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Fuamatu J.V. Fuamatu is the new Western District Governor

fili@samoanews.com

In a general memorandum dated May 15, Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga appointed Alataua county tradition leader Fuamatu J.V. Fuamatu as the new Western District Governor, a post left vacant since the passing early this year of the late Lualemaga Faoa.

The governor’s appointment, which became effective the date of the memo, came a week after a May 8th meeting of Western District traditional leaders failed to reached a consensus on the next District Governor and agreed that the final decision would be given to the governor to make.

Western District traditional leaders presented to the governor the names to decide on for the next district governor: Tuiasina S. Esera of Tualatai county, Fuamatu J.V. Fuamatu of Alataua county and Leatualevao S. Asifoa of Leasina/Aitulagi county. All three traditional leaders are former senators.  (See Samoa News edition May 9th for details.)

In the memo, the governor cited provisions of the Constitution that state in part “the officials of the Government of American Samoa including district, county, and village officials shall be appointed by the Governor.”

Prior to appointing a district governor, “the Governor through the Secretary of Samoan Affairs shall request the recommendation of the appropriate district council as to who shall be appointed” as district governor.

As governor, Lolo said in his memo that he has complied with requirements of the law in selecting the Western District Governor, thereby fulfilling the vacancy caused by the untimely passing of Lualemaga.

“I requested and received three recommended candidates from the Western District Council,” the governor said. “Also, the Secretary of Samoan Affairs, consistent with requirements of the constitution, provided his recommendation for my consideration.”

Lolo did not specify the recommendation from Samoan Affairs Secretary Mauga T. Asuega.

The governor concluded, “I am confident that the new District Governor will fulfill his responsibilities honorably and effectively.”

In accordance with the constitution, Fuamatu will serve out Lualemaga’s four-year term in office — which has about three and half years left.