More than 200 members of the Samoan community in Fiji officially welcomed Samoa’s new High Commissioner, Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia in Suva.
Amongst the attendees were 95-year old Marion Ah Sam from Faleasi’u, Tuese Vui Falo Keil, 86 years old from Samatau and many of the expatriate community of Samoans in Fiji.
A statement said the programme over the weekend commenced with a church service led by Rev. Professor Dr. Upolu Vaai, Principal of the Pacific Theological College in Suva.
This was followed by an ‘ava’ ceremony by Taupou Miss Tafaoganiu Kuiniselani Elisara.
One of the highlights of the programme was the Fijian Vakamamaca ceremony performed by Samoans married to Fijians in honour of the High Commissioner as a Chief Guest.
The ceremony is to provide “dry clothing and mats to the guests to help dry and keep them warm in acknowledgment of their long journey, often across the ocean “
High Commissioner Elisaia thanked the Samoan community for the warmth of their welcome and for making him an integral part of Samoa’s community and circle of friends in Fiji.
He challenged the Samoan community to use the presence of the Samoa High Commission in Fiji as a magnet to bring everyone and anyone who identifies as a Samoan through whatever connection to strengthen the community, increase contacts more often and to reach out and help each other during the highs and lows in our joint journey in life’s unchartered waters, as through unity the Samoan community will be strong.
He reminded those present that “today we have planted a seed in Suva. Let’s nurture, care and help make this beautiful Samoan seed grow and blossom so that the fragrance from its flowers can reach every corner of Fiji for everyone to enjoy, appreciate and benefit and feel its presence”
Samoans who have made Fiji their home permanently, namely, Fuimaono Dr. Rosa Saaga-Banuve, Dr Tauta Perise Maua McGraig, Manusamoa Eunice Simoli Saaga-Gucake, Toleafoa Alfred Schuster, Ula Tiko, Anae Joel Nilon and Janet Nilon, Tiatia Dan Lobendahn and Tile Maposua-Lobendahn, Asomua Howard Politini and Miriama Politini, Morgan Tuimalealiifano and William Wylie Clark also attended the welcome ceremony.
The event was also graced with the presence of three Catholic Sisters, Kasileta Leiato, Lasela Kolio and Fualosa Enele.
A sumptuous dinner followed which was prepared by the PTC and USP students and those living in the Suva area, before everyone was treated to a fine rendition of the Samoan National Anthem and a lively performance of Samoan cultural items, courtesy of the 3rd year Samoan students at the University of the South Pacific, Suva.
The statement said, the welcoming event wouldn’t have materialised and enjoyed the success it did had it not been for the “labour of love” put in by members of the Organizing Committee under the leadership of Rev Professor Dr Upolu Vaai [PTC], Rev Dr. Faafetai Aiava [PTC], Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago-Elisara [Pacific Community - SPC], Maiava Lavea Iosefa Maiava [UNESCAP], Lavea Iulai Lavea [International Monetary Fund-Pacific Branch], Tanuvasa Semy Siakimotu [PHAMA Plus] and Taito Louis Lene of the Samoa High Commission.
Photo supplied Government of Samoa Media Caption: Samoan community in Suva, Fiji at the welcome ceremony for Samoa's new High Commissioner to Fiji.