Statement from Governor Togiola:

 

“It is with deep regret and sadness to learn this morning of Senator Tuana’itau Tuia’s passing today. As American Samoa’s elder statesman and longest serving member of the Fono, we have gained so much as a people, and we have so much to be thankful for as a Territory through the contribution of Senator Tuana’itau as a public servant.

 

I have always admired his courage, his dignity, and his enthusiasm that he gladly shared in that motivating spirit that was uniquely Tuana’itau. One of the privileges of my life was to have known him as a legislator and as an entrepreneur. I valued his wise counsel in legislative matters as well as his great advice about life. I truly appreciate his encouragement and his wisdom that he genuinely offered.

 Senator Tuana’itau’s life-long dedication to Tualauta County, his village of Pava’iai, and to the people of Tutuila and Manu’a, through his thirty years in the House of Representatives and almost two decades in the Senate will never be forgotten. The American Samoa Legislature has lost its patriarch.

 

Mary, Lieutenant Governor Faoa and Mrs. Elisapeta Sunia join me extending our deepest condolences to his children - Education Director Dr. Claire Poumele, her sisters and brothers – grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the families of Senator Tuana’itau Tuia. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of them for the loss of their father.

 

The passing of Senator Tuana'itau truly marks the end of an era in our development as a government, and as a people seeking self determination. He was a stalwart of our island community and government, and his political savvy and statesmanship will be sorely missed.

 

During these difficult times, may God’s blessings console the Tuana’itau family, give them strength to accept God’s will and keep them all in God’ love forever.”