Residents of Afega are still coming to terms from the surprise visit to their village by delegates from Gambia, the nation the village played host to.

Gambia is a small West African country, bounded by Senegal, with a narrow Atlantic coastline. It's known for its diverse ecosystems around the central Gambia River. Abundant wildlife in its Kiang West National Park and Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve includes monkeys, leopards, hippos, hyenas and rare birds.

Village mayor Fata Ropeti Fata Fa’alili said he was surprised when the Gambia delegates called on them to give a small token of appreciation.

“After we were chosen to host the Gambia for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, our member of parliament informed me on Sunday night that the Gambia delegates intended to visit our community,” he said.

“They surprised us by giving us a present of $3000 as a token of appreciation for letting their flags fly in the village.

“We therefore decided to hold an ava ceremony and meet the Gambia representatives on Monday morning.

“As they arrived and saw the villagers hosting their nation, they experienced both delight and sadness as they did not have enough time. 

'We were particularly delighted in our village as we never imagined that the Gambia delegates would ever visit. To help them remember our village of Afega, we also gave them Samoan trinkets to take home.

“We were grateful that the delegates could come and meet our people, even though we never imagined they would wish to visit our little village.

When asked if they had any aspirations for Gambia to return, the mayor replied that they had already informed the Gambia delegates that their doors were always open. 

In addition to giving the village a present of $3000, the delegates also offered each high chief a $500 gift.

“In my capacity as mayor, I am grateful to the Gambia delegation for their desire to visit the village and express gratitude to the residents for their efforts and for hosting their nation.

Another chief Tutolu Slay said it was a pleasure to meet the the Gambian delegates.

“I firmly believe that they are delighted to have their flag visible across the village," he said.

“Regarding the preparations for our community and the flags, we will continue to hang them and make every effort to keep it this lovely.”

Most delegates left Samoa over the weekend while some will fly later in the week.