By Mataeliga Pio Sioa
The point about why the Samoa talks are timed within the space of a few weeks in-between is a valid one. Maybe if there was an emergency to be handled immediately, then it is warranted.
None around to be seen.
We do have the Lady Naomi struggling into the Matautu-tai wharf loaded down with family cargo from the territory, but it happens all the time.
Is it possible for our American cousins to worry about running out of food or cartons of chicken……. It does pose concern.
On the other hand, it’s always good for families to get together and share the company.
“Life is too short” to snarl and growl at the should and should not that fouls up harmonious relations between ‘blood’.
On the other hand, ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’. Familiarity is like eating cans of herrings everyday in the poor old days.
On a more serious note, it is regrettable the high level of stress the citizens of the two Samoas go through in key areas where they interact closely.
Ease of travel is always a thorny one.
The easterners recently imposed the Talofa Pass as a new immigration policy for entry and it is cause for grief to their traveling western kinsfolks.
Nothing to reflect the true spirit of our warm ‘talofa’ greeting of welcome.
From the complaints heard in Apia maybe the folks in Pago should consider re-naming the policy, ‘Tatalo Pass’.
But it does not mean the folks in Upolu are free of blame in matters of immigration also.
What about US nationals in Tutuila and Manu’a having to apply for entry permits to Upolu when US citizens travel free. Valid point.
But it does raise the eyebrows on several instances. Why are nationals different from citizens in the US?
The citizenship distinction is a matter for the Americans, in that case maybe the issue should be resolved at that end.
Make US nationals American citizens and matter solved. Simple. Or is it?
This is where these Samoan Talks usually bogs down – Uncle Sam. Have always been so.
Washington runs the show. We can talk Samoan until the rooster sleeps, but the final approval comes from the White House/Congress for AMERICAN samoa.
Former Governor Togiola was once asked about this during one of the Talks in Apia.
He admitted to the fact, but the door is always open to discussions with the US on issues that involves the territory.
Agreements with independent Samoa is the example. Fair enough. Unfortunately, the hassles, frustrations and the presence of the ‘Aitu ole Aoa’ or Ghost of the Bunyan Tree remains.
President Biden recently signed a deal to try and win back the Pacific Island states from the big bad fiery dragon of Sino Land.
Did Pago missed the golden opportunity to whisper into Washington’s ear for special exemptions to handle their own domestic affairs with Apia?
Nothing to worry about Samoans from the independent state flooding into the mainland via the territory if free travel is allowed.
The seasonal workers scheme is draining the local population in a big way from the villages and in the skilled labour force from the Apia Township.
US control on the territory will always hang like a dark cloud on these Samoa Talks.
Whatever issue is raised that needs the two ‘talkers’ to agree on the questioning moment is whether the dark cloud will rain on it or not.
Remember, it is not just American Samoa that is drenched.
With PM Fiame involved and her knee issues that saw her on a wheelchair recently, it is not good. If the threat of rain is also an activating health worry for her, then it is all the more reason for concern.
But lets stay hopeful that Climate Change will blow away the doubt and uncertainties this dark, overhanging cloud threatens of soaking up everyone and everything involved with future Talks.
Onosa’i e maua ai mea lelei.