Life in Samoa has evolved.

For the better, according to Kololine Salu, of Saleimoa.

The 62-year-old mother and grandmother said there have been many changes over the years but some of them have been very positive for the nation.

Kololine is a strong supporter of the H.R.P.P government and she sees the changes they have introduced as positive.

“To me, all the developments they have done is for the betterment of our country,” she said.

“Today, we have nice roads here at our village. I also offer my thanks to the Chinese for playing an important role in decreasing the cost of living for some families like us. 

“It would be difficult to imagine how expensive things would be if they were not here. All in all, we are all moving forward and all the changes we have now are useful for the people of our country.” 

Kololine said life is what you make it.

 “All is well in Samoa,” she said.

“A lot of people say that the cost of living is expensive and I can’t control what people think because we are all entitled to our own opinion. 

“We also have different views and opinions but the way I see it, this is just natural because we are all moving forward. 

“In order for our country to develop and move forward and to be aligned with other countries, changes need to be made. 

“A lot of people complain about government bringing different companies with their own way of style to our country, normally the Chinese, but I guess this has helped us too.”

Kololine said there is a positive side to everything in life.

 “At first, I complained about the fact we were getting far too many Chinese but when I sit down and think carefully, I think the Chinese are giving us hope. 

 “I’m not saying that I support China coming to Samoa and taking over. No. I’m only saying that their businesses are good for us.

 “You see, the Chinese shop sells chicken for $1.50 a pound. At the Samoa-owned store, it’s $2. So where do you think poor people will go? 

“Sometimes I’d rather support the Chinese than our own people because it helps me with my budget.

 “I think this is the case with most people otherwise the cost of living would simply be out of reach for most of us.”