| Congressman Faleomavaega today sent His Excellency
Tuilaepa Malielegaoi the following message of condolence on the passing
of Former Prime Minister Vaai Kolone.
April 25, 2001
His Excellency Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Prime Minister of Samoa
Government of Samoa
P.O. Box 193
Apia, SAMOA
Dear Mr. Prime Minister:
It is a sad day for all of Samoa as I have been informed of the
recent passing of His Excellency, former Prime Minister Va'ai Kolone.
A great leader and a self-made man, Va’ai Kolone epitomized the
essence of the Samoan people’s existence, toiling the land and educating
our children. A farmer by trade, he was able to feel the pulse of
our countrymen and established himself early in public life championing
causes to benefit the people of Samoa. His persevering and adoring
leadership qualities provided stability to his country during some trying
periods in Samoa’s political and economic development. It was also
Va’ai Kolone’s skillful leadership that caused both American Samoa and
Samoa to prosper from the tremendous trading opportunities that were opened
between our two countries.
As a father to his successful children, he was able to instill hope
and inspiration to many Samoans that hard work and determination would
build the independent state of Samoa to the nation that it is today.
It was also his love for our traditions and a zealous defender of our culture
in the modern world that got him nominated to the esteemed Council of Deputies.
In Va’ai Kolone’s passing, I am reminded of a true Samoan saying, “Ia
pa’u se toa, ae tu se toa.” My prayer is that our generation
and those to follow will emulate the heart of this great Samoan leader.
My wife Hinanui and I extend to you and Mrs. Ida Kolone and the
people of Samoa our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies. Ia
fa’amafanafana le Atua i le faletua fa’apea le fanau fa’avauvau, aemaise
lau Afioga ma le mamalu o le atunu’u.
Soifua,
ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA |
![[United States Congress]](congress.gif)
