Samoa's Head of State has called on Samoans to work together towards peace and development as the country marks Independence Day today.
Samoa became independent from New Zealand 56 years ago after stints under the rule of Britain and, before it, Germany.
In Apia, a crowd of people gathered in the early hours of this morning to witness a Samoa flag raising and a 21 gun salute outside the government buildings.
RNZ Pacific reports Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II also voiced his disapproval of the violent brawl on Savaii last weekend.
The Head of State called on the people to work together with the government to develop the country.
He also thanked the police for their quick move to calm down the situation on Savaii that took place between two villages Salelologa and Salelavalu."
Independence day is an historic occasion that is marked every year with a public holiday in Samoa.
Photo Samoa Govt Press Secretariat