Parliament observed a moment of silence for victims and families of the measles crisis when it convened at the Maota Fono, Mulinu’u, this morning.

The measles epidemic has already claimed 73 lives, mostly children, with 5,267 cases recorded since the outbreak started two months ago.

Speaker of Parliament, Leaupepe Tole'afoa Fa’afisi, called for the moment of silence and said this is not an easy time for Samoa, especially for the families who have lost loved ones.

“On behalf of Parliament, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the victims of this deadly virus and their families,” Leaupepe said.

“May the spirit of the Lord comfort them in this hour of need.”

The measles crisis is top of the agenda during this week’s Parliament’s session where the Infants Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2019 is being tabled under a note of urgency signed by the Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II.

It is one of the laws designed to prevent another measles outbreak.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi delivered a ministerial statement outlining the importance of the Infants Amendment Bill (No. 2) and the Government’s response to the measles outbreak.

The moment of silence was also to honour two former Members of Parliament who have passed on. 

The first was former Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament for Faasaleleaga No III, the late Unasa Mesi Galo and former Member of Parliament for Vaimauga, the late Patu Ativalu.

Parliament continues.