Samoa stopped to honour the past yesterday when it celebrated its 52nd Independence Day at the Malae o Tiafau, Mulinu’u.
As the flag of freedom was proudly hoisted, the country was reminded of “our forbears’ struggle for independence,” one that involved “taunts and condescension of disbelievers and doubters.”
The Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, said the doubters always said that “Samoa is small; Samoa is poor; Samoa does not have the necessary cadre of leaders.”
“But we have come a long way,” he said.
With those words, thousands of people gathered in front of the Parliament house at Mulinu’u to commemorate Samoa’s 52nd Independence.
They came, sang, danced and they celebrated.
People of all ages came from all over the country to showcase their national pride. Many of them had been queuing up Mulinu’u since four in the morning to prepare for the parade.
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Adding a special touch to this year’s Independence are the hundreds of former and present St. Mary’s students who are gathering to mark the 150th anniversary of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary (S.M.S.M.) this week.
There are a number of other gatherings being held this week, including the celebration of Avele College’s 90th birthday and a Samoa College reunion.
At Ti’afau yesterday, New Zealand Prime Minister, To’oolesavili John Key was among the few guests from overseas who travelled afar for the occasion. He was joined by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps and special guests for the event.
The celebration kicked off with the raising of the flag by the member of the Council of Deputies, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II.
His Highness Tui Atua then addressed the nation.
“Today and each year we celebrate independence with pride and confidence,” he said. “Why should we celebrate where we are today and how we got here?
“Because we have shown ourselves and our international supporters that we are a properly functioning democracy, with sound financial management systems and we take the rule of the law seriously.
“Evidence of this international recognition can be found not only in the recent approval by our Australian and New Zealand partners for continued substantial budgetary support, but also by the United Nation’s decision to hold the S.I.D.S. conference in Samoa this September.”
The Head of State said that “these are significant endorsements of confidence in Samoa as a leader in the Pacific and in our democratic, financial and resource management systems.
“It tells us that the world has confidence in our good sense and judgment.”
More than thirty groups including schools from Savai’i and Upolu, organisations, public and private bodies took part in the parade.
They were led by the Police band.
A special Independence luncheon was hosted by the government at the E.F.K.S. Hall. This was followed by traditional entertainment at Ti’afau, featuring a group from Iva, Savai’i, Falefa and Pagopago.
The celebration closed with the presentation of awards and a speech by the Co-Chairman of the Independence Committee and Minister of Women, Community and Social Development, Tolofuaivalelei Falemoe Lei’ataua.
The country will continue to celebrate today with a national holiday.
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