Opinion

Samoa is no stranger to colonisation. In 1830 Christian missionaries destroyed the Samoan religion; Germany ruled Western Samoa from 1899 until 1914; and after that the country passed over to New Zealand’s rule. It was not until 1962 that Western Samoa gained autonomy again, changing its name to Samoa, formally, in 1997.

However, despite independence, Western culture has maintained a strong presence in island life. The latest dilemma for Samoa, thrown up by the economic forces of globalisation, is how to deal with Chinese interest in Oceania’s potential for tourism.

There is no doubt about it — American Samoa high school sports will be taking a huge hit in the next school year — signaling the misuse of Our money is finally catching up with the reality that is American Samoa: that people in Our community will suffer, in this case it is the athlete-students in our education system, when greed and corruption prevail.
 
“E a sipa le lama, ‘ae fano malolo.”
 
Which brings us to the Fono and its spending... yep, I’m going there!
 

Dear Editor,
 
It’s about time that the road at the Tafuna Otto Haleck’s compound intersection towards the Tradewind Hotel and the Mormon Lake is finally happening. I’m sorry for being sarcastic but we, the residents, have been suffering far too long.
 

In speaking of the Fono abuses, it’s been easy for me to lump all the Senators and Faipule together, and call them corrupt and dishonest matai without looking at them individually in the Fono — to separate out those who are trying to do their best, with the hand they are dealt.
 
As noted, in one of the comments in response to my editorial, “The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions”: