Islands Business - Samoa: NEW HEAD OF STATE ASKS FOR FORGIVENESS

Tuiatua’s Samoa’s Head of State

Cherelle Jackson
A new man is at the helm of Samoa’s ship. His Highness Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi was presented the Grand Order of Samoa on June 19, making him the third Head of State of Samoa.

He takes over from the late Malietoa Tanumafili II.

Taking the oath... His Highness Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi being sworn-in by Chief Justice Patu Falefatu Sapolu. Photo: Cherelle Jackson

In his acceptance speech, Tuiatua paid tribute to the memory of Malietoa, honouring his peace and foresight for Samoa.

Tuiatua and his wife Her Highness Masiofo Filifilia are well known in Samoa for their passion for culture, religion and history.

Their humility and combined strength were echoed in the words of Tuiatua in his acceptance speech at Tiafau, infront of the people of Samoa.

“I became Head of State by unanimous choice but I note with gratitude customary conciliation from His Excellency Tuimalealiifano and the Honourable Fiame Mata’afa.”

He said in a low tone: “I ask who am I to deserve unanimous support? I ask this question with a heavy and humble heart for unanimity, bearing in mind history and my track record—unanimity implies confidence and forgiveness.”

Tuiatua was making reference to his time as Leader of the Opposition and a vocal critic of government at one point in his political career.

He continued: “I have named my acceptance speech o le avega ma le faafafa—meaning “the heavy burden I carry”. I am happy and grateful for the opportunity to serve Samoa and our people as Head of State. Yet the burden I carry is this: Can I find my redemption through your forgiveness?”

Tuiatua hopes for a successful reign saying: “The responsibility of reciprocating your confidence and your forgiveness weighs heavily with me. Thus the avega ma le faafafa. If I cannot meet your expectations, I hope you will be consoled by Reverend Oka’s homily in the church service the day before the flag raising celebrations where he said, ‘It is in forgiveness that you will find renewal and peace’.”

Tuiatua took the oath of Office of the Head of State of Samoa at the Parliament building amidst Members of Parliament, community leaders and members of the public.

The ceremony began with a prayer of invocation by Susuga Rev. Elder Oka Fauolo with hymns sung by the EFKS Youth of Moataa and Catholic Youth of Moataa.

A prayer of thanksgiving was given by Afioga Archbishop, Alapati Mataeliga, followed by a bible verse reading by Susuga Rev. Afereti Samuelu.

A spiritual reflection and benediction ended the spiritual part of the ceremony.

The swearing-in ceremony for the Head of State was officiated by Chief Justice Patu Falefatu Sapolu, who also presented the Grand Order of Samoa to Tuiatua.

The Head of State assumed the throne by 4 pm that day.

Tuiatua is the son of the late Tupua Tamasese Meaole and Noue Irene Gustava Ta’isi Nelson.

He was born on March 1, 1938 at Moto’otua in Samoa.

He was educated at Marist Brothers School, Mulivai, Apia; St Patrick’s College, Silverstream, Welllington; and Victoria University.

Tuiatua first began his political career in 1966 as a member of parliament. Four years later in 1970, he became Minister of Works—a position he held until 1972.

Tuiatua was then elected Prime Minister for two consecutive terms from 1976 to 1981.

He became Leader of Opposition in 1982.

He continued as an MP until 2004 when he became a member of the Council of Deputies.

In academia, Tuiatua was Adjunct Professor and Associate Member of various universities and academic institutions in New Zealand.

He was an assessor for Samoan Language and Culture at the National University of Samoa and a PhD examiner of Samoan and Pacific History for Australian National University in Canberra.

Tuiatua is a former Resident Scholar of Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies, University of Canterbury, New Zealand and Pacific Studies Centre of the Australian National University.

Internationally, Tuiatua is a former Oceania Representative for the Pontifical Interreligious Commission.
He is the author of various academic journals and publications.

Tuiatua is married to Her Highness Masiofo Filifilia Imo, the daughter of Church Minister Mauinu’uese Tofaeono, of Moata’a village.

Masiofo Filifilia attended primary school in Samoa before going to Plymouth Girls High School and Victoria University in New Zealand.

She taught at Samoa College for 11 years before taking up the position of assistant director of education at the Department of Education in Samoa.

She also worked as Instructional Designer in the Distance Education section of the University of the South Pacific.