Village chiefs beef up Games security

By Jotham Ulutoa 18 July 2019, 8:00PM

Village Councils in Samoa are taking on the one in spirit mantra and stepping up to ensure the success of the XVI Pacific Games.

One of those villages is Magiagi where the Village council and the untitled men have been providing security at the National University of Samoa gymnasium since the Games started.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Mataipule Fa’aninava said the village’s decision was in response to a request from the Police for help.

“The Ministry of Police requested our village to help out with the security for the safety of the games,” he said.

“They wanted us to give a helping hand to the government to ensure that the Pacific Games are successful.”

So since the games started at the gymnasium, at least 50 men from the village have been rostered on and off, from morning until the competition ends.

“We secure the place,” said Mataipule.


“We start from the morning until the games close, and then all the security people have to go to their homes.”

Tiauli Fereti one of the matai of Magaigi said he is happy to contribute to the success of the Games.

“We are doing this to support our country Samoa,” he said.

“We want to make sure that nothing will happen to the games and everything is safe.

“Our country is hosting the Games and we want to assist the Government in whatever form we can.”

The village will continue to offer their help until the last day of competition, which is Friday.

Asked if they would get some, the village chief said that’s  not important.

“We only do it just to help and support the Samoan government,” he told the Samoa Observer.


By Jotham Ulutoa 18 July 2019, 8:00PM

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