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Lolo calls it “the people’s inauguration” — Ceremony today

Come and bear witness
fili@samoanews.com

Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga and Lt. Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga have extended a public invitation to the people of American Samoa to the inauguration ceremony for their second four-year term in office.

The ceremony is slated to start at 11:30a.m. today at the Malaeoletalu in Fagatogo. “This event has been made possible by your vote of confidence, faith and trust” in the Lolo and Lemanu Administration to continue to serve in the next four years, Lolo said in a brief statement issued last Friday.

“In essence, this is therefore the people’s Inauguration,” said Lolo adding that he and Lemanu invite the public “to come and bear witness” and “share in the merriment of this event.”

“Let us start [this] new administrative term together affirming our collective commitment that we will adopt President John F. Kennedy’s call to ‘ask not what the Government can do for you, but rather ask what you can do for your government’,” the statement says.

“We are mindful of the responsibility, inherited in these leadership roles that we hold, to ensure that we build a future of long-lasting opportunities for growth and development of our Territory,” said Lolo in a message printed in the Inauguration Day program.

In a message also printed in the program, Lemanu said that the “only way to improve American Samoa’s stance against the unexpected swells and challenges of tomorrow is for us to persevere and work together while unceasingly serving our people with both dignity and integrity.”

According to the Inauguration Day program, among the VIPs are Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and Samoa’s Head of State, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi and his wife Filifilia.

Chief election officer, Uiagalelei Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei, will deliver the Certification of the Nov. 8 gubernatorial election results, in which Lolo and Lemanu were elected while Chief Justice, Lealaialoa F. Michael Kruse will administer the oath of office.

Nine religious leaders in American Samoa from various denominations will carry out the Conferment Blessing followed by a “spiritual message” delivered by Rev. Elder Mamoe Eveni of the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa.

Inauguration addresses will be delivered by Lolo and Lemanu as well as special remarks by Tuilaepa.

Part of the inauguration includes traditional speeches from local leaders while the Manu’a District is charged with the Ava Ceremony.

As the inauguration is underway at the Malaeoletalu, lawmakers in both the Senate and House will be sworn in for the 35th Legislature, at the Fono building.