It was their beloved grandmother's wish before she passed away in 2022, to have her grandchildren bestowed the Matai'a and To'alepai chiefly titles and they did just that one year on, in honour of her.

Coming from Australia this festive season, Matai'a Sinaumea Taufao and To'alepai Panapa Asiata paid tribute to their grandmother, the late Faamele Lesa Tatunu by receiving their chiefly titles at Sato'alepai in Savaii which come with a lot of responsibilities and commitment to the family, village, church and Samoa.

They were amongst the 17 new Matai'a title holders, 22 To'alepai, and one Mugamuga title which were bestowed upon them by their family and village last month.

"I was raised by this old woman and she passed away but this was her last wish before she left," he said. "Sinaumea, I want you to be bestowed the Matai'a title' and that is why I am here," Matai'a said upon receiving his cup of title acceptance.

But in an interview with this newspaper, he added that receiving the title meant everything to him as well as his brother knowing that they had made their grandmother's dream a reality.

"Words cannot express the feeling that I have right now. It was a day that was spoken off for a very long time and for it to finally come to fruition was truly special," he said.

"Before she passed, she gave me her blessing and requested that I bear the Matai’a title in Satoalepai on her behalf, an honour and it is a privilege that I will not take for granted. 

"There are many similar stories in our nation and each story holds a special place personally for each of those who have been blessed to bear a title. I am just thankful that I was able to make her final wish come true."

This is the same case for To'alepai who left the country with tears of joy and tears of optimism about what his responsibilities will require of him in the future which he will do so proudly.