Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A range of activities for Samoa’s 60th Independence Celebration are taking place September 4-10 with the official flag-raising taking place in Savaii for the first time since independence in 1962.

The ceremony took place Tuesday morning at the Don Bosco Technical College compound in Salelologa.

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa did the honors of raising the flag in Savaii.

During her speech Fiame reminded everyone of the sacrifices of Samoa’s fathers that made the foundation of independence in 1962 possible.

“We are indeed grateful for the milestone in our history to come together to celebrate 60 years of independence with our people families and friends in Savaii,” she said.

“The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic led to many restrictions that we all had to weather for more than two years to minimize its deadly clutched on our country. 

“This led to Cabinet’s decision to hold a restricted official flag raising ceremony at Tiafau in Mulinu’u on morning the 1 June this year.”

Adding this created the opportunity for 51 districts to hold celebrations in villages and communities all over the country.

“That was historical and many of us witnessed the pageantry and celebrations across the country. The hosting of the 1st independent ceremony in Savaii this morning mirrors the objective of this year-long celebrations.

“And that is to encourage people's participation and community engagement in activities planned for our independence anniversary.”

The Prime Minister said Samoa is privileged to have the presence of the right honorable Dame Dame Cindy Kiro Governor General of Aotearoa New Zealand as the guest of honor to the big island of Savaii.

“We have traversed rough seas and turbulence through our 60 years journey. We should never forget the tenacity the visionary legacy drive of our fathers as well as past and present leaders to build someone to what it is today with the Lord’s guidance and wisdom.”

According to the Samoa Tourism Association (STA) on Friday September 9, (Samoa time), there will be a float parade featuring Miss Samoa Fonoifafo Seumanu-McFarland and the contestants of the Vodafone Miss Samoa Pageant 2022 and IBF World Cruiserweight Champion Jai Opetaia will take place from Vaisigano along Beach Road to the Event Space at the FMFMII government building.

“Later that day, award-winning Samoan band Punialavaa will headline the Independence Celebration Concert at the Friendship Park, an event that is open free-of-charge to the public.

The final event of the week, the Miss Samoa Pageant, will take place on Saturday September 10, at Gym 1 Faleata where a new Miss Samoa will be crowned.”

Prior to this week, the Samoa Government dedicated its main venue for the festivities during the week, the Lawn Amphitheatre at the newly opened Friendship Park. 

Apia’s newest attraction and waterfront community space, the Friendship Park at Matagialalua was officially opened by the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa the last Friday of August.

The Friendship Park according to Fiame is a key objective of the Apia Waterfront Plan to enhance the remaining public spaces along the Apia coastal waterfront for community enjoyment and to offer a diversity of commercial opportunities.

“The goal has been to create a safe environment and modern space that connects people and places which will allow locals and tourists to relax in natural surroundings and enjoy leisure and recreation in a safe, culturally friendly and favourable atmosphere.

Since its opening, the Park has attracted members of the community both young and old with many sharing their experiences widely on social media.

“Funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China in partnership with the Municipality of Huizhou City of Guangdong Province, the Park was officially handed-over at the opening ceremony to Government by HE Chao Xiaoliang, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Samoa.

“The Park is an important part of the Apia Waterfront development plan which aims to reflect a unique Samoan experience, create an inclusive, safe and clean waterfront, enhance public domain for community use, support opportunities for local business initiatives and connect people to the sea.”

According to STA the opening of the Friendship Park coincides with the commemorative celebrations marking Samoa’s 60th Independence anniversary and will be the venue for many events taking place during 4th – 10th September.

The main elements of the Friendship Park design include:

• ¥          Lawn Amphitheatre that provides a main stage with surrounding tiered-seating and a ‘malae’ or arena.  Public shows and entertainment will be the focus of this element of the Park.
• ¥          Children’s Playground area providing a dedicated safe space for children to enjoy play-equipment and space for bike riding and roller-skating.
• ¥          Mangrove Tidal Garden and Timber Boardwalk remoulded from the then existing pond.
• ¥          Sports Courts area with two multi-sports courts, for the public to use for training and fun activities.
• ¥          Fales (3) offering space for small cafeterias, a shop and bathroom amenities; and

The Park will be managed by the STA.

In other news from the STA, as part of efforts to drive brand awareness, build travel trade confidence and stimulate demand, Samoa Tourism has reactivated tactical campaigns in partnership with key trade partners in New Zealand and Australia.

The initial campaigns with Helloworld, House of Travel and Flight Centre went to market in New Zealand in July ahead of the reopening of borders to international travellers on 1st August. 

“Subsequent campaigns with Our World and Expedia in New Zealand were implemented in August alongside dedicated promotions in Australia with Flight Centre Travel Partners, Expedia and Ignite.  

“The promotions showcase a diversity of experiences to various regions throughout Samoa with value-for-money holidays targeting couples, families, multi-generation holiday spots, soft adventure and luxury.

The campaigns have generated destination-enquiries and bookings and these are expected to gain momentum going forward as awareness builds and additional promotions are rolled-out.”

STA states that with the demand for flights into the country looking strong for the rest of the year, travel in 2023 has become a key target.  

In the meantime, the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Samoa Tourism Authority have conducted a workshop for accommodation-operators to train and certify staff to directly perform supervised rapid antigen tests for in-house guests.

The workshop comes as part of efforts to make the post-arrival test requirement more accessible and convenient for international travellers and to support the Ministry of Health’s ongoing programme to manage Covid-19 in the community.

Previously, supervised tests could only be undertaken at public and private health clinics. 

The workshop delivered by Ministry of Health personnel, was attended by over forty staff from hotels, resorts and beach fales who were informed about the testing and reporting process. 

As part of the program, accommodation properties will be supplied test kits and will work closely with the Ministry of Health through their certified teams.