The preparations for last Friday’s new year fireworks show “were more relaxed” unlike in 2020, says the country’s tourism chief, as the Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) signed off on a successful new year's pyrotechnics event. 

S.T.A. Chief Executive Officer, Fa’amatuainu Lenatai Suifua, told the Samoa Observer last Friday evening that their preparations for the fireworks this time around took three months.

He said even the pyrotechnic experts were brought into the country from New Zealand before the cargo of fireworks arrived so there was a lot of time for planning and preparation.

In 2020 the fireworks did not get into Samoa until 31 December, Fa’amatuainu said, which presented challenges for the team as they only had a couple of hours to set up the launch site before 12 midnight.

The C.E.O. said he dubbed the new year’s fireworks to usher in 2021 the “miracle fireworks” and lessons were learnt from the previous year to ensure everything worked in tandem, leading up to last Friday evening’s successful show.

He said a Fire and Emergency Services Authority (F.E.S.A.) team was stationed at Palisi, the fireworks launching site, in case they would have been needed to attend to any fireworks-related incidents. 

Another fireworks show was done on Saturday hosted by the Taumeasina Island Resort, which Fa’amatuainu said was the S.T.A.’s major sponsor for accommodation. 

Hundreds of people converged on the Apia town area last Friday to see the pre-fireworks entertainment at the Eleelefou events area with the police and security personnel keeping a close eye on the proceedings.

The gathering of hundreds of people at the Apia town area in front of the Government Building also provided income-generation opportunities for street vendors.

Brothers Enoka and Feliua’i Faatauvaa, who both attend the Falefitu Primary, sold chips on the night to assist their families. They were among many others, who were grateful for the pre-fireworks entertainment, as it meant they were able to make some money while also watching the fireworks.

“I think this is a good event, the new year is always a good thing for everyone,” said 12-year-old Enoka. 

An older street vendor, who said her name was Vivieni and she has seven children, sold the snack Bongo as well as drinks and they would be having a party after the fireworks show.

She said she makes about $60 tala a day during public events on Christmas and new year.

“I wish all the children and families of Samoa a happy new year,” said Vivieni.

As for Isabella Maiava of Bella’s Mobile Kitchen, she was more impressed with the set-up and organising of the S.T.A. official programs for the festive season. 

She said the organisers did a better job when compared to 2020, as there were no exposed electrical wiring which would have been hazardous to the public, and the less number of street vendors on the night meant more business for them.

One of the security guards who was engaged that night, Ale Taimasa Anitelea of Lotofaga Aleipata who works for K.L. Security, said the risk of theft targeting fireworks revellers was always high on new year’s eve.

But he said there were enough security personnel that evening to assist the police watch out for troublemakers as well as maintain control on the public’s use of car parks.