We celebrated Christmas and soon, New Year, together with great joy, joining Christian countries worldwide in commemorating this special season.
In Samoa, we also devote the first week of every year to prayers and fasting, seeking God’s blessings as we embark on a new journey in 2025.
This tradition began in the 1990s following the devastating cyclones of 1990 and 1991 that crippled our economy.
Christmas celebrations in Samoa often marked by beautiful decorations, dazzling Christmas lights on government buildings, private companies, and homes, as well as the much-anticipated fireworks displays, were noticeably absent this Christmas season.
Let us, therefore, express our gratitude to the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services, Samoa Life Assurance, Samoa Ports Authority, the private sector, and the Human Rights Protection Party for their efforts in keeping the Christmas spirit alive with their festive light displays.
These initiatives serve as a wonderful way to extend Christmas and New Year’s greetings to our families and friends, much like traditional Christmas cards or newspaper messages, all of which share the same purpose of sharing love and joy with all our loved ones.
Fireworks displays hold special significance for Samoa.
They remind the world that we are the first country to welcome the rising sun of the New Year.
This unique distinction often features on major global TV channels, serving as a powerful and of course free advertisement for Samoa.
As we reflect on this season, let us remember the wisdom of our Samoan proverbs.
One says, “No matter how one suppresses a chicken, it will continue to cry.”
Another one reminds us, “No one stays rooted in the same spot unyielding like a mountain forever – E le tū fa’amauga se’isi.”
There is a season for every purpose under heaven.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP