Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — We are deeply saddened and grieve the sudden passing of the Chief Executive Officer of the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority, High Talking Chief Pulele’i’ite Li’amatua Tufele at the LBJ Tropical Medical Center Friday evening May 11, 2018. The ill-fated and ill-timed passing of the CEO has struck a huge blow to the leadership mantle of one of our most vital authorities charged with the responsibility of improving seamless connectivity with the outside world, especially strengthening ties with our families residing outside of American Samoa.

In my phone conversation with Governor Lolo Moliga, who had just left the territory Friday morning for Honolulu for meetings, to convey the heartbreaking news of the unexpected death of High Talking Chief Pulele’i’ite Li’amatua Tufele he said “we have just lost one of our very promising next generation of up and coming leaders who dared to defy the unknown if the expectation for gains and positive outcomes were irresistible and overwhelming”. Such was the driving force, which motivated the Chief Executive Officer in the actualization of telecommunication programs that will surely bolster economic development and create abundant opportunities for our territory and our people.

It was only just one week ago that the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority celebrated the landing of the Hawaiki Cable on the shores of American Samoa with the anticipation of Hawaiki becoming operational in two months. The CEO and the Board of Directors have dedicated their energies to ensure successful culmination of this initiative for it will assuredly transform the social, economic, and political landscape of the Territory of American Samoa. “Pulele’i’ite Li’amatua Tufele stood at the helm and skillfully orchestrated and navigated this long journey negotiating the many challenges which would have derailed this vital project” lamented Chairman of the Board High Chief Fai’ivae Iuli Alex Godinet.

While we are distraught by the sudden passing of High Talking Chief Pulele’i’ite Li’amatua Tufele, we are people of faith and we believe that God has a reason for any tragic event when it  happens. Through Pulele’i’ite God provided the blueprint and the pathway for us to follow to achieve the blessings manifested in better connectivity and producing numerous opportunities as we continue to endeavor to improve the quality of the lives of our people. Pulele’i’ite has made his mark and left his footsteps in our lives, and he established his legacy for future generations to emulate and replicate.

On behalf of honorable Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga and First Lady Cythia Malala Moliga, Chairman of the Board High Chief Fai’ivae, the Board of Directors, and the entire ASTCA organization, and the Cabinet, I extend to Sina and the children, Tofiga and the family our deepest condolences and we collectively pray that God will ease your pain and suffering over the passing of Pulele’i’ite who is very dear to you and to us all.