Elderly father shares his views about Samoa today

By Ulimasao Fata 17 January 2018, 12:00AM

For any country, the exercise of good governance in its leadership is reflected by the way citizens live.

That means if the leaders do what’s right, the people they are leading should thrive.

Such is the view of elderly father, Galoma Eliuta Tunumafono, from the village of Faleu Manono.

Mr. Tunumafono, 71, says life in Samoa today is a struggle.

“The cost of living is really expensive and unaffordable for most people,” he said.

“In our village, the major problem is running water. Our water hardly comes on and we don’t know why.”

It’s not just water. There are challenges with the lack of jobs, incomes and so forth.

 “Most of the people here depend on their plantation and the sea for a living,” he said.

“They don’t work regular jobs.”

This brings its own challenges. Without jobs, people secure loans to develop themselves.

Mr. Tunumafono is also concerned about another matter.

He said he doesn’t support the increasing presence of Chinese in Samoa.

“I really don’t support the Chinese entering our country; they take our land and our money.”

“Our government receives so much help from the Chinese government, but not the people of Samoa.”

“The Chinese businesses are shutting down the local businesses who are also trying to support their families.”

Mr. Tunumafono says Samoans are the ones who suffer.

“A lot of the Samoan people are suffering, including me and the government doesn’t even care.”

“A lot of people suffer because of the high cost of living and the Prime Minister is not doing anything about it.”

 Mr. Tunumafono adds it’s about time we change our government.

“We have suffered so much and the only way to end that is to change the government.”

“There is no other way for us to end this struggle, but to change the government.”

By Ulimasao Fata 17 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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