The Government will host three special guests this weekend as part of celebrations by the country to mark Samoa's 57th independence anniversary.

The independence anniversary celebrations will commence this Friday with a thanksgiving service to be held at the Immaculate Conception of Mary Cathedral at Mulivai. This will be followed with a flag raising ceremony on Saturday at the Malae o Tiafau, Mulinu’u. 

According to the Minister of Public Enterprise Lautafi Selafi Purcell, who is also responsible for the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour (MCIL), the formalities will be done on Saturday and next week Monday will be a public holiday. 

Samoa is expecting special guests from neighbouring countries this year, but not including members of the Apia-based diplomatic community. 

In response to an email from the Samoa Observer, Minister of Communications Information and Technology, Afamasaga Rico Tupai, confirmed three special guests who will be part of this year's celebrations.

They are Ulu o Tokelau, Kelihiano Kalolo and Mrs Atene Kalolo, Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa, Lemanu Peleti Mauga and Ella Gaea Pelefoti, and the Tuvalu Prime Minister, Enele Sopoaga and his wife Salilo Enele Sopoaga.  

A public notice from M.C.I.L. stated that shops selling goods may open during public holidays, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Holidays Act 2008. 

“However, employers are reminded to comply with Section 39 of the Labour and Employment relations Act 2013 in relation to the rate of wages to be paid to employees who work on public holidays.” 

The independence anniversary programme starts with the thanksgiving service this Friday at 6.00pm. This will be followed by the flag raising ceremony on Saturday at 4.00am and will conclude 3.00pm in the afternoon.