Samoa is not in yesterday but today as time moves forward

Time to question time in Samoa

In the classic "Radio Ham" Tony Hancock memorably explained to would-be helpers of a stranded yachtsman that it "isn't this time of night where he is, it's yesterday afternoon". The time zones of the world have often led to a mixture of confusion and curiosity. And when Greenwich Meant Time was invented, with its 24 hour zoning of the world, it was the British Empire that thought the Pacific islands better off stradling today and yesterday at the same time. But in the modern world, places like Samoa don't want to be in yesterday longer than they have to be. Now they are in today. Meaning they get to beat the world for New Year's Day fireworks and the rest. But losing a whole day. Where did it go? It's all a bit Doctor Who-ish. I wish them well.

Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi says "In doing business with New Zealand and Australia, we're losing out on two working days a week. While it's Friday here, it's Saturday in New Zealand and when we're at church Sunday, they're already conducting business in Sydney and Brisbane." Makes sense. This way you can go to church with the Aussies and Kiwis and do business with them as well, in a timely manner so to speak.

Posted in: daytime,International Date Line,Question Time,Samoa