Let us look forward to a successful CHOGM
It is good to start the week on a positive note. And what could be more positive than the assurance from Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa that Samoa is ready to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (C.H.O.G.M.) in October?
The CHOGM is the biggest international event to be hosted by the nation yet. It is bigger than the Pacific Games. The Games only brings together 20 countries with the CHOGM, we are looking to host 56 countries.
It will not only be the leaders of each nation but ministers and delegates from civil society organisations and youth representatives. There will be media, scientific organisations, and security personnel from abroad.
It will be a logistical battle but according to the Prime Minister, it is not an issue. Fiame, who also chairs the National Taskforce overseeing preparations, expressed confidence in Samoa's readiness.
"I don't know why people are making a big fuss and say that we are not ready," Fiame remarked candidly. "Your paper always indicates that you don't know what's happening. What do you want to know?"
Fiame outlined the meticulous planning that has gone into preparing for C.H.O.G.M.
"Venues, accommodations, transportation, and the attendance of delegations have all been confirmed and meticulously arranged," she assured. "What else do you need to know? The dietary requirements?"
Despite assurances from the Prime Minister, questions linger regarding the delayed financial assistance to local businesses for necessary renovations ahead of the event.
Fiame clarified that these delays are the responsibility of the development bank and not the government.
"The delay in receiving the money for some hotels and businesses needed for renovations is not on the government," she emphasised. "That is something to do with their compliance and they need to clear that with the development bank."
"Those who have managed to receive their portion managed to do so because they had no issues with the bank. But for those who have other prior commitments with the bank, that's probably why they haven't received their money."
While we consider the readiness of the government, the above statement has left some confused. There is another $20 million allocated for CHOGM in the national budget, part of this would be going towards renovations of the venues where the meetings would take place.
For example, the EFKS Hall in Sogi will host the Commonwealth Youth Meeting, the Tooa Salamasina Hall will be the venue for the women’s meeting and the Sinalei Resort will accommodate the King and the Queen of Britain.
There were previous announcements that funds to the EFKS Church for the renovation of their hall and the $300,000 to Sinalei Resort would be given by the government. It is still a little confusing as to how the development bank has come into the picture. This needs clarification.
The Samoa Police heads are working long hours to get all logistics and security in line with the standards required by the Commonwealth and the British monarch. They are training extra staff and will soon be working with foreign police officers who are bound to arrive a few weeks before the meeting begins.
We know that infrastructure is being prepared to be of top-notch quality for the visitors including water and electricity. Extra generators and water tanks have been brought in. A cruise ship provided by the New Zealand government would house the top delegates. For this, the Apia Wharf will be closed for a week.
The private sector is looking forward to the increased economic activity predicted during the CHOGM. The government is also looking forward to this. To fill the extra gaps in the logistical framework, over 300 teachers will be used and the schools will be closed.
It seems that some government offices would also be closed during CHOGM. This means that people will have to make some sacrifices for the hosting of the CHOGM. The Ministry of Health is making a special ward to cater for delegates and there is word that the Kidney Foundation may be doing the same. All of this is within three months.
A successful hosting requires the nation working together and everyone is willing to do their part. In the next three months, we hope there will be more updates so the people of this nation and not just the CHOGM task force are aware of what is happening.
We look forward to the best CHOGM yet.