Many villages around Samoa have begun their own preparations to celebrate Samoa’s 60th Independence Anniversary as the countdown began to Wednesday 1 June. 

One village that was well advanced in its preparations Leauva‘a with the young men (aumaga) and chiefs and orators leading the work. The women’s committee also took part with their hard work already noticeable immaculately trimmed lawns and home front yards.

The erecting of flags along the roadside was another task that the young men of the village took upon themselves with the matai supervising and organising the final preparations.

By midday the young men and youth who braved the scorching heat had completed their work covering the village from one end to the other.

Mataitau Salevana, Mulitalo Afano and Sagote Taliatu – the village mayor and two orators – spoke to the Samoa Observer on behalf of Alii and Faipule and the young men of Leauvaa who were present.

Asked how preparations for the big day were going, Mataitau Salevana said preparations by Leauva‘a for the Independence celebrations were organised by the village mayor and an organising committee (komiti faa-pulenu‘u) as well as Alii ma Faipule.

“For all celebrated occasions and events in our country, [Leauva‘a] always prepares well and we consider these preparations as standard preparations (tapenaga masani-ā’i),” he said. 

“So for the upcoming occasion, the 60th Anniversary of Samoa’s independence, our village is also making the same ‘standard’ preparations. 

“These standard preparations have become a custom and norm to [Leauva‘a].

“Through our preparations, we show respect, support and spirit of unity to our Government '' further.”

Asked if the village had received any assistance for their preparations for Independence day, Mataitau revealed that the M.P. for their District provided support to their village’s preparations. 

These included refreshments for the matai and the young men of the village who provided the manpower for the village’s preparations. The council of Alii ma Faipule and the village mayor-led organising committee also provided assistance for their preparations. 

As to their program for the day on Wednesday, Mataitau Salevana said Leauva‘a EFKS church will hold a “commemoration service” (lotu faamanatu) on Wednesday at 5.30am to mark Samoa’s 60th Independence Anniversary. The village will then hold a car parade within the village to conclude their celebrations.