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“In US dollar terms, the program has contributed $46 million to the Samoan economy and roughly speaking, my calculation is that each worker has contributed 60,000 tala to the economy,” — Quarterback Joe Annandale.
Author: Raj Keresoma
APIA, APIA – 22 June 2024 – The Falealili district came together on Friday to celebrate the 20th anniversary milestone of the region’s seasonal workers programme since its establishment in 2004.
Long before Samoa, Australia and New Zealand began bilateral negotiations to recruit Samoan workers under the Regional Seasonal Employment (RSE) and Labour Mobility Schemes, Falealili was established under the Ptasi Seasonal Workers Scheme and has reaped fruitful results that have directly benefited families.
Hugh Chief Tuatagaloa Joe Annandale founded the Putasi Seasonal Workers Program in 2004 and is committed to ensuring the program benefits families.
The program sets conditions that ensure that the worker has a taro field or a small business to take care of his family while he works overseas, and that he sends money back to sustain his family.
Twenty years later, Tuatagaloa joined the region and they are proud to celebrate the success of the program and the benefits it has brought to their families.
The event was attended by heads of Australian and New Zealand companies that employ Falealili workers, as well as diplomats from the New Zealand, Australian, Japanese and Chinese governments.
“This is to show our respect and honour to the workers who make great sacrifices to work for us, and the partnership with Falealili is vital to our business,” Mr Apple said.
A group of people working for Mr Apple in New Zealand.
Poutasi seasonal program contributes $46 million to economy
One of the proudest outcomes of the programme is the region’s contribution to the Samoan economy through the Putasi Seasonal Workers Programme.
Tuatagaloa outlined the highlights of the project’s success.
Last quarter, 775 people took part in the program, including 314 from New Zealand and 461 from Australia.
“In US dollar terms, the program has contributed $46 million to Samoa’s economy and roughly speaking, my calculation is that each worker has contributed 60,000 tala to the economy,” Tuatagaloa said.
By comparison, in Samoa, a person working 40 hours a week and earning $5 an hour would earn $10,400 a year.
“It takes them five years to earn what a seasonal worker earns in eight months,” Tuatagaloa said.
The project initially targeted residents of the district but was later opened to other villages in Samoa.
A group of returning seasonal workers sang and performed at the celebration.
Minister acknowledges region’s success
The celebrations began with a procession of seasonal workers and their families to the Putasi Memorial Hall led by the Police Brass Band.
The ceremony was presided over by Pastor Letone Uili of EFKS Church, and the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Falealii1 MP Toelupe Pou Onesemo, delivered the keynote speech.
Toelupe acknowledged the success of the project and commended Tuatagaloa and the committee for the initiatives and support provided to the people of Falealili.
“Today, we celebrate programs that support families, we celebrate our achievements and other success stories in our homes, as well as the struggles, hardships and the benefits that come from it,” Toelupe said.
After the ceremony, the guests also witnessed the results of the workers’ small projects, including agricultural products, corn and various products produced by small enterprises in their village.
Afterwards, the workers were divided into four groups and took the stage to perform various cultural and artistic programs to showcase their respective strengths and talents.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Will Robinson, took the opportunity to speak with some of the Australian workers and take photos.
A group of people working in Australia.
Talomua – First Harvest
Part of the celebrations also included a display of goods provided by families of seasonal workers in the Talomua district, with representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture recognizing the efforts.
He said judging the competition was not easy but he was impressed by the fact that some of the seasonal workers’ families had invested in cattle farms and plantations instead of vehicles.
This was followed by a ceremony whereby certificates were presented to all seasonal workers in recognition of their contribution not only to their families and villages but also to the national economy.
According to the committee, each worker received a monetary reward before returning home.
Another group of workers from the Putasi Seasonal Workers Scheme is also expected to leave Samoa soon.
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