paletasala addressing the gathering.

The celebrations started with a parade from Vaimoso Primary School towards Pesega then returned to where the headquarters of the Mau Movement was for the official service and entertainment.

Led by the Vaimoso Boys Brigade, the parade stopped early morning traffic.

Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifssio delivered the keynote address then raised the flag.

He congratulated the districts’ Member of Parliament, Manuleleua Patasala and all involved in organising the initiative.

He acknowledged the significance of the independence celebrations at Vaimoso where the country’s leaders met and consulted and where history was born for Samoa’s political struggle to obtain the freedom the country now celebrates.

“O le ‘ele’ele na fafatu ai le talafa’asolopito o Samoa; o le malae sa usi ai le tofā sausau mamao a Tama ma Aiga ae fulifuli fa’ala’au mamafa iai le fa’autautaga na saili iai le malo,” he said.

Vaimoso was one of several districts that held their own celebrations on 01 June but the official Government ceremony was held at the Tiafau Malae this morning.

Vaimoso youth wearing the uniform of the Mau Movement.

The Vaimoso Boys Brigade.

Pesega College taking part in the independence parade.