PM Fiame Naomi Mataafa and leader of the CHOGM co-ordinating Task Force with some of the CEOs from Ministries and State Owned Enterprises who will head sub-committees giving added support
By Staff Writer
The first step to officially inform the country about the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, CHOGM, was taken today by the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa.
The Government leader called in the local media to the TATTE Convention Centre for the first formal briefing on the preparations underway already for CHOGM.
PM confirmed the hosting of CHOGM from 21-26 of October at Parliament building for the leaders.
There will be other side meetings and events hosted around selected venues stretching from the Tiafau Malae all the way to the Taumeasina Island Resort on the eastern coastline of the urban township.
PM Fiame confirmed all 56 member countries of CHOGM have indicated attendance from Asia, Caribbean, Africa, Europe and the Pacific regions.
“There will be 3 monarchs attending led by His Majesty King Charles of the United Kingdom, King of Brunei and King of Eswatini, with 34 Heads of State plus State Ministers,” the PM confirmed.
Samoa is the first small Pacific Island country to host CHOGM outside of Australia in 1981, 2002 and 2011 and New Zealand in 1991.
A national Task Force Committee chaired by PM Fiame will overlook the overall running of CHOGM with various forum for youth, women and the general public.
There are 12 sub-committees led by CEOs of Ministries and State Owned Enterprises giving added support as well.
Local police will be assisted by overseas teams of law enforcement officers from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and 7 other Pacific Island forum members.
PM Fiame estimated CHOGM to cost Samoa $40m tala to cover all costs but was unclear of possible revenue likely to be generated as the host country.