Samoa's Head of State has called on Samoans to work together towards peace and development as the country marks Independence Day today.
Samoa became independent from New Zealand 56 years ago after stints under the rule of Britain and, before it, Germany.
Happy 56th Anniversary of Independence, #Samoa! May your future be as bright as your present in peace and prosperity for the great people living on your beautiful land in the heart of the Blue #Pacific. We @un stand for #freedom, human rights, equity & shared growth. @samoagovt pic.twitter.com/cKeTRFOrfW
— Simona Marinescu (@SMarinescu_UNDP) May 31, 2018
In Apia, a crowd of people gathered in the early hours of this morning to witness a Samoa flag raising and a 21 gun salute outside the government buildings.
Our correspondent Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia said Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II also voiced his disapproval of the violent brawl on Savaii last weekend.
"He is calling on the people to work together with the government to develop the country and he he also thanked the police for their quick move to calm down the situation on Savaii that took place between two villages Salelologa and Salelavalu."
Autagavaia said it was an historic occasion that is marked every year with a public holiday in Samoa.
