Three men were covered in a fine mat, in front of the Government building this morning.
The apology was accepted by the leader of the FAST Administration, Cabinet Minister La'auli Leuatea Schmidt, who removed the fine mat.
The High Chiefs were then escorted into the Government building to meet with the Cabinet.
A High Chief of Fasito’o Afamasaga Lino told Radio Polynesia the derogatory comments were made by one of the Chiefs from the village against the Government on social media, hence the move to approach the Government in a traditional way.
“The village were humiliated by action of this one Chief and they had to take necessary measures by approaching the Government.”
The Chiefs met with members of the Cabinet, including Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Ponifasio.
La’auli spoke on behalf of the Government acknowledging their high regards and respect accorded to the Prime Minister and Cabinet which is evident in the traditional apology rendered.
In the meantime Afamasaga told Radio Polynesia the high chief implicated has been penalised by the Village Council and he has yet to appear during the meetings, therefore he has been ousted.
Radio Polynesia has opted not to name the High Chief, until we’ve had the chance to get comments from the Chief in question.
