On Saturday, 19th October 2024, Pulotu Canada Alofa McCarthy received the title of SALĀ in a saofai ceremony held in his village of Leauvaa. The event also saw other family members receiving chiefly titles, including Muliagatele, Tanoa’i, and Tupa’i.
Family and friends from both Samoa and overseas gathered to witness the ceremony. Pulotu expressed his gratitude to the Sa’o of his aiga, Le Afioga ia Salā Tanoa’i Lupe Chan Mow i le maota ole aiga i Vaioulu, Leauva’a. “Olē na mua i Tofiga.” and the extended family for the honour.
“Olē na mua i Tofiga” Photo: Supplied
“Truly a privilege to receive this honour to serve my aiga and the people of my village of Leauvaa,” he said. Pulotu also thanked his wife, Aumua Toafa McCarthy, saying, “Thank you, honey. I love you very much.”
The timing of the event coincided with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), allowing Pulotu to combine family and professional responsibilities. “It was more like killing two birds with one stone,” he said, acknowledging the significance of both events in his life.
With the saofai completed, Pulotu returns to his role as the only Samoan bilingual accredited media representative from Australia reporting on the CHOGM meeting.
