Samoa's first female Prime Minister called 2021 a challenging year for everyone. But she also said that was more of a reason for the country to come together.
In her first New Year's address as prime minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa said in any crisis, it becomes all the more necessary to move forward together as a nation.
She said she was confident in the ability of Samoans to overcome obstacles.
Radio New Zealand reports the prime minister said her Cabinet is committed to delivering people-centered priorities and empowering communities in the year ahead.
Mata’afa said following approval for the 2021-22 budget, the government moved quickly to put the money to work in all sectors of the economy, with the primary focus on community and social development.
She highlighted the government's financial assistance to the tourism sector and business community to help address the impacts of COVID-19.
The prime minister paid tribute to frontline workers involved in safeguarding Samoa from COVID-19, noting it has been almost two years since a State of Emergency was declared in the wake of the pandemic.
