There was a sea of blue at Petesa on Wednesday evening as members of the Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.), past and present assembled at its headquarters to commemorate 44 years since the party was established. 

Hundreds of supporters attended the special celebration and a thanksgiving service to honour God for his protection of the party over the years. 

The celebration began with a service followed by the keynote address that was delivered by the party leader, Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegao who spoke on behalf of the party's executive to thank everyone for their ongoing support and loyalty over the last four decades. 

People of all ages from different walks of life also attended the event to witness such a momentous occasion. 

The Leader of the former ruling party in his address highlighted some of the great achievements of the party over the years. 

Tuilaepa who is the veteran Member of Parliament from Lepa and former Prime Minister also took a trip down memory lane, remembering all the challenges they faced. 

He reminded the gathering of the main reason why the party was established, to protect and stand up for the rights of the citizens of the country. 

As the opposition party for this parliamentary term, Tuilaepa also noted the importance of questioning the government on the various projects and decisions they implement as well as making sure that the rule of law is observed. 

He also highlighted the importance of putting the needs and wants of the people first before anything else. 

The H.R.P.P. party was co-founded by the late Va'ai Kolone and Tofilau Eti Alesana in 1979 in opposition to the government led by Tupuola Efi. 

The party then took over the leadership of the government in 1982 and remained in power until 2021 following the General Election where they were defeated by the then newly established Fa'atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.). 

The two co-founders became Prime Ministers of Samoa. The current leader, Tuilaepa has led the party since 1998.