Prime Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi joined the British High Commission in Apia on Monday to celebrate its first anniversary in Samoa and commemorate Commonwealth Day.

The Prime Minister gave a speech at the event hosted by British High Commissioner David Ward and attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, and special guests from the law and justice sector. The ceremony was held at the High Commission office at Tamaligi.

“The Commonwealth for Samoa now more than ever during the difficult times we are in reflects a deeper appreciation of the support and sustenance we receive through interconnectedness of the 54 member countries ; the majority of which are small island states,” Tuilaepa said.

“With the diversity of the membership all members have an equal say regardless of size and wealth in shaping the Commonwealth. True to its principles, the Commonwealth gives attention to amplifying the voice of the small island states.”

More importantly, he added, the Commonwealth nations continue to stand united to address issues of great concern to us as small island states such as climate change, sustainable development, equitable trade, information and communication technology, capacity building and reversing the decline in the health of the ocean. 

“The Commonwealth remains an important partner for Samoa in our efforts for empowerment of women and girls and respecting the values of democracy and rule of law. In 2016, Samoa hosted the 11^th Women Affairs Ministerial Meeting to explore solutions on issues that hamper women’s progress,” said the Prime Minister.

“The meeting focused on actions to get more women into leadership, end gender based violence, address climate change and boost women’s economic empowerment. As we speak, part of the celebration for International Women’s Day this year for Samoa is with a forum led by the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development.”

The forum, he said, includes women from the community, representatives of faith-based organisations and other stakeholders to discuss women and leadership, ending violence against women and achieving gender equality. 

The forum will also be part of the ongoing Nationwide Ending Violence Awareness program to continue the dialogue to promote a whole of society approach to address violence against women and girls, Tuilaepa added.

“Therefore as we commemorate Commonwealth Day and International Women’s Day on the same day this year, we commit to ensuring our society, our policies and laws continue to provide opportunities rather than barriers for women in leadership. We also pause to pay tribute to one of the most respected female leaders globally, the Head of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” the Prime Minister said.

“She has dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth and her message highlighting the importance of our relationships across the Commonwealth to deliver a common future that is sustainable and more secure, is one we fully support.”

Tuilaepa congratulated the British High Commission on its first anniversary since it opened in Apia.

“There is no doubt that you have added to the richness of the dialogues among the diplomatic corps and with your government on the best ways to facilitate development cooperation with Samoa,” he said.

“We acknowledge your support in the growing number of Chevening scholarship beneficiaries and also your government’s efforts in negotiating the best ways to engage with Samoa on your exit from the European Union. Our engagement and relations will continue to strengthen as we prepare Samoa to host the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, following the Rwanda C.H.O.G.M. this year.”