Local company Island Rock has donated 31 vests to assist the village of Vaiala with their enforcement of daily curfews.

A presentation ceremony was held at the company’s main headquarters, Togafuafua.

Falepauga Tiperia, of Vaiala, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the donation.

“We truly appreciate Island Rock’s assistance by answering our request for vests to help us carry out our work during curfews,” he said.

The vests are normally used by village representatives in Samoa when carrying out curfew duties, said Mr. Tiperia.

“But the significance of our village curfew duties is to uphold peace and security within the village," he said. 

“The Government was also kind enough to establish a seawall in our village that protects us from any harmful impacts of the sea but nowadays some people abuse the seawall as a destination for drinking in public.

“Having drunkards on the seawall can either cause a lot of disturbance while villagers are resting at night or some cases result to violent acts.”

He added that they can only pray that God blesses the company for their kindness. 

Island Rock’s General Manager, Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, said that their assistance to Vaiala was not the first of its kind.

“We have given a helping hand to some of the villages in Samoa in terms of assistance with curfew vests like, previously we gifted Tanugamanono.

“Our company truly believes that the support we give for our community is for a good cause, it will not only ensure order within the village but also control crime rates.

“We are so happy to sponsor such initiative and it is our hope to try and offer assistance to others that come and see us.”

Tuaopepe said that the vests are worth $50 to $60 each and they are also looking at other forms of assistance to give back to the community.