Front left to right: Afatia, Tupe (Mother) Peseta Sinave, Reverend Melepone Isara (Father )Back left to right: Atapana, Opapo.( Photo by Mirima Isara)
By Miriama Cally Isara
In an emotional ceremony stepped in tradition and respect, Sinave Isara stood with a mixture of pride and humility as he was conferred the same chiefly title that his beloved grandfather once held, the late Peseta Sinave Isara whom he was named after.
Peseta Sinave Isara, the late grandfather of new title holder, was a man well-regarded for his wisdom, courage, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of his family and community.
He was a well-known chief in not only his village but Samoa in the field of education, sports and cultural entertainment.
He was the protector of the community’s culture and traditions, a role he performed with grace and honor. So it is expected that the new title holder would be able to fill the late Peseta’s shoes.
His grandson 25 year old Sinave, who works for the Bank of the South Pacific (BSP) was chosen by his family elders and chiefs to take up the title that his late grandfather once held.
“Not really sure if I’m worthy of the title and be able to live up to the standards that my Pa has already set, but I hope that by receiving this matai title makes both him and my whole family proud,” a humble Sinave said.
This week the village of Pu’apu’a in Savaii welcomed 40 new holders of the Peseta title who included 13 females. The majority live in Samoa while 15 have to travel from oveseas where they reside, mostly with familiesn of their own.
More than 200 family members from overseas and those living in Samoa gathered to witness the special ceremony which was held at the Maota o Fogaseuga in Pu’apu’a.
The new title holders were showered with blessings not only by the church, the village council and family members who reminded them to serve their families and village.
They were told by the village elders that a matai title comes with responsibilities to their family and village and this is the main reason for being a matai.
Titles the village elders also reminded are not something to show off. They are to be cherished and it’s a reminder of their roots and their identity.
Peseta Sinave in accepting his title said he would determine to live up to the legacy of his grandfather.
“I am humbled and honored to accept the title once held by my grandfather, the great Peseta Sinave Isara,” Sinave said.
“I hope in receiving the same chief title as my Pa makes him proud and everyone and I hope through this chief title I can accomplish and achieve the same qualities that had made grandpa an exceptional leader. To me the title is not just an honor, but a call to service.”
“Although I didn’t get to spend much time with my Pa through his early passing but his teachings through my father have been my guiding light, and his footsteps have carved the path that I now would walk.
I pledge to serve with the same dedication and love for our people that he embodied throughout his life.”
“ Now that I’m a Peseta myself I feel weird having to hear people addressing me as Pese or Peseta, it’s something that it might take time for me to get used to it. But I am thrilled and happy regardless.”
Peseta’s mother was proud of his son rising up to take up the challenge of being a matai. Mrs Tupe Lealaitagomoa Isara, wiped away tears of joy as she watched her son embrace his new role.
“Both of your grandparents from both sides would have been so proud,” she whispered, her words carrying the weight of generations.
To Peseta Sinave, the chiefly title is more than a position. It is a sacred trust between him and his ancestors, a promise to uphold the values and traditions that have defined his community for centuries.
His vision for the future is rooted in the lessons of the past, and he is committed to connecting the gap between the old and the new.
For the new title holder of Peseta the spirit of the late Peseta Sinave lives on through him.
Sinave’s journey as the new Peseta of Pu’apu’a has begun and with it, the assurance that the legacy of leadership would continue to thrive for generations to come.
The parents of the new Peseta title holder Reverend Melepone and Tupe Isara expressed pride and joy in their son taking up his chiefly responsibility.
“The enduring power of heritage, the unbreakable bonds of family, and the timeless honor of serving one’s community. He has indeed made both of us parents and his ancestors proud.”
(Note: Miriama Isara is a journalism student at the National University of Samoa