The Palauli No. 1 district celebrated Samoa’s 60th Independence anniversary with a two-day event in Siutu and Foailalo with a crop festival concluding the program.

On Thursday evening the youth of the district led the entertainment in Siutu, which included performances by Palauli College students and local talent group Jojo Otto, with Leota Lene and the Siva Afi club providing the finale of the entertainment on Thursday evening.

The main event was on Friday when the district came together to host the First Harvest Festival in Foailalo.  

Guests at the festival included the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La'auli Polotaivao Schmidt, the Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Seuula Ioane Tuua’au and the Minster of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Molioo who is also the MP for Palauli No. 1.

Senior Government officials present included the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Tilafono David Hunter and Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) Dr Seuseu Tauati as well as private sector representatives and members of the diplomatic corps, which included Australia's High Commissioner to Samoa, Emily Luck.

In his remarks to open the First Harvest Festival, Minister La'auli thanked the district for supporting the new Government.  

He then talked about the Government's new policy to focus on Samoa's districts in terms of service delivery direct to the communities.

“The true spirit of these new changes by our government is to ensure support is provided to everyone who needs it – not only for the town areas of Salelologa and Apia," he said. 

"Our new government wants to come into each of our 51 districts to deliver support and service that is appropriate and reflects the needs of all when it comes to agriculture, fisheries and cattle herds.”

Minister La'auli then made reference to global challenges such as pandemics and wars which he said justified the need for community-focused events like the festival which promoted local crop production.

"The solution for Samoa is what is happening today, that we have enough to eat, that each of our villages, churches are supported. 

"When that is enough, we can sustain ourselves. That is why we want to reach each district. Samoa's heart is her land. Our duty and our wealth is in our lands and our marine life." 

He then commended the women's committees for their role of nurturing the district, to ensure its harmonious existence through their show of artisans in weaving mats, making siapo and promoting other women's roles that Samoans will benefit from.

These included looking after their families and churches, he said.

The backing of the Australian Government, who was represented at the event by the High Commissioner, was also acknowledged for providing major support for agricultural initiatives in Samoa over the years.

"Australia has given financial support and tools to the development of agriculture, and fisheries, as well as other important goals for Samoa's community development," he said.

"Australia has many Samoans living there, these are signs of our close relations, their assistance has been relevant to our developments all these years.

"The Pharma Plus is also supported by the Australian Government." 

The work of the SROS and its agriculture-focused research was also acknowledged by Minister La'auli, who said the work of the Government-funded organisation highlighted Samoa's agriculture potential.  

"SROS has done research and they have indicated that we have other products that can be made and sold from our crops," he said. 

While there was a particular emphasis on agriculture at the festival, Samoa's teeming marine life was not lost on Minister La'auli, who pointed out that there is an abundance of seafood available for the community according to a report from his Ministry. 

"I appeal to the district to use the tools provided to help everyone in the district."

Minister Mulipola expressed her appreciation to the guests as well as everyone who participated while thanking her district for playing host to the festival. 

She then made reference Minister La'auli's keynote address at the festival and the link to the new Government's policies.