aumuaamata.com

May 02, 2007

By Blue Chen-Fruean
Samoa News Correspondent

Manu’a District Governor Tufele Li’amatua has written a letter to Congressman Faleomavaega, voicing his opinion on, among other things, suggestions that the Manu’a Islands should set up its own separate government.

In his letter, Tufele acknowledges and thanks Senator Daniel K. Inouye for his great assistance to the people of Manu’a. He also addresses several issues Congressman Faleomavaega has brought to the fore recently concerning Manu’a.

Tufele says that as chairman of the Future Political Status Study Commission (FPSSC), it is important at this time “to put to rest statements which have been made regarding the future political status options for the Manu’a Islands,” particularly the notion that Manu’a should set up its own separate government.

He described the Manu’a people as “loyal and proud Americans of American Samoan ancestry.”

“Culturally, economically, socially, geographically, and politically, such a political option would not reflect the wisdom which moved our forefathers to define and promote our current relationship with the United States,” Tufele wrote.

He referred to the fact that Tutuila and Manu’a have received “unprecedented and unparalleled benefits and goodwill as a result of our affiliation with the United States,” and as FPSSC chairman, Tufele said he has maintained that the present relationship with the United States is serving our very aspiration.

“American Samoans are free to travel and set up residences in the United States,” he continued. “We continue to boast that we still own our lands and are free to practice our cultural traditions.”

“You have often raised the point that we must decide whether American Samoans wish to become US citizens and I concur that the question must be answered.”

However, Tufele says that the privileges do have latent costs, which must be clearly identified, discussed, and understood, before any question is asked.

He points out that with the exception of the privilege to vote for the President of the United States, American Samoans enjoy practically all of the privileges accorded to U.S. citizens.

“Our people are extremely patriotic, evidenced by the highest per capita enlistment rate in the United States Armed Forces, protecting the basic freedoms that Americans treasure,” Tufele pointed out.

Tufele said that while their approaches might vary and interpretation of circumstances may yield differing perspectives, “we all agree that our intentions all center on our individual commitments to improve the lives of our people.”

“I refuse to accept the thinking that politics causes divisiveness. Political maneuvering which causes the lives of our people to improve is good politics,” continued Tufele. “Since the common thread which binds us together as political leaders is to improve the welfare of our people, we should be working together to advance this desire. Collaboration, in my humble opinion, guards against waste, not only in terms of money, but also in terms of time.”

He said he is “thrilled” that the needs of the Manu’a Islands have been afforded tremendous attention, but he is also very cautious of his jubilation.

“Funding earmark is only the beginning step of the process. Implementation is the key. It would be unfair not to acknowledge the efforts of the Governor and the Fono, who I extend my thanks to for recognizing the needs of Manu’a,” said Tufele. “It is my hope that in the future, we will present the needs of American Samoa through a unified front so that the Congress of the United States is clear and under locally determined priorities.”

Osini Faleatasi Inc. dba Samoa News reserves all rights.

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