The path to independence is drenched in the blood and sacrifices of our ancestors who fought to free our homeland from our colonial oppressors. They envisioned a free Samoa where its people would no longer be subject to tyranny.

Today, we mark our 63rd year of independence. But are we independent? Did our forefathers fight against the German and New Zealand occupation of our lands to hand it to oppressors from within? The sacrifice for independence was for the prosperity of the people of this land. Has that happened? The nation is calling out for a change —a change where people and their needs are put before the self-serving agendas of those elected to guide them.

This year, when the flag for independence is raised, people must ask themselves if this is what our forefathers envisioned for us. They have to reflect on the achievements of the last 63 years and look ahead to the future to see if the path we are on is where we want to go. As we salute the flag, we should realise that we, the people, have the power to change our destinies. That power comes to us every five years in the form of a vote. It has come earlier, and we hold the power to change the course of this nation.

Will we continue to be oppressed by vote bribes and village councils telling us who to vote for, or will we, like our forefathers, stand up and vote for a person who will stand for our rights, needs and work for our prosperity and not theirs? The people have the power to bring change for the better otherwise, it is a waste of breath when people complain about the government not doing anything to improve their lives. Hey, you voted them in.

On 1 January 1962, Samoa became the first Pacific island nation to gain independence. It was a struggle that started with the German occupation of our nation from 1900 to 1914, and then it continued under New Zealand until the end of 1961.

We salute the Mau Movement, which led non-violent protests to call on the colonisers, both Germany and New Zealand, to give our home back to us. Our independence should also be a reminder of Black Saturday. It was on 28 December 1929 when the New Zealand police attempted to arrest one of the leaders in the peaceful demonstration. When he resisted, a struggle developed between the police and the Mau.

The officers began to fire randomly into the crowd and used a Lewis machine gun, mounted in preparation for the demonstration, to disperse the demonstrators. Mau leader and paramount chief Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III was shot from behind and killed while trying to bring calm and order to the Mau demonstrators. Ten others died that day, and approximately 50 were injured by gunshot wounds and police batons. That day would come to be known in Samoa as Black Saturday.

It is a pity that the Independence Day celebrations have been scaled down and that we are not celebrating on the day we are supposed to be. It is a day to be marked with national celebrations. It should be a day where people gather in unison across several venues and fly the national flag high and with utmost pride. We hope that the villages across the nation will have their celebrations, marches and flag-raising ceremonies.

Independence Day celebrations are not just to remember the past, but a time to pass the baton of knowledge to the next generation and let them know what the significance of independence is. Although we have moved on from the colonial oppressors, this day should be a reminder that there is still much to be done. This nation needs to ensure that everyone has access to education and health services.

Everyone should be working towards achieving economic independence, where we do not rely on imports and become a nation that can sustain itself on its own. This should also be the day to remind our politicians that we have to become an example of transparency and accountability.

Our leaders have to become selfless and start working for the nation's people.

Independence Day should be a day to reflect on how we can take all child vendors off the streets and put them into schools. It is a day when we reflect on how we can break the culture of violence that persists in our society and our homes. It is a day when we consider reducing the number of children taking shelter in the Campus of Hope.

Are we truly independent? Happy Independence Day, Samoa.