New citizens take their oath

30 November 2017, 12:00AM

Samoa has welcomed sixteen new citizens.

They took their oath during a special ceremony inside Cabinet’s room on Wednesday where Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi congratulated them.

“The message for you today, is to serve your country with humility, honesty and commitment,” Tuilaepa said. 

“You are not anymore temporary or permanent residents but citizens of Samoa. There is no such thing as automatic citizenship; we have a collective responsibility, and that is to serve and protect this country.

“We should neither lose sight of our duties as committed Samoans, nor forfeit the confidence of your fellow citizens. 

“Today, your journey as citizens of Samoa has begun.”

All of the 16 citizens have satisfied the law requirements.

This follows a lengthy and meticulous assessment process of applications for Samoan citizenship conducted in accordance with requirements of the Citizenship Act 2004. 

Fifteen of them have qualified by virtue of marriage to Samoan citizens pursuant to section 9 of the Act, and one has qualified upon fulfillment of the permanent residence criteria under Section 8. 

These candidates have been living with their families in Samoa. Many are working in the private sector as managers, lawyers and entrepreneurs. 

 

NAMES OF NEW CITIZENS

Name Country Link

Metusela Fiu, Fiji, marriage

Akosita Salesa, Tonga, marriage

Adi Tamanikaiyaroi, Fiji, marriage

Shan Usman, Fiji, marriage

Brice Waroux, France, marriage

Benjamin Harding, USA, marriage

Doug Makulua Puniani, Tonga, marriage

Earl Defazio, USA, marriage

Franklin Krieger, USA, marriage

Jean Hugues Jatier, NZ, marriage

Glen Allan Huges, Australia, marriage

Jinghong Li, China, marriage

Warren Jopling, Australia, marriage

Susan Laban Toomalatai, Fiji, marriage

Josef Marx, GermanyAustralia, marriage

Amelia Faasau, Tonga, marriage

30 November 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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