Martha Taumata Faavae
The former Prime Minister commended very highly the alii and faipule (chiefs and orators) for their role in keeping the peace in the country at a time of political uncertainties.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi felt it showed the close cooperation between traditional authority and police, a remarkable partnership not lost to the countries of the world.
“They are amazed by how peace has been maintained in the country,” the former Prime Minister said.
“So countries continue to have confidence in the strength of our system of matai rule.”
Tuilaepa explained that the policy of the Human Rights Protection Party HRRP is harmonising the laws of the country and the the Lord’s message of peace.
“ What we have shown the world from all this is that Samoa is independent and that no one interferes in our affairs and no one tells us who we want to befriend.
“Anyone who wants to come to Samoa with friends are our friends but your enemies are your own enemies.
“Those are the policies by which the HRPP has governed within the last 40 years.”
Tuilaepa praised the partnership between the traditional and legal authorities for keeping the country at peace while it sought solutions to political problems after the April general elections.
“ In other countries there would have been fighting and many lives would have been lost. But that did not happen in our country.
“It is why the villages should be commended for taking the lead in keeping the peace. You had given support to the police who also have other work to do.
“You have amazed the world by showing that using the police and the military are not the only way to keep the peace.
“ I thank you for your service to Samoa. This shows your cooperation and you have been doing your duties.”
A delegation of matai from the village of Salelologa heard the grateful reaction from the longest serving PM in Samoa in a ‘meet and greet’ last week at the HRPP’s Maota I Petesa headquarters.