FROM AFAR – ARI HAZELMAN
By: Eirenei Ariu Toleafoa
“I do trust in God and also trust that our government has our best interests in mind,” is the message from Japan penned by Ari Hazelman, a Samoan student unable to return home due to the COVID19 pandemic.
Hazelman is the first Samoan to have successfully completed the Duskin Leadership Training Program for persons with disabilities in Japan.
He ended his 10 months training earlier in the year but cannot return home as a result of the border security control due to the COVID19.
And the vocal flag carrier for his country and Nuanua ole Alofa, (NOLA), the 31 year old son to Steve and Gina Hazelman is ecstatic with the news of a repatriation flight for students like himself and Samoa Citizens in Japan, China, Australia and Pacific.
“With regards to the repatriation arrangements, I and no doubt all the rest of us studying abroad hope for the best but we trust that government will take into account all important and safety factors to enable us to return home if possible,” he wrote to the Savali via Messenger.
“In the meantime, all we can do is pray and prepare and hope, while at the same time continue to network with the people of our host countries and thank God for their kindness to us during these hard times.”
Tentatively the plan is for the group to assemble in Australia where a chartered flight will fly them home.
Based on his observations from the local media coverage which include the Government’s Press Secretariat and Savali Social Media Live Stream by the Prime Minister, Ari with visual impairment says that Government is making hard decisions and it’s for the best interest of the country.
“Yes I do believe that the safety of our people should be the first priority and I believe that even though the current SOE measures are not only difficult for our people within Samoa but also difficult for so many of us who are wanting to return home but I totally understand why government have put these measures in place,” said Hazelman.
“I came to Japan just before the measles outbreak and then while it was going on, I was observing from afar and it was very difficult to be away from home knowing that our people were going through hardships because of the measles outbreak so we do not need the Corona virus to enter our shores.”
He is appealing for Samoan students and residents waiting to be repatriated home to trust Government with their plans.
Hazelman is in daily contact with his parents and relatives reassuring his safety.
And he acknowledges the media coverage from Samoa.
He send his special thanks to the government of Samoa for making it possible for them and other Samoans who are stranded around the world because of the pandemic COVID-19, to keep in touch and enable to get important government information through the Radio 2AP and also the broadcasting of the weekly program with the Prime Minister.
“I am extremely thankful to our government for making Radio 2AP available online and also the broadcasting of the program with the Prime Minister and other important information that is of the utmost importance during these difficult times.
“This is a very important development as it has brought home closer to me and doubtless to many other stranded Samoan students and citizens who needed and access to important information from home during this time.”
