60th Independence Anniversary to be celebrated in all districts: Fiame

Celebration of Samoa's 60th Independence anniversary to be undertaken in all districts of Samoa, says Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa.

Fiame stated in an announcement on Monday afternoon that centering celebrations for independence in communities truly reflects Samoa's journey over these 60 years.

"It is also a tribute to our forefathers from all districts who led our movement for independence. We remember their offering and sacrifice," Fiame said on Monday.

"As announced earlier, Cabinet has approved a yearlong celebration of our Independence, from 1st June, 2022 to the 31st of May, 2023. 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 yearlong celebrations to be released in the near future.

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

"In this connection, I am pleased to announce that the programme for the celebration of our 60th anniversary on the 1st of June will be undertaken in all districts and villages in Samoa," she said.

"This will be the first time our independence will be celebrated throughout the whole of Samoa. 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 in the morning of Wednesday 1st of June. As usual, the 1st of June is a public holiday."

Fiame added that there will be an official flag raising ceremony at Tiafau on the 1st of June but due to health restrictions only a few people will be invited.

"It is our hope that through conducting of celebrations in each district across the country, will provide a golden opportunity for more participation and inclusion of our people, while adhering to health measures to contain the spread of the COVID 19 virus," she said.

According to Fiame, all other cultural entertainments and other events planned for our 60th independence celebrations will be held in September together with the commemoration of the Teuila Festival.

"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," she said.

"For our celebrations at home, I would again place importance on continuing to observe health measures to help minimize the spread of the virus. The commencement of our celebrations will be signalled by the ringing of church bells and setting off of sirens across the country at 12.00 midnight of Tuesday 31st of May.

"The details of our programme will be released by members of the Independence Committee from now on until the 1st of June."