OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – May 2, 2007)
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Governor Togiola talks about Fiber Optic Cable and Pandemic Influenza Operations Plan
at Cabinet meeting

(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today at the monthly cabinet meeting reported on his trip last week to Noumea, New Caledonia for discussions about the undersea fiber optic cable, and also talked about the Territorial Pandemic Influenza Operations Plan.

On the fiber optic cable, Governor Togiola said when the fiber optic cable project was first explored, the cost to American Samoa was about $90 million. Then with further exploration, it dropped to $60 million. Then it went further down to $30 million. Now American Samoa is negotiating with a group who could do it for less than $20 million. 

“Discussions are now at the negotiation stage, and we all know that when it becomes a reality, the Territory can expect an increase in development, and a decrease in our long distance rates,” said Governor Togiola.

Governor Togiola further stated that by the beginning of 2009, American Samoa will have fiber optic connection. Because of its location, American Samoa can be the South Pacific hub for fiber optic connection. With this possibility, there are about 6 companies that have indicated their interest in locating to American Samoa once the cable lands. 

“I must admit that I have carried these negotiations as far as I could,” said Governor Togiola. “Now as the negotiations get deeper into the technical side, I have hired the services of a fiber optic consultant from Arizona to assist us in these dealings.”

While in Noumea, Governor Togiola said there are efforts to bring the fiber optic cable to French Polynesia.

“There is an effort to bring the fiber optic cable to French Polynesia, which would mean that it would pass right by American Samoa, and if it comes to fruition, American Samoa may benefit greatly,” said Governor Togiola.

In regards to the Territorial Pandemic Influenza Operations Plan, Charles Mick McCuddin, Senior Public Health Preparedness Advisor, along with Jim Roth, new Epidemiologist assigned to the Department of Health (DOH) from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia, talked about the pandemic influenza threat and the emergency preparation by DOH.

DOH is preparing for all possible disasters with the pandemic influenza threat as priority. The health officials say, apparently every 30 to 40 years, an outbreak occurs and therefore, the world is due for another one. DOH is currently working with LBJ and other stakeholders in American Samoa to coordinate their efforts in preparation for an outbreak. Currently, there is no vaccine to cure the deadly avian strain. However, researchers are working on the development of one. 

            For more information on the pandemic influenza and what the federal government is doing to prepare for it, visit www.fema.gov.
           
The Governor’s Cabinet meets every first Wednesday of the month.