The Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Party is preparing a special thanksgiving service to formally acknowledge its supporters and everyone who voted for the party in the recent elections.

The service is scheduled for 4 pm on Sunday, 31 August, at the Football Federation Samoa’s Apia Park Complex. FAST leader and party chair Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt said during a meeting with supporters on Saturday that the event is intended to bring together all Samoans, particularly those from overseas who travelled to participate in the elections.

“The purpose of this thanksgiving service is to invite all of Samoa, especially those from the diaspora who came from overseas to vote,” Laaulialemalietoa said, highlighting the party’s gratitude toward its wide base of supporters.

In addition to the thanksgiving service, FAST has announced that an ava ceremony will be held on Monday at the Maota O Samoa Events Venue in Vaitele. This event is aimed at greeting and honouring supporters who returned from overseas, providing a formal opportunity to celebrate their participation and commitment to the party.

Party officials said both events are part of FAST’s ongoing efforts to strengthen connections with its supporters and show appreciation for their role in the democratic process. The gatherings will include speeches from party leaders, moments of reflection, and opportunities for the community to come together in celebration of the party’s achievements.

The thanksgiving service and ava ceremony also serve as a way for FAST to express gratitude not only to those who voted for the party but also to the wider Samoan community that supported and encouraged its efforts during the election period.

By hosting these events, FAST aims to reinforce its relationship with the electorate, acknowledging the collective effort that contributed to its political success and demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and engagement with Samoans both at home and abroad.

FAST supporter Luaipouomalo Visesio Amituanai said he felt excited.

“It's so amazing what this new party has achieved,” he said.

"There are many people who I work with who feel negatively about it but for me honestly it's a great feeling."

He was with his eight-year-old son at the supporters meet at the Maota o Samoa and said, "He is the future of FAST supporters"