americansamoa.gov

Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga, along with key ASG Cabinet members, attended a virtual meeting with leaders of the US Department of the Interior regarding important issues concerning American Samoa.

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Facilitating the meeting from Washington D.C. was DOI Office of Insular Affairs Director Nikolao Pula. Director Pula noted that the new US Presidential Biden-Harris team's priorities regarding US Territories include the following issues:
1. Covid-19

2. Climate Change
3. Equality/ Racial Justice

Director Pula also touched on how American Samoa has administered Covid-19 vaccinations effectively to date with 32% of the population having received both doses of Pfizer and Moderna, ranking number 2 in the nation.

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Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga recognized with appreciation the attention and support the DOI officials have continued to give the Territory and affirmed the commitment of ASG to work together with DOI for the well-being of the people of American Samoa. 

 

Representatives of the Department of the Interior and American Samoa Government attending the virtual meeting respectively were:

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U.S. Department Of Interior
Director of OIA Nikolao Pula
AS Field Representative: Lydia Faleafine-Nomura
FAS, American Samoa Desk Officer: Joseph McDermott

Director of the Technical Assistance Program: Charlene Leizear

Director of Policy: Basil Ottley
Director of Budget: Jonathan Dunn 

American Samoa Government Representatives

Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga
Chief of Staff Tuimavave Tauapa’i Laupola
Political Status Director Tapa’au Daniel Aga
DOC Director Petti Tagipo Matila
ASEPA Director Fa’amao Asalele