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Tofilau Eti Alesana
Tofilau Eti Alesana 1983 (cropped).jpg
Alesana in 1983
5th Prime Minister of Samoa
In office
8 April 1988 – 23 November 1998
O le Ao o le Malo Malietoa Tanumafili II
Deputy Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi
Preceded by Va'ai Kolone
Succeeded by Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi
In office
31 December 1982 – 30 December 1985
O le Ao o le Malo Malietoa Tanumafili II
Preceded by Tupuola Efi
Succeeded by Va'ai Kolone
4th Minister of Foreign Affairs
In office
8 April 1988 – 23 November 1998
Preceded by Va'ai Kolone
Succeeded by Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi
In office
1984 – 30 December 1985
Preceded by Lauofo Meti
Succeeded by Va'ai Kolone
Minister without Portfolio
In office
23 November 1998 – 19 March 1999
Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi
Personal details
Born
Aualamalefalelima Alesana

(1924-06-04)4 June 1924
Vaitogi, Tutuila, American Samoa
Died 19 March 1999(1999-03-19) (aged 74)
Apia, Samoa
Resting place Lalomavala, Savaii
Political party HRPP
Spouse Pitolua Alesana

Tofilau Eti Alesana was an important leader from Samoa. He was born on June 4, 1924, and passed away on March 19, 1999. He served as the Prime Minister of Samoa two times. He was the fifth person to hold this important job.

Life and Early Career

Early Life in Samoa

Tofilau Eti Alesana was born in Vaitogi, Tutuila, which is in American Samoa. He came from a well-known family in Samoa. When he was 24 years old, he became a clan chief. This is a traditional leadership role in Samoan society.

Starting in Politics

In 1957, Alesana was chosen to be part of the legislative council. This group helps make laws for the country. The next year, in 1958, he became the health minister. He played a part in writing the constitution for Western Samoa. This was when Western Samoa became an independent country.

Becoming Prime Minister

Leading the Country

Alesana helped create a political group called the Human Rights Protection Party. This party won power in 1982. He became the Prime Minister of Samoa for the first time that year. He served until 1985. Later, in 1988, he became Prime Minister again. He led his party to win many seats in the Parliament. This gave his party a lot of control in the country.

Important Changes

In 1997, while Alesana was Prime Minister, his government changed the country's name. It went from Western Samoa to just Samoa. He also served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for many years. This job involves working with other countries.

End of His Time as Leader

In the 1990s, Alesana started to have health problems. He decided to step down as Prime Minister in November 1998. However, he stayed in the government as a Minister Without Portfolio. This means he was still part of the Cabinet but without a specific department to lead. He passed away in Apia, the capital city of Samoa. His political party continued to be in power for a long time after he left office.

Family Connections

Tofilau Eti Alesana's parents were Reverend James Alesana Fai'ivae and Vaoita Iosefa Mala'itai. He was the first person from his family to become a very important politician. His family has many members who have held important political jobs in both Samoa and American Samoa. His wife was named Pitolua Alesana. His son, Va'aelua Eti Alesana, was also involved in politics.

Special Awards

Tofilau Eti Alesana received several special awards during his life.

  • In 1953, he was given the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal. This medal celebrated the crowning of Queen Elizabeth II.
  • He also received the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal.
  • In 1994, he was given a high honor from Australia. He was appointed an Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia. This award was for his excellent work in building good relationships between Australia and Samoa. It also recognized his efforts in working with other countries in the South Pacific region.
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