By Mataeliga Pio Sioa
Big week starting up with our 60th independence anniversary celebrations.
Such a pity the country is still so politically divided.
Political mistrust has become so deeply embedded it will taint whatever the intentions are behind the celebrations for a lot of people.
Hushed doubts linger on why the year long celebrations. Are the Government intentions genuine and sincere?
What if it is just another ploy to win over more public support for the FAST Government?
Why would it be any different from the $1m tala Government villages handouts to win election votes?
The Treaty of Friendship between New Zealand and Samoa received much attention in these celebrations – all good.
The exclusive treaty has benefitted many Samoans who moved to New Zealand to take advantage of the opportunities for a higher standard of living.
The Prime Ministers of the two countries have become closer as well with the commemorations of the Treaty.
The New Zealand Governor General is joining us as our special guest in our celebrations this week.
The red carpet roll out for her is especially noticeable on her visit to Savaii for two nights stay on the big island.
Cannot remember too far back to any foreign leader of her high standing on a longer stay.
With her Māori cultural background, Dame Kiro, will hopefully appreciate our Samoan culture while taking in the sights of the country.
We share the same Polynesian heritage so the similarities maybe of interest.
The Governor General’s visit is ‘icing on the cake’ on the warmth generated by the recent reciprocal visits between Prime Ministers Ardern and Fiame.
Hopefully the goodwill brought by the visits will help in the healing process that the political division in Samoa badly needs.
A friend in need is a friend indeed. Malo lava.
Strongly doubt the warmth of friendship will restore harmony back in Apia any sooner.
Political discord has cut too deeply it laughs in mockery at repeated calls for the country to move on.
The calls have become highly suspect. The question is whether they will frustrate out of hearing distance any notable influence.
Government though will enjoy the relief of being left to rule without being blasted as an illegitimate, court appointed, under the tent rulers, who trampled on the Constitution.
The political taunting is going all the way to the next general elections based on prevailing public reactions.
There are two ways for PM Fiame and her Government to respond to this hostile political environment.
Face it head on with plugged up ears, more layers of skin, blinkers and just keep going. Just pump up the charm with more sweet, bubbly talk of Government handouts coupled with longer independence celebrations,
Invite close friends to drum up heaps of goodwill in a softening up process to sway public support.
But that is taking the long way unless they have the stamina for a long road campaign
If they want to take the short cut and practically end the political animosity over night the best way to go is to call early general elections.
Go back to the source of political power.
The court does not and should not rule on the democratic will of the people.
It is the people who decides with their vote who should rule – end of story.
We would have long moved on by now if the vote had gone back to the people.
As we celebrate our birth as a free nation, let us first be thankful that despite our separation of loyalties in political leadership we are still at peace.
As we celebrate, it may be worth a thought to ponder the options we have.
Should we continue to follow the long route and hang on until 2026 while throwing caution into the air or take the shortcut with general elections at the end of 2023?
Enjoy the moment.