ManuaTele - Amata

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Tufele dismisses any move for a separate Manu'a government

By Blue Chen-Fruean
Samoa News Correspondent

May 2, 2007

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."

Reach the reporter at blue@samoanews.com.

Senate calls for Eni to withdraw ballot proposal
Congressman didn't consult with leaders and the public, resolution says

By Fili Sagapolutele
Samoa News Correspondent

May 1, 2007

The Senate has requested Congressman Faleomavaega to withdraw a federal measure he introduced in the U.S. House seeking the Secretary of Interior to place three questions on the November 2008 ballot.

The questions are 1st) whether individuals who are born in American Samoa should become citizens of the United States; 2nd) whether Senators should be elected by the qualified electors from the respective counties; and 3rd) whether American Samoa should have its own Federal district court with limited jurisdiction.

The Senate's request is outlined in a Senate Resolution, signed by 17 senators, conveying its "strong opposition" to the proposal. The missing signature is Sen. Faiivae Galeai, who has been absent since the start of the Special Session due to health reasons.

Prior to the close of the First Session in March, Faiivae had argued that its up to Faleomavaega as to what bill he wants to introduce in Congress and challenges his colleagues as to what they are afraid of, having such questions placed on the ballot.

The "Senate strongly opposes this legislation which it feels the Congressman unilaterally and without proper consultation with the leaders and people of American Samoa introduced," the resolution says.

Regarding the issue of persons born in American Samoa to become a U.S. citizen, the Senate says this matter has been the subject of comment in the territory's history "as far back as our forefathers who established milestones in our development, to the political status study commissions and constitutional conventions of more recent times."

"During these occasions the people of American Samoa concluded that U.S. National is the appropriate status for themselves and their future generations because of the conditions that make life in this small island community uniquely different from that which exists in the United States," the resolution said.

In the matter of electing Senators, the resolution points out the "wisdom of our forefathers to institutionalize Samoan culture in the decision making process of modern government, by mandating that members of the Senate.....be elected by Samoan culture, assures the preservation of a way of life that is directly dictated by the physical and spiritual environment in which the Samoans live."

The resolution notes the "people of American Samoa acknowledge with humility the material and spiritual benefits received through their relationship with the United States based on the values of mutual love and respect."

It further states that the "Senate believes that the issues that have direct impact on the future political status and the preservation of our way of life, such as those raised by Congressman Faleomavaega in Congress, must emanate from within American Samoa."

The Senate therefore requests Faleomavaega to withdraw this measure from Congress in favor of awaiting public discussions in the territory.

Copies of the resolution were to be forwarded to Governor Togiola, Interior Secretary, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi; Hawaii's congressional delegation and other Congressional members.

Reach the reporter at fili@samoanews.com.

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The Katinas on their My Samoa Tour pictured with their father Pastor Mose Katina and New Zealand's Adeaze during the My Samoa concert in Hawaii. Scheduled appearances for 2007 continue in Fayetteville, North Carolina on February 17th and in Oceanside, California on February 23rd. More details available at www.thekatinas.com. (Contributed by: Evelyn)

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