‘I was ready to showcase what Sāmoa really is’

A local business owner in Apia has revealed how road closures during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), an event intended to boost local businesses, has instead disrupted access to her accommodation, restaurant, and bar.

Tau’ili’ili Sara Ropeti is the owner of Taumeasina Hideaway, an accommodation, bar and restaurant in Apia and says business has been “so slow”.

“It's supposed to be a big event where it's supposed to be helping local businesses,” she says.

“I'm sad because I was ready to showcase what Sāmoa really is to the delegates as well. We [used] have lots of tourists coming in and enjoying the vibe with the locals, but now it's not happening.

“So I'm sad that the people that are supposed to be here and enjoy the real fa'a Samoa and the life here, they didn't have that experience.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon visits Taumeasina Hideaway. Photo/Ala Vailala

The lack of access didn’t just impact her, many businesses in Apia have faced similar hurdles.

Alongside the challenges of slow business during CHOGM, Ropeti says climate change has posed threats to Taumeasina Hideaway, as it stands right next to the water.

“As you can see, we are much affected by the rising sea levels … when it rains, it causes a lot of damage to, not just me, but all of this area.”

But despite the challenges, Ropeti proudly acknowledges the support from Sāmoa’s strong network of female entrepreneurs, often the backbone of families, villages, and churches and highlighted a Sāmoan proverb that she lives by.

“E au le Inailau a Tamaitai Sāmoa”, she says, which reflects the strength and capabilities of women—not only as daughters, sisters, and mothers but also as influential leaders within their communities.

Sea level rise and climate change remains a threat to the business. Photo/Ala Vailala