The Samoa Solidarity International Group (S.S.I.G.) is celebrating its first anniversary today with a peaceful march from Vaisigano to Mulinu’u.

And the Ministry of Police has granted them a permit for the event.

The permit has been granted with conditions, in an agreement signed by the Commissioner of Police, Fuiavaili’ili Egon Keil and lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, who is the organiser. 

The march is scheduled to start at 7am for an hour. 

“It is the responsibility of the Samoa Police Service in part to ensure the nation all civility and to safeguard the constitutional rights of all people of Samoa,” the permit reads. 

“Although approval has been granted.

“The conditions are that the march remains on the Beach road at all times and not divert to road arteries, make stops, obstruct or hinder the normal flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic on Beach Road of the sidewalks. 

“The civilians involved in the march are supposed to use the curb lane on the beach road; and not breach any statute. 

“Use no offensive, protesting either verbal, in signage, posters, placards, writings, verbiage, caricatures etc,. 

“Not to disturb the peace or project any obnoxious, boisterous noise and obey any lawful direction by a police officer.” 

According to the permit, the police will remain in the vicinity to monitor the event to safeguard the participants and other members of the public.

“In the unlikely event the march or any of its participants breach any of the conditions set forth, the permit will immediately rescinded and considered null and void. 

“Further careful observations must be taken by the organizers to ensure the lawful gathering does not morph into an unlawful assembly.”