Matai slams spirit of competition

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 30 September 2016, 12:00AM

A chief of Lano wants Samoa to return to the past. 

Mulitalo Tausaga Vui says he is concerned about the loss of culture, language and the Faasamoa because of modern living.

He is also worried about the pressure of modern life that has seen many families struggle to keep up appearances.

“I have seen families who do that,” he said.“They compare themselves to another family and that’s how they become envious.We can’t compare the rich and poor.”

In the past, Mulitalo said there were  many  family  fa’alavelave but it wasn’t a struggle.

“Of course there were funerals in the past, but we didn’t do what we are doing now,” he said.

The same goes for complaints about church giving and family obligations.

“We managed to do it with the fruits of our work, coconuts, cocoa, taro and there was nothing wrong with it.”

That was before money became the object of most things.

“Money was hardly needed in the past, and our life was at peace,” he said.

“These days, if you don’t work you don’t eat.”

Mulitalo also said what is happening in Samoa is also happening in Samoan communities in Australia, New Zealand and America. 

“I am saying because I have witnessed some of these things overseas. 

“Although we have children who are working here, the salary they get every week cannot afford the contributions we have to make every day. 

“Even though it’s our duty, we have to manage it according to what we can afford, so we don’t need to match our shares according to the highest or else our families will suffer. 

“We need to live in accordance to what we are given. 

“You don’t need to light up your garden just because your next door neighbour’s garden looks beautiful at night with all the lights.”

Asked about the government’s development, Mulitalo praised the leadership.

“Everytime I come to Apia I admire every development that our government has done.” 

“Starting from the roads to the big buildings and to the services, everything is just beautiful.”

But why does Savai’i still look the same as ten years ago? 

“I picture Savaii like that in the next 20 to 30 years in the future,” laughed Mulitalo. 

“But the government should stand by their words and their promise made to the people of Savaii that what’s good in Upolu is also good for Savai’i.” 

By Pai Mulitalo Ale 30 September 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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