What poverty? Not in Samoa

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 01 March 2017, 12:00AM

“There is no such thing as poverty in Samoa.”

So says Ma’agao Keneti Moe of Leauva’a.  

The 52-year-old who caught up with the Village Voice yesterday while selling the fruits of her land at Vaitele. 

A lot has been said and discussed about this issue in Samoa, whereby some people disagree and some don’t. 

But for a country like Samoa with rich natural resources and environment, the views of the people differ on this issue.  

For Ma’agao, she said there is absolutely no poverty in Samoa.

“Everyone have their homes and food but it’s just that they want more,” she said. 

Ma’ago has six children and her daughter is the only one with the job to support their family. She told the Village Voice even though they don’t earn much but they are happy and that’s why she says there is no such thing as poverty in Samoa. 

“As long as we’re happy and have our basic needs met that’s it.” 

Maagao said Samoa has such fertile soil anyone can make money.

“I love working the land. That is how we provide for our family.”

“We do all sorts of farming.” “We grow crops such as taro, banana and others, a vegetable garden, I look after my chicken and pigs farm. I sell all of these at our market.” 

“To be honest I usually earn $200 a day which is good money and enough for our family, and that’s why I keep telling myself that fruits from your land are the best thing in Samoa.”

The key is hard work.

“It requires hard work, we all know that. But that is all forgotten when you reap the fruits of your work.” 

 “For people to realize that if they keep on complaining and depend on others for work that’s useless. You have to work and work harder.”

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 01 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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