Governor leads delegation to Samoa

Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga and his delegation arrived in Samoa to accept the invitation of Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, to join in the 61st Celebration of Samoa’s Independence.

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Toelupe Pou Onesemo and Chief Executive Officer Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peseta Noumea Simi were at the airport to greet the American Samoa delegation.

There are two major events that will begin tomorrow, the closing ceremony of the 60th Independence celebration to end their year-long commemoration that began in June last year; and the Opening of the 61st Independence celebration festivities on June 1st, 2023.

The American Samoa delegation includes Chief of Staff Loa Tuimavave Tauapai Laupola, Attorney General Fainuulelei Falefatu Alailima-Utu, Governor’s Chaplain Reverend Mageo Patolo Mageo, and Deputy Secretary of Samoan Affairs Tauese Va’a Sunia.

Governor Lemanu was among Pacific leaders in Samoa to witness the Official Closing Ceremony at the Malae o Tiafau in Mulinu’u.

Upon the arrival of the Head of State of Samoa, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo, the Master of Ceremonies, CEO of Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo formally welcomed the honorary guests and commenced the Thanksgiving Service.

The same evening the Samoa Government conferred National Awards and Honors to outstanding individuals in the community.

Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataafa delivered her special address, followed by a parade and performance by the Royal Samoa Police Band.

Concluding the closing ceremony was the three-gun salute and the Lowering of the Flag. Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata was among the special guests at the ceremony.

In a statement, Uifaatali congratulates the people of the Independent State of Samoa as they celebrate a 61st year of independence.

She said Samoans, whether they are from the eastern or western islands, honor the achievements that the Independent State of Samoa has made over the past six decades.

“Samoa has become a regional hub of travel, commerce, and culture, and is a vibrant democracy that has shown the strength to withstand several crises. Samoa continues to contribute to enduring Samoan values, traditions, and the preservation of our language.

"I am happy to be in Samoa to celebrate this momentous occasion! Ia fa’amanuia le Atua i le Malo Tuto’atasi o Samoa ma Samoa atoa.” says Uifaatali.