Symbolizing progress and perseverance — opening the new Maota Fono
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The official opening ceremony for American Samoa’s new Maota Fono proceeded as planned last Friday, despite heavy rain that forced organizers to delay the start

![A chamber in the new Fale Fono that was dedicated last week. Notice the siapo panels on the right of the photo near the ceiling. It is projected that the entire Fale Fono will be fully completed soon — this does not include the lawmakers’ officers that are currently slated for completion late next year.. Hats off to all the workers, architect and designers. [Facebook photo] A chamber in the new Fale Fono](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/_chamber.jpg?itok=1d-Y4B_u)




![Two local fans of Punialava'a (center) pose proudly with the group after the press conference held at the DDW Restaurant last week Monday. [courtesy photo] Punialava'a with local fans](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/punialavaa2_0.jpg?itok=cSYjM49G)


![Swain’s Island Representative Su’a Alex Jennings, American Samoa CVL Honorary Board Member Vaito’a Hans Langkilde, who helped facilitate the visit of regional leaders Molly Schmidt Regional CEO, Renise Bayne Regional Disaster Officer, and Julie Greenly Regional Service to the Armed Forces Director, with Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula. [photo supplied] Meeting with Red Cross with American Samoa leaders](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/red-cross-leadership-trip-to-as-1-647x375.jpg?itok=wGnqncA-)
![This ‘Talanoa’ not only brought young people together and created safe spaces for them to discuss their social challenges and reflect on effective strategies, but also allowed them to explore ways to help their families and communities. [photo supplied] Samoa Support Group](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/samoa_support_systems.jpeg?itok=61s16Q_y)