Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Church services and parties top off the list of activities for when American Samoa welcomes in 2019 at the stroke of midnight, the last in the U.S. “family” to do so.

Guam is the first U.S. possession to welcome in the New Year.

(Independent Samoa is the first country in the world to ring in the New Year while American Samoa and Niue are the last inhabited places on earth to welcome 2019).

Territorial leaders hope for a blessed new year, especially in terms of the economy, as American Samoa continues to face many challenges, especially in the fishing and canned tuna industries.

ASG faces uncertainty towards the end of 2018, with the partial federal government shutdown that the national news media says could last into the New Year.

The Lolo Administration is banking on telecommunications development through Hawaiki cable to provide a third pillar for the local economy, which has been dependent for many years on the cannery and government.

The Administration is also hoping that other new economic developments, already in the the planning stages, will come to fruition, such as a company proposing to develop a 20,000 square-foot high-capacity prefab western technology driven integrated green building factory and commercial dry-cleaning services to serve the territory and the region. (See Samoa News Dec. 18th edition for details of these economic initiatives).

Church services are among the usual events for New Year’s Eve, some starting early at 6p.m and others at least two hours or so before the stroke of midnight. For the Methodist Church, it's the “Po o Moli” or "Night of Lights" for the more than 15 parishes of the Methodist synod in the territory.

The tradition involves different families and church groups making trees (about 10-15 feet high), and decorating them with candy or flower ulas, yards of fabric, or food items such as chips, cookies, canned goods, and boxes of saimin. And of course, some are decorated with just cash.

At the end of the service, which is after midnight, decorations from the trees are distributed first to the church and village leaders, the elders in the congregation, invited guests, and finally, to church members.

Visitors are welcome to services on New Year's Eve.

Many residents are hoping for clear skies so they can enjoy New Year’s Eve celebrations, including a chance to go out to Poloa village around 6p.m, to watch the last sunset of the year.

For those who follow Chinese astrology — 2019 is the Year of the Earth Pig. Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 5, 2019, according to the thechinesezodiac.org website, which also notes that “the Pig is a representation of diligence, kindness, and generosity”.

Local celebrations include special New Year’s Eve 'countdown' parties at certain business establishments, and family get togethers at home.  Check out last Friday’s and today’s editions of Samoa News for New Year celebration specials, as well as food and liquor sale specials.

Bars and nightclubs are reminded by the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board to comply with local laws, which prohibit the sale of alcohol after 2 a.m — the normal closing time. Retail stores are not permitted to sell beer or alcohol after 10 p.m.

Perhaps the biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in the United States is the one at Times Square in New York City, and since last week, workers were putting the finishing touches on the crystal ball, which drops at midnight. The event will be carried live on television and local residents can watch it on CNN’s special broadcast, which includes a global countdown to 2019.

American Samoa will be mentioned several times over — and over again — by international news outlets during the countdown to 2019, as among the last place on earth to welcome the new year.

Another major US event on New Year’s Day is the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. As in past years, the sound of fireworks — illegal in American Samoa — is expected to be heard island-wide, mixed with the boom of the homemade Samoan cannons or “fagaofe” (these are illegal too).

Police remind the public to celebrate responsibly. DPS will be out in full force to ensure a safe and Happy New Year.

In observance of New Year’s Day, a local and national holiday, all government offices will be closed tomorrow — as well as the majority of businesses — including the local banks.

SAMOA NEWS PUBLISHING SCHEDULE FOR HOLIDAYS

Samoa News offices are also closed today, Mon. Dec. 31, 2018.

We will not be publishing tomorrow, Jan. 1st, and Wednesday, Jan. 2 for people repair & maintenance.

However, our offices will be open and our people re-energized on Wed, Jan. 2, 2019 for Thursday’s publication.

Samoa News management and staff wishes the people of American Samoa and our Toa o Samoa a safe and prosperous 2019!

Please remember: To not drink & drive. Get a designated driver or catch a taxi.