Gov. Togiola and Sec. Kempthorne join leaders for working lunch, sign $188,000 DOI technical assistance grant

(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono and Secretary of Interior ‘Puleleiite’ Dirk Kempthorne joined Chief Justice Michael Kruse, Senate President Lolo Moliga, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, members of the legislature, cabinet members and village mayors and chiefs at 12 noon today for a working lunch hosted by Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia at the Convention Center in Utulei.

Governor Togiola said that it is a wonderful feeling there are leaders in the nation’s capital who are more than concern about the people of American Samoa to visit the Territory and meet its citizens and leaders.

“It is comforting to know that there are people in Washington who care enough to come here to see for themselves and hear for themselves from our traditional leaders and government leaders as to what the situation is on island,” said Governor Togiola. “The Territory is going through some challenging times and an uncertain future for our economic development, but we are confident that after meeting with the Honorable Secretary we are together in these efforts to assure a bright future for American Samoa."

Governor Togiola cited for Secretary Kempthorne the main recommendation in the recent report of the Future Political Status Study Commission for American Samoa to continue its current political status with the United States as a long time commitment for the Territory.

“This is an indication of American Samoa's patriotism to our nation," said Governor Togiola. “American Samoa is making that commitment and we urge support of the Department of the Interior to help nurture self reliance of our government."

Mr. Kempthorne said he takes being Secretary of the Interior very seriously and he wanted to visit the island communities personally.

“My visit to American Samoa and the Pacific is very beneficial to me because it has allowed me to see it first hand and what is happening in the Territory,” said Secretary Kempthorne. “So, when there are discussions in Washington about American Samoa, I know what is happening because I have been here.”

“I know you know commitment. I have seen the integrity of the citizens. I have seen the warmth of your hospitality and the beauty of the island,” said Secreatry Kempthorne.

“I know per capita, American Samoa has more citizens serving in the military than any state in the United States. You are number one. We share democracy. We share freedom. The fact that from this island of such warm gracious people, America has some of its finest warriors defending freedom."

At the luncheon Governor Togiola and Secretary Kempthorne signed a technical assistance grant award of $188,246 from DOI for the American Samoa Government to research and conduct a survey in the Territory and in neighboring islands to identify a qualified workforce that may help support new industry in American Samoa.

Newsletters

Special Events

Archives

Gov. Togiola and Sec. Kempthorne join leaders for working lunch, sign $188,000 DOI technical assistance grant