Samoan government demolishes symbol of nation's independence

Fale Fono. Photo / supplied

Hundreds walked through the Old Samoan Parliament House - known as 'Fale Fono' - to pay tribute to one of Samoas last remaining evidence of its fight for independence, which was to be demolished today under a directive from the Samoan cabinet.

Tears flowed as more than a hundred people sang the song of Samoan independence from New Zealand rule, to pay tribute to the parliamentarians who used the Fale Fono.

The majority of those who walked to touch and walk inside the Fale Fono were elderly chiefs and chieftains who opposed the destruction of the historical building.

"I am very saddened that the Government is going through with this," said Le Tagaloa Pita, opposition MP.
"This building signifies the struggle we went through as a nation, it is the foundation of our independence, we shed blood and tears in this building to get where we are today," Le Tagaloa said.

The directive by Government was made public a month ago without a public consultation, which has angered members of the local community.

"I should have a say in this matter, this is my history too," said Tutoasi Leilua.

The speaker of the house Laauli Polataivao noted the goodwill of everyone who came to the final prayer ceremony in the Fale Fono.

"Make no mistake we are not demolishing history, just making it better, we will put a monument to our history where this house stands," he said.

Built in 1916 the Fale Fono was made by hand by the traditional architects and builders of Samoa, later New Zealand donated furniture for the building, but since the new Parliament House was completed, the old Fale Fono remained empty for many years.

"This is a monument in itself, we don't need to change it, and this is the 50th year of our independence, it's not right to pull it down at a time like this," said Tutoatasi, whose name translates to Independence.

Among the crown were Fiti Lauiliu whose ailing father wished to see the building one last time.

"He can't walk, but he can still see, and he has been urging me all week to bring him to see it before it's taken down," Fiti and his father who was 20 when Samoa became independent watched on as the prayers were conducted.

Police officers surrounded the building during the prayer service.

-Apia Financial Review