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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR – American Samoa
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Tuesday, January 15, 2008)
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(684) 633-4116 - Fax: (684) 633-2269 - Cell: (684) 731-8989
Lt. Gov. Ipulasi appears on KVZK-TV regarding
condition of Governor Togiola
(UTULEI) – Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia appeared tonight on government-owned KVZK-TV regarding Governor Togiola Tulafono’s recovery at the hospital.
The following is the statement compiled from the English and translated from the Samoan text presented by Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi tonight:
 STATEMENT
“I have come before you to give you an update on the condition of Governor Togiola Tulafono as he has been in the hospital for the past ten days.
As you know, the Governor was admitted to the hospital on Sunday, January 6th with pains on the lower right side of his stomach, which were determined to be caused by the appendix.
Doctors determined that the Governor required an emergency appendectomy on that Sunday. Initially, it was thought it to be an easy and quick procedure. The Governor’s condition was monitored at the Intensive Care Unit before he was transferred to recuperate at the Surgical Ward.
While recuperating at the hospital this past Sunday night, January 13th, the Governor experienced some complications which required him to undergo a second operation immediately.
The second operation was a great success. The Governor’s condition was monitored at the Intensive Care Unit with plans today to transfer him to the Surgical Ward for recovery.
According to the attending physician, the Governor’s vital signs are stable. He is resting and recovering from both operations.
I spoke with the Governor yesterday and he said the pain has decreased tremendously and he feels much better and getting better every hour.
I, along with the staff of the Office of the Governor, continue to perform the daily functions of the office.
Out of great concern for the health of the Governor, I have asked the doctors for advice on sending the Governor off island. However, in my discussions with the Governor, he has told me that he is fine and getting better and will continue to recuperate at LBJ Hospital. The Governor said he does not wish to travel off island to seek further medical assistance.
I was also informed by the Governor that he has meetings in Honolulu next week. He plans to attend them if he is strong enough to travel by the weekend.
So, I am happy to inform you that Governor Togiola’s health is improving. He is getting lots of much-needed rest and recovering from both operations.
The Governor and First Lady Mary Ann express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the people of American Samoa for the support and prayers given on his behalf. Special thanks to the servants of God, traditional and government leaders and the general public for keeping him in your prayers.
They also wish to thank you for understanding the strict visiting policies ordered by the doctors.
We expect a quick and full recovery and look forward to the Governor’s return to resume his duties as the Governor of American Samoa.”
---americansamoa.gov---
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