An ‘old friend’ in times of need

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 17 February 2018, 12:00AM

More than $10,000 worth of foodstuff have been to the village of Moamoa, Faleasi’u, by the Chinese Embassy in Samoa.

The goods donated included 100 bags of rice, 200 bags of sugar, 600 boxes of canned fish and 200 boxes of biscuits.

The items were presented by the Ambassador of China to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng, his Good Lady Tong Xin and colleagues from the Chinese Embassy at Vailima.

Mr. Wang told the villagers that this was his second time visiting Faleasi’u.

“Last year for the sewing skill training I visited your village, so we are old friends,” he said.

“Last week, Tropical Cyclone Gita hit Samoa, it made very serious damage, many houses were damaged and many crops like breadfruits, mangoes, taro and pawpaw were blown away by the strong winds.”

“Many trees were broken and uprooted by the winds and heavy floods went into the house so Iliganoa Sapolu, one of the villagers, told me the seriousness of the disaster that occurred in Faleasi’u.”

He reiterated it is during these difficult times that friends should become closer and help each other out.

“So at the time when you face the difficulty as friends of Faleasiu village my wife and I and my colleagues from the Embassy of China wanted to come and see our old friends,” he told the villagers.

“China and Samoa, we are good friends so when our friends face difficulties, we should come and see what we can do and how we can help our friends.”

“So I visited the village again, with Iliganoa, with some gifts for my friends.”

“I hope these gifts can help you overcome the difficulties these days.”

“We are celebrating the biggest festival in China, it’s called the Spring Festival, so at this moment I express my best wishes to all my Samoan friends and a new year of happiness and peaceful life.”

Iliganoa, who helped to organise the visit to Faleasi’u, said she was delighted the village received help.

“The Ambassador and his Good Lady are very good friends of mine,” she told the village. “One day, the Ambassador asked me which village of mine I love the most.”

“I told them that I hold six matai titles in different villages, but the one village I hold dearly in my heart is Moamoa, Faleasi’u, hence why we are here to give you all of these.” 

“So today is all about lending a hand to those who are in need.”

Village High Chief Togiali’i Fuala’au Leaupepe acknowledges the support as well as the donation made by the Embassy of China.

“We thank you for these great gifts that you have brought today,” he said.

“This is truly a sign of a strong friendship between the village of Faleasi’u and your good selves. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and may the Lord continue to bless you and all that you do.”

By Deidre Tautua-Fanene 17 February 2018, 12:00AM

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