The announcement was made during a meeting with the National Council of Churches over the weekend. Prime Minister Hon Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi Schmidt confirmed that from next year, the Government will restore the traditional format of Samoa’s Independence celebrations as they were held in the past.
“Mo le tou silafia o le Tutoatasi lea o loo tapena nei – o le a tatou toe tapenaina le tutoatasi sa masani ai le atunuu.”
The plan is for the entire nation to celebrate Independence over three days, instead of the one-day or half-day celebrations as have been witnessed in recent years.
“Tapena lelei mo le tolu aso. Ua alu alu lava le faamamaluina o le tutoatasi ua afa aso ae o le Aso Sa tatou manatunatu uma ai i le taulaga na fai e le gata o le Ekalesia ae o le atunuu.
“Laa tatou o e tapena aso lelei e tolu sa fai ai le tatou tutoatasi i le atunuu.”
Laauli said the National Council of Churches will be responsible for organizing the thanksgiving services.
During the last parliamentary term, changes were made to scale down the annual celebrations, limiting major celebrations to be held every five years.
However, the Prime Minister told church leaders that by January next year, Cabinet will begin outlining its plans and coordinating activities for nationwide participation.
He added that Independence Day is a national occasion for Samoa and an opportunity to remember the forefathers who fought for the country’s freedom.
The government is also considering the return of traditional events such as the fautasi race, marching competitions, and band exhibitions as part of the Independence celebrations.
A special Cabinet committee will be appointed in January to oversee the program for the celebration of Samoa’s 64th Independence anniversary next year.
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