Samoa Tourism leads by example

Samoa Tourism Authority is taking the lead to ensure the issue of public littering is adequately addressed by allocating every last Friday of the month as a clean-up day to collect rubbish around Friendship Park, central Apia’s newest attraction site located behind the Government building.

Chief Executive Officer Pativaine Petaia-Tevita joined staff members and volunteering families & friends to pick up plastic bottles and all sorts of rubbish from around the park and on the seawall.

 “We have to embrace this national clean-up campaign seriously and dedicate at least an hour of every last Friday of the month to do some clean up in public,” Tevita said.

The activity is mandatory for all STA management and staff. Family members are more than welcome to join in and lend a helping hand. It is hoped that this will inspire and motivate other government ministries and corporations as well as the wider business community to follow suit.

Littering on the roadside and other public places is a growing problem and to bring this to an end, we have to act accordingly, she said.

“It is very sad and it’s becoming an eyesore to see trash on the roadside and in public places, so as a leading authority that promotes our beautiful country, we need to also take the lead in taking action. This monthly activity should also inspire others to participate and help keep our beautiful Samoa clean at all times,” she added.