German man discovers Samoan connection

By Maggie Kelekolio 08 March 2020, 3:00PM

A German man, who is in Samoa as part of a reunion with friends from various countries, has discovered he has family links to Samoa.

Jurgen Dubbers, 68, told the Samoa Observer during an interview that he and his mates are staying at the Taumeasina Island Resort as part of their reunion.

But his surprising discovery of links that his sixth generation grandparents had with Samoa has drawn him even closer to the country.

"I have come with colleagues for a meeting and a reunion to find out that I am somehow connected to the island,” he said.  “I've always loved the sea and now I know why the Pacific was the first place I wanted to visit.”

Mr. Dubbers believes his sixth generation grandparents resided in Samoa when the country was a German colony and he recently chanced upon a man who knows the link.

"It just so happens that I was chatting with this man and our conversation changed topic when I told him the story of my old friend Fritz who was also Samoan,” he said. “I would wait for every ferry and boats to see if he would appear again. He then shared his story and I knew we had linked.”

Refusing to identify the man he met who knew his blood links, the German man said he will have to find out more about his family and their connection to Samoa. 

Samoa’s connection world famous Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson also made a big impression on the visiting German.

“Robert Louis Stevenson is still known for the famous books and poems he wrote, he was such an amazing figure and he wrote his heart out for Samoa and I understand why he was so in love," he added. “It is amazing – at the same time shocking – how he called Samoa home and wanted it to be his resting place, I think it is the most historical for me.”

Mr. Dubbers said anyone can fall in love with Samoa due to its people and environment including its waters. 

"It is still paradise as described by the famous Tusitala (Robert Louis Stevenson) and has everything, it is the best escape. The people, the environment and the sea connect, it's just beautiful!"

Since their arrival in Samoa, the German visitor said they have been happy with the service of the resort and its staff. Mr Dubber leaves the country on Monday.

By Maggie Kelekolio 08 March 2020, 3:00PM

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