Former Member of Parliament, Va'ai Mafasolia Papu Vaai was laid to rest on Thursday at Vaisala in Savai’i, with Government leaders paying tribute to his years of service. 

His final service was held at the Congregational Christian Church Samoa (C.C.C.S.) Vaisala on Thursday with the Government leaders including Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and some of her Cabinet Ministers in attendance.

The late Va'ai was the son of Samoa’s former Prime Minister Vaai Kolone, who was one of the founding members of the Human Rights Protection Party.

Giving the eulogy at the funeral service on Thursday, Fiame said the late former M.P. entered the parliament representing the Falealupo District, when Tropical Cyclones Ofa and Val hit Samoa in 1991 to make it an unforgettable part of Samoan history.

"During his first address in Parliament on the 24 of June 1991 he had emphasised the needs of his district in the development of clean water supply, hospitals, roads, electricity, tourism development, seawalls, airports and prioritised the health of the people in his district," the Prime Minister.

“Va'ai also reminded the Government at that time that Falealupo was one of the areas that was badly affected by the two tropical cyclones and should therefore be given priority.” 

Between 2006 to 2011, the late former M.P. represented the Vaisigano No. 1 seat and was a member of the parliament’s Finance Committee, Election Committee, Parliaments Privilege and Ethics Committee and the Parliament Committee.

"Va'ai's address during that time had emphasised the need for development in the district in terms of clean water, electricity, and roads," Fiame said.

The former MP also fought for better pay for public servants and advocated the development of agriculture, education and health, according to Fiame.

"These are the biggest parts of the country's economy and to this day are still prioritised by the Government," she said.

The Prime Minister then spoke highly of his dedication to the districts of Falealupo and Vaisigano No. 1 as well as his service as a Cabinet minister and his various roles in Parliamentary Committees.

On behalf of the Government, Fiame gave her thanks for the dedication and service of Va'ai to his district and the country.

Va'ai was first elected into the Legislative Assembly in 1991 and in 1996 he took on the role of Parliamentary Undersecretary for Works, Electrical Power Corporation (E.P.C.) and Water Authority. After getting re-elected in 1996, he was appointed the Minister of Justice and also took on the Ministry of Agriculture portfolio between 1998 and 2001. 

A trailblazer during his time as a politician, he was also a founding member of the Tautua Samoa Party, Samoa’s former opposition party.

The late former M.P. died in New Zealand last month