Elder sides with govt. over cost of living

By Lizzy Hunt 07 September 2017, 12:00AM

Whether we agree or not with the cost of living, we have to do what we can to support the government. 

That’s the opinion of 85-year-old Lealaisa Noa Poutoa, of Fasito’o-tai. 

The father of 10 is a contented man. He is also a grandfather.

“It’s a good feeling to know you have raised your children well and now some of them have families of their own,” he said.

 “Everything I do is for the benefit of my family, which is why as my children are growing up, they are able to take care of their own children just like I did for them.”

Lealaisa said they don’t have all the money in the world but they have enough to sustain themselves.

The only challenge they face now and then is water.

 “Unlike other villages, the water system in this village goes off everyday,” he said. “This is an issue especially now during the hot sunny weather. Families need water all the time and we are no exception.”

Getting back to the cost of living, Leala said there is little anyone can do about it – including the government.

“We know it is increasing but lucky for us, our children are helping us out every day,” he said.

“I feel sorry for other people though.

“What about other families who are penniless? 

“Not everyone is the same. There are some families who cannot afford basic things and I worry about them.

“I also think the government is doing the best they can but it’s just that things are expensive these days.”

As for Lealaisa, he said his passion is farming.

 “Even though my children work, that doesn’t stop me from going to the plantation,” he said. 

“That’s why the cost of living is not a big deal for me but it is for others because they don’t want to work.

 “We cannot always rely on the things that we get from the store every day. Sometimes we just have to use what we can find on the land and sea for survival.

“The changes in the cost of living are the decisions by the government but life depends on what we do. If we want something bad enough, we will work for it.”

By Lizzy Hunt 07 September 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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