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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR – American Samoa
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Friday, November 23, 2007)
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Statement by Gov. Togiola on passing of
Mrs. Fetaui Mata’afa in Samoa at 79
(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today issued the following statement on receiving news of the passing of Her Excellency Masiofo La’ulu Fetauimalemau Mata’afa in Samoa at the age of 79.
STATEMENT
I join the people and government of American Samoa to express our sadness in hearing of the passing of Her Excellency Masiofo La’ulu Fetauimalemau Mata’afa in Samoa at the age of 79.
In hearing of the news of her passing, we pause to celebrate the accolades of the wonderful life of “Fetaui” – as she was affectionately known by all of Samoa, the Pacific and people across the globe.
We honor her life in more than just being the wife of Samoa’s first Prime Minister Fiame Faumuina Mata’afa. We also honor her even more as Samoa’s first woman in Parliament.
We remember Samoa’s beloved Fetaui and her contribution as a founding mother of the independence of the country that she truly loved and held dear to her heart. She was the first lady of Samoan politics, and Samoa’s stately symbol of woman leadership and good counsel with the grace and dignity of the true Fa’asamoa.
Mrs. Fetaui Mata’afa was the dream of all the women of Samoa. As a compassionate and courageous torchbearer for women, who had a deep passion for education and service to the people of Samoa, she was also highly respected by men for her intelligence and unselfish commitment to improve the welfare of her people.
This is a great loss for all of Samoa and the Pacific.
Mary joins me in extending the deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences of the people and the government of American Samoa to the Honorable Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, Fetaui’s daughter, for this enormous loss for all of Samoa.
May the everlasting light of God’s merciful love shine upon Mrs. Fetauimalemau Mata’afa.
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