The family of the late Faatei Leiataatimu and Jeremiah Scanlan have flown into Samoa for their second family reunion. 

The gathering will revolve around the theme “the greatest gift of all is family” and plans for the event began two years ago. 

A family member, Tuala Henry Silva, said the planning for the get-together had been two years in the making. 

“We were trying to get a hold of all the heirs of Faatei Leiataatimu and Jeremiah Scanlan and we give back the glory to God for giving us the opportunity to gather as one family.”

“We are also so grateful that our families from overseas have travelled as far as America and some from Australia, New Zealand just for this occasion and there are more than 350 attendees comprised of nine heirs and four generations.”

“This is the second reunion of our family; the first one took place in New Zealand,” Tuala said.

Another family member, Galumalemana Alfred Tuiletufuga Hunkin, said it is a three-day programme which started last Friday with a church service. 

“Last Friday was our first day, which started with a church service and later a brief family history, which started when this gentleman from America by the name of Jeremiah Scanlan came to Samoa and met a lovely young Samoan woman from Saleimoa, fell in love, married her and later had nine children.

“The home village of our clan is Faleula and from there they spread out to the rest of the world: some went to America, Australia, New Zealand and of course some stayed here in Samoa.

“Back to our, yesterday we planned a picnic at Falealili in the morning and will conclude in the evening with at ball at Robert Louis Stevenson,” he said.

Today — the last day of the gathering — will close off with a big family feast, after a church service to express their gratitude to God for reuniting their family.

 “We did not expect a big number to attend but it just adds to the excitement of our clan meeting for the first time in Samoa. The atmosphere is wonderful with members all excited to discover who everyone is and bond with each other.”

“But the biggest objective is to get to know who is who in the family particularly for the sake of the young ones so they don’t date each other.”

“But most importantly discover who their roots are and also look at plans for the next reunion especially in what country,” Galumalemana added.