Governor’s Chief of Staff bestowed Chiefly title Loa of Fagamalo Village

By: Tosimae'a Tupua

Email: tupua@opi.as.gov

The Governor’s Chief of Staff, Tuimavave Tauapai Laupola, was bestowed the Chiefly title Loa yesterday, the highest ranking title in the village of Fagamao.

The program of the day started with a church service at 8:00am led by Reverend Elder Faaeteete Saifoloi of the Alataua Pulega. The Invocation was delivered by Reverend Mathew Failauga of the Fagamalo CCCAS. Reverend Failauga reminded the new title holders of their responsibilities and the reasons why they were chosen by their family to take on this important role. He added that love and honesty are the key factors of looking after any family “Alofa and Faamaoni.”

Governor Lemanu P. S Mauga and first lady Ella Mauga attended as well as the Speaker of House, Savali Talavou Ale and wife Beauty. Chief Procurement Officer Ti’alemasunu Dr Mikaele Etuale and Director of Agriculture Solia Mutino Fuiava also attended.

Loa Tuimavave Tauapai Laupola was in his customary glamor of “laei” fa palefuiono, ulanifo and seifulumoa. The ceremony was marked with courtly processions, rituals and oratory. HC Faletagoai of Poloa and HC Tauanuu Seetaga both attended as representatives of the Alataua district.

On a request by Rev. Elder Saifoloi, the bestowment was blessed by Governor Lemanu and Speaker Savali as representatives of the American Samoa Government.