The grounds of Tiafau became the centre of Samoan tradition on Saturday as 12 districts and a delegation from American Samoa presented ta’alolo for a few of the Legislative Assembly offices at Mulinu’u.

The ceremony, held at Mulinu’u, marked the ongoing construction of major buildings that will support Parliament's operations, funded by the Australian Government. The official opening is scheduled for Monday, following the service to commemorate Samoa’s 64th Independence anniversary.

The event continued for most of Saturday, with delegations presenting money, fine mats, food and other gifts to the Government in a show of respect and thanksgiving.

Envelopes containing amounts ranging from $500 to $50,000 were presented, with much of the money from the American Samoa delegation given in US dollars. The delegation also presented 200 cans of tuna. These gifts also included hundreds of ie toga, or fine mats, that were also presented during the ta’alolo.

The Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, and the Masiofo were in attendance. Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt and cabinet ministers were also present. The High Commissioner of Australia to Samoa, Will Robinson, was also present.

Minister of Sports Seuamuli Fasi Toma and Associate Minister of Sports Fiu Ponifasio Vasa were at the to’oto’o and spoke on behalf of the Government.

The American Samoa delegation was also present, including Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean. The delegation joined Samoa’s districts in presenting a ta’alolo to mark the occasion and to acknowledge the close ties between the two Samoas.

The ta’alolo began with Sagaga le Usoga, the district connected to the late Luafatasaga Kalapu, Samoa’s first Speaker of Parliament, who served from 1957 to 1961. The new Luafatasaga Kalapu Members’ Lobby in the new Legislative Assembly building has been named in his honour.

The lobby is one of the buildings to be opened. It will serve as a place for members of Parliament to rest, meet and carry out official duties during breaks from parliamentary sessions.

Other districts that presented ta’alolo included Tuisamau, Lufilufi, Saleaula, Safotulafai, Palauli, Mati’amatiatuau, Satupaitea, Leulumoega, Vaa o Fonoti, Aiga i le Tai and Gagaifomauga.

The presentations reflected the fa’aSamoa practice of acknowledging the completion of a project. In Samoan custom, the completion of a church, a public building, a monument or a place of service is often followed by thanksgiving and traditional presentations.

The ta’alolo also formed part of the programme for Samoa’s Independence celebrations, which officially begin on Monday.