Labor Day celebrated in annual Work Force Day by the Territory
It was a fun working day for the American Samoa Government employees and members of the private sector who participated in the fun filled event last Friday at the Veterans Memorial Stadium in Iliili. It’s the third annual pre-Labor Day event, called the Work Force Day, the brainchild of the Lolo & Lemanu Administration — to recognize employees throughout the Territory, and allowing Labor Day, a federal holiday, to be a full day of rest — with no obligations other than to enjoy having a day off from work.
The day started formally, with a parade of various government departments and agencies, and the American Samoa Community College, and also included private sector companies— _Nana’s Inc., Paramount Builders, Inc. and Happy Trucking & Construction.
It was followed by Manumalo Baptist Academy students Aitulagi Alofa and Dorvida Fuiava singing the anthems of American Samoa and the United States of America.
The reading of the governor’s proclamation was accomplished by members of the private sector, Samoa Mauga of Samoa Tuna Processors and Taotasi Archie Soliai, Government Relations/ Human Resources Manager of StarKist Samoa.
According to the governor’s proclamation, Labor Day, the first Monday in September “constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”
It notes that American Samoa joined in on the “celebration of all the contributions of hard working men and women to our society, to our way of living, and to our successful transition over the last 50 years from a largely subsistence based economy to an industrial and service based economy, by a workforce of skilled and unskilled, blue and white collar, men and women, all of whom, collaboratively, have made us what we are today.”
Lolo in his proclamation says that it’s appropriate that American Samoa pay tribute on Labor Day to the creators of so much of American Samoa’s strength, freedom, and leadership-our working men and women.
Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga during his special remarks said “today, the government workforce will honor those in labor for the government, legislature and the judiciary.”
Lolo pointed out in Samoan that every worker, whether it be for the family, village, church or your career, should remember where their strength comes from to be able to get out of bed and do their daily work.
The governor said when the roadside is clean, when school buildings are up, we are thankful because without the working man these things would be impossible.
He thanked the ASG workforce including the Fono employees who attended and members of the private sector for the service they do for the government and its people. Lolo said there are times the government branches don’t get along but those differences are what brings the workforce together and afterwards, the relationship is stronger than ever.
Secretary of Samoan Affairs, Mauga Tasi Asuega echoed sentiments by the governor and acknowledged the work done by the men and women in the military. He urged the workforce to carry out their duties and continue serving members of the public for it is their calling — service to the people.
The day ended with games, in which the government leaders, Gov. Lolo, Lt Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga, Senate president Gaoteote Tofau Palaie and House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale joined in on the fun during the tug of war.
The elderly population was among the crowd who participated, despite the warning by EMS Chief, Galumalemana Popo Avegalio to be cautious given their age and health, but that did not stop them. The Department of Health entertained at the closing of the event, with a pese & siva, and educated the workforce on keeping American Samoa clean.