The village Fasitoo Tai was hoping to meet the delegates of their host nation but has been told that this would not be possible.

According to the village, they have been told the visit is not on the schedule as a preventative measure against infectious diseases.

The mayor of the village, Tovaotele Lumafu Maoitualevi said despite this, the village was eagerly preparing for CHOGM and their host nation Bangladesh.

The village started with $17,000 and then a further $50,000 was approved by their district council. The village continues to fundraise as they have an ambitious project which involves building a rock wall.

“As you can see, Fasitoo is not like any other Samoan community. We are still working to complete the construction of the rock walls,” Tovaotele said.

“The wall serves as a barrier between our residents and the road because, as you can see, our homes are close to it.”

Three committees exist in the village: the women's committee, the chiefs committee, the Aumaga and taulele'a committee, and even the kids pitch in on projects.

“Together, we can achieve a better outcome for this project by working together,” he said.

“There are several differences between Fasitoo and other settlements. Everybody puts in daily effort, particularly the men, to strive to improve the village's appearance.

“Given that we are also searching for Bangladeshi flags, perhaps fresh modifications will occur next week.

“Since everything these days is about money, we also have to pay the people working on our project. No one can succeed without money.”

There is little hope that they could be allowed a short visit by the Prime Minister and other officials of the Bangladesh government.

“As a Pulenuu, I hope that the 56 countries that will be attending the meeting next month will have time to visit the 56 villages that will be hosting them. Sadly, though, they won't be able to, as the government has a shield that prevents them from going because they fear they may bring diseases.

“Being able to welcome Bangladesh makes us feel incredibly honoured.”

CHOGM will start on 21 October.