Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa will be welcoming the New Year at the stroke of 12 midnight tomorrow, ushering in 2025, as the territory is preparing to start off the year with the inauguration of the new governor and lieutenant governor, and swearing in ceremonies for the new members of the Legislature.

American Samoa will be the last in the U.S. “family” to ring in 2025, while Guam will the first U.S. possession where it’s already New Year’s Eve as well as in other parts of the world, including our neighbors in Samoa.

INAUGURATION CEREMONY

Perhaps the biggest event that local residents are looking towards at the start of 2025, is the inauguration ceremony for the new Administration taking over the helm of government for the next four years from the outgoing Lemanu Administration, whose term officially ends before 12noon on Jan. 3, 2021.

In accordance with the local constitution, the governor-elect, Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Lt governor-elect Pulu Ae Ae Jr — who won the 2024 general election — will take the oath of office at 12noon on Jan. 3, 2025.

Also on Jan. 3rd, is the swearing-in ceremony at the Senate at the Senate Chamber and the House at the House Chamber. No information was available at press time on what time the House’s ceremony will start.

Family members of the lawmakers are expected to witness the ceremony, with the new senators serving a 4-year term, while faipule serve a 2-year term.

After lawmakers are sworn-in, each chamber will then move to elect their new leader — the Senate President and the House Speaker. Also to be elected is the Secretary of the Senate and the Chief House Clerk as well as the Sargent-at-Arms for each chamber.

With these three major events occurring all at one time, traffic in the town area is expected to be busy.

NEW YEAR 2025

Church services and parties top the list of activities in the territory for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The “Po o Moli” or  “Night of Lights” — a lavish tradition of the Methodist church on New Year’s Eve — involves different families and church groups making trees, about 10- 15 ft high, and decorating the ‘trees’ with candy or flower ulas, fabric, food items such as chips, cookies, canned goods and boxes of saimine; and of course, cash. At the end of the service, which traditionally has been held after midnight, decorations from the trees are presented first to church and village leaders, the elders, invited guests and finally, church members.

For those who follow Chinese astrology — 2025 is the year of the snake beginning on January 29 and ending on February 16, 2025, bringing with it the wisdom, agility, and strategic foresight associated with this ancient symbol in Chinese culture.

As residents begin preparations for New Years’ activities, keep in mind that the police holiday enforcement program is ongoing and will fully enforce all local laws.

As in past years, the sound of fireworks — illegal in American Samoa — will be heard island-wide, mixed with the ‘boom’ of homemade Samoan canons or “fagaofe”.

In observance of New Year’s Day, a local and national holiday, all government offices will be closed, as well as many businesses including the local banks. Also announced was a declared holiday for the government on Tuesday, New Year’s eve, Dec. 21, 2024, which gives ASG two days off to celebrate the new year — beginning tomorrow.

In a media release, Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga said, “New Year's holiday is a good time to be with our families and friends. It is a time to refresh and energize for the year ahead. I hope that you all had a Merry Christmas, and thank you again for all of your hard work and dedication. Please be safe and responsible and have an enjoyable New Year's Eve and Happy New Year!”

DPS reminds the public to celebrate responsibly, as they will be out in full force to ensure a safe and happy New Year.

Samoa News will not publish again until Friday, giving our staff a well -deserved holiday.

Samoa News management and staff wish the people of American Samoa, and our Toa o Samoa, a safe and prosperous 2025. We ask everyone to please stay healthy and safe and be kind to one another.