Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga says despite their administration’s good “works” there are always people complaining about what they do, and he says that is all they are good for — complaining. The governor’s comments were made during the cabinet meeting held this past week at the ASCC Lecture Hall, where he warned his cabinet members that there will always be complaining people in this life, and if there are complaints, the directors should be ready to counter those issues and respond accordingly.

Lolo pointed out that one of the complaints out there is regarding the governor’s apprenticeship program. He stated that the mentality should be how much money can this government invest for the returning students, as the government cannot just sit idle when there are no job opportunities being offered to returning college students.

He said annually $2million will be spent on this program, and these students are the future of this government.

The governor went on to say to those who are complaining about this program, they need to think hard, because in the future these are the students who will lead the government.

Lolo said soon the positions of the government will be taken over by those with credentials who are highly skilled and educated, and the job placement end result is to better serve the people.

At the governor’s budget hearing last week, Senator Gale’ai Tu’ufuli asked if the Governor’s Apprenticeship Program is budgeted, and asked where is the money coming from. He pointed out there should be rules and regulations for the said program, and went on to say this program should be called an Apprenticeship Program and the public should know how long this program will last. Galeai said there should be policies in place, as there are some questions regarding this program.

The governor’s comments about those complaining came after ASPA CEO, Utu Abe Malae pointed out the same issue and he noted that when people are complaining he cannot sit idle; he has to respond.

As an example, Utu mentioned the “Adopt the School” program. He said some of the business people are asking why isn’t the government doing this on their own. He responded that American Samoa is a low income based community, also it has the lowest tax base, unlike other states where they tax property, which in turn pays the salaries for the teachers, police and firemen.

Another issue that was discussed during the cabinet meeting was how FY 2016 will be the most challenging fiscal year for the Lolo and Lemanu Administration.

Lolo stated that while FY 2014 was not bad, FY 2015 is challenging — but what will be more challenging is FY 2016 given that they now have the bonds to deal with. The governor told his directors that despite the challenges, they will keep their promise and that is: They will live within their means and will not overspend on the budget.