Today’s half a day public holiday for public servants only has left a sour taste in mouths of workers in the private sector. On Tuesday, Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, announced that the half-day public holiday, starting at 12midday, is only for public servants. He said the government doesn’t wish to interfere with the private sector as they have often expressed concerns about the cost of paying people for not working. “The question, why the government employees only?” Tuilaepa said. “The reason is, we want the businesses to grow, to contribute to future boxing tournaments. This has been the concern for the private sector that we have too many public holidays. So this is one public holiday that we will restrict to the government employees only while allowing our private sector people to keep working, slugging it out for the future of boxing in Samoa.” Sina Seava’aetasi asked members of the public about what about they think. This is what they said:

Wesley , Vaitele

There should be a public holiday for everyone since Jospeh Parker belongs to all of Samoa. Not just public servants. I will not attend the parade because I will be busy selling my stuff. But it would have been nice if everyone was included.

Douglas, Moto’otua

Joseph Parker is a good man.  Since he is Samoan I’m definetly in support of the public holiday.  He’s my bro.  I will definetly be going to the parade. I think the public holiday should have been a full day instead of half a day. What can you do with half a day anyway.

Ricky, Vaitele

I don’t think it’s fair that only public sevants get a half day off.  We should have a day for everyone to celebrate. Joseph Parker belongs to all of us. So everyone should be given the chance to be part of this victory.

Aotearoa, Apia

Yes,  I think a public holiday is good.  I support Joseph Parker and can’t wait for the parade. I feel sorry for workers of the private sector though. They should have been given a day off too.