It is undoubtedly the most talked about topic in Samoa, and for many Samoans living abroad, since Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, made the announcement. 

The plan to re-open Samoa’s borders to international visitors in August, and the possibility of travel for many people, who have not been in an airplane for nearly three years, is a sure light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel. 

Although it feels so far away, and given the uncertain nature of the pandemic anything could happen between now and then, it is undeniable the Government’s announcement has given many people something to look forward to. It is the most exciting news of the week.

And we can understand why. All we have to do is watch the news from countries that have re-opened their borders after many years to see footages of joyful and tearful reunions to know what this means for everyone. 

Samoa is a family. Regardless of where in the world a Samoan lives, their family-oriented nature means they are always longing for home. Prior to lockdown, the airlines operating to Samoa will tell you that the flights to and from Apia, whether it’s from Australia, New Zealand or anywhere else, were some of the most profitable routes because of those family connections. 

Samoans living abroad will pay anything to come home, especially for intimate occasions like an elderly parent’s milestone birthday, bestowing of matai titles, reunions and even the sad and sombre occasion of family funerals. 

The pandemic has severed those connections, at least physically for nearly three years. While virtual birthdays, funerals and the live streaming of fa’alavaleve have become the norm, it is not the same as having families getting together to share a ipu koko Samoa, or a few cold ones. 

In most occasions, the fa’alavelave unites the people of this country from all over the world, no matter the distance and cost. It forms the bond, the personal touch and the connectedness, which everybody has missed since COVID-19 changed our world. Alas things appear to be changing.

It is the possibility of international travel that has placed smiles on the faces once more. Indeed, the case for re-opening the borders was always going to be a difficult one for the Government, especially for a new administration trying to find its feet. 

Among many things, it is a political football because if something goes wrong, the critics and the opposition will only be too happy to pounce, salivating at the opportunity to attack and cry ‘we told you so.’ 

Which means Prime Minister Fiame and her administration would have given it considerable thought before making the announcement. Earlier this week, she said: “Cabinet considered the plan for reopening of our international borders. Critical to this decision are the current rates of our vaccination programme, amendments to quarantine conditions and the opening of borders of our neighboring countries, like Australia and Fiji as well as New Zealand in October this year.”

Let’s face it; COVID-19 is here to stay, for a long time. 

It will continue to take on new forms and variants until something else comes along that will keep it away from public focus.  For most countries around the world, they are learning to live with the virus. Our regional neighbours, Fiji, New Zealand and Australia have gone through the phased re-opening of their borders, easing border and travel restrictions. This is based largely on vaccination rates. Samoa can benefit from the wisdom of these countries.

The closing of our borders has come at a huge economic cost. The tourism industry, the backbone of the local economy for so long, is now largely non-existent. Businesses are struggling to make ends meet while keeping afloat.  

People, mainly men, are turning in droves to employment opportunities provided by the likes of the Recognized Employment Scheme (RSE), leaving behind families and villages. Trade volumes have fallen. Many jobs have been lost. The cost of quarantine is growing and it’s an expense the government should not have to fork out. We can go on but you get our drift.

The point is that while the uncertainties continue, a decision had to be made about the re-opening of our borders, as long as Samoa is prepared, and that the Government has done the groundwork to give our people the best possible chance against the pandemic. As of today, 92.6% of the age group 18 years and above have completed two doses of COVID vaccination. Among this age group, 70,439 booster doses have been administered. For the age group 12-17 years old, 86.6% have completed two doses. And for the age group 5-11 years old, 58.7% have completed two doses. These statistics could be better.

August is not that far away. 

As a nation, we need to continue to work towards reaching full vaccination for everyone. This must be the number one priority. The vaccination cannot stop the pandemic but it at least gives our people a fighting chance to protect themselves and their loved ones, and allow life to go on. Something most people are undoubtedly rooting for. Have a lovely weekend Samoa, stay safe and God bless!