We are in a predicament. 200,000 litres of diesel have been spilt into our pristine ocean, affecting fish and marine life, and question marks hang over the livelihood of the people in Safata.

It will be a very different White Sunday for the children in the villages along the Safata coast. People were looking forward to the weekend, most had plans for their catch, as most are fisher folk. They did not expect to find fish swimming in diesel.

There are no new clothes and shoes for the children in these villages and some families will not be having a Sunday feast. It is not their fault that a ship struck and spilt oil into the ocean. It is time to act. This is the time Samoa needs to unite and let the authorities know that this is not acceptable.

It feels like the impact of the HMS Manawanui is being downplayed. People in New Zealand are worried about their $100 million boat when the way of life for the people in Safata has been disrupted. For centuries, the people of this country have lived in harmony with nature. Their way of life depends on what the ocean provides.

Over the years, these people have used the resources from the ocean, raised generations of children and supported their families. Now their children are looking at a gloomy future, not knowing what is ahead.

On Friday, reports emerged that fishermen on the coast of Safata were told to discard fish covered in oil from the New Zealand naval ship HMNZS Manawanui as authorities confirmed leakage of 200,000 litres of diesel.

The Marine Pollution Advisory Committee (MPAC) confirmed approximately 200,000 litres of diesel had leaked into the ocean and substantial damage to the coral reef.  

It is encouraging to see the traditional leaders who are the protectors of this land are not sitting. They are concerned not only because it is hurting their pockets but they are worried about what this disaster means for their children.

Senior matai of Safata district, Tuia Paepae Letoa told the Samoa Observer the discovery of fish covered in oil was reported for further investigation.

He said the community is starting to feel the effect of not being able to rely on marine life for their daily Tuia said the New Zealand Government is aware of the responsibility on their shoulders from the incident and international laws governing such disasters.

He said the district matai will convene a special meeting next week to discuss the Manawanui disaster adding the elders will not sit idle and will act for their future generation.

The leaders of the nation may be getting feedback from the government teams but they should pay a visit to the villages. The government should already be in talks with New Zealand about mitigating the damages.

While the extent of the damage cannot be ascertained right now, compensation is something that should already be on the cards.

As a nation, as one big ‘aiga’, efforts must be made this Sunday for the children of the impacted villages. Talking of children, parents should be mindful that young children are always supervised. A tragedy in Falefa unfolded last week where a four-year-old boy drowned. The children were unaccompanied by an adult and they were near a waterfall. Children should never be left alone near bodies of water. It will be a bleak White Sunday for this family. We should keep them in our prayers.

For the people impacted by the HMNZS Manwanui disaster, it is time to stand up and raise your voices. Let the world know the dangers of such incidents and how responsible parties should act. The New Zealand Defence Force personnel have been busy cleaning up beaches and the ocean. They are doing their best to prevent a major disaster, we have to be thankful.

As we walk into our churches this White Sunday, we need to think very carefully about what our environment means to us and what lengths we should be willing to go to protect and preserve it. It is not about us anymore, it is about what our children and their children will inherit from us.

A Happy White Sunday Samoa.