KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa – (Thursday 24th April 2025)
Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet
The cohort of new Samoan citizens who have taken oaths this morning
Families and friends.
Talofa lava,
Today marks a significant milestone of your journey by virtue of taking your oaths as citizens of our country. It reflects your commitment, loyalty, and devotion to serve Samoa and her people.
On behalf of the government and the people of Samoa, I extend to you our congratulations, and am very pleased to welcome you as fellow citizens of Samoa.
The wake of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020 caused delays in the processing of citizenship applications in accordance with requirements of the Citizenship Act 2004.
We have not had a swearing in ceremony for new Samoan citizens since 2020.
I am aware that some of you have qualified for Samoan citizenship by virtue of years of your marriage to Samoan citizens, and some by virtue of your permanent residency status. To many of you, it has been a long wait, but as you will appreciate, these things take time.
The Samoan citizenship is dear to us for it is our identity and freedom to live harmoniously and peacefully in our lands. But it comes with responsibility. Responsibility to care and to love, to be law abiding, to respect others, and to use God given talents, wisdom and knowledge to work together for the common good of Samoa. Today, you have been entrusted with that responsibility as citizens of Samoa to serve your country.
I thank you for years of your contribution to Samoa in various sectors you are working in. Do continue to excel in what you do to serve our people. We have our own challenges as a small island state, but our resilience as people of the Blue Pacific begins with us.
At the heart of our progress is the recognition of our shared responsibilities as citizens. Our strength lies in our unity, for it is the cornerstone of our identity, people to people linkages, and our culture and traditions.
We are duty bound to build a country where Samoans want to live in the future, and to nurture responsible future custodians of our scarce resources.
Today, I urge you to serve Samoa with humility, integrity, and dedication. Let us never lose sight of our duties as Samoan citizens, nor take for granted the trust of our fellow countrymen.
As a nation founded on the Christian faith, we proclaim our dependence on God. He has been faithful to Samoa, and we trust that He will continue to guide us through His grace and abundance.
God bless you and your families, God bless Samoa.
Soifua ma ia manuia.
Photos by : Leota Marc Membrere
