An international experience in New York City? That’s what’s available for a few Cortez area residents.
The Independent State of Samoa is inviting four locals to join its ambassador and assistant ambassador for an all-expenses paid trip to New York City in late September.
Samoa’s ambassador, Aliioaiga Feturi Elisaia, had such a great time during a visit to Cortez and the surrounding area in April that he decided to offer the invitation.
Leroy Lasaialii Mariner, the nation’s assistant ambassador, addressed the Montezuma County Commission last week. He related that the ambassador was treated very well during his visit, including a number of locals who invited him in for a beer, Mariner said.
Mariner announced that Elisaia was to fly into Durango on Sunday, Aug. 26, with an ambassador from China to study local agriculture for three days. April’s visit came after an invitation from the Ute Mountain Ute tribe.
The trip to New York will take place from Sept. 25 to 30 with Elisaia scheduled to address the U.N. on Sept. 28.
“This is a chance for Cortez to have an influence on the U.N.,” Mariner said.
He explained that the Independent State of Samoa will focus on Syria. He noted that a controversial resolution banning handguns had been dropped from consideration at the U.N.
The Samoan delegation will be seated behind Great Britain, in front of Iran, and kitty-korner to the United States.
It’s rare for a nation to invite those from other nations to sit at the U.N., Mariner said. “The U.S. is a friend to our country.”
The Independent State of Samoa was previously known as Western Samoa. It is located in the Polynesian islands near American Samoa. The Independent State of Samoa gained independence from New Zealand in 1962 through a non-violent movement. The nation celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence this year.
