E lē sopoloa fa’afilimafua se leo ae fa’alepa ma le gatete ma o’u fa’apitofua i fanua e fa’afetai ai Le Atua mamana, aua o lea ua poto moli i futiafu e tasi, ua tatou mimusa ua pasioa pãioa e pei o le fale nai Amoa, e lau i ula ae pou i toa.

O le a ta’oto ia fa’amaene o tai loloto o outou paia, sā ma faigā o le a lē oo i ai se fa’amatalaga aua o paia mai le vavau se’ia o’o i le fa’avavau.

Lau Susuga i le Taitai ole Sauniga, Pastor Ruby Sabbath

Honourable Members of Cabinet

Distinguished Members of the Diplomatic Corp

Taumeasina Board of Directors

Distinguished Guests , Ladies and Gentlemen,

Talofa Lava and Good Evening to you all

It is a great pleasure to join you this evening as we celebrate an important milestone—the tenth Anniversary, of Taumeasina Island Resort.

On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa, I extend our warm congratulations to everyone who has contributed to this remarkable achievement.

Ten years represents far more than the passing of time. It reflects a decade of vision, commitment, investment, resilience and partnership.

Taumeasina is much more than a beautiful resort. It has become an important part of Samoa’s tourism industry, creating employment for hundreds of Samoans, supporting local businesses, showcasing our culture, and welcoming visitors from around the world to experience our country. The resort itself has become a destination within a destination, for all our visitors.

As we look ahead, Samoa’s tourism sector will continue to be a powerful driver of inclusive and sustainable growth, guided by our national development priorities. Under the Pathway for the Development of Samoa 2026/27 to 2030/31, tourism is recognised not only for its contribution to employment and foreign exchange, but for its potential to showcase our rich culture, empower communities, and diversify our economy through eco-tourism, cultural tourism and community-based initiatives. By strengthening partnerships across government, private sector and our villages, and by ensuring that development is both sustainable and resilient, we can build a tourism industry that uplifts our people, protects our environment, and shares the true essence of Samoa with the world.

This evening also provides an opportunity to recognise the strength of the relationship between Samoa and Papua New Guinea. Taumeasina stands as an example of what can be achieved, when Pacific nations work together, with a shared vision. The investment and long-term commitment of our Papua New Guinean partners, has helped create a destination that both countries can be proud of. It demonstrates that regional cooperation is not simply an idea—it delivers real opportunities, creates jobs, strengthens economies, and builds lasting friendships across our Pacific family.

We acknowledge the vision of those who believed in this project from the very beginning, and the many people who have guided it, over the past decade. We also recognise the Board of Directors, shareholders, management, and every member of the Taumeasina team, whose dedication has made this resort, one of Samoa’s leading tourism destinations.

To the staff, thank you for the warmth, hospitality and professionalism, that you show every day. You are the true ambassadors of Samoa, and your service creates the memories, that guests take home with them.

As we celebrate tonight, we also look to the future. May the next decade bring continued success, new opportunities, stronger partnerships, and even greater contributions, to Samoa’s tourism industry and economy.

Congratulations once again on reaching this significant milestone.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising your glasses.

Pause to reach for your glass

To ten years of success.

To the enduring friendship between Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

To Taumeasina Island Resort, and to many more years of creating unforgettable memories.

Soifua ma ia manuia.

Cheers!