48 years of independence from New Zealand
1962 was the year that Samoa declared its independence from New Zealand and every year Samoa has been celebrating this important event on June 01.
In colorful uniforms, groups and organizations are marching down the Beach Road toward the Molinuu peninsula to rise the flag of freedom. Sports games, longboat races and dance entertainments are always on the program for this special day.
Samoa has changed
When we are celebrating, we are also reflecting on the past and the future of our nation. Changes are natural and welcomed when done in a positive and responsible way. Most of Samoa is changing very slowly and the so called progress is only obvious in the capital.
Half empty high rise buildings and government office complexes are growing up all over Apia. Although Apia is getting very modern in one way the social structure and education is still suffering.
Instead of going to school many kids are helping parents selling goods in the streets. The promised mandatory primary school system is still not working due to budget cut in both education and health.
Money could have been saved.
Last year Samoa changed over from driving on the right side of the road to the left. There was no logical reason for this sudden change and it also hit the Samoan economy hard with a very high bill during a time of economical recession and tsunami catastrophe.
We are looking forward to see Samoa developing in a positive way, paying attention to the essential parts in people’s life and being sensitive to cultural values. Samoa is unique and if we loose this uniqueness we are just another tourist destination without any flare.
Let us have many more positive and fun Independent day celebrations in the future.
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Mats Loefkvist







During the years many new Hotels and Beach Fales (huts) have been coming and going. Huts have been built on the beach and when the work is finished the owner will sit back and wait for the tourists. After a few weeks without a guest they take the bus to Apia to make a complaint to the Tourist Authority, why nobody is coming their way.
Please add anything about our capital Apia.
Please add anything about local food, restaurants and markets in samoa
Please add anything about shopping in Samoa