It’s a four-day weekend ahead for ASG employees after Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula declared Thursday and Friday public holidays.
Tomorrow, Thursday, November 27, is the public holiday for Thanksgiving, and Friday has also been declared an ASG public holiday to honor the official opening of the new Maota Fono.
The co-chairman of the new Maota Fono Committee, Rep. Vailoata Amituanai, says the official program for the opening begins at 9 a.m. Friday, but guests will be seated starting at 8 a.m.
Rev. Elder Faaetete Saifoloi, Chairman of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa, will offer prayers, while Bishop Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale will bless the new building with holy water.
Hymns will be provided by the Arts Council Amerika Samoa Choir, led by Pati Pati Jr.
House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale will be the master of ceremonies.
Those on the program to deliver remarks are Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula; Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean; and Papalii Laulii Alofa, President of Paramount Builders, the contractor.
Rep. Vailoata said Samoa Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt is arriving today, Wednesday, with a nine-member delegation. Also arriving today is the Speaker of Parliament, Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua Mulipola.
The Samoa Police Band is also arriving today on the patrol vessel Nafanua.
Samoa’s Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa II will be arriving Thursday.
The Samoa delegation, along with citizens of Samoa residing in the territory, will perform a taalolo, or presentation of gifts, to mark the dedication of the new Maota Fono.
The main road in Fagatogo will be closed during the dedication ceremony. East bound traffic will use the road behind the museum and exiting from the Fagatogo market place, while west bound traffic will be routed to the road behind the courthouse and exiting in front of DPS.
