Samoa's 52nd Independence anniversary celebrations opened Monday morning (Sunday American Samoa time) at the Parliament house in Apia.

Prominent leaders from around the Pacific including New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and his team of delegates took part in the ceremony.

A unique feature of this year's celebrations will include the participation of St Mary's college who will march in the national parade to celebrate their 150th anniversary.

St Mary's college was the country's first established girls' school and is the only girls' school left.

Local resident and former school president Lotesi Kells Slade says old girls have come from around the world to participate in the parade.

"I'm very lucky to be raised here during independence time. Why this independence is very important - the St Mary's Jubilee 150 years. All the countries - the old girls are here. So the St Mary's are gonna participate in the marching."

Earlier, the celebrations also saw a service at the newly built Catholic cathedral at Mulivai, where the Ola Toe Fuata'ina choir from Tafaigata prison sang and thousands turned out.

Another crowd pleaser was the fautasi regatta that saw Le Totolo o Tama Uli crew from Salelologa taking first place.

Witnessed by thousands of people who flocked to the coast of Faleata and Apia to see the race, captain Pauli Ivan Williams and his crew from the big island proved far too good for five other boats.

The Samoa Observer listed the winners in their Sunday Observer issue: 1st place: Tolotolo o Tama Ulip; 2nd place: Segavaop 3rd place: Lulu o le Aoa; 4th place: Aviivii; 5th place: La o Samoa; 6th place: Uluai la o le Talalelei

FALEOMAVAEGA CONGRATULATES THE INDEPENDENT STATE

 “I want to offer my personal congratulations to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and his highness, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese on the upcoming 52nd anniversary of their independence from New Zealand. I especially want to congratulate the people of Samoa and recognize their forefathers for their courage and leadership during their struggle for independence since the late 1800s,” Congressman Faleomavaega Eni said in a press release sent to Samoa News.

“Since 1962, Samoa has become a leader in the Pacific and continues to play an important role within the Asia and Pacific region.  As a member of the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and recently the World Trade Organization, Samoa is moving forward to becoming a strong developing country in the Pacific. Samoa has played a vital role in the Pacific through their participation in the Pacific Forum and other regional organizations. Notably this year, Samoa will be hosting the Third International UN Conference on Small Island Developing States this coming September.”

“I would be remiss not to acknowledge the thousands of Samoans who live in many parts of the U.S. and have many family ties to both Samoas. Their contributions are noticeable not only by the many celebrities and sports athletes but also the church and community leaders who have active roles within their communities,” Faleomavaega said.

“Because Samoa is a vibrant and small democracy, I know this country will continue to make a difference as a leader in the Pacific for years to come. Again, I congratulate Prime Minister Tuilaepa, his highness Tui Atua Tamasese and all the people of Samoa on their celebration of 52 years of independence,” Faleomavaega concluded. 

Sources: Radio New Zealand, Samoa Observer, Cong. Faleomavaega’s office