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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Wednesday, May 21, 2008)
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Office: (684) 633-4116 - Fax: (684) 633-2269 - Cell: (684) 733-4680
Gov. Togiola signs fiber optic documents,
Fono members hear technical presentation
 (UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today signed documents to bring the first undersea fiber optic cable to American Samoa.
Governor Togiola said the submarine fiber optic cable is the most significant economic development project in the last several decades.
“The sea change that this project represents is absolutely tremendous. American Samoa has until now been dependent on the canneries for as long as we can remember,” said Governor Togiola. “With this new initiative, we will move from a labor intensive manufacturing industry into a technology driven industry. This is where technical skills are required and this is where the better paying jobs are. Our people will have the best opportunity to make the most of this market within our region, and we must take advantage of this amazing opportunity.”
Also held today at Sadie’s in Malaloa, was the first technical presentation of the fiber optic cable project hosted by the Office of the Governor and carried out by the technical team responsible for implementation of the fiber project. The group consisted of Thomas Sorenson of Alcatel-Lucent, Craig Walton of Telecom New Zealand and John Hibbard and Doug Nielsen of Hibbard Consulting. Hibbard Consulting will be managing the fiber project.
The technical presentation was carried out in accordance with Governor Togiola’s desire to make sure that the Fono is briefed on the fiber project.
“This project is a major priority of this administration. In an effort to make sure that the people’s representatives are apprised of this project, I have made our technical experts available to answer any and all questions that the Legislature may have,” said Governor Togiola.
With several lawmakers in attendance, the technical team responsible for carrying forward the fiber project presented the main tasks involved with the venture. The technical presentation covered several technical areas of the project including the actual tasks involved in redeploying the Pac Rim East Cable to land in Pago Pago, the route the cable will take to reach the Territory’s shores, and the many benefits that American Samoa may expect to see as a result of the cable project.
“The possibilities alone for distance health, learning and business applications alone are impressive,” said Governor Togiola. “You add to that the increased capacity for establishing and growing technology based businesses and government, and the possibilities are limitless.”
Following the presentation, the technical team then engaged the lawmakers in a question and answer session which turned into a facilitated discussion where Fono members were able to express their concerns over the project, voice their support and explore specific initiatives where their lawmaking powers may be useful to the project.
“I am very happy that the Fono members were available to review and discuss their issues and questions with our technical team,” said Governor Togiola. “This project has been in the works for a little over two years now, and now that the documents are signed, and the goal of bringing fiber optic to the Territory is within view, I believe that we are on the cusp of a technology explosion in our islands because we have worked so hard on this project with our partners. And having the support of the Fono and the community in general is the key to carrying out the rest of this very important project.”
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