“The People's Inauguration” will be the theme of Governor-elect Lolo Matalasi Moliga and Lieutenant Governor- elect Lemanu Peleti Mauga's inauguration program, which will be open to the public.
The venue will be the Veterans Memorial Stadium and in accordance with the law the swearing in will be at noon on January 3, 2013.
At a meeting yesterday, Inauguration Committee Chairman Fiu Johnny Saelua said between 5,000 to 6,000 people are expected to attend and they will be mostly members of the public.
He said Lolo and Lemanu want to share this important ceremony with the public who have given them their trust to establish a united government, one that will put people first.
Doors at the Veterans Memorial Stadium will open at 8 a.m.
At around 10 a.m., the governor-elect and lieutenant governor-elect will arrive at the stadium and with the assistance of Miss American Samoa, will greet dignitaries attending the inauguration.
The only off-island guests being invited are Samoa’s Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tamasese Efi, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and Assistant Secretary of the Interior Anthony Babauta.
Fiu said an invitation for leaders of Samoa was delivered over the weekend.
The inauguration program will officially start at 11 a.m., and at noon, Lolo and Lemanu are scheduled to take their oath of office.
Fiu said there will be an ava ceremony followed by lunch and then cultural performances.
He said the menu that will be served to the VIPs will be the same menu for all members of the public.
He said the program has already been given to Lolo and Lemanu for their approval.
The committee chairman said they are getting quotes for the menu and they're looking at spending at least $25,000 for food for the inauguration.
He said solicitation letters have gone out to businesses and so far, they've received $1,500 in donations.
Village committees have been asked to provide 50 coconuts each for the function.
Some members suggested that the village committees for the olo and Lemanu camp donate money to help cover inauguration expenses since there won't be any money coming from the government.
When asked whether there's any left over money from the campaign, Fiu replied no.
He said they will put on a program with whatever money the inauguration committee can come up with plus donations from the community.
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