|
Governor issues executive order appointing board of investigation to inquire about staple food shortages
The shortage of rice and other food items has become a concern to Governor Togiola Tulafono who has issued an Executive Order appointing a board of investigation to look into the matter.
“American Samoa’s available food supply is of paramount concern,” the Governor wrote. “Any deleterious actions that threaten our food supply, whether natural or man-made, must be carefully assessed and mitigated in order to assure that the residents of the Territory have ready access to purchase important items, among which, are staple foods.”
The Governor’s Office has been advised about an impending shortage of rice in the Territory, if one doesn’t already exist. The shortage, according to the Governor, may have negative effects on the availability of other staple foods produced in the Territory and may have an even more negative effect on commercial behavior among importers, wholesalers, and retailers toward the consuming public.
The Governor’s Office is further advised that some sharp business practices such as price gouging and merchandise hoarding may already be occurring with respect to rice supplies in the Territory.
(Some local stores who recently received a small shipment of rice have bumped up their prices, with the cost of a 20-pound rice bag ballooning to an average of $18).
The Executive Order is therefore adopted and shall take effect immediately, in order to assess, investigate the causes of, and mitigate any negative effects owing to the rice shortage.
The purpose of the Executive Order is to establish and appoint a Board of Investigation pursuant to ASCA Section 4.0302 to:
A. Investigate and document the cause or causes of the recent shortage of rice in the Territory, as well as the effects of the rice shortage on other staple foods imported and produced locally.
B. Investigate and document any improper or irregular importation, wholesale or retail actions/trends prior to and during to the Territory’s rice shortage. This includes any occurrences of sharp business practices towards consumers which includes, but is by no means limited to, price gouging.
C. Assess whether any provisions of the American Samoa Code Annotated or American Samoa Administrative Code have been violated by any individuals or entities, resulting directly or indirectly in the current shortage.
D. Assess whether government intervention is required, or is necessary in order to mitigate negative effects on consumers in the Territory owing to the rice shortage.
E. What actions the government may take legally against any individuals or entities that have resulted in the rice shortage, or that have resulted from the rice shortage.
The Board shall have full authority to subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, and report contempt to the High Court. Individuals who have been appointed to the Board include the Governor’s assistant legal counsel Marcellus Talaimalo Uiagalelei, Jennifer Augspurger, and Punimata Nu’uese
The Executive Order states that Board proceedings shall be electronically recorded and closed to the public and media. The Board shall forward to the Governor its written report consisting of findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
The Attorney General shall provide legal counsel to the Board who will be provided with technical and staff assistance from the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Commerce.
|
