The Human Rights Protection Party hosted a special programme on Wednesday to mark Samoa's 60th Independence anniversary at their Petesa headquarters.

The event was attended by the Leader of the Opposition Party, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, party's Deputy Leader, Lauofo Pierre Lauofo and party Secretary, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi.

It was also attended by H.R.P.P. Members of Parliament and their loyal supporters who all wear blue to the event to denote the party colours.  

The event also featured live music with food and drinks for those who attended.

The H.R.P.P. Leader, Tuilaepa spoke during the party-led event, saying that the aim of the celebration was to bring everyone together to celebrate 60 years since Samoa became independent.

He said the country's 60^th independence anniversary should be treasured by everyone.

“We must remember, the word Government, it includes Parliament, all the Members of Parliament, and Cabinet,” he said.

“When we heard that there was no official prayer service to mark the Independence Day and that it was scheduled to a later date, this led to the decision of hosting our own event today.

“However, later on we found out that they will host a small prayer service, this led to a question whether we should cancel our programme.”

Tuilaepa revealed that he only received his Independence Day programme on Tuesday night.

He said for this year the march of children which normally happens during independence celebrations were not held due to preventative measures against the virus.

“And so we will still have our programme, this is our motto, no matter the challenges but we can still achieve it.”

While explaining the significance of celebrating 60 years of independence, the veteran politician noted that out of those years the HRPP was in power for some 40 years.

“This means that 70 per cent of this 60 years journey was under the H.R.P.P. leadership, this is a long period of time," Tuilaepa said. 

“It was a time where Samoa was in peace and the standards we set were high that Governments from around the world admired our voice.”

He named countries such as China, America, Australia, New Zealand and Japan which sought Samoa’s position on various subjects.

“This is why we it is important for us to commemorate the 60 years of [independence]," he said. “And our usual saying – e tautala galuega [work speaks], major works speak [for themselves] that have been done by our [former] Government, some of the projects that have been planned will be pushed through and continued.

"But the many other developments have been [dismissed] like the aircraft which is causing our people distress because there is no plane, now it is up to Fiji and New Zealand what the airfares will be.”

The H.R.P.P. also started taking registrations for all their party members with a fee of $50. 

All constituencies nationwide have been asked by the Government to put together their own programs to mark the year-long celebration of the country's 60th Independence anniversary which will end 31 May next year.