Government To Award Honorary Medals
Chairperson of the Committee who is also the C.E.O of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Office, Agafili Shem Leo, and Committee Member Mr. Seiuli Tulimaseali'i
Photo: Eyespy Radio 87.5
Established by the act of 1992 and reaffirmed by the act of 1999, the Honours and Awards Committee is a part of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Office. The committee is responsible for considering those who may be eligible for awards or honorary awards and recommending those deemed worthy of awards to the Cabinet.
The committee also reviews those who are prior award recipients and may recommend the granting of subsequent higher awards where deemed appropriate.
During a press conference with the Media at the Government Building at Matagiealalua yesterday afternoon, both the Chairperson of the Committee who is also the C.E.O of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Office, Agafili Shem Leo, and Committee Member Mr. Seiuli Tulimaseali'i conveyed the requirements, criterias and procedure to nominate any person for the honorary awards.
Agafili stated that the Awards Ceremony is scheduled to be held in May this year, which is also the month in which the celebrations of Samoa's 60th year of Independence will also conclude.
"There are 13 different medals which can be awarded to any Samoan who has met the requirements or criterias for those medals.
"However there are four medals for valour and heroism which still have not been awarded to any recipient so far.
"There is the Malietoa Cross (M.C), Samoa Cross (S.C), Samoa Medal of Honour (S.M.H), and the Head of State's Medal for Valour (H.S.M.V)," stated Agafili.
Committee Member, Seiuli Tulimaseali'i stated that any person whether they work for a government ministry or serving in the village as a matai or chief, or even a "matua-o-faiva" or people who specialise in carving traditional crafts such as paopao/canoes, weaving fine mats or "ietoga", and leaders of villages who've been outstanding in serving their village.
Agafili also stated that even our athletes can also receive an award. "In 2017 professional boxer Lupesoliai Joseph Parker was awarded a medal, as well as our current Manu Samoa Sevens' Head Coach, Muliagatele Brian Lima.
"We also have posthumous awards to honor the services of those who've passed away," he said.
The forms for the nomination process can be uplifted from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet at the Government Building, or visit the Minstry's website for more information.