Samoans March for World Peace

By Terry Tavita
15 March 2003

An estimated 1,500 people marched through Beach Road yesterday afternoon to show their support for a world of peace.
Waving banners and singing peace songs, Church leaders, women’s groups, public servants and school children were among the procession which congregated in front of the Government building.

“Let’s build weapons of mass salvation,” read one streamer.

“No more war, Know more peace!” screamed another.

Among the marchers were Catholic Archbishop, His Eminence, Father Alapati Mataeliga and Chairman of the Council of Churches, Rev Oka Fauolo.

Though the march had a collective theme in promoting peaceful solutions to the various hotspots around the world, there was no doubt it was predominantly aimed at the proposed US-led invasion of Iraq.

“Samoan students for peace in the Middle-East,” read a banner carried by several students from St Joseph’s College.

“Give peace a chance Mr Bush,” read another.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa, who received the marchers, reiterated his support on efforts to bring peace around the world.

He also exemplified the merits of good governance and the need for government’s to head down the peace road.

March coordinator, Mr Raymond Voight was quite pleased with yesterday’s turnout.

“We were expecting about 500 people and I estimate well over a thousand people marched took to the streets today.”

Yesterday’s march is the first demonstration against war to be carried out in the Pacific Island region.

The scary thing about this article is that is does not mention this freaky scene before the march when the Samoan police swarmed through the throngs of students who were preparing to march and ripped up any sign that contained the word "war". It was hardly a glowing example of freedom of speech in a country that apparently thinks it can't afford to offend the USA. The truth is that even if one person in the States had noticed which is doubtful there wouldn't have been been a ripple of ramifications.