How Samoa has changed over the years

By Vatapuia Maiava 12 October 2016, 12:00AM

Eighty-four years is not a short time. For Sina Tiasaga, of Leauva’a-uta, it is a time during which she has witnessed many changes about Samoa.

 “Things are very expensive nowadays,” she told the Village Voice.

“Back then we could do shopping with just $2, we can always buy some tin fish for very low prices and that’s our meal for the day.

“Now it’s about $4 for just one tin.”

Although there are many differences, Sina says there are a few similarities with life back then and now.

“There are some similarities with life now but a lot of differences,” she said.

“One of the similarities is how the people are making a living. Many of us still tend our plantations here in Samoa.”

“Even though a lot has changed we are doing alright still. We don’t have many problems with life and we go about everything one day at a time.”

“I don’t roam around too much; I just sit at home and enjoy the peace and quiet here.”

Sina also said that not all of the change is negative.

“One of the positive changes though is the great tar sealed roads we have,” she said.

“It makes lives for the people of Samoa a little easier. So change is good in some ways but in others, it’s not so good.”

“But I will always be happy and just smile every day.”

And with her son taking good care of her, Sina has nothing to worry about.

“Nowadays may be expensive but my son makes enough money now to take care of me,” she said.

“He works very hard with his plantation to make sure I get enough to eat every day and to pay for things that I need. My son takes good care of me.”

But don’t let Sina’s age full you; she is still as strong as a bull.

“I may be old but I am still very strong,” she said.

“I would in my spare time  weave a mat. If not then I just sit around because there’s not much to do for us old folks.”

“I wake up and usually pick up some some rubbish, weed the garden and just make my piece of land look nice and beautiful. These small chores give my body strength.”

“I have never been sick ever; if you ask my son then he will tell you that I have never been to the hospital. There are many people who tell me I need to go see a doctor but I know that I am always alright.”

“I am very strong.”

But what is the secret to all her strength.

“There is no secret to my strength,” Sina said.

“I just eat the usual types of food. If we have enough for some chicken then I eat chicken. I also have a nice cup of tea in the morning.”

“If we can afford a bit of bread to eat with tea then I am grateful.”

By Vatapuia Maiava 12 October 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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