The New Year comes with many new year resolutions. Reporters Talaia Mika and Yolanda Lavatai took to the streets of Apia yesterday to find out what people have as their resolutions for 2019. This is what the people said:

Ulugia Matau, 67, Vaiusu

I just want to know when or how this place (Savalalo Flee Market) will be upgraded because we had been told that this whole place will be pulled down and we have been expecting a whole new place for us to use. For my family, this is the only thing we depend on for a living. Last year was the meeting about this plan and we had been sent letters from the S.L.C for this and we thought it was supposed to be somewhere in November or December last year but it did not happen. Nothing has happened. This is the most important thing.

Rosa Maiava, 25, Mulifanua

I want to stay healthier and eat right so that I can have more time to spend with my parents and family. Diabetes runs in our family especially my dad’s side. He has been through a lot because of diabetes and he had a stroke from it so this year I’m really trying to stay healthy and that would really help my Dad to encourage him. Also, because I went to a medical school so I kind of know what’s good and what’s not good for my body. I’ve seen so many strategies and activities like jazzercising and sports that’s becoming a habit for us here in Samoa and it is something I would want to improve because it’s very nice that everyone’s pretty active with all these things to decrease the level of diabetes.

Afele Tavita, 26, Faleasiu

If there’s one thing I wish would be upgraded from last year is for a better place for our people to rest and have their meals in Apia. As we can see it is so dirty around us and it’s not healthy. I’m also wishing for better roads. Most roads in Samoa are really bad. With the Pacific Games around the corner, I hope these roads will be fixed. I am also hoping to get better pay so we can help look after our families better.

Siliva Siaea, 21, Matafele

Last year I was so careless with my studies so the main resolution for me this year is to change for the better and finish my school first then find a better job. So yes, I want to change for my parents and start taking care of them with my own money.

Aiesi Tuua, 28, Mulifanua

The goal for this year is to take care of my parents, develop our church and be good. I also hope our country develops in terms of the behaviour and attitudes as we are a so called Christian country. I think the government  has a very important role to play in improving lives. We also have to respect our leaders, those whom we have chosen. Good example is the Prime Minister. 

Savaliga Gali, 27, Toamua

I want to make a change for the better because as we all have experienced, there are a lot of changes happening around us, mostly the bad. So I want to set a good path not only to set my life straight but to also help with my family’s development.  My focus for this year is to build my own small business and develop it so it can get bigger and better. So that’s my resolution this year.