SAMOA: Opposition Party launches newspaper as 'voice for voiceless'

Pai Mulitalo Ale
APIA (Samoa Observer/Pacific Media Watch): The opposition Tautua Samoa Party has launched its own newspaper, Tautua Lelei, with the idea of giving a “voice to the voiceless".

Leader Palusalue Faapo II said the idea of running a newspaper had been in the pipeline for sometime now and to see it come to fruition was a proud moment.

The first edition of the paper contains information about the party’s members and their views on the political sphere in Samoa as well as different developments in the country.

The newspaper, according to Palusalue, is an integral part of their 2016 General Election campaign.

The newspaper makes available another tool for the party to reach out to the public, their voters and supporters.

To be printed once a month, Palusalue said the party would use the newspaper to publicise their views about a number of issues.

He reminded that it is the Tautua’s role to critique government developments for the betterment of the country.

Waste of money
He said they would also focus on developments they believe are a waste of time for the government, such as the waste of taxpayer monies.

“It will publish official speeches from members of the Parliament and also the candidates of the Tautua Party and address issues in the House,” he said.

The Prime Minister of Samoa Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi said the name of the Tautua’s newspaper suggests that they should serve the people and the government well, without any ulterior motives.

“So I’ll be keeping an eye on them,” he said.

Deputy leader Aeau Peniamina Leavaiseeta cut the ribbon of the first bundle of newspapers and invited members of the public to engage in conversation with the Tautua Samoa about ways to develop the country.

He also invited members of the media to contribute to the Tautua Lelei.

The newspaper’s editor-in-chief is Le Tagaloasa Dr Pita and the editor is Vui Seigafolava Masinamua.

The party leader said the newspaper follows the launch of their website and Facebook pages where party members are engaging with young voters on the issues that matter to them.

“Later this year, the Tautua will launch its manifesto and we will also announce our candidates for the 2016 election,” said Palusalue.

So far, Palusalue said they had secured a number of quality candidates, including at least 10 women.

 

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