American Samoa

American Samoa apologises to Indonesian diplomat - report

The official, who was travelling on a diplomatic passport with two other Indonesians, was put back on the Hawaiian Air plane they arrived on that same night.

According to KHJ News, inquiries had been made on behalf of the Indonesian diplomat before his trip and he was told he could enter with his US green card.

However, the information was wrong and the Indonesians were refused entry.

The Homeland Security Director Samana Semo Ve'ave'a told KHJ News it was a breakdown in communication and a misunderstanding.

 

Photo RNZI

     

Sex offenders registered in American Samoa from today

Under a law passed in 2014, any person convicted of a sexual crime against a minor is required to register their name, address and other identifying information.

The US Justice Department's Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking (SMART) created the National Sex Offender Public Website.

It also provides a link to website pages of each US State and Territory.

American Samoa's StarKist to close for over a month

The temporary shutdown is for upgrades and the installation of new equipment which the company says will increase efficiencies at the plant.

Last month Starkist closed for a week due to a shortage of fish.

The company is the largest private employer in the territory with some 2000 workers.

 

Photo: Supplied

Intra-Samoa talks due next month

The two leaders declined to say what was discussed except to confirm they had agreed to proceed with the talks next month.

According to a release from Tuilaepa's office, outstanding issues to be addressed include trade and economic integration, agriculture, immigration, health, education, transport, telecommunication and tourism.

2 Samoas to discuss Tui Samoa submarine cable project next week

Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi says he is looking forward to meeting Governor Lolo of American Samoa to clarify any outstanding issues the American territory may have about the project

In his weekly news brief program with Talamua.com yesterday, Tuilaepa said American Samoa Government Lolo Lutali Moliga has requested a sit down meeting between the two leaders to discuss the outstanding issue during the Pacific Forum Leaders meeting in Apia next week.

Taro exports to US in offering for American Samoa

The Director of Agriculture Filifaatali Mike Fuiava has been at a meeting of the Western US Agricultural Trade Association which offered to help American Samoa send produce like taro to the US.

Filifaatali said the plan was to start on a taro planting campaign in January.

He estimated the taro should be ready for harvesting by July next year.

The director hoped to present the department's plans to farmers and lay the ground work in the coming months.

Fish shortages force American Samoa cannery shut down

Our correspondent in Pago Pago said it remained unclear when the next vessel would call into the port with more supplies.

In October last year the cannery shut down for just over a week, also because of a shortage of fish.

The US-based StarKist Company said it realised the shutdown was a disruption for workers and the community and it had called for understanding.

StarKist had been trying to secure land for storing frozen fish.

 

Photo: Supplied

Reinforcements for American Samoa anti-drug unit

Police Commissioner Le'i Sonny Thompson said the new unit would play a major role in ridding the territory of its growing drug problem.

Le'i said members of the unit would also work in the newly established Tactical Response Team as well as the Governor's Task Force on Domestic Security.

But he said their ultimate goal was to eliminate the plague of illegal drugs within the community, workplaces and schools.

Lei also called on all police officers in the territory to support inter-agency collaboration and intelligence sharing among regional law enforcement partners.

American Samoa to launch online visas

Talauega Eleasalo Ale told the territory's Visitors Bureau this week the online platform will allow travel agents and visitors to obtain entry permits through a more convenient and timely process.

A statement from the Visitors Bureau said the attorney general had committed to periodic meetings with travel and airline agents to streamline the entry process as a way of driving visitor traffic and supporting local industry.

 

Photo: RNZ/ Monica Miller Caption: Auditor General of American Samoa Talauega Eleasalo Ale. 

Governor's power of veto could be changed in American Samoa

Senators Tuaoloa Fruean and Nuanuaolefeagaiga Saoluaga Nua sponsored a legislative veto override measure, which had been voted down in previous elections.

If approved, a bill that is vetoed by the governor will still be able to pass if it is supported by a two-thirds majority in the House and Senate.

Currently, if a governor vetoes a bill it is sent back to the Fono to be repassed by each chamber before going back to the governor, who can send it to the United States' interior secretary for a final decision.

The secretary can either approve or kill it.