Excitement to bring back Mother’s Day tributes in churches, has pushed excited mothers in Manono Island to get performances ready in just one week.

Speaking to Samoa Observer over the phone, one mother, Luana Samuelu Tiatia, who is choreographing practices said the Methodist mothers in the island are unflappably fond of Mother’s Day celebrations.

“When we heard that Mother’s Day will be celebrated in the churches, I rushed to get views from the mothers of our church if they wanted to do just a few performances and as I expected, everyone was keen,” she said.

“I guess it’s easy and safe here in the island because we strictly stopped migrating to the main islands and everyone lives next to each other.”

“No one is fearing any COVID-19 at this point or whatsoever as we have faith in God and every mother is looking forward to Mother’s Day.”

Practices for Sunday’s celebration began on Monday and the committee of the choreographing mothers are being mindful of a social distancing requirement that people remain two metres apart. 

In doing so, they have divided the practices into groups of seven to perform their own performances.

The spirit of Mother’s Day in the island is always lively, humorous and joyous according to Mrs. Tiatia and that is what they’re trying to bring back.

“Especially since families are mentally struggling with fears of this COVID-19, we feel that we have to boost the energy and happiness at least during Mother’s Day,” she added.

One of the High Chiefs of the island, Seumaalii Magia, said the celebrations of Mother’s Day were not so much of an issue as the village council made sure no one leaves the island unless necessary during the first weeks of the lockdown.

At the end of last month, the Police Commissioner has stressed that of 880 calls since the state of emergency was declared, Apolima and Manono islands have been free of violation of the lockdown orders and were obedient.

Asked if the two islands are being monitored for the state of emergency restrictions including a requirement to maintain social distancing, Commissioner of Police, Fuiavaili'ili Egon Keil, confirmed monitoring was ongoing but there had been reports of any violations so far.