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Press Releases_
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2011
Washington, D.C. - Congress approved FY2012 appropriations for Interior
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that both the House and the Senate passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012, an omnibus bill that provides appropriations for most federal government operations in FY 2012. The bill, H.R. 2055, contains appropriations for the Department of Interior in FY 2012, including $87 million for the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) to provide Assistance to the Territories.
Under OIA's Assistance to the Territories, ASG will continue to receive $22.7 million to assist in government operations and about $10 million available for capital improvement projects (CIP) in the Territory.
Of the $22.7 million allocated for government operations, $14.2 million is budgeted for ASG’s basic operations, $7.6 million for LBJ Hospital Operations and $855,000 for the High Court. In addition, CIP funds will help ASG address critical infrastructure needs including hospitals, schools, wastewater and solid waste systems. In the past couple of years, some of the CIP projects completed in the Territory included the new Leone Dispensary, classroom buildings at the Alofau and Pavaiai Elementary Schools, the Futiga Landfill Scale Office, the Water Supply System in the Manu’a Islands, and the connection of over 50 homes to the main sewer system in Tualauta.
"The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 is now on its way to the President for his signature. As it has been over the years, this bill, underscores U.S. government commitment to assist American Samoa and it is my hope that these funds will bring much needed assistance to our people," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2011
Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega commends American Samoa Chamber of Commerce for their efforts in promoting the Business Community
Congressman Faleomavaega today commended the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce for their efforts to organize the local business community and work with the local government to prop up our economy in American Samoa.
"I am pleased with the significant role and contributions of our local Chamber of Commerce in organizing our business community and promoting the interests of entrepreneurs across the territory. It has often been stated that the entrepreneurial spirit is the lifeblood of an economy, and I congratulate the Chamber, especially their Chairman, Mr. David Robinson, for his leadership," Faleomavaega added.
"The Chamber has played a significant role in the territory by being the voice of the business community regarding government relations, marked especially by Mr. Robinson's role as Co-Chair of the Governor's Economic Advisory Council. I also applaud the Chamber's support for the efforts by American Samoa Bar Association to review our local laws for business-friendly improvements as reported recently by the Samoa News."
"I urge business leaders across the territory to get involved and have a say in the public policy discussions regarding the economy. I was greatly disappointed when I last spoke at the Chamber of Commerce meeting two months ago. I noted that of all the business leaders around the room, there was not one representative from the Korean, Chinese, or Filipino businesses - are they not members of the Chamber? A large percentage of our retail businesses are operated by Asians and much of the local revenue collected by the American Samoa Government is generated from taxes paid or collected by these businesses. They need to also get involved and take part in the dialogue," Faleomavaega stated.
"I commend Mrs. Ho Ching, CEO and General Manager for ACE American Industries, for getting involved and for speaking out candidly about one of the critical issues that has affected the business community in American Samoa, and specifically the government revenues by way of paying fair and honest taxes owed our government. Mrs. Ho Ching also made reference to pending draft legislation I am working on that would provide certain long time legal permanent residents in American Samoa with the opportunity to obtain U.S. National status so I invite her and others in the public to attend and testify during the public hearing I will be conducting in Fagatogo on January 12, 2012."
"I also encourage business leaders to continue to voice their concerns and propose improvements in the relationship between the private and public sector. I was very pleased to read about Mrs. Ngaire Ho Ching's comments in the Samoa News, made during the Business Awards Ceremony sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Business and Professional Women of American Samoa, in which she expressed her observations regarding the relationship between the private and public sector."
"I congratulate ACE American Industries as winner of the Customer Service Award, as well as all of this year's winners. I also acknowledge the tremendously important work ACE and many of our local businesses have done over the years and continue today in support of our local community through their generous giving to community events and important causes including educational scholarships for our young children and care for the elderly to name a couple."
"Again, I congratulate the leaders and businesses honored at the Business Awards Ceremony and I thank the Chamber of Commerce for their hard work in advocating on behalf of local businesses in American Samoa," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fiji should be commended for its efforts to meet its commitment to hold National elections in 2014
by Congressman Eni Faleomavaega,
former Chairman and current Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
I have been a strong advocate for giving Fiji's interim government the support it needs to carry out the reforms vital to the future of the country, especially when considering the serious issues of constitutional and electoral reforms that need to be in place before the proposed elections of 2014.
For a country emerging from nearly a century of British colonialism and decades of racial and ethnic conflict, with four military coups and three constitutions over the span of a quarter century, Fiji has reached a very difficult and historic moment in its political, societal, and economic development. The experiment of democracy that began when Fiji gained independence from the British in 1970 has been complicated by inevitable consequences of views on race and ethnicity that have proved volatile in Fiji's recent history as an independent nation.
Despite the inherent complexities of Fiji's current status, the interim government's announcement to conduct national elections in 2014 has provided a clear indication that all efforts are being made to achieve this goal. Just recently, Prime Minister Bainimarama has reaffirmed his commitment to hold elections by September 2014. Fiji also announced that work is on the way to establish a new constitution no later than September 2012 to establish a fully representative government based on an electoral system that guarantees equal suffrage and not based upon race or ethnicity.
To reinforce these promises, Fiji's 2012 Budget allocated some $5.9 million for electronic voter registration. An official government document soliciting provision of the new registration system indicates that the government also plans to follow through on its promise to lower the voting age from 21 to 18 years old.
In recent years, the interim government has carried out several reforms to modernize Fiji, including equal rights for women and regulations that mandate greater transparency in government. Fiji's Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum also stated that more changes in law are to be expected with a greater focus on the constitution and electoral laws and that there will be no negotiations on ethnic voting during consultations on the new constitution.
Fiji is trying to meet its goals and hoping the interim government will carry out such critical reforms. Yet of special concern to me have been the actions by Australia, supported by the U.S. and New Zealand, to penalize Fiji. After the 2006 coup, Australia and New Zealand engaged actively to persuade other island countries to suspend Fiji from the Pacific Islands Forum. Under the leadership of Australia and New Zealand, Fiji was also suspended from its membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. Furthermore, Australia and New Zealand even tried to prevent Fiji from participating in the UN peacekeeping operations, but failed in this effort.
Australia has since implemented targeted autonomous sanctions against Fiji including travel restrictions for coup supporters and government officials and suspension of ministerial level contact with the interim government. While New Zealand has re-established ministerial level contact, it has upheld sanctions similar to Australia, including a freeze on Fijian participation in recognized seasonal work and a visa ban on most Fijian athletic teams.
The question that comes to mind is that after five years of failure of sanctions against Fiji by Australia and New Zealand, what now? Recently, one of the most influential Australian think tanks, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), in a wide-ranging review titled "Our near abroad: Australia and Pacific islands regionalism," recommended that Australia "repair the relationship with Fiji."
The report, written by Tasmania University Professor Richard Herr and ASPI's Director of Research Programs, Anthony Bergin, noted that Australian sanctions have proven ineffective, impractical and dysfunctional for Australia's image in the region in that they are being subverted by other organizations including the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, the Forum Fisheries Agency and even RAMSI, the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands. It also notes that the delay in repairing the relationship has proven costly as other states have taken up ASPI's 2010 proposals concerning Fiji. The resulting effect is that attitudes in Fiji have hardened toward the need for Australian assistance. In summary they state:
"The relationship between Australia and Fiji needs to be addressed at the highest level, not by setting preconditional demands or through intermediaries."
"At a minimum, the regional sanctions against Fiji must be lifted to re-engage Australia and Fiji through the Pacific Islands Forum on a non-prejudicial basis."
Three months ago, another reputable Australian organization, the Lowy Institute, published the results of a poll it had conducted in Fiji that found Prime Minister Bainimarama with a 66% approval rating. Yet the official Australian government reaction was to disregard the results of the poll, although it was conducted by the reputable Lowy Institute.
During all this time, the Pacific Island neighbors of Fiji have showed their support. A week before the Pacific Islands Forum met in New Zealand this past September, the island nations of the Pacific Islands Forum accepted Fiji's request and attended the second annual "Engaging with the Pacific" meeting in Fiji. Twelve island nations were represented at the meeting.
In attendance were the Prime Ministers of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, and the Solomon Islands. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Nauru and Timor-Leste were also present, and so were the Minister of Lands from Tonga, the Special Envoys of the President of Kiribati and the President of French Polynesia. The Ambassadors from the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Marshall Islands' accredited to Fiji also attended the meeting, along with the Vanuatu representative. The leaders emphasized the importance of Fiji's continuous engagement with the region, including full participation in development initiatives and programs, while also supporting Fiji's process for reestablishing parliamentary elections.
From the U.S. perspective, it should be noted that President Obama is serious about reengaging with the Asia-Pacific Region as demonstrated by his hosting of APEC in Honolulu and attending the East Asia Summit in Bali last month, as well as sending Secretary Clinton to Myanmar. This reengagement should extend to Fiji, in my view, a country which has been a staunch ally of the U.S. for the past forty years.
There is no question Fiji is currently faced with many difficult issues to resolve. However, for New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S. to demand immediate elections and to place sanctions as a means to punish Fiji will not solve Fiji's unique problems. Sanctions against Fiji have gone on now for five years and the most obvious result of the constant criticism has been to drive the Fijians to look elsewhere for their needs. Pacific regional leaders would be wise to re-engage with Fiji as a reminder of what it means to do things the "Pacific Way." And what is the "Pacific Way" of doing things? It means when somebody is hurt or having serious problems, you don't punish him, you help him.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2011
Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega invites Fono leadership and NOAA officials to participate in next month's public meeting
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has invited the Fono leadership and NOAA officials to attend the public meeting scheduled for 4 P.M. on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at the Fono Guest House.
The Congressman has invited President Gaoteote and Speaker Savali of the Fono or their designees to join him in conducting this public meeting as well as the following day covering the two proposed immigration legislation that would affect American Samoa.
The NOAA officials invited are Ms. Gene Brighouse, Superintendent of the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Mr. Lelei Peau, Deputy Director of Department of Commerce, and Mr. Dean Hudson, Chairman of the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council who will be given an opportunity to share with the public the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) proposal for the expansion of the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the regulatory changes in these areas, and the sanctuary name change.
"Last week, I met with Mr. Daniel Basta, Director of the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, and his staff in my office in Washington, D.C. concerning NOAA's recent proposal to expand the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary," said Faleomavaega. "This meeting was held in order to address my early opposition and concerns about the new proposal.
"As everyone knows, I had early reservations about the proposed management plan because I was not properly briefed by NOAA regarding their plans in moving forward. After further review and discussions with Mr. Basta, I am now having this public meeting in order for all stakeholders to voice and address any concerns."
"This public meeting will provide an opportunity for those involved to share with our people about this proposal in managing and assessing our natural resources. I know there has been a strong public response because this is a very sensitive issue that will affect the livelihoods of many of our residents. I have always been a strong advocate for conservation but I do not want it to infringe on the rights of our people."
"I am hopeful that through the public meetings many of the concerns and questions about these proposals are addressed. I look forward to the constructive dialogue in ensuring that there is a better understanding of these critical issues that will significantly impact American Samoa," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2011
Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega commends Prime Minister Tuilaepa on Polynesian leaders group initiative
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he commends Prime Minister Tuilaepa and all participating island countries and territories for the initiative to establish the Polynesian Leaders Group (PLG). In a letter to the Prime Minister dated December 2, 2011, Congressman Faleomavaega expressed his support and also congratulated leaders from the eight Polynesian island groups, including Tuvalu, Niue, Cook Islands, Tonga, Independent State of Samoa, the U.S. Territory of American Samoa, French Polynesian/Tahiti, and Tokelau that have ratified the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create this historic grouping.
"As a matter of public record, I stated my support for a Polynesian grouping back in 2004 as reported by Radio New Zealand, and I am very pleased with this initiative that would serve the common interest pertaining to our history and cultural ties that bring our Polynesian island communities together in the Pacific region," Faleomavaega said.
"Having such sub-regional intergovernmental organizations is good for the overall welfare of the Pacific region. Already, existing sub-regional intergovernmental grouping such as the Melanesian Spearhead and the Micronesian Group have shown how common interests in politics, trade, culture and language can be met. They're working together on common interests among the different entities and see how they can approach problems and resolve them," Faleomavaega added.
"The idea of a Polynesian confederation was first touted by his Majesty King David Kalakaua of the Kingdom of Hawaii back in 1887. At the height of imperialism and colonization in the Pacific Region, the idea then was to protect the interests of the Pacific island countries against the imperial western powers including Britain, Germany and the United States."
"So in essence, the nineteenth century idea of a Polynesian group remains true today. However, in this time of global market expansion and technological advancement, the benefits to the participating island countries will arrive in the form of mutual partnership and close cooperation to promote good governance, accountability, transparency, and human rights. The PLG will make it possible for participating Polynesian island countries to work together on cultural preservation, economic, social and political development," Faleomavaega said.
"I would also suggest that this should be inclusive of our Polynesian cousins including the Maoris, Hawaiians, Rapa Nuians even though they may be associated politically to New Zealand, the United States and Chile, respectively," Faleomavaega noted.
The Congressman concluded his letter by stating that, "Again I want to commend and congratulate Prime Minister Tuilaepa and all participating island countries in this historic inaugural undertaking."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2011
Washington, D.C. - OP-ED: As a matter of ASG Policy, the SVA Lease Agreement should be renewed
On June 2, 1977, High Chief Ilaoa Aumavae Tusi (USMC-Ret.), along with other retired military veterans of American Samoa agreed to a 30-year lease agreement between the ASG and the Samoa Veterans Association (SVA) to provide the SVA with a piece of undeveloped government land to build a Veterans community center in the territory. These men and women were Veterans, and especially retirees, who served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States.
It should be noted that the land lease agreement was for a nominal fee of $1.00 per year, which is a clear indication that the ASG agreed to a nominal lease as a token of our people's appreciation for all those who risked their lives to protect our nation from its enemies and to preserve our freedom and democratic way of life. In our Samoan culture, "tautua toto," or service in blood, is the highest form of service that any individual gives to his or her people. This is the essence of what military service represents.
Our Veterans put their lives in harm's way as a matter of duty and commitment to our country's strategic and security interests and I believe this is the very reason why the late Governor Peter Tali Coleman, a former U.S. Army Infantry captain himself, agreed along with other leaders of our territory to provide land at a nominal fee in order for our SVA and its members to construct a Veterans community center for their own purposes.
For the past thirty years, our Veterans conducted countless fundraisers, received donated lumber and building materials from local businesses, and by their own hard work and donated labor built the Veterans community center on the leased property. Over the years, these facilities have been the focal point whereby our Veterans and their families on many occasions conducted community meetings, hosted social gatherings, held numerous fundraisers, and more recently allowed even our local boxing and table tennis associations to use the facilities for training and tournaments.
The decision by the governor to unilaterally terminate the lease and evict our Veterans from the premises is simply wrong, and certainly most unfair to our Veterans. The administration has not outlined the necessity or critical need for evicting the Veterans at this time. Furthermore, for the governor to propose a new land lease agreement for less than a 10-year period for a newly designated land area to build a memorial for our Veterans does not make any sense. While the Fono may have appropriated $100,000 to build a memorial, there is no indication if there is any money allocated to build a new Veterans community center, similar to the facilities that are already built within the currently leased property. Moreover, every piece of lumber and nail used to build the facilities where the Veterans center is now located was done without any assistance from our local government. The facilities were built by the Veterans themselves through donations and volunteer work.
The governor in choosing to evict our Veterans has decided to treat them as "holdover tenants." As "holdover tenants," this means our Veterans will lose their property rights and will receive no compensation whatsoever for the SVA facilities built on the leased property. It should be noted that some thirty states found the "holdover tenant" rule as harsh and unreasonable; and by law, these states have eliminated such an extreme policy. Among them are states like California, New York, Florida, Montana, Arizona, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington.
It is unfortunate that the High Court has ruled against the interests of the Veterans. However, questions surrounding the governor's decision to evict our Veterans could have been resolved through arbitration rather than legal action. While the matter may eventually end up before the appellate court for a final decision, it is very unfortunate that with limited funds our Veterans are now forced to seek legal counsel in order to protect their rights under the terms of the lease agreement.
I suggest the Fono should hold hearings to determine why the administration is so aggressively committed in transferring the SVA and its members to another location after some 30 years of dedicated efforts to build and maintain the current Veterans community center on the land they have leased since 1977. These facilities are the only buildings standing where our Veterans have a place where they can call "home." This is the only place where our Veterans and their families can fellowship and discuss community service projects on how to help other Veterans who have returned home with tremendous psychological and social challenges that require making adjustments to normal life. There is a special need to provide moral support and comfort to the families of soldiers who were injured or killed in action. These challenges are often met by other military families because of their shared experiences. The Veterans community center facilitates the transition from military life to civilian life simply by providing a supportive environment for our Veterans and their families.
All this could have been averted by extending or renewing the lease agreement and allowing our Veterans to have the peace and enjoyment of the use of these facilities that our earlier generation of Veterans, especially many who have passed on, worked so hard to build and maintain for future generations.
As we celebrate Veterans Day this week, we must take time to reflect and pay tribute to all our veterans for their sacrifices and contributions to our communities and to our great nation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2011
Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega opposes NOAA's proposed additional protected areas in American Samoa
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he is opposed to NOAA's proposed rule that would expand the current Fagatele Marine Sanctuary to include five additional sites. In a letter to Undersecretary Dr. Jane Lubchenco, with copies to the American Samoa Governor and Lt. Governor, the President and Senators, the Speaker and Representatives of the Fono, NOAA's Regional Administrator Michael Tosatto, and Superintendent Gene Brighouse, Faleomavaega emphasized the need to first thoroughly review a sustainable Management Plan for the current protected sites, before considering any plans for expansion.
Excerpts from Faleomavaega's letter are inserted below:
"Notwithstanding the ongoing proceedings and the amount of data and scientific findings collected so far ... this is a very sensitive issue to the people of American Samoa and it is very important for NOAA to get it right."
"Extending federal protection over communal property may be seen by some as federal imposition on the rights of the local communities and villages to manage and administer the said property..."
"Similar concerns were brought to my attention after the Rose Atoll was designated as a national monument... Evidently, there are strong cultural, economic and legal issues that just cannot simply be ignored."
"Forging a symbiotic relationship with the affected communities, especially the village council and its subsidiary bodies is important. Strategically utilizing traditional entities in various aspects of the Management Plan reinforces the sense of ownership among the local communities."
The Congressman concluded his letter by stating, "I thank you for your consideration and again I want to state my strong opposition to the proposed rule to add five more sites to the already existing areas under the Fagatele Sanctuary."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2011
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Faleomavaega expresses personal condolences to Mrs. Tofiga Tufele Li'amatua and family
Congressman Faleomavaega Eni today extended to Mrs. Tofiga Tufele, his personal condolences on the sudden passing of Paramount Chief Tufele Liamatua in Hawaii last week. Tufele's body arrived in the territory Thursday night via Hawaiian Air, and the Congressman was on the flight accompanying Mrs. Tufele and family members including their son, the Honorable Representative Puleleiite Tufele Li'amatua, Jr.
The full text of Faleomavaega's letter is included below:
Le Faletua/Tina ia Tofiga:
O 'upu a le atunu'u: "Ua maui le 'au peau i pu'pu, ma ua to'a le taufa'anu'u i tumutumu mauga ... Talofa e, ua motu le 'asoa, ua solo le falute, ua tafea pulu i vai, ua matala le mafutaga fa'aleulugali'i, fa'amatua ma fanau, fa'auso ma fa'atuagane, ma o ai o le a tu atu e fa'alavefau i le pule fai to'atasi a le Atua?"
O upu o le Tusi: "Ua fai atu le tupu i ana 'au'auna: 'Tou te le iloa 'ea ua maliu le ali'i tele lava i le aso i Isara'elu?... Aue ua maliliu Toa, ua maumau ai 'au 'upega o le taua ... Ua lagona le leo o le tagi aue i Rama, ona o le masusu a le tina, i lona valevale alofa..."
It is with grave sadness that, Hina and I and the family, express our deep condolences in the untimely passing of your husband and renowned traditional, political and church leader, Paramount Chief Tufele Li'amatua.
The suddenness of his death came as a shock, considering how strong he had always made himself to be. The humbleness and courage he had consistently shown, even though he had had a major health condition for years, made death the furthest from Tufele's regular routine, which most of us had accepted as normal. We had taken that perhaps he had outlived death for now, and it would catch up with him at a different time later on in life.
Tufele, in the 72 years of his life, was successfully established and recognized in politics, Samoan traditions and with the Congregational Christian Church in American Samoa. He achieved countless endeavors, numerous undertakings and extraordinary accomplishments which I will leave to others to speak of. But if I were to ask him now what his success in life was, I'm sure he would say: "I had a good wife and a good family, and God was always good to us."
As you may know, while you and Tufele were in Jerusalem, he contacted my office in Washington, D.C., requesting my advice and assistance to set up a meeting for him with the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, The Honorable Daniel Shapiro. The next day, while I was in the process of setting up Tufele's request he informed me through his senior staff and special assistant, Muliagatele Sanele Tuiteleleapaga at the Office of Samoan Affairs, that he was no longer in need of the meeting. That Ambassador Shapiro was at the conference opening ceremony and he met him there along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other world dignitaries who were in attendance. In his usual fa'aaloalo and humble way, he expressed his sincere appreciation for my efforts to assist him.
I was in Samoa shortly before your trip, and Tufele and I talked over the telephone. He said something humorous like: "Eni, I have been all over the world before. This time, to be in the Holy Land, with Tofiga, would be the best trip of them all. I am happy and excited, and from a very Samoan perspective, what else is there beyond that?" We both chuckled, and I realized then how deep and ingrained his faith as a Christian was, in his family, his people and his God. Then he extended a personal invitation for me to attend the grand opening ceremony for the Fale Tele at Utulei Park which he was planning for sometime towards the end of the year.
It is sad this will not happen. I was really looking forward to celebrating with him, something essential and so vital to our culture in these changing times. This may be the only Fale Tele being constructed in our lifetime. I know he viewed its construction as his pet project, and perhaps the grand finale of all his work, and a personal tribute to the Samoan culture. It was the last of his works for his culture and people he treasured and loved so much.
I know Tufele realized how fortunate he was to have had a loving wife like you. You have proven to all of us, and beyond everything else, how important and valuable love is when it comes to taking care of those who are dear to us.
I thank you and may I say with sincerity: malo le tausi ali'i. Your care and love inspired Tufele in the last years of his life, to live and share with all of us what courage and dedication are all about.
'Amu'ia Tufele ua nofo i le saofa'iga e 'atoa iai li'o o le masina. O le matou tatalo, ia liua e fa'amaisega a le Atua le vai o Sina i le fa'avauvau o lo'o ia te 'oe le faletua, le nofo i alo, fa'apea le pa'ia o aiga.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega calls upon Government of Indonesia to assure safe and humane treatment of West Papuans in custody and to work for their release
Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has sent a letter to Ambassador Dr. Dino Patti Djalal of Indonesia raising concerns about the safety and treatment of Mr. Forkorus Yaboisembut and many others who were arrested at the recent meeting of the Papuan People's Congress in West Papua. It has been reported by the international media that the Indonesian Armed Forces and police have beaten and arrested hundreds of civilians who attended the meeting.
The full text of the Faleomavaega's letter, which is copied to U.S. Ambassador Scot Marciel to Indonesia, is included below:
Dear Mr. Ambassador:
I am writing to request your intervention in ensuring the safety and the humane treatment of Mr. Forkorus Yaboisembut and many others who were arrested on Wednesday, October 19, 2011, at the third meeting of the Papuan People's Congress in West Papua.
According to numerous media outlets, it has been reported that the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) fired shots during the meeting where a crowd of thousands of defenseless and unarmed civilians were engaged in peaceful political assembly. While the crowds dispersed after the shots were fired, many West Papuans, including journalists, were attacked and apprehended by the Indonesian military and police.
These are serious violations and crimes against humanity especially given that the Government of Indonesia is a signatory to both of the United Nations treaties on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights.
Enclosed are photos that display the heavy military presence of the TNI and police at the meeting prior to the chaos. Clearly, the presence of the Indonesian military was to intimidate the peaceful citizens, which is a continuation of the human rights violations by the TNI as reported in the U.S. State Department 2010 Human Rights Report.
Media reports also continue to circulate that Imam Setiawan, Chief Police of Jayapura Province, may have played a significant role in the attacks given his reported links to the death of a West Papuan leader, the fatal attack on a journalist reporting from West Papua, and many West Papuans attacked and killed within the past few years.
I have very serious concerns in the matter and I do not condone the serious acts of violence by the TNI and police on the peaceful demonstration by unarmed civilians who were simply voicing their opinions about the failure of the Government of Indonesia to seriously implement the Special Autonomy law for West Papua. It is obvious the actions by the TNI and police are contrary to the commitments made by President Yudhoyono to solve the issues in West Papua in a "peaceful, just, and dignified manner."
For these reasons, I am concerned about the events that have transpired and I want to be assured by the Government of Indonesia that Mr. Yaboisembut and others will be treated humanely while in custody and that you will work for their release. I would like to meet with you sometime early next week to discuss the matter further.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2011
Washington, D.C. - Adoption Unit of the American Samoa Department of Human and Social Services receives "Adoption Excellence Award"
Congressman Faleomavaega today announced that the Adoption Unit of the American Samoa Department of Human and Social Services (ASDHSS) was recognized at the 2011 Adoption Excellence Awards Ceremony in Arlington, Virginia.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS) Administration for Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) Children's Bureau, the ceremony honored a total of 18 recipients from across the nation. The American Samoa program was recognized specifically under the category entitled "Support for Adoptive Families" for their unique skills and professionalism to integrate national adoption program requirements with Samoan cultural protocol while defraying the cost of the adoption process to families.
Accepting the award were Senator Fonoti Tafa'ifa Aufata (District 8, Tualauta County) and Celestine Faumuina-Nix, Manager for the Child Welfare and Family Advocacy Branch and the Adoption Unit within ASDHSS. Senator Fonoti, Chair of the Senate Committee on Human Resources and Human Social Services nominated the Adoption Unit for this prestigious award.
The Adoption Excellence Awards were established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in 1997 as a way of recognizing outstanding accomplishments in achieving permanency for America's children waiting in foster care.
The awards honor states, local agencies, private organizations, courts, businesses, individuals and families who are making key contributions to increasing the number of children from the foster care system who are adopted or placed in other permanent homes. Selection criteria include innovation, uniqueness, overall impact, demonstrated benefits, use of resources, community outreach/involvement, collaboration, sustainability, and ability to replicate.
"I offer my congratulations to the Adoption Unit of the American Samoa Department of Human and Social Services on this distinguished national recognition. I am proud to say that out of 18 recipients for the entire nation, our small island territory was recognized and also the only territory represented among the 2011 awardees," Congressman Faleomavaega stated.
"Adoption within families is a natural aspect of our fa'a Samoa, and in providing support for adoptive families, the Adoption Unit has successfully overcome the challenge of merging our Samoan cultural practices with national adoption program standards, legal requirements, and procedures. With cultural and family values that make foster care very rare, American Samoa serves as a model to families and state agencies across the country, where foster care is often the immediate and only remedy."
"I commend Celestine Faumuina-Nix and her staff at the Child Welfare and Family Advocacy Branch for their dedicated service to adoptive families in American Samoa. The Branch is the only adoption agency on island, handling all guardianship and adoption cases including home studies, background checks, reports for the court, and preparation for the families and children. Furthermore, the Branch has worked to successfully reduce the completion time for the adoption process in American Samoa from 2 years to 6 months. I have learned that Mrs. Faumuina-Nix was also recently nominated by Governor Togiola for the DHHS Administration for Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) Commissioner's Award and I commend her for her dedication to this field. I also acknowledge ASDHSS Director, Leilua Stevenson, and Social Services Division Assistant Director Lupe Fiso for their guidance and leadership for our social services programs."
"I also extend my deep gratitude to Senator Fonoti for nominating the Adoption Unit and bringing national attention to American Samoa's successes and needs in this field. I thank our local leaders, particularly Senate President Gaoteote along with Senator Fonoti and her colleagues in the Senate Committee on Human and Social Services for their advocacy and leadership on behalf of the adoptive children and families in our homeland."
"Lastly, I thank Secretary Kathleen Sebelius of the US Department of Health and Human Services for her leadership and the Administration for Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) Children's Bureau for all the hard work they do to support adoption programs, children, and families throughout the nation. I was pleased to be able to coordinate a meeting at my office between representatives of the ACYF, Senator Fonoti, and Mrs. Faumuina-Nix to discuss federal resources for American Samoa's adoption programs. Going forward, I am hopeful that the continued dialogue will lead to increased federal support for adoptive families in American Samoa," Congressman Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2011
Washington, D.C. - Close Up program to host first youth summit in American Samoa next week
Congressman Faleomavaega today announced that representatives from the Close Up Program are in American Samoa this week to host a three-day Youth Summit for local high school students. The civic education program will take place from Monday October 17th to Wednesday October 19th at the Lee Auditorium in Utulei.
According to the Close Up Foundation, approximately 60 high school students will work with Close Up education specialists to identify important public policy issues and develop an "Agenda for Policy Action". During the course of the program students will meet with policy experts, conduct research, and work with one another to develop consensus solutions. Local teachers and educators, led by Paulo Salave'a and Salote Aoelua-Fanene, have assisted Close Up in the planning and coordination of the program and in preparing the students for their participation. Additionally, government officials will also participate in parts of the Youth Summit.
The Close Up Foundation is a non-profit non-partisan organization committed to inspiring and educating young people to become active citizens in our democracy. Each year thousands of students and teachers travel from around the country to Washington, D.C. to participate in Close Up's week-long educational programs. This Close Up Youth Summit is the first of its kind to be held in American Samoa.
"Each year, I always look forward to hosting our Close Up students from American Samoa in my Washington, D.C. office and I am always impressed by the quality of programming that Close Up offers," Congressman Faleomavaega stated.
"Through Close Up, students are given the opportunity to experience the Federal government first-hand, engage in dialogue with their peers, and voice their opinion with their federal representatives. During the many Close Up visits to my office over the years, I have always stressed to students the need for young people to become active in civic affairs," Faleomavaega added.
"I commend Close-Up for providing this excellent service to our youth and I am pleased that students will have the opportunity to discuss current policy issues with local leaders. I extend my deep gratitude to Close Up education specialists, Gerald Taylor and Andy Clark, for their hard work and I thank them for taking the time to visit my office to learn more about the culture and politics of American Samoa during their preparations for the Summit. I also thank all of our local educators and government officials who have assisted with planning and who will participate in the Close Up Youth Summit," Faleomavaega stated.
"I am confident that this year's Summit will encourage our youth to be actively engaged in shaping the future of American Samoa. Last but not least, I congratulate all of the students who were selected to participate in this exceptional program and I wish all participants a successful and enjoyable Youth Summit," Congressman Faleomavaega concluded.
The following teachers, educators, and government officials are scheduled to participate in this year's summit:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2011
Washington, D.C. - Faleomavaega shares White House photos from CAPAC's first meeting with President Obama
Congressman Faleomavaega today released the attached photos from CAPAC's first meeting with President Barack Obama. The meeting took place on September 23, 2011 in the Cabinet Room of the White House.
The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. CAPAC, a non-partisan and bi-cameral Caucus, has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.
"As I have stated previously, I am very pleased to have represented the people of American Samoa in this historic meeting. For the first time, we, as members of CAPAC, had the opportunity to meet face to face with the President to discuss issues of concern and offer him our recommendations on behalf of the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders," Faleomavaega said.
"I appreciate President Obama for his leadership in support of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and I also thank him for taking the time to dialogue with us. I am confident that this meeting will serve as a constructive step forward in strengthening the White House's engagement with our AAPI community," Faleomavaega concluded.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 4, 2011
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Department of Education makes available $400,000 to American Samoa Community College through the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) program
Congressman Faleomavaega today announced that the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) last week made available $3.95 million to support colleges and universities serving Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islanders through the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Program. Out of eleven awardees, American Samoa was one of three institutions to receive the highest amount of funding at $400,000. The following institutions also received grants:
The AANAPISI program, originally authorized by Congress in the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, seeks to increase participation and academic attainment of all low income, high-need students, and serve communities with high poverty and Limited English Proficiency rates. To qualify for an AANAPISI grant, an institution must have an enrollment of undergraduate students that is at least ten percent Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander students and at least 50% of students must receive federal financial assistance. Similar to other Minority Serving Institutions, AANAPISI grants are not directed to a specific student group but strengthen overall institutional capacity.
ASCC's grant will fund a five-year project aimed at improving the college's Developmental Math and English programs. The project includes an intensive three-week "bridge" program prior to the Fall Semester, including focused Math and English instruction, secondary assessment to assure proper Math and English placement, and supporting counseling and planning. Students will also benefit from extended hours of instruction and faculty-directed time in the new Writing Lab and/or Math lab each week.
Currently 92% of new students test into Developmental English and 98% into Developmental Math. This project will increase the pass rate to the next level by 20% and reduce the amount of time in Developmental Studies by at least one semester. Overall, the project will enable students to enter regular college classes faster, provide more effective instruction, assess progress more accurately, and help teachers prepare students for college entry.
"I am pleased to know that the AANAPISI Program will provide much needed assistance to American Samoa Community College to help new college students in their transition to college level studies. Having a solid foundation in Math and English studies is crucial to their future success in postsecondary education and in the workplace," Faleomavaega stated.
"I thank Secretary Arne Duncan and his team at the U.S. Department of Education, for providing this level of federal support to ASCC and the other AANAPISI institutions who were awarded. As one of the fastest growing populations in the nation, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders also experience some of the highest college attrition rates. This grant will assist colleges and universities to address these issues in the AAPI community," Faleomavaega added.
"Last but not least, I congratulate and commend ASCC President Dr. Seth Galea'i and his leadership team for their efforts to help our students overcome some of the most pressing obstacles in their educational journey. I am thankful that through this program ASCC will be able to make great strides in giving students a head start towards earning their degrees," Congressman Faleomavaega concluded.
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