In support of giving honorary titles

Dear Editor, 

Re: Stop this madness by Pula Samoa Observer 21 October 

I have no problems with Matai titles being conferred on our high profile guests and friends from whatever country abroad like it had been done to many others before and ever since. Titles given in this way are called “Honorary Matai Titles”.

I think the concerned letter writer needs a little bit of understanding to clear the unnecessary worries “Let’s stop kissing butt and make people earn”. The Matai title conferred to a citizen and an heir of Sāmoa has the right to customary land and titles of Samoan families under the Land and Titles Act.

An Honorary Matai title is a title given to honour someone who has/will done or help Sāmoa for the good in whatever way, and is not a citizen nor an heir of a Samoan family and has no disputable right to claim customary land and titles.

I believe Sāmoa would benefit from these Honorary titles given to high profile foreigners if they are happy to call/carry/add our title to their official names in their everyday dealings which would expose Sāmoa to wherever they live or travel. 

It would boost Sāmoa’s name and our tourism endeavors in some ways. Therefore I favour giving Honorary titles to high profile people that render Sāmoa good in some ways, the same as Sir Gordon Tietjens. Faafetai lava ma ia manuia lau silafaga ma le faitau Sāmoa.

 

Va’a F ’Aga

APIA I LE VAIMAUGA 

Samoa Observer

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