Three in hospital amid R.S.E. registration havoc

By James Robertson 21 June 2021, 12:00AM

A thousand-plus Samoans flooded to gather for a chance to work overseas on Monday morning but that hope quickly ended among scenes of shoving, shattered glass and people being rushed to hospital.

The aspirational workers gathered at the Congregation Christian church of Samoa (C.C.C.S.) Sogi hall on Monday morning hoping to land the chance for overseas seasonal work.

The surging crowd led to injuries among the thronging queue when the pressure from behind caused the glass to shatter. Some of whom, at the front of the line, became injured. 

Police and Samoa Fire and Emergency Service Authorities were at the scene attending to three who were pushed into the building's front doors. 

Many women were amongst the crowd seeking the same opportunities to be employed overseas. 

By 10 am the thousands who had filled the seawalls and sidewalks began walking back into the Apia town market to seek way home after being turned away. 

Many told the Samoa Observer they were told the registration programme will now be taken out to the districts. 

The registration event caused massive traffic spanning from Mulinuu to Vaimoso. Motorists coming from Vaitele area took up to an hour to reach Apia City area.

The Ministry for Commerce Industry and Labour has been contacted for comment.

By James Robertson 21 June 2021, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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