Samoa Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi is continuing his campaign to reduce the cost of traditional gift giving at official events.
Samoan PM, Tuila'epa Sailele Malielegaoi Photo: RNZ Pacific /Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
At his weekly media conference, Tuila'epa announced that cartons of canned mackerel and corned beef had been reduced in size, meaning a reduction in cost.
He said this was an effort by the government to assist people with their frequent family, church and village obligations.
Tuila'epa asked village and church leaders to start using the newly introduced products to give the people relief from the many events they are expected to contribute to.
This would reduce the financial load on people, especially when they are faced with family obligations like funerals, weddings, title bestowals and other events, he said.
The new cost for a carton of 12 cans of mackerel is reduced from $WST42 to $WST27.80 and corned beef cartons now cost $WST103.50, reduced from $WST180.