For the first time, the Office of the Consulate General of Samoa in American Samoa hosted a church service to commemorate Samoa’s Independence Day.
Held at the Malaeimi Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints yesterday afternoon, it was attended by Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata, Senate President Pro Tem Magalei Logovii, House Representatives, directors, church leaders and employees of StarKist Samoa who provided hymns.
Samoa’s Consul General Fata Brian Kaio said the service is to celebrate Samoa’s 62nd anniversary of independence and an opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the substantial contribution that “our people from Savaii, Upolu, Manono and Apolima who have made American Samoa their home” have made to the development of Samoa.
He said these services are held in every country where Samoa has an embassy or consulate.
He said the toil and sweat of Samoans in other countries who have helped built the country is not taken lightly by the Head of State, Prime Minister and cabinet.
The service was also an opportunity to express Samoa’s appreciation to Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga and his administration for the various collaborative efforts for the development of the two Samoa through the Atoa o Samoa talks. As well as to thank American Samoa for the employment opportunities afforded to the people of Samoa, with special recognition and acknowledgement to StarKist Samoa.
Fata said the leaders of Samoa value the contribution of the StarKist employees.
This is why Prime Minister Fiame visited the cannery in July 2022, during her first trip to American Samoa as Prime Minister. The deputy Prime Minister also met with employees last year, and the Head of State paid the cannery a visit while he was attending this year’s Flag Day celebration.
Senate President Pro Tem Magalei delivered the keynote address.
The service was led by President Fiatamalii Apulu and Elder Faapito Auapaau, Area Seventy of the LDS Church gave the sermon.
Consul General Fata said the Independence Church service in American Samoa will become an annual event and will be held at different churches.
Photos: American Samoa Visitors Bureau
