Aumua Amata commends Shaun Nua on securing Naval Academy's assistant football coach position

Aumua Amata today offered hearty congratulations to Shaun Nua, who has joined the staff of the Naval Academy as assistant football coach as announced by Navy's famed head football coach Ken Niumatalolo.

Said Amata, "We could not be more proud of this young American Samoan who hails from Manu'a. His many stellar achievements are the result of hard work and discipline and he comes from a family of leaders in Manu'a."

Nua comes to the Naval Academy from Brigham Young University, where he assisted for the past three seasons. He is a 2005 graduate of BYU where he received his bachelor's degree and is currently pursuing his graduate degree. Nua played four years in the NFL, three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and one in Buffalo, including a winning trip to the Super Bowl with the Steelers his rookie year in 2006.

Shaun prepped at Tafuna High School where he was an all-league performer as a defensive end.

Aumua concluded by saying, "My compliments to Shaun's parents, Nua Sao Nua and Usu. His siblings include Skyline Nua, Miss American Samoa. Malo le tau malo finau."

Faleomavaega thanks NOAA for extension of time

"I want to thank NOAA and the Sanctuary officials for extending the comment period until March 9, 2012," Faleomavaega said. "During the recent town hall meeting I convened at the Fono Guest House on January 11, 2012, I respectfully made the request for an extension and I especially want to thank Mr. Dave Basta, Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, and Ms. Genevieve Brighouse, Superintendent of the Fagatele Sanctuary." [Read more...]

Recruitment rules issued for buildup projects

26 Jan 2012: "The U.S. Department of Labor yesterday issued a notice, telling construction companies the steps they must take to ensure U.S. workers are given priority for Guam military-buildup-related jobs. Similar job postings must be submitted to internet job banks in American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington state."   [Read more on GuamPDN...]

PREL Offers Scholarships to Teachers

"Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) is accepting online applications for the Pacific Teacher Scholarship Program for Academic Year 2012–2013. The application deadline is April 1, 2012. PREL awards about five scholarships each year to residents of the U.S.-affiliated Pacific to honor their commitment to teaching excellence. The amounts vary from $500 to $1,000."   [Read more on PREL website...]

Faleomavaega congratulates Polynesian players in this weekend's NFL playoff championship games

"Congressman Faleomavaega today sent his personal congratulations to the Polynesian players that will be playing this weekend in the National Football League (NFL) Conference Championship games that will decide which teams will play in Super Bowl XLVI on February 5, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana."   [Read more...]

U.S. Treasury approved $10 million to help small businesses in American Samoa

"Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he was recently informed by the U.S. Treasury that a total of $10.5 million has been approved for American Samoa under the State Small Business Community Initiative (SSBCI)."   [Read more...]

S.D. Moments: Madison native became governor of islands

"Lowe, who was born July 8, 1902, in Madison, went on to serve as the governor of American Samoa and Guam, led what was then called Sioux Falls College for two years, served as a full commander in the Navy and wrote three books."   [Read more on ArgusLeader website...]

Immigration concerns fuel American Samoa debate

"Some American Samoans are concerned about an immigration intiative being proposed by the territory's US congressman to allow foreigners to become US nationals and hope it won't be tabled. 'The main concern of those who oppose the bill was that it is going to create problems for native American Samoans. One of the concerns is that people from the outside will flock here, and this will result in American Samoans being dominated by outsiders.'"   [Read more on Radio NZ...]

American Samoa congressman defends resident proposal

"Opponents of a proposal by the Congressman to allow alien permanent residents to apply for US national status, say that communal land may end up in the hands of foreigners."  [Read more on Radio NZ...]

Faleomavaega provides further updates about minimum wage delays

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that since the Senate passed S. 2009 on December 16, 2011, he has worked to move the bill forward by clearing all obstacles in the House so that a vote can take place. "As I explained in my previous release, S. 2009 included two other provisions besides minimum wage," Faleomavaega said.   [Read more...]

Concern at over-crowding at American Samoa high school

"A lawmaker in American Samoa has raised the serious problem of student overcrowding at Tafuna High School, with an enrollment of more than 1,000. He says students are sitting on the floor and there's not enough resources for them to use, while teachers are trying their best to make do with what they have."   [Read more on Radio NZ...]

Faleomavaega reminds the public to testify during the NOAA and Immigration Hearings

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he invites all interested individuals and parties to testify during the two town hall meetings scheduled for next week at the Fono Guest House (Fale Samoa) in Fagatogo. On Wednesday January 11, 2012, the public will have the opportunity to discuss NOAA's proposal to expand the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (Sanctuary), and on Thursday January 12, 2012, the chance to discuss two immigration legislative initiatives. Both meetings are scheduled for 4:00 pm.   [Read more...]

Ringleader of ID theft, fraud ploy that stretched from NJ to Pacific territories pleads guilty

"Prosecutors said Park and his co-conspirators operated a scheme to buy Social Security cards from brokers who fraudulently obtained them from Asian immigrants - mostly Chinese nationals - working in American territories, including Guam, American Samoa and Saipan. ... Park, a 45-year-old native of South Korea, lives in Palisades Park, a town just across the George Washington Bridge from Manhattan that is home to a large Korean population. He emigrated from Seoul in 1999 to start a business importing raw materials from Central America to manufacture hats in New Jersey, according to his attorney, Christian Fleming."  [Read more on Washington Post...]

American Samoa government payroll in jeopardy

"The American Samoa governor Togiola Tulafono has advised government workers that they many not get their paychecks at the end of the week if there isn't enough money in the government's coffers."   [Read more on Radio NZ...]

Toronto hires Thomas Rongen as coach

"Toronto FC has hired former U.S. Under-20 coach Thomas Rongen as director of its soccer academy. The 55-year-old most recently served as coach of the American Samoa national team, which beat Tonga 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier in November to win its first international soccer match after 30 consecutive losses over 17 years."   [Read more...]

Samoa pushes for more women in parliament

Aumua Amata applauds effort by Prime Minister Tuilaepe to improve womens' political power in his country. She said, "Kudos to the Independent State of Samoa - they get it"!   [Read more on Radio Australia website...]

Faleomavaega reminds the public to testify during the NOAA and Immigration hearings

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he invites all interested individuals and parties to testify during the two town hall meetings scheduled for next week at the Fono Guest House (Fale Samoa) in Fagatogo. On Wednesday January 11, 2012, the public will have the opportunity to discuss NOAA's proposal to expand the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (Sanctuary), and on Thursday January 12, 2012, the chance to discuss two immigration legislative initiatives. Both meetings are scheduled for 4:00 pm.   [Read more...]

EPA issues American Samoa toxics inventory data for 2010

"Toxic chemicals managed, treated or released into the environment from facilities operating in American Samoa decreased in 2010 when compared to 2009, according to the latest data available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."   [Read more...]

The demographic profiles for the Island Areas are scheduled for release this summer

"Population counts at the village level are now available for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Similar counts for lower levels of geography are being prepared and will be released for American Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands when they are available. The demographic profiles for the Island Areas are scheduled for release this summer, and the summary files are scheduled for release in the fall."   [Read more on MarketWatch...]

Aumua Amata offers New Year's greatings to American Samoa - Jan. 1, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR, AMERICAN SAMOA

"With tenderness for the past, courage for the present and aspirations, new hopes and optimism for the future, Fred, our children Erika, Mark, Kirsten, John, Aleki and I humbly thank you for your warmth and friendship. Sometimes, it only takes a little to change big things. Our fervent wish is that every cup may overflow with God's blessings rich and eternal. May the New Year bring health, happiness, success, posterity, comfort, peace and many good positive changes you have wished for." With Love, Fred, Aumua Amata and family

Medical debt collection regime stuns American Samoa

"Patients at American Samoa's LBJ Hospital are complaining about a new policy which they say has taken them completely by surprise. Since last weekend, the hospital has been requiring patients to first pay 10 per cent of any unpaid bills from prior treatment or medication before they can be seen by a doctor or be issued prescriptions."   [Read more on Radio NZ]

Educational Debt Relief

"The high cost of education and the burden of educational debt prevent many from pursuing and remaining in public interest careers. Our Educational Debt Relief program is devoted to advocating for educational debt relief and spreading the word to make sure those who need relief are taking the right steps to qualify."   [Read more...]

Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers

"The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program is intended to encourage individuals to enter and continue in the teaching profession. Under this program, individuals who teach full time for five consecutive, complete academic years in certain elementary and secondary schools that serve low-income families and meet other qualifications may be eligible for forgiveness of up to a combined total of $17,500 in principal and interest on their FFEL and/or Direct Loan program loans."   [Read more...]

The names that hit the headlines

"Johnny Saelua. The player for American Samoa - now coached by Thomas Rongen - set what is believed to be a landmark when she became the first transgender player to take the pitch in a World Cup qualifier. Saelua, born male, is a member of a small sub-set of Samoans known as the fa'afafine: they are raised as women and widely accepted in Pacific culture. Moreover, with Saelua on the field, American Samoa recorded their first ever win in a qualifier, beating Tonga 2-1."   [Read more on Fox Sports]

Ocean City Man Vies for World Ocean Swimming's 'Man of Year'

"Chase's success drew widespread media attention and also notice by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation - the organization partnered with Chase to conduct a swimming missionary trip to American Samoa, the southernmost U.S. territory, last spring."   [Read more on OceanCityPatch]

Mike Leach Hires Joe Salave'a As Defensive Line Coach

"At Arizona, Salave'a was responsible for recruiting Los Angeles, Nevada, Washington and the islands. One can safely assume Salave'a will be a key player in Leach's recruiting strategy and will continue in his role an ambassador to American Samoa. It's also interesting to note Salave'a is one of the only, if not the only, hires without a significant tie to Leach. The rest of the staff is populated by former players, coaching colleagues and friends, but as far as I can tell there's no existing tie between Leach and Salave'a. It's not a bad thing, but it says a lot about Salave'a that Leach values what he brings to the table enough, and trusts him, to add him to the staff."   [Read more on CougCenter...]

Pope speaks of challenges in NZ, Pacific

"Pope Benedict XVI has told visiting New Zealand and Pacific Island bishops that abstaining from 'earthly passions' is becoming more challenging as society becomes more secular. 'In such a context the struggle to lead a life worthy of our baptismal calling and to abstain from the earthly passions which wage war against our souls becomes ever more challenging,' he said."   [Read more on PINA]

International opposition to experimental seabed mining grows

"The campaign by Pacific Civil Society against experimental seabed mining in the Pacific has been boosted by growing international support. A public petition launched on 01 December has received signatures from as far as Nigeria and Guyana, as well as from diverse groups including trade unions in Canada, indigenous groups in Asia, Hawaii and the Pacific, churches in Australia and the Pacific and feminists from across the world."  [ Read more on PINA]

Samoa Law Society honors Governor Peter Tali Coleman

Click to hear audio...  "The late Governor Uifaatali Peter Tali Coleman was honored at the 35th anniversary celebration of the Samoa Law Society in Apia on Friday. The society recognized Coleman as one of the first Samoan lawyers to practice law in Samoa President Raymond Schuster invited Coleman's daughter, Aumua Amata to accept the award in recognition of her fatehr's contribution as a pioneer of the legal profession in Samoa."   [Read more on Talanei...]    NOTE: Uifa'atali was also a member of the United States Supreme Court Bar.

WARNING: Do Not Open Email From USPS Delivery, It's A Virus
Read more on CT Watchdog...]

American Samoa nominated for FIFA Fair Play Award

American Samoa's national soccer team has been nominated for the FIFA Fair Play Award after breaking a 30-game losing streak last month.  [Read more on WashingtonTimes...]

2Samoas/1Ocean Wins Ocean Grant

"The 2 Samoas/1 Ocean project will begin in April 2012 with ocean swimming clinics and inspirational presentations to youth, businesses and community groups in Independent & American Samoa to inspire others to discover their own personal connection to the oceans thus highlighting opportunities for marine safety and conservation action to benefit both human and ocean health.   [Read more on Swimming World...]