Martha Taumata Faavae.
Vile language used freely by users of Facebook in Samoa and Samoans residing overseas is a problem the ‘alii and faipule’ or chiefs and orators are more suited to address.
This is the belief of the Minister of the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development Tuitama Leao Tuitama.
The Minister personal belief is in reaction to the Facebook shaming and swearing at political candidates, elected Members of Parliament, leaders and supporters of the two political parties HRPP Human Rights Protection Party and FAST Fa’atuatua I le Atua Samoa Ua Tasi flooding the Internet.
Tuitama was asked on ways or assistance that would be offered to address this problem and to stop Samoan people locally and overseas hurling abuse at each other on social media.
He offered government had no intention of banning Facebook. He pointed that to ban Facebook would be tunnel vision for government and would not help those using Facebook and social media to promote and conduct their businesses.
“But for me personally the solution would be through the village council. There should be bans and punishment for anyone in the village and members of the village residing overseas found posting words which could cause disharmony and threaten the peace in the village or the country,” Tuitama told Newsline.
He also said that people hiding behind fake pages will be identified and should be punished too.
Tuitama said he has heard that traditional councils of authority in many villages are considering taking this action.
Families living in the villages will bear the brunt of the fines for the actions of members living overseas and elsewhere who are found to be doing these postings Tuitama explained.
He reminded that village councils have the authority to make decisions that would keep the peace in the village.
“This is understood by everyone living in the village.”
Tuitama also asks for the village councils for their tapuaiga and good wishes for the two political parties as they try to iron out a solution to the current political situation.
He also requested them to take the lead in maintaining the peace in the country with the political divisions in support of the political parties.
