Independence Day

 In a televised 59th Independence Anniversary address today, Tuimalealiifano provided his first public comments since he cancelled a scheduled sitting of parliament 10 days ago.

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.

It's the second year the Pacific nation has not held the celebration at Tiafau, the traditional grounds or malae, because of the construction work being done on the new Parliament house.

The head of state, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, in his independence address, called for the country to work together with the government to build a strong economy.

Here is the Independence Day Speech by Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta’isi Efi.

It was the custom of our forbears that when a special moment was forthcoming, they would revert to modes of prayer, fasting and dream dialogues for insight.

I want to share with you the insights and perspectives gained through my prayers, fasting and dream dialogues in preparation for today.

Today is Independence Day. Today we have come together to remember our forbears who fought so hard to reclaim our Independence.