"Representing Samoa On Commonwealth Day In London"
Samoa Represented at the Commonwealth Day which was celebrated this week in London UK.
Photo: James Faiumu / Facebook
Son of Samoa James Faiumu, a Chevening Scholar at the University of Essex in England , shared his experience in representing Samoa at the Commonwealth Day which was celebrated this week in the city of London UK.
The 28 year old was among many other ambassadors from 56 nations spanning five geographical regions , and had the honour of marching down the aisle with their national flags within the royal church of Westminster Abbey. The annual celebration revolves around Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe.
Responding to questions sent by EyeSpy Radio , Mr.James Faiumu from Lefaga Samoa described the experience as a profound moment for him , especially having to represent his nation Samoa and being selected by Samoa Prime Minister Hon.Fiame Naomi Mata'afa to portray Samoa to the world as the flag bearer.
"This island kid from Lefaga surely did not imagine walking down an international aisle let alone that of Westminster Abbey" he stated in his facebook post.
"Thank you to the Government of Samoa, PM Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa and especially to the Ambassador of Samoa to Belgium and the EU H.E. Francella Strickland. Faafetai mo le faaaloalo maualuga! Ua logo i tino matagi lelei" he added.
The Samoan delegation met up with James Faiumu in London , the gelegates were of Samoa's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and the C.E.O Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and H.E. Ambassador to Belgium Francella Strickland-Simonet.
"Grateful to have met Honourable Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa and her delegation from Samoa, the CEO Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and H.E. Ambassador to Belgium and the EU with fellow colleagues this weekend here to celebrate the Commonwealth Day 2023 in Westminster London, UK." stated Mr James Faiumu
During the Commonwealth Day Service, His Majesty King Charles III addressed the gathering as Head of the Commonwealth for the first time. Delivering his Commonwealth Day Message from the Great Pulpit, he hailed the “extraordinary potential” of the Commonwealth, stating,
“The Commonwealth has an incredible opportunity, and responsibility, to create a genuinely durable future one that offers the kind of prosperity that is in harmony with Nature and that will also secure our unique and only planet for generations to come.
“The myriad connections between our nations have sustained and enriched us for more than seven decades. Our commitment to peace, progress and opportunity will sustain us for many more.” the King stated.