Family grateful for land and sea resources

By Adel Fruean 25 October 2020, 3:00PM

A 51-year-old father of six has the land and sea to thank for his family’s survival during the coronavirus State of Emergency lockdown. 

While many Samoans have lost jobs due to the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic, unemployment did not hinder the determination of the elderly father to work the land and reap its fruits.

After living for many years near the sea, the family of Tunu Puna decided to move inland to develop their crops so they sell to earn a living.

The family’s property is surrounded by a plantation located on the east coast of Upolu Island, more than 58 kilometres from Apia through the main East Coast Road.

It can be accessed through an inland road.

Mr. Puna wakes up every morning to do normal chores around the plantation.

“Our country is rich with land and sea resources, God has blessed us with everything we need to survive,” he told the Samoa Observer.

He also explained that his wife goes to the sea once a week to fish for some sea [innards of a sea cucumber stuffed in a bottle of sea water] to sell for $30.

“Despite our home having iron roofing the roof leaks because there’s not enough and during rainy days the wind usually blows the water inside the house. There is also not enough tarpaulin,” he said. 

“But I consider my family and I blessed because we are grateful that we have electricity and water.

“It is our responsibility to save some form of money from the sales of our taro to pay for the bills.”

He also said that when taking care of a family, one must sweat and work the land.

“If you are lazy, your family will not have anything to eat and that is something I do not want for my children,” he said. 

“The youngest member of our family is in school while my sons are trying their best to help me with the plantation and also pursue their career in rugby.

“I support their talents in sports because that is one of the [sources of] pride of our people is having local players represent our country overseas.”

If you are willing to help the family of Mr. Puna please contact the number: 7746970. 



By Adel Fruean 25 October 2020, 3:00PM
Samoa Observer

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