Our brothers & sisters from Fiji celebrate Fijian Independence Day

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — October 10th is an important date for Fijian citizens in Fiji and the world over, because it is the day that Fiji was officially granted independence in 1970, after 96 years of British colonial rule.

For the more than a thousand Fijian citizens in American Samoa, it means a day of fun, Fijian and Rotuman delicacies cooked “lovo” (umu) style, with Indian curry galore with roti or rice, qito vakaviti (Fijian traditional games), a chance to fellowship with each other and reminisce about home while beer drinkers guzzle down their favorite brand, with curry or “kokoda” (raw fish) chasers and of course the yagona (kava) Tanoa will be available for the seasoned yagona drinkers.

“Wherever Fijians congregate, you will be sure to find yagona,” said Fijian doctor Dr. Koli Niumataiwalu, who is a medical doctor at the LBJ Medical Center. He’s been here for more than 29 years.

“Fijians can stay up all night drinking yagona, singing and telling stories. The main issue of conversation lately has been Fiji’s performance in the ongoing Rugby World Cup competition hosted by France.”

This year’s Fiji Day is more special with the Fiji rugby team’s success in the ongoing World Cup competition hosted by France.

Pooled together with Wales, Australia, Portugal and Georgia in Pool C, Fiji has managed to progress to the quarter-finals after defeating Australia 22-15 and Georgia 17-12, despite narrowly losing to Wales 32-26 and Portugal 24-23.

Renowned worldwide as the best Sevens rugby players on the planet with their skills, flair and speed, many countries have Fijians playing in their national sevens and 15-a-side teams, and now Fiji is clearly stamping its mark with its players’ exciting, free-running style of play in the 15-a-side game.

Locally, several village teams have Fijian players and many local players especially the younger ones emulate the way they play the game.

According to Dr. Niumataiwalu, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of Fijian citizens contracted to work in American Samoa over the past ten years, with a lot of doctors, nurses and administrators employed by the LBJ Hospital and Department of Health, engineers and electricians at ASPA and ASTCA and other government departments and authorities.

There are also a lot of professionals working in the private sector in a variety of fields, like the Fijian crew installing the roof of the new Fono building in Fagatogo.

Dr. Niumataiwalu was first offered employment at LBJ in October 2002 not long after he finished medical school. He and current LBJ CEO Dr. Akapusi Ledua had traveled to the Territory to inspect the local hospital before making a final decision to work here or not.

They returned in January 2003 and have served at LBJ since, with his friend and colleague Dr. Ledua now at the helm as CEO.

“It’s been long time, but every year when Fiji Day comes along, I get the chance to spend some quality time with my countrymen and women who are working and residing in American Samoa,” said Dr. Niumataiwalu.

He stated that he is proud of his people’s contribution to the economy of American Samoa and also pointed out that they have been able to help their relatives and their country in times of need.

He was referring to the relief drive their association held in 2021 to help communities affected by Tropical Cyclones Yasa and Ana in Vanua Levu where they collected money, clothing, food supplies and other necessities.

A donation of $59,980.47 Fijian dollars was received by the Fiji Red Cross Society from the Fijian Association of American Samoa and the people of American Samoa. The FAAS is currently led by president Eminoni Dakua.

This year’s Fiji Day’s activities take place at the Pala Lagoon Park- Lion Club Park on Saturday, Oct. 14, morning starting with kids’ games/ activities, then a march before the flag raising ceremony with the singing of Fiji’s national anthem. A devotional service follows with entertainment.

Samoa News joins the people of American Samoa in wishing all Fijian citizens in the Territory a happy Fiji Day, as you celebrate 53 years of independence!

“Marautaki Ni Noda Tu Galala!”