By Martha Taumata Faavae
The remotely located village of Uafato on the eastern side of Upolu supports the proposed changes to the Constitution even as they wait to meet with the Parliament Select Committee for consultations.
Village spokesman Manoa Vaa Saumamao, they have faith in the Government and are ready to lend their support for the good for the country.
“But we follow religiously what the Prime Minister is saying on his media interviews including those in our village who do not agree with the bills,” Manoa said.
“This is where we are able to have some insight into the ongoing debate on the bills.”
Manoa said the village believes that if Government is doing what is best for the country then they are ready to give them their support.
He is adamant that God will judge if the Government is not honest about the need for changes in the Constitution.
“The argument that families should be limited to only 5 main chiefs or sa’o at a time is valid as far as we’re concerned.
“ I am one of 7 people with the same chiefly title Manoa, there are too many of us, but in reality only one of us speaks and that is me.”
He went on to add support to the delays in the hearing family land disputes in the Lands and Titles court.
He is aware of cases where the families end up losing after years of waiting for a decision.
The right to appeal cases in the Lands and Titles Court has his full support as well.
“Whatever changes the Prime Minister is trying to put through has by endorsement because I believe God chose him to lead Samoa.
“If it is God’s will for a change in leadership then the new leader will lead as the PM is doing now.
“We should not complain and criticise because we don’t know if the next one coming in will do better or lead us down the hole.”
Manoa made himself out to be a staunch supporter of the Prime Minister and his Government efforts to run the country to the best of their abilities.
He said the village prayer is whatever plans the Government has for Uafato, as long as it will be done, they are ready to wait.
The Uafato spokesman even if three quarters of the country should criticise and condemn the PM it will not make him wobble and start to walk funny.