OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Wednesday, June 20, 2007)
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Gov. Togiola welcomes Association of
Pacific Island Legislatures meeting

(UTULEI) –Governor Togiola Tulafono today attended the opening of the Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL) General Assembly at the Fono Guest Fale in Fagatogo.

Governor Togiola welcomed APIL President - Senator Sabino Sauchomal of Yap, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and all the legislative representatives from the 12 island governments of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, FSM [Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei & Yap], the Marshall Islands, Palau, Nauru, Kiribati, Hawaii and American Samoa. He said it was a great honor for American Samoa and the Fono leadership and members to host this year’s general assembly because APIL is a very important body that come together and collaborate through mutual assistance on topics of vital importance to the Pacific.

“In 1981, when APIL was formed, I was a senator, and I recall there were skeptics when a resolution was introduced to create this legislative regional organization,” said Governor Togiola. “And now over two decades later, the mission of APIL is as important today as it was when it was formed 26 years ago. Your organization is growing even stronger as you continue to come together to discuss common concerns and share solutions and work together to protect our region and serve all of our people. And as legislators, you are representatives of the people and by serving the people you are also serving God.”

Governor Togiola reiterated the words of the wise in listening to the voice of the people and to be guided by the spirit of God in their duties as lawmakers. He also encouraged the legislative organization to promote good governance and adhere to the principles of accountability, transparency and integrity.

The opening ceremony included the presentation of 11 computers to the Department of Education by APIL Hawai’i delegate - Mr. Glenn Wakai, president of Reach Out Pacific, for use by the schools of the Territory.

Joining Governor Togiola at the opening were Chief Justice Michael Kruse, Senate President Lolo Moliga and House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, who along with Senator Tuana’itau Tuia, at the time served as Speaker, are the only Fono members still serving since inception of APIL.