US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken sent a congratulatory message to Samoa on its 61st anniversary of Independence today.
“The United States deeply values our strong partnership with Samoa, underpinned by our common values and shared commitment to upholding fundamental freedoms and the close relations between our peoples.
“We remain committed to working with Samoa to combat the climate crisis, expand our economic ties, and strengthen the rule of law to promote peace, security, and prosperity across the region and the world. We are delighted that Peace Corps volunteers returned to Samoa this year, and we look forward to continuing to advance the program in the future.
“The United States looks forward to continuing to expand our partnership and deepen our people-to-people ties.”
Attending the celebrations in Samoa are Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga and Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata.
In her congratulatory message, Congresswoman Uifaaatali said: “Congratulations to the people of the Independent State of Samoa as they celebrate a 61st year of independence! Samoans, whether they are from the eastern or western islands, honor the achievements that the Independent State of Samoa has made over the past six decades,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Samoa has become a regional hub of travel, commerce and culture, and is a vibrant democracy that has shown the strength to withstand several crises. Samoa continues to contribute to enduring Samoan values, traditions, and the preservation our language. I am happy to be in Samoa to celebrate this momentous occasion! Ia fa’amanuia le Atua i le Malo Tuto’atasi o Samoa ma Samoa atoa.”
Yesterday, Independence Day guests attended an awards ceremony for 15 Samoans honored in the government’s Samoa Honors and Awards for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding service to the country.
The awards were presented by the Head of State Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II.
For the first time a former Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Tupuola Efi, was awarded with the country’s highest Civil Honor for services to the country which included being Prime Minister from 1976 to 1982 and Head of State from 2007 until 2017.
Gatoloaifa’aana Tilianamua Afamasaga was honored as an educator for more than 40 years. In 2016, she was awarded the Krishna Datt Award for Excellence in Trade Unionism and Leadership in the Pacific.
Palanitina Tupuimatagi Toelupe is a former Director General of Health, who also worked in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
Tusani Iosefatu Reti has for more than 40 years contributed to, and played an instrumental role in progressing the environment and conservation agenda in the Pacific. He successfully accomplished key notable achievements such as the establishment of the Environment and Conservation Agency of the Government of Samoa and was appointed as the first Head of the Environment Agency in 1989 amongst other achievements.
Asi Tuiataga James Fa’afili Blakelock is a retired Samoa Police Commissioner from 1997-2003. He was also Samoa’s High Commissioner to New Zealand.
Businessman Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale is the founder of the Poutasi Development Trust (P.D.T) and owner of Sinalei Resort, and has been sending a lot of Samoans overseas for temporary employment opportunities and contributing back to the development of their families and country.
Retired Reverend Tupu Folasa II is a former President of the Methodist church in Samoa and abroad and a well-known musician.
Sr. Emanuela Betham
Retired Reverend Tautiaga Senara is a longtime former Chairman of the Congregational Christian Church Samoa, who is now a mentor and teacher for the Malua Bible School in New Zealand.
Sister Emanuela Betham is awarded for being an educator, a former principal, and Sister of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary (S.M.S.M.) for almost 70 years. Sister Emanuela has shaped the lives of many Samoans, some of them going on to become leaders in the Government, private corporations, multinational companies, churches, and villages and around the world. Serving her God, she has spent time in Rome, many European countries, as well as the United States of America.
Brother Kevin O’Malley has a long-time connection with St. Joseph’s College as a teacher and Principal, being in the latter role in the early 1970s and, again, through most of the 1990s. His recent service was in Marist Schools in New Zealand and Kiribati. He returned to Samoa in 2020 after twenty years. Br. Kevin also taught at Marist Brothers Malaeloa and Marist Faasao High School.
Asuao Ta’alili Williams is a former Commissioner for the Fire and Emergency Service Authority (F.E.S.A.)
Luaipou Sally Betham is a volunteer who has been involved with working for the betterment of Samoans especially women in the Family Planning Association after a distinguished career as a nurse with the Ministry of Health for many years.
Sapa’u Lilomaiava Lolesio Vitale is a former Police Officer and Member of Parliament, and was a sports enthusiast playing at fullback for the Samoa national team for many years.
Solialofi Papali’i Pisimaka is the current President of the Samoa Nursing Association.
And the youngest recipient is Tuaopepe Asiata Jerry Wallwork, the president and driving force behind the successes of Samoa Weightlifting Association.
