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MALIETOA TANUMAFILI II CELEBRATES 93RD BIRTHDAY |
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By Angelynne Enoka |
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When Samoa’s
Head of State, His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II celebrated his 93rd
birthday this year, it also engraved his name in history as the oldest
Commonwealth leader alive. Malietoa Tanumafili is also the
third-longest serving head of state in the world, after the King of
Thailand and the British Queen.
His Highness’ birthday on the 4th January is a public holiday in Samoa
every year and is marked by the Government hosting a birthday reception
each year.
Malietoa continues to be an inspirational leader according to the Prime
Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, in his key address, "Malietoa
has served Samoa well as Head of State. It is an achievement that all
Samoans should be proud of.”
Malietoa Tanumafili II was appointed joint Head of State with the late
Tupua Tamasese Meaole when Samoa gained independence in 1962 from the
outgoing New Zealand administration. The Malietoa title is one of the
four ‘tama-a-aiga’ titles; the other three includes the Tupua Tamasese
title and the Tuimaleali'ifano title currently held by two of the
Council of Deputies. The fourth title, Mata'afa, has been vacant since
1997.
American Samoa’s Governor Togiola Tulafono spoke on behalf of the
guests to thank the Government of Samoa for sharing His Highness’s
birthday with its neighbor leaders. Togiola made reference to the good
relationship between American Samoa and Samoa. Also in attendance was
American Samoa Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin who paid respect to
His Highness saying he “is the father of the nation to all Samoans.”
A Government representative from Tonga also spoke of the long
relationship and royal ties between the Kingdom and Samoa. The large
contingent from the Kingdom of Tonga included Princess Salote Mafile’o
Pilolevu Tuita who was representing King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, a regular
guest at his Highness’ birthday each year. Earlier in the week, the
Princess and the Tongan contingent hosted a private function at His
Highness’ residence at Fa’atoialemanu and presented gift from the King
and the people of Tonga.
His Highness received a $10,000 gift from the Government and people of
Samoa.
American Samoa’s Governor also presented monetary gift for His
Highness.
While the Head of State is still good health and was able to remain for
the whole reception, his aging condition meant he remained seated in
his wheelchair to greet the long queue of well wishers good health |
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His Highness, Malietoa Tanumafili II flanked by Samoa Prime
Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and American Samoa
Governor, Togiola Tulafono during the birthday reception.
(Photo: Lagi Keresoma)
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Guests at Samoa Head of State’s 93rd birthday function included
American Samoa Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin and Princess
Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita of Tonga.
(Photo: Lagi Keresoma)
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Guests included Diplomatic Corp dignitaries, Government Heads
and officials, community leaders and special guests from the
Kingdom of Tonga and American Samoa.
(Photo: Lagi Keresoma) |
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and was able
to remain for the whole reception, his aging condition meant he
remained seated in his wheelchair to greet the long queue of well
wishers.
Former Methodist President Siatua Leuluaialii conducted a short
service to start the celebration followed by speeches, lunch and
ended with a ‘tauluga’ performed by Miss Samoa, Falute Sauao Vaauli.
Earlier in the week, His Highness attended the opening of the new
EFKS church at Sapapalii named ‘Mataniu Feagai Ma Le Ata’ after the
Sapapalii village meeting ground. The occasion commemorates the
historical arrival of the missionary John Williams from London to
Samoa at the very same site in 1830. |
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Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd. 2005
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