Governor Lolo Moliga will lead American Samoa’s delegation to the two Samoa talks in Apia this week.
Close to 30 officials are attending the two days of talks.
Director of Commerce Keniseli Lafaele who is one of the coordinators for American Samoa says the size of the local delegation and the agenda of the talks have been reduced from what was originally planned.
He says the agenda includes economic integration (trade, commerce and investments), immigration and homeland security, broadband connectivity opportunities (telecommunication), health, climate change, fisheries, tourism, workforce development, election issues.
Cabinet members making the trip are the Attorney General, directors of Agriculture, Port Administration, Health, LBJ, Homeland Security, American Samoa Telecommunications Authority, Visitors Bureau Deputy Director, Acting Chief of Customs /Deputy Treasurer, Land Grant scientists, Shipyard Services Authority CEO and Chairman of the Board, Election Commissioner, Public Safety Commissioner, an official of Marine and Wildlife Resources and Director of Commerce.
Staff for the talks is led by the Governor’s Office Chief of Staff Fiu Johnny Saelua, and includes Assistant AG William Ledoux, three staffers from DOC, one from Treasury and the Governor’s security.
Directors met their counterparts Wednesday and the government to government talks got underway today.
Photo file MPMC. Caption: Officials from the 2 Samoas in talks