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Community Briefs

compiled by Samoa News staff

“DIABETES AWARENESS” EVENT KICKS OFF TODAY AT UTULEI

The Dept. of Health along with its partners, both government and non-government organizations, are inviting the public to attend today’s “Diabetes Awareness” event set to kick off at 9a.m. under the theme, “Healthy eating leads to healthy living”.

The event, set to end at 3p.m., at Su’igaula o le Atuvasa at Utulei beach, is part of celebrating Diabetes Awareness Month during November.  

There will be information booths, recipes, and Taebo exercise for the event, which also includes performances by several local youth groups. The Department of Education’s School Lunch Program will have a booth to showcase the food they prepare and serve to students.

Two other food booths will be at the event to showcase food with healthy recipes, according to organizers, who added that there would be raffle prizes. (See Samoa News edition Wednesday for more details.)

Ways to prevent diabetes and eating a balanced and nutritious meal on a daily basis was one of the many issues discussed at last week’s Bilateral Health Summit of the two Samoas held at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium.

ARTS COUNCIL DIRECTOR RESIGNS FOR ‘HEATLH REASONS

American Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities (or Arts Council) director Uta Dr. Laloulu Tagoilelagi has resigned citing health reasons. His resignation was presented to the governor’s office last week Friday and he departed the territory on Monday this week.

Uta, a former Education director, had served in ASG for three-decades, including his post as Insurance Commissioner and director to the Office of Protection and Advocacy for the Disable (OPAD).

Uta is the second cabinet director to resign this month. Early this month Territorial Administration on Aging (TAOA) director Tifimalae Ale handed in his resignation, citing health reasons, and he also departed the territory.

ALO DR. PAUL STEVENSON IS AGAIN EASTERN DISTRICT GOVERNOR

Eastern District traditional leaders, during a district meeting Wednesday afternoon in Pago Pago, agreed for Alo Dr. Paul Stevenson to be its district governor for the next four years. Ituau county had made a request during the meeting for Alo to continue his service for the district.

At the meeting, Alo expressed appreciation to the District leaders for their consensus four years ago for him to be district governor and their continued support throughout the past four years.

Alo, a former Ituau senator, said they have all worked together on many issues and humbly requested traditional leaders for a chance to continue his service for another four years.

Speaking on behalf of the Sua and Vaifanua council leaders, traditional leader Gaoteote Tofau Palaie, who is also the Senate President, says they would like to hear from Mauga Tasi Ausega, who is also the Secretary of Samoan Affairs. Mauga asked district leaders to take into consideration Ituau County’s request for Alo to continue holding the District Governor’s post.

After district leaders agreed and reaffirmed Alo’s selection, Mauga said the decision is a reflection that everyone is of one-heart and mind. He says the Samoan culture always plays a vital role in these important selections.

No word yet from traditional leaders of the Western District and Manu’a District as to when they will select their district governor. There are three districts in American Samoa.

Local law states that there shall be in each district a District Governor, appointed by the Governor after he receives and considers the recommendations of the respective local district councils as to who should be appointed for their districts.

To be eligible for appointment as a district governor, a person must be a US national; and a leading matai of the district for which he is to be appointed, who has maintained his ‘monotaga’ (or contribution) and who is a bona fide resident of that district.

A District Governor serves for 4 years, commencing on January 1. Two months before the end of each term, the Governor is to circulate a notice among the villages of each district calling for nominations for the position of District Governor.

The District Governor is responsible for the welfare and good order of the people in his district, shall preside at the meetings of the district council, and shall communicate with the Governor and the Secretary of Samoan Affairs upon matters pertaining to his duties, according to local statute.