Samoans kicked off their 60th independence anniversary celebrations in style with bell ringing, tooting of car horns and even the triggering of the national tsunami warning sirens at midnight on Tuesday.
Wednesday the first of June is the official independence day but this year the prime minister Naomi Mataafa has declared it will be a year long celebration taking place all around the country.
Joining me is our Samoa correspondent Joyetter Feagaimaali'i.
Talofa Lava Joyetter, so quite a dramatic start to celebrations this year?
Members of the Samoan Police Force preparing to raise the national flag at Independence Day celebrations in Apia. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson
