Samoa Independence

According to the chairman of the National Emergency Operations Center, Agafili Shem Leo, the raising of the flag will be done live from Tiafau by the member of the Council of Deputies, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia.

Local television and radio stations have been asked to run replays of traditional entertainment from past celebrations to help mark this year's anniversary.

“The significant change is due to the impact of the COVID-19 State of Emergency and protective measures as Samoa remains one of the last few countries still free of the virus,” Agafili told Savali newspaper.

The change comes as the country marks 58 years of independence while still in a State of Emergency put in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic, of which Samoa has no cases.

This year pre-packaged segments have been aired on local television and posted on social media including a short church service, the head of state's address, and the raising of the flag by the member of the council of deputies.

Samoa gained independence in January 1962 after 40 years of New Zealand administration.

More than 70 staff and students of the Alafua Campus were at the Government Building from as early as 4am to join Government ministries, schools and organisations in the March Past to observe the first former colony in the Pacific to be given right to form its own government.

A range of events were organised over the two-day national holiday declared by Samoa’s Government to allow the nation to celebrate the freedom that Samoa enjoys today.