A Samoa Friendship Award was presented to Return to Paradise actress, Roberta Haynes last night by the government of Samoa.
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The award was presented by the Deputy Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo, for her role in the movie and the relationship she has shared with Samoa.
On the award, it reads: "On this Friday, the 15th of May, in the year of our Lord 2015, in recognition of her spectacular performance in the movie Return to Paradise and for her outstanding friendship with the people of Samoa."
The award is signed by the Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi.
Fonotoe said that last night’s occasion where people gathered to watch the premiere of the digitalised version the movie, was all about welcoming Ms Haynes back to Samoa.
On behalf of the Prime Minister of Samoa, the government and the people, I would like to present to you, Roberta Haynes, this award in recognition of your part in the film, Return To Paradise. Your good service to the government in promoting Samoa overseas and making Samoa known in America in particular.” He encouraged her to continue to promote Samoa.
Ms. Haynes assured him, she would. “Always... I love Samoa. I truly love Samoa. It’s my home!”
Along with Ms Haynes, Terry Dunleavy and Unasa Felise Va’a were the only actors who could make it. Others had either passed away or migrated overseas.
Chairperson of the Return to Paradise Resort Board, Hinauri Petana, is the granddaughter of Le Mamea Matatumua Ata, who was a chief of Lefaga at the time and is one of the locals with the biggest speaking role in the movie.
Ms Petana asked her grandmother about the time when the movie was shot.
“And she was very clear. She said that the movie was shot from the 1st April till the 30th September, 1952.”
And when Ms Petana asked why her grandmother remembered the dates so well, her grandmother replied, she remembers because that was when Le Mamea had asked “my Dad for my hand [in marriage], my Dad said to wait until the film is over then you can get married in November”.
The event last night was attended by descendants of the actors and actresses who had played a role in the movie.
V.I.P. guests got the ‘red carpet’ treatment, where the pathway leading to the main entrance was covered with teuila, hibiscus flowers and lauti.
On Ms Hayne’s arrival, she was welcomed by the resort staff along the pathway and who gave her a real Samoan welcome, with a lei garland and welcome chants.
Ms Petana on behalf of the resorts board, thanked the Prime Minister and the Samoa Tourism Authority for their support, and also Fiji Airways and Taula and Sama Beers for their sponsorship of the event.
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