KEY POINTS:
APIA - It's official, Samoa has survived one of the toughest years in the last decade.
Plagued by political strife, social tensions, and never ending cultural conflicts, Samoa has emerged relatively peaceful and politically intact from the events of 2007.
As the clock struck 12 on the 2008 clock, much could be said for the journey behind us.
The last year opened with Samoa's victory in the Hong Kong Sevens - extraordinary news for the somewhat sombre Samoan rugby representation.
But that was to be our only moment of glory on the rugby fields, as our sevens and fifteens got progressively worse.
The Hong Kong win in January, although initially unbelievable, was a glimmer of hope that Samoa's days of rugby stardom would return, it didn't and has yet to return, much to the dismay of Prime Minister, Hon. Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi.
Mixed emotions from the rugby outcome however, subsided when the father of traditional and modern Samoa - our first ever Head of State - Malietoa Tanumafili II passed away in May.
What an emotional time it was.
Samoans from all over the world united in spirit to mourn the loss of one of the greatest leaders of our time.
Condolences poured from leaders all over the world, to a man who made a difference.
The funeral reawakened some of Samoa's traditions, which had lain dormant after the introduction of Christianity.
His funeral was soon followed by yet another historical ceremony, the bestowal of the Malietoa title to his son Papalii Moli Malietoa, which was later contested in court.
In the loss of the great Malietoa, Samoa gained yet another admirable Leader,
His Highness Tupua Tamasese Efi.
Tupua was officiated as Head of State in June, but that was after we celebrated our 45th Independence without a Head of State at the helm.
For the first time, the smiling and charming face of Malietoa did not greet the thousands of Samoans marching pass.
But it was an unpredictable journey for Samoa and continued throughout the year.
Tupua and his Masiofo, Her Highness Filifilia accepted the position graciously.
Since their induction, they have been very much visible in both State and community affairs, bringing Samoans closer in the process.
In addition to their local efforts, their combined academic credentials have earned them great respect internationally, the presence of her Highness also filled the role of Masiofo that had been vacant for a very long time.
The induction was followed soon after by Samoa's successful hosting of the South Pacific Games.
Taking months of preparation, everything fell into place at the last moment, much to the delight of our local organisers.
But two days before the SPG in August, freedom of the press took a big hit when the Newsline Samoa Printing Plant and Offices were hit by fire in the early hours the morning.
The next main event on Samoa's calendar was the mass tsunami drill in the town area.
The event put Samoa's emergency systems to the test, and was also a success.
More recently, the tiny life of Baby Miracle put Samoa in international headlines yet again.
The helpless child, born with several deformities survived, despite obvious physical hindrances.
The communities' efforts to save the child continue to intrigue many in the international community.
The loss of Masiofo Fetauimalemau Mata'afa just a few weeks ago also marked a sad time in our history.
The protest by the people of Samoa against the proposed switch of the road code from left hand to right hand ended the year on a vibrant note, and leaft an air of uncertainty about Samoa.
The march brought thousands of Samoans to the street, signifying the end of passive political views and the official beginning of politically pro-active Samoans.
The march drew attention to Samoa's democratic status and was a major test of the current Government.
The event wrapped up a year of history in Samoa, bringing a close to our socio-emotional roller coaster ride this year.
Perhaps what is important is that 2007 ended without an incident of social violence, Samoa is still a peaceful and a wonderful place to live.
But this year will determine not just political stability, it will also determine the length of social responses and cultural observance in regards to decisions by the current Government.
Whatever the case, Samoa is still a safe place to live and as long as the sun still shines and the beaches are still sandy white, then as far as the tourist is concerned, it is still.
