KEY POINTS:
This year Independence Day which will be held on Friday will be a lot smaller than usual due to the death of His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II two weeks ago.
This is according to Vaasatia Poloma Komiti, Secretary to the Prime Ministers Office.
The Government of Samoa has invited delegates from across the Pacific such as the King of Tonga but many are not attending as they were in Samoa for Malietoas funeral.
"We have decided to scale back the celebrations this year, we informed the invitees that we will not be proceeding to accommodate them as previously planned."
Auseugaefa confirmed that only delegates from Samoa will be attending the commemoration the day we gained independence from New Zealand.
Delegates arriving from American Samoa are American Samoa Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, Governor of American Samoa H.E Togiola Tulafono and First Lady.
Although this will be the first Independence Day without the presence of Malietoa Tanumafili II, Vaasatia said that there are no special plans in commemoration of his Malietoa.
Prime Ministers from New Zealand and Australia were not originally invited by the Government of Samoa.
In the past financial years budget Government approved $300'000 to be the budget for the Independence Day celebrations.
"We are trying to stay within those barriers," says Auseugaefa.
A large proportion of the money allocated will be going towards prize money for the Fautasi racing and the floats.
"For the Fautasi first place will receive $22,000, second place $19,000 and third place $16, 000," confirmed Auseugaefa who continued by saying, "first place in the floats will receive $5,000, second place $4,000 and third place $3000."
With fourth, fifth and six place and consolation prize winners also receiving monetary gifts.
This year there are twelve entrants in the Fautasi Races which will be held early Saturday morning and which Auseugaefa describes as the "highlight of every independence."
Immediately following the Fautasi racing will be the floats that will begin at Vaisigano Bridge ending at the government building of which Auseugaefa says there are 22 entrants this year.
"It is a lot more than expected."
Auseugaefa said that this Independence Day will have "nothing new."
Featuring in this year's festivities will be the brass band exhibition, parading tattooed men and women, skits and comedians, traditional presentations and entertainment, Chinese Acrobats and much more.
- NEWSLINE
