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AH CHONG
FAMILY (SIPUA’A & SINI) REUNION IN SAVAII |
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By Peter Rees |
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After hosting the previous
four family reunions in Apia, the Ah Chong family from Lotopa spread
its wings to Savaii for its fifth reunion in order to embrace their
roots and heritage. And the move to Savaii proved a huge success for
the over 100 members from Australia, New Zealand and Samoa that turned
up.
The first Ah Chong reunion was held sixteen years ago in 1988.
Subsequent reunions were held in 1994, 1999 and 2002. But this was to
be the first reunion on the big island of Savaii.
The reunion opened in Lano, Savaii. At the specially built beach fales
which was to be the venue, village matai, relatives and friends
congregated at the main guest fale to perform the traditional ava
ceremony welcoming the family members. Representing the Ah Chong
family, Su’a Rimoni Ah Chong and Salanoa Richard Ah Chong presided over
the traditional exchange of fine mats, gifts and food. This was
followed by the luncheon, then performances from Lano youth and members
of the Ah Chong family. Family photos were then taken down by the
beach.
The theme of the second day was sports. The appointed Sports Day
Coordinator, Vanessa Ah Chong, youngest daughter of Su’a Rimoni,
divided the family members into teams. The selected events were beach
touch rugby, beach volleyball and swimming relay. The first two events
were fiercely competed with youth and athleticism up against age and
experience. The Sports Day came to a fitting end with the swim relays.
The laughter and audible splashing noises confirmed that everyone,
young and old, had the most fun in this event with very little between
the winning team and the rest.
Family members woke early on the third day for the day trip around
Savaii. The highlight would be visiting Fogasavaii, a village with
strong ties to the late family patriarch Alosamoa Sipua’a Ah Chong, who
passed away in 1973. Alosamoa is buried beside the family estate in
Lotopa, but it was obvious when the families arrived in Fogasavaii,
that he still commanded much respect in the village community. After a
brief stopover at the Taga Blowholes, the family arrived around midday
in Fogasavaii.
After consultation with village matai, it was agreed three chiefly
matai titles would be conferred on three family members; The title of
Fepuleai would be given to Frank |
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Standing: Carmelita O'Connor, Elaine Leota, Pele Meredith, Aniva
Schmidt, Tuioti Ruta Tonumaipe'a. Seated: Su'a Rimoni, Sini Ah
Chong, Salanoa Richard.
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The Ah Chong grandchildren and great children pose for a photo
down by the beach in Lano during the opening of the reunion. |
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Su'a Rimoni Ah Chong with Alosamoa Tagata’ese, Togafao Dean and
Fepuleai Frank with relatives after bestowment of the chiefly
matai titles. |
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Rees, son of Elaine Leota, and
grandson of Sini Ah Chong; the title of Alosamoa would be given to Tagata’ese
Tonumaipe’a, son of Ruta Tonumaipe’a, and grandson of Sini Ah Chong; and the
third title Togafao, would be bestowed on Dean O’Connor, husband of Carmelita Ah
Chong, daughter of Sini Ah Chong. The saofa’i went smoothly with village matai
and family members present for the occasion. After the saofa’i, the family
members continued on around the island, stopping for a cool dip at the Turtles
Reserve in Safa’i. That evening, the Lano village put on a special fiafia to
farewell Ah Chong family members returning to Apia the next day.
The closing of the reunion took place in Lotopa on 8th of January. Family
members made the most of each other’s company for the final time. Family
matriarch, Sini Ah Chong (nee Rimoni), had been a tower of strength to all her
sons, daughters, grandchildren and great children throughout the week, and
tributes for her flowed at the closing testimonials.
The closing ceremony opened with the hymn, “O Lenei Itula Lelei” followed by the
opening prayer by Elizabeth Hunt, granddaughter of Sini. The scripture reading
was done by Su’a Rimoni who read from Salamo 103, verses 1-8. Following the
testimonials from the families, Elaine Leota read out the family genealogy.
Following Su’a Rimoni’s final comments and the closing hymn, “A iai i le Aiga le
Alofa”, the closing prayer was done by Alosamoa Tagata’ese Tonumaipe’a.
Drinks and dinner followed with entertainment provided by popular local musician
Stock and family members. Sini Ah Chong officially brought the reunion to an end
with an emotional closing speech reminding all her children to stay close to God
and to pray. Having recently turned 80 years of age, Sini showed no signs of
slowing down and a sixth reunion with her at the helm seems more than possible.
Hopefully, those relatives from USA, Australia and New Zealand who were unable
to make this reunion will be present.
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Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
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