Church bells rang and sirens were heard from police posts across Samoa at midnight Tuesday to officially herald the start of 12 months of nationwide celebrations for the 60th year of Independence.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, who is also chair of the Independence Committee, raises the flag of freedom at a brief flag raising ceremony this morning along with a 21 gun salute by police.
The PM had announced earlier that only local dignitaries are invited to this morning’s event.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo told media on Monday that foreign dignitaries and overseas guests are expected at the main 60 years of Independence celebrations in September after international borders open in August.
At the same time, the annual Teuila Festival will be revived after being on hold for the last three years due to measles and the coronavirus pandemic.
The organizing committee has asked all villages and districts to plan and hold their own celebrations during the 12 months of celebrations.
A $10,000 tālā grant was given to help with preparations for each district and on Tuesday Prime Minister Fiame distributed $1,000 tālā to each of the 51 parliamentary electorates as “gifts” from the Independence Committee.
Meanwhile, voters for the Gagaifomauga 2 electoral constituency at 8am today will be able to cast pre-polling votes for the by-election to elect a member to replace the late MP Vaele Paia’aua Iona Sekuini who passed away suddenly in March.
General voting is scheduled for June 3, 2022.
