Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has announced two holidays for all government employees this Friday and Monday to thank them for the successful hosting of the more than 4,000 delegates to CHOGM 2024.
The PM announced the holidays at a Thanksgiving service to express gratitude for the successful meeting.
Hundreds of public servants gathered at Tuanaimato for the event led by Reverend Esera Auatama Esera, Deputy Chairman of the Congregational Christian Church Samoa.
Prime Minister Fiame thanked all those who contributed to the successful hosting of CHOGM emphasizing the historic nature of the event as the first for a small developing island nation in the Pacific and also the first under the new Head of the Commonwealth, King Charles III.
She noted how delegates were welcomed, as if they were at home, forging new relationships and finding a sense of belonging in Samoa.
Fiame also recognized the contributions of law enforcement and security personnel who ensured safety throughout the event, public servants involved in planning and execution, including drivers and liaison officers.
The Prime Minister specified that essential services would still be maintained, with arrangements to be made by respective Boards and Management.
She also acknowledged the Samoan diaspora who travelled to assist and those who prayed from abroad for the event’s success, as well as the support of development partners.
Fiame concluded her remarks by emphasizing Samoa’s cultural tradition of hospitality and service, urging villages to continue decorating the nation and beautifying their surroundings in celebration of this significant achievement.
