Tofilau Eti Alesana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tofilau Eti Alesana
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Alesana in 1983
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| 5th Prime Minister of Samoa | |
| In office 8 April 1988 – 23 November 1998 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| Preceded by | Va'ai Kolone |
| Succeeded by | Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi |
| In office 1984 – 30 December 1985 |
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| Preceded by | Lauofo Meti |
| Succeeded by | Va'ai Kolone |
| Minister without Portfolio | |
| In office 23 November 1998 – 19 March 1999 |
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| Prime Minister | Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Aualamalefalelima Alesana
4 June 1924 Vaitogi, Tutuila, American Samoa |
| Died | 19 March 1999 (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.
Contents
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.
