Prime Minister’s Address on the Launch of Samoa’s 60th Independence Logo and Theme

We thank God for His divine guidance and direction over our Independent State, for without Him we would not have survived the torrent and raging seas of nation building.

We acknowledge with humility and gratitude the efforts and sacrifice of our forefathers, past and present leaders, and all citizens of Samoa for their contributions to building our country to what it is today. We also pay tribute to all our development partners who have worked in partnership with Samoa to help us achieve our development aspirations.

Reaching this 60 year milestone of our independence anniversary is no small feat. Earlier this year, Cabinet through the advice of the Independence Committee approved the commissioning of a logo and theme to mark the year long celebrations. The public was invited to express their reflections of what their journey through 60 years has meant for them and what they would aspire to for their country over the next decades.

After months of open advertisements, 59 entries were received from talented artists and graphic designers in Samoa and from our diaspora abroad. The Committee assessed each entry and subsequently recommended to Cabinet the winning entry for the prize money of SAT$5,000.

Ladies and gentlemen, the service this evening is to officially launch the logo and theme for our 60th Independence anniversary celebrations.

The logo depicts significant historical events that shaped our path to independence, our traditions, and our our Christian values and beliefs as stipulated in our Constitution.

1. The logo depicts the Mau Movement, a significant historical event of our strive for independence, symbolised by the single white stripe on the number ‘60’.

2. The colours used are official colours of our national flag.

3. The Southern Cross constellation, as shown in our national flag, portrays our faith in Jesus Christ, as a Christian nation.

4. The logo’s design illustrates traditional Samoan motifs that reflect our unity as a nation and support for each other.

As such, the Theme selected for the 60th Independence anniversary is “Folau ma le Faatuatua” (Sail with faith). It is the theme that we believe best describes our journey over these 60 years, where we are now, and the future.

Let me also take this opportunity to thank all those who participated in the competition. The wealth of your artistic expressions and creativity is commendable.

The logo and theme after the launch this evening will become the property of the Government of Samoa. For those wanting to use it for any purpose, please ensure that all legal requirements are satisfied.

It gives me great pleasure to launch the official logo and theme for our 60th independence anniversary 2022, as our first event for the year-long celebrations programme.

SOIFUA