“In memory of our ancestors who fought for our freedom.”
These are the words engraved in front of the new building, the Mau Office in Vaimoso, which was officially opened on Tuesday by Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiʻifano, wife of the Head of State.
The opening formed part of Samoa’s Independence Day celebrations, with hundreds gathering at the historic site for the ceremony, including onlookers from the busy morning traffic.
Among those in attendance were the Head of State, Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II, and Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiʻifano; Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, a member of the Council of Deputies and former Head of State, and his wife, Filifilia Imo, who read the engraved words aloud.
A matai representing the Uge and Manuleleua branches of the Vaimoso lineage said the work on the new office took five weeks, with members of the village working day and night to complete the project.
