Residents of Savaii travel to Upolu annually, transporting vehicles filled with mandarins. These mandarins can generate incomes of up to $5,000 monthly for two to three months. Interestingly, most plants are not actively farmed.
Currently, mandarins are plentiful, sold at affordable prices, meeting dietary needs, particularly for children, as the costs of imported fruits rise and few local fruits are typically available for purchase. For Savaii residents, mandarins provide a steady income source for four to six months, barring church obligations and family financial demands.
The Mandarin market situation reflects the political landscape. Election season is marked by promises, benefiting select individuals temporarily. "Voters will be told what they want to hear, and there will be many who will benefit from the position for a few months until the election is over." Like mandarins, votes have a shelf life. Post-election, politicians become less visible, often returning after five years to make new promises.
Some voters, akin to mandarin buyers, discern quality, while others end up with unsatisfactory choices. This phenomenon parallels the political outcomes, where voters experiencing favorable results likely selected capable representatives. "A good measure of how good the last parliamentarian has been would be the use of the district grants," valued at a million tala. Reflect on whether community life improved and question past choices if dissatisfaction persists.
Continuous repurchasing of sour mandarins indicates unchanging voter behavior, resulting in ineffective parliamentarians. The recommendation remains: prioritize candidates promising long-term community benefit over immediate gains. Both in mandarin purchasing and political decision-making, choose wisely to savor enduring sweetness.
Source: Samoa Observer