(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today officially opened the 2010 U.S. Census Office asking all of American Samoa for full cooperation and support to ensure an accurate headcount in the Territory.

 

“It’s in your hands American Samoa. By the mandate of our federal laws that there is a headcount of all people living in the states and territories of the Untied States, the Census is an occasion that happens every ten years,” said Governor Togiola. “This year 2010 the census must be taken and it will define who we are as a territory of the United States.”

 

Governor Togiola said the census is essential in a democracy.

 

“This is a very important cornerstone of government. All censuses are local. We are to collect the data and information about us and that is why we need to cooperate with those will be undertaking this daunting task. We need to be honest about it. We need to be accurate in our reporting and our recording of the number of people in respective homes and dwellings,” said Governor Togiola.

 

Governor Togiola said that without the cooperation, honesty and integrity of the public in conducting the census it will affect the numbers. And when the numbers are affected, the delivery of services will be affected.

 

“The census affects political representation and directs the allocation of government funding. It is our job as citizens and residents of American Samoa to make sure that everyone in the Territory is counted. That way, we know that we get the fiscal and social benefits to which we are entitled. The census is very important. It is very critical. Achieving a complete and accurate 2010 Census is ‘in our hands.’ That is the motto of the census this year: “In our hands.” Accuracy and credibility depend on what we report. Support the census by reporting correctly and accurately,” said Governor Togiola.

 

Governor Togiola commended the Director of Commerce – Faleseu Eliu Paopao and the Census Advisor Douglas Lee, who was represented at the ceremony by Acting Census Advisor John Wynn.

 

“I know the work is difficult and it is going to require a lot of time in the villages and a lot of interviews. We offer our support if there are ways that we can help your mission to ensure that the data is collected accurately. It is going to be a reliable tool for us. We need to work together,” said Governor Togiola.

 

The 2010 U.S. Census Office is located on the second floor of the Haleck Professional Building in Pago Pago.