BETWEEN THE LINES

Prime Minister’s health 

The Government’s media officials were unable to confirm or deny reports that Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi required urgent medical treatment when he arrived in China on Sunday.

A source in China told BTL that the Prime Minister was on a flight from Auckland when he became unwell. He was reportedly taken to a hospital from the airport.

The Samoa Observer contacted the C.E.O. of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo, for a comment yesterday.

He did not respond.

But Nanai Lave Tuiletufuga, the Ministry’s Press Secretary, responded saying: “I have received your email. But have not heard anything from the contingent traveling with P.M. as of now. Will keep you posted as soon as we receive word if the report is factual.”

At press time last night, nothing had been received.

Let’s hope our Prime Minister is in good health in China.

 

Independence 

The definition of Independence Day has a distorted definition these days. 

Leaders can celebrate and talk of so many achievements over the years but you are still not free. 

Pacific countries like Samoa, Fiji, Solomon Islands celebrate Independence Day every year, but remnants of colonial influence still remain … religion, building structures and the English language itself to name a few. And there are other Pacific Island countries who are still struggling for freedom. 

Papua New Guinea, for one, celebrated 43 years of Independence … it makes you wonder what about West Papua … will they ever join the celebration..? 

Only time will tell!  

 

Badly informed 

Funny that New Zealand Broadcaster who said Pacific Islanders are “leeches” and only want money from New Zealand. She is obviously badly informed. 

But then that’s not surprising. 

To start with, she is from Africa where they apparently say things like that all the time. 

And she obviously hasn’t read up on the history of the mutual relationship between Pacific countries and New Zealand where the latter has benefitted from immensely. Just take rugby for instance.

So technically she’s right about the “leeches” part.

But it’s a two-way street. New Zealand is as much a leech to the Pacific as we are to them. 

Samoa Observer

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