Have mercy on the poor people of Samoa.

They are suffering and they need a helping hand.

That’s the heartfelt plea from Togia Palemene to the government when the Village Voice team caught up with him yesterday.

The 53-year-old father of two understands that life is hard and that the cost of living is naturally increasing but he also believes the government can help people.

 “Back in our old days, we didn’t face such struggles like we are facing now,” he said.

“My family is simple because there are only four of us. The problem is that we only have one person who can provide for everything in the family.”

“My son is our only hope because he’s working and he is providing for our family in terms of money.”

Togia lives with his wife and two children at Nuu-fou. They have to pay everything including the land, which is not easy.

 “It’s hard,” he said.

“It really is hard. Finding food every day is a struggle.” 

“And then there is the school fees for my daughter and not counting the church and village donations, water and electricity bills. Most people cannot afford it.”

Togia has a vegetable garden.

But he said even that is not enough.

“I see so many government vehicles and I think if some of those vehicles can be sold, maybe the money can come back to us the poor people.”

What is his message for the leaders of Samoa?

 “Have some love for the people because not all families in Samoa are the same. Some are less fortunate in terms of money but some do earn more, those are the ones that don’t know the struggle we are facing.”