My experience of working with Samoans

Dear Editor,

 

Re: Tired of being poor? 

We need to help ourselves

Talofa Mata’afa Keni Lesa. I am very glad that you discussed this problem in our people. It’s been my sore experience with our people when I was in Samoa 30 years ago. 

I do not think it will change any thing sooner. I feel this practice and experiences come from the parents and grandparents of our society. When I was a little boy say 7 t0 8years I was always told by my grandparents, uncles, aunts to go and fetch some coconuts from the palagi plantation next door. 

If I refuse they will punish me. There is a saying I heard a lot amongst the Samoans “what is mine is mine and what is yours is ours.” 

Sad to say but this issue of stealing in Samoa is not new. It is becoming the cultural of the society to take as much as you can when you can.

When I was in Samoa, I ran a business and I hired some workers to help me. 

The people I hired took advantage of my being kind and generous. Made things worst the people I did work for them claimed that I overcharge my labors fees and he refused to pay me.  I spent my own money to do he work but when I completed the job he refused to pay his bill. He threatened to kill me if I do not leave his property. 

Speaking of Christian society, this act was not very Christian.

I agree with you that our people can do better. Money to take care of their family are hard to come by and so they should help the employers provide more jobs for them in order to help their family. Great editorial.

 

C.W.S


Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>