OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – June 3, 2007)
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Governor Togiola statement on passing of
Sen. HC Faiivae Apelu Galea’i

(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today offered the following statement upon learning of the passing away of Senator High Chief Faiivae Apelu Galea’i:

STATEMENT

“Today, American Samoa lost one of her most innovative, inspirational and influential leaders in the passing of Senator HC Faiivae Apelu Galea’i.

I feel a very personal sense of loss in his passing away. I call to mind his personal attention to my own development as an individual.

On behalf of the Territory and people of American Samoa, I offer to Mrs. Fiatagata Galea’i, her children and their immediate families our sincere sympathy and condolences.

Senator Faiivae has served our people with the greatest degree of love and care in his personal affection for our culture. He was a student of the Samoan language and culture and a devout supporter of the preservation of the “faa-Samoa.” To him we owe a great deal of gratitude and all that he has done to ensure that our language and culture will transcend generations.

In the past, I observed his work as Director of Tourism and the many island projects that have been realized through his subtle influence. I have had the great opportunity to serve together with him as a senator. I truly admired his courage and commitment to advocate on unpopular issues that would later turn out to be acceptable by general consensus and in the best interest of American Samoa. His political savvy is one of a kind.

I also admire with great appreciation his accomplishments in business and personal developments. One of those great highlights in his life was receiving his degree in theology.

With such knowledge and training, he has espoused the importance of God in our lives - in government and in private life.

He will be greatly missed. And for a long time, if ever, he will not be forgotten.”