There were numerous issues discussed during the Cabinet meeting held Monday at ASCC’s Lecture Hall, led by Lt. Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga who’s Acting Governor at the moment. Lemanu pointed out that he’s seeing a lot of TA’s (Travel Authorization) documents, noting that some directors are traveling a lot and stated they should consider sending their deputies or key staff instead.

CONSIDER HOLDING RETREATS IN MANU’A FOR ASG

He also asked why some meetings, conferences and retreats are held in Apia — and why not utilize Manu’a for the retreats?

NO LEAVE FOR FLAG DAY IN APRIL, OR FOR MANU’A FLAG DAY

The Acting Governor informed his cabinet that there will be no leave during Flag Day week for Directors and urged them to request leave prior to taking leave.  This will be the same for the Manu’a Flag Day, he said— “no leave.”

DIRECTORS URGED TO ENFORCE VEHICLE POLICY

The government vehicles are on the Administration’s radar again, as fuel is increasing and people are complaining. Lemanu urged the Directors to enforce the vehicle policy in place where no one is allowed to take ASG vehicles home, aside from the Director and those granted the 24hr permit.

CONCERN FOR EMPLOYEES

Regarding the transferring of employees between departments, Lemanu said this should be done for the benefit of the government, not because the Director has issues with a certain employee. “If we have problems with employees, we have to fix them and not just send the problem somewhere else.”

He also noted that ASG employees need to understand how to protect their rights and said that some people have come straight to the Governor's Office for help instead of going through the channels.

“Directors, take care of our workforce, take care of our employees,” he said, and further urged the directors and agency leads to work together with their boards, agencies and other directors.

“Don't come running to the Governor when you have a problem. Figure out the give and take and make it work.” Lemanu noted the need for collaboration between CEO's, board of directors and between departments.

FLAG DAY

Lemanu announced during the cabinet meeting a draft program for Flag Day, which is slated to be four days this year, from April 13-17, 2014. (This would differ from the one-day celebration originally announced.)

The celebration will kick off with a Church Service on Sunday, April 13. The next day the Su’igaula ole Atuvasa will open from 11a.m.-5p.m. where there will be performances organized by the DYWA. There will also be canoe races coordinated by the DMWR between 2pm-4:30pm.

Lemanu urged the participation of directors in the activities. In the evening there will be performing arts and noted that the daily activities and performances should not interfere with business as usual. April 16 is slated to be the fautasi race, which will be followed by more performing arts and a boxing match in the evening.

On Flag Day morning, Sa’anapu Village will be performing the Pese and Siva and they are to be hosted by Matu’u and Faganeanea. 

PROPOSAL FOR AN ASIGA TO GOV LOLO

There was a proposal by Secretary of Samoan Affairs, Satele Galu Satele, who suggested that a delegation of Directors should travel to Honolulu to visit Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga who was recently released from the hospital.

Satele pointed out that upon being notified the governor was ill, a delegation should have been put together immediately to visit the governor, and it should still be done. However Lemanu noted that Governor Lolo will be returning home soon, if not this Friday, maybe Monday and said it would be best to await the outcome of the governor's appointment this coming Wednesday. He said the cabinet can proceed with visiting the governor once he returns to the territory. 

Tuaolo Manaia Fruean suggested that they collect $5,000 and place it in a card for all the directors to sign, and present it to Lolo. However Lemanu again recommended that the directors wait until the governor returns. He did urge cabinet members, who are going off island for meetings, to make time to visit the governor in Hawai’i.