2 Jun 2009

Samoa marks 47 years of independence

11:08 am on 2 June 2009

Samoa last night began celebrations marking 47 years of independence, with an official church service at the government prayer house on Mt Vaea, which overlooks the capital, Apia.

Today there will be a flag raising ceremony at the Tiafau Malae where the first independence celebrations were conducted in 1962.

The country's head of state, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, will also deliver an official address.

The Governor of American Samoa, Togiola Tulafono, and the Ulu of Tokelau are expected to attend the various events along with local and overseas dignitaries such as the New Zealand based British High Commissioner.