Nuutolola Telefoni, 66, Vaiusu

"I think the attitude and behavior of foreign countries we saw on television and social media today has affected our youth as they try to copy these behaviors. The high level of violence that is happening around the world has a huge bad influence on our younger generation. But my concern is if it is true that a politician is behind the incident at Manono, then we need to question the decision of the chiefs and orators in relation to everyone's right to vote freely. Village chiefs must let the villagers alone decide which candidate to vote for, rather than making rules to stop people. It’s sad to see the incident because it is not easy to start a business and try to develop a family destroyed by other people but not natural disasters. They should pay back some money to this family I believed."

Teleiai Gogosina Ulutoa, 49, Samatau

"We are from the same district and it is not easy to voice my opinion because of the good relationship with Chiefs who make decisions for the wellbeing of our villages. You don’t have to jump the gun and judge a person until you understand completely the true reasons why these things happen in our country. Blessings start from high mountains and we are tried to return the respectful duties to the Head of State and inside each village, there are people that are against the village decisions and they don’t want to listen and disobey orders from the chiefs. So the Chiefs can’t do anything to a villager without a reason. Same as father and son relationship, if a father tells a son to do something but he disobeys and answers back to his father, it’s painful and very hurt. So I’m saying that we should not judge the village but we have to think that there are reasons for the village to base their decision-making around."

Esera Levika, 35, Tufulele

"Samoa’s founded on God and chiefs and orators of villages are the strength of God's will within the villages. So if the chief and orators (Alii ma faipule) are the beginners of whatever, the youth will followed and support their actions. If chiefs themselves love and respect each other, then the youth will follow their footsteps and do the same thing. But if they are divided and hate each other in village gatherings and meetings, the result will be violence to families and people of the village. I think that’s the relationship that we need to sort out first, the relationship between chiefs within the village, then everyone will be happy and free."

Faatalatala Samau, 59, Vaiala

"Whatever the reason behind the incident, the family should be well protected under the arms of chiefs and orators of the village. There is another step if the family disobey orders and rules by the village and that is the police department but not using violence as nothing good will be gained. The sad thing is they destroyed the shop and took all the products, throwing rocks and its very serious crime. I feel so sorry for this family, the people  who did this should be charged. This kind of disrespectful act is not allowed in Samoa and it’s very dangerous to a family that can’t protect themselves. It’s so heartbreaking what is happening in this country."

Helen Faumuina Tiufea, 23, Lefaga

"I am very disappointed with the attitude that Samoan boys have these days. Its shows that they have no heart to do better things but are living disrespectful lives and bringing violence into the community. No parents can tell their children to act this ways, but it’s all about the pride, stupidity and cruelty to harm other people. Another reason is they won’t listen and use the word of God, which is a bridge used by church ministers every Sunday to love god and love each other, honor and respect other people. I feel sorry for this family."

Uniteca  Sebastiana Samuelu, 22, Vaimoso

"This kind of attitude defines who you are and the kind of family you come from. The parents' voices to their children, I believe, isn't strong enough to get them to avoid these behaviors. Some parents just leave their children alone to do whatever they want with their lives but it affects others. Now they destroy this family’s house and it seems like this is what they are good at in this world. I think if the people who did this are well educated and have jobs, they wouldn’t do such kind of things. But because they have no life, this is the only option they choose to live by breaking into someone’s house and stealing things."

Afatasi Afualo, 34, Fogatuli

"It is not a smart move by these people to stone the family house and steal merchandise from their shop. It is a criminal act and it’s affecting the family especially the children. Imagine if someone did that to you how would you feel? The bible says do to others what you what them to do to you. So if you do bad things to others, believe me, there is always a price to pay. There will be a time for you to suffer the consequences of your behavior. If that family wanted to vote for the F.A.S.T. or H.R.P.P. just let them be, it’s no one’s business. Samoa is a free country."

Savae Viiga, 58, Salelesi

"We don’t need this attitude and criminal act in Samoa, we need peace and happiness. The first thing is the incident is serious and frightening for the family, especially the children and it’s horrible and terrifying to hear these kinds of things. Whoever did this should be in jail for stealing and breaking into other people’s house and using stones as a weapon to harm other people. This frightening development is becoming frequent and it’s sad for a beautiful country like us."