Am Samoa, the last — and the safest place to ring in the New Year

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa will be welcoming the New Year at the stroke of 12 midnight tonight, ushering in 2022, with hopes of new blessings and a continued COVID-19-free territory, as the U.S faces a surge in the number of coronavirus cases, attributed to the omicron variant.

The spike in cases has prompted restrictions and even cancellations in many states, as authorities there tried to clamp down on the virus, which is putting a damper on New Year celebrations, including in New York City where the ‘big ball’ is still scheduled to drop at midnight EST.

American Samoa is the last in the U.S. “family” to ring in 2022, while Guam is the first U.S. possession where it’s already New Year’s Day as well as in other parts of the world, including our neighbors in Samoa.

This time last year, American Samoa was preparing for a big event — the inauguration ceremony for the incoming Lemanu & Talauega Administration and swearing in of the new Legislature members.

Church services and parties usually top the list of activities in the territory for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Last year there were restrictions due to the COVID-19 emergency declaration, but those restrictions were lifted earlier this year once the vaccine was available and people are expected to enjoy welcoming in the 2022.

Be forewarned that police continue their holiday enforcement and bar owners are reminded by ASG officials of local laws that night clubs are to be closed at 2a.m. Police are expected to enforce it as well.

One long standing tradition, is “Po o Moli” or  “Night of Lights” — a lavish tradition of the Methodist church on New Year’s Eve. Decorations at churches are usually completed by 6p.m today prior to the start of church services.

Night of Lights involves different families and church groups making trees, about 10- 15 ft high, and decorating the ‘trees’ with candy or flower ulas, fabric, food items such as chips, cookies, canned goods and boxes of saimin; and of course, cash. At the end of the service, which traditionally has been held after midnight, decorations from the trees are presented first to church and village leaders, the elders, invited guests and finally, church members.

For those who follow Chinese astrology — 2022 is the Year of the Water Tiger — and starts from Feb. 1, 2022 ending Jan. 21st, 2023, according to the www.chinahighlights.com website, which also says that the Tiger is known as the king of all beasts in China.

“The zodiac sign Tiger is a symbol of strength, exorcising evils, and denoting braveness. Many Chinese kids wear hats or shoes with a tiger image for good luck,” it says.

As in past years, the sound of fireworks — illegal in American Samoa — will be heard island-wide, mixed with the ‘boom’ of homemade Samoan cannons — “fagaofe” — which were heard across the territory even before Christmas Eve.

Some residents reported to Samoa News the sound of fagaofe and fireworks started the week before Christmas.

The governor has already declared today, Dec. 31st a holiday and all government offices are closed and so are the two local banks. Some businesses will either close early or close for the day all together.

DPS reminds the public to celebrate responsibly, as they will be out in full force to ensure a safe and happy New Year.

Local residents are hopeful for good weather, including those who are adventurous, willing to drive out to Poloa village, to watch the last sunset of 2021.

The National Weather Service in Tafuna, as of yesterday morning, forecasts tonight’s weather to be mostly cloudy, numerous showers and northeast winds of 10 to 20 mph. A similar weather condition is forecasted for New Year’s Day.

Samoa News management and staff wish the people of American Samoa, especially our Toa o Samoa, a safe and prosperous 2022. We ask everyone to please stay healthy and to be kind to one another.

REMEMBER: Call a taxi, call a friend, call your mother, call your mistress or call your ‘daddy’ —  JUST DON’T DRINK & DRIVE, AND BUCKLE UP!

And don’t forget your COVID-19 shot(s) — if you’ve not done it yet. It’s your choice to ‘be kind to each other’ by protecting each other.