Committee meets to finalise Fautasi race details

By Gutu Faasau 24 June 2022, 9:36PM

The Independence Organising Committee has met with groups and members of the public who were interested in joining the Fautasi race which will make come back this year.

The meeting was held at the Ministry of Police Prison and Corrections' traffic conference room and was chaired by the Acting Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Keti. 

More than 10 individuals attended the closed-door meeting which did not include media representatives. 

Attempts to get further information regarding the meeting from the acting police commissioner were not successful and a follow up email to Papalii was not responded to.

The Government has confirmed reviving the Fautasi Regatta including other traditional canoe races such as the Tulula (half sized fautasi) which was traditionally for women, Pao pao, and Alo Va'a.

The traditional Fautasi race had been dropped by the Independence Organising Committee from their official program about six years ago and had it merged with the Teuila Festival. However, in 2017 it was dropped again from the Teuila festival and replaced with traditional dancing and other forms of entertainment.

Leasiolagi Dr. Malama Meleisea, a retired academic and historian and previously the director of the National University of Samoa's Centre for Samoan Studies, said in previous years the significance of such events were held in high esteem and led to people travelling from all over to participate. 

It is understood the Teuila Festival, which has not been held for two years due to the shutting of the borders and the COVID-19 pandemic, is part of the country's celebration of 60 years of independence.


By Gutu Faasau 24 June 2022, 9:36PM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>