Not all heroes wear capes

By Sina Filifilia Sevaaetasi 04 January 2017, 12:00AM

Here’s the scenario: you’re enjoying your New Year holidays lackadaisically hanging out around the house, when overseas relatives decide come over unannounced and want to come spend the holiday at your house.  

You have absolutely nothing prepared.   You’re rushing around frantically getting things in order, when it was just supposed to be a relaxing day. 

Lucky for you, the day is saved because the local grocery store is open which supplies all your catering needs. As those of us who are lucky enough to take a relaxing day off, many off us fail to notice the men and women who are hard at work carrying on with their duties despite it being a holiday yesterday.     

These are the unsung heroes in days like this.  The people who give up their holidays so that the community can continue to function.    In essence, society is carried on the backs of these men and women who work tirelessly for the greater good. 

For instance, the bakery attendee at the new Frankie Hypermarket in Vaitele was happy to attend to her post.  As last minute shoppers strolled the isles, Mareta Aifaalau from Vaitele-Uta is content with working through the holidays.  

 “Today wasn’t that busy,” she said. “I’m fine with working during the holidays.  

If I wasn’t here, I’d probably just be at home doing nothing.  So it’s better to be here at least I’m getting paid.” 

Many workers echoed Ms. Aifaalau’s statement. 

However, it wasn’t just shops that were opened yesterday. Restaurant workers, taxi drivers, police men and women, health workers and many others continued their work with pride.  

Take Faranisisi Ioane from Tafaigata who works at CBM Filling Station for example.

“ I enjoy working during the holiday it gives me a chance to earn more money.  I’m very happy to work, I’m serving my country by working here.  Where would people get petrol if I wasn’t working?”

Mr. Ioane had been working from the early morning when the Samoa Observer approached him and  finished around 10pm.   He was genuinely happy to be at his post serving the community.  

By Sina Filifilia Sevaaetasi 04 January 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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