A general statement
Re: Democracy without freedom of speech
Dr. Meleise’a is probably making some kind of generalisation concerning how village councils’ decisions are done.
To claim that village councils simply decide concerning disputes without hearing both sides of a story is the most incorrect statement I have heard this year.
Meleisea’s sweeping statement reflects badly on our village governing system, which has undergone tremendous transformation during the last thirty years. Furthermore, any isolated incident/s as a direct result of what the Dr. has alluded to during the above-mentioned period, should be labelled as isolated.
The truth is, Samoan chiefs are much better informed in relation to decision-making that promotes peace and human rights these days than they were fifty years ago.
Leilua Seve