The Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.) has advised that this Wednesday 1 June 2022 is a public holiday to celebrate Samoa's 60th independence anniversary.

The MCIL Chief Executive Officer, Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling advised the public of the public holiday in a public notice issued by the Ministry.

He said in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays Act 2008, the public is advised that Wednesday 1 June 2022 will be treated as a public holiday to commemorate Samoa’s 60th independence anniversary.

Businesses can open on Wednesday but only in accordance with the provisions of the Amended State of Emergency ‘SOE’ Order #79, the M.C.I.L. public notice advised.

The amended S.O.E. order states that all businesses are permitted to open from Monday to Saturday from 6am to 10pm and on Sunday from 12 to 10pm.

All businesses open to the public also have the responsibility to ensure all persons comply with measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as advised by the Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) and the National Emergency Operation Center (N.E.O.C.).

The Ministry also advised employers to comply with the relevant provisions under the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2013 regarding payment of public holiday rates for their employees who work on Wednesday.

Samoa's 60th Independence Committee previously announced that when the clock strikes 12 midnight Tuesday, bells and the sound of sirens will be rung across the country.

This act by the public and parish leaders would signal the commemoration of Samoa's Golden Jubilee.

The Committee, which is chaired by the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, said the sirens and bells will kick start a year-long celebration to mark 60 years since Samoa's independence.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and member of the 60th Independence Committee, Agafili Shem Leo told the media last week that foreign dignitaries, overseas guests including tourists will all be expected to join Samoa’s year-long 60th independence celebrations come September.

The 51 constituencies in the country have been asked to prepare their own programs for the celebration which will start Wednesday 1 June and end 31 May 2023.