Dear Editor,

I write with a heavy heart, deeply troubled by the recent modification of Samoa’s national anthem during Friday’s opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024.

Since our nation’s independence in 1962, our anthem has held an honoured place in the hearts of all Samoans. It is not simply a song; it is a solemn declaration of our sovereignty, our heritage, and above all our enduring faith in Jesus Christ. Its rendition at any event or occasion almost always gives me a sudden rush of patriotic fervour to the heart and an abundance of tears in my eyes.

The abomination that replaced our anthem at CHOGM was already suspect when it was sung incorrectly right from the beginning with “agiagia” at the start instead of “sisi ia”.

But to go on then an alter the line “Vaai ina fetu o lo ua agiagia ai: le faaailoga lea o Iesu na maliu ai mo Samoa” - that proclaims the Southern Cross constellation depicted on our flag as the “symbol of Jesus, who died for Samoa” is to deny the spirit and history of our people. That key line reflects the faith in Jesus upon which this nation was founded, the faith in Jesus that our ancestors relied upon to build a free Samoa.

Who, then, within the government, gave themselves the authority to alter it? By what mandate was this done, and with what justification?

Our anthem is an inheritance, a sacred bond passed down through generations. It is not a piece of fabric to be trimmed to fit the demands of others or the secular whims of a few. If we can so easily compromise on something as profound as our anthem, what message are we sending about our commitment to our beliefs, our culture, and our independence?

The government owes us an explanation, and more importantly, a commitment that such changes will not be repeated. Samoa’s identity, its Christian faith, and its heritage cannot be compromised, especially in such a public and significant forum.

Our constitution now has enshrined in its main body the bold declaration that “Samoa is a Christian nation founded on God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Let us never forget GOD. Let us never shy away from declaring his name.

May Jesus Christ, the name above all names, forever be glorified.

Pauli Prince Suhren