Pago Page, AMERICAN SAMOA — While the Administration has no say when it comes to the Legislature and Judicial branches, “…all executive branch employees, we do expect you to donate your $10,” said Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga in a verbal directive made during Monday’s cabinet meeting when he spoke about the ASG-organized “Fesoasoani Alofa mo Samoa Fundraising”.

He said if a deputy director cannot donate the required $100, then pay the $10 while all cabinet members — including chief executive officers and presidents of authorities —  provide their $300 contribution.

The governor ordered that all donations be collected and submitted to the fundraising committee by today, which is also when the fundraising for Samoa — faced with a deadly measles outbreak — closes its books.

“We’re not giving an excuse to departments and agencies that are not coming up with all of their required money donation,” said Lolo. “We said it right from the start, all employees who benefit from the government — donate $10.”

The governor then appeared to lecture cabinet members, saying there is time when decisions are made that may be contrary to the law. He said the government is not operating just by the law, but “with our values” — Samoan culture and Christian values.

As a governor, who is also a matai, “I will also bring in my culture and Christian values to operate the government,” Lolo said. “If there’s no solution through the law, then I bring in my beliefs and values through culture, and if that doesn’t work, then my Christian values come into play.”

“And your job as a director is to sell [those] values” to ASG workers, Lolo said, adding that many don’t believe in this effort, but “it’s your job to convince them.”

“And if you can’t sell that to your workers, you’ll end up paying” what is owed by the employee, he continued.

During the official closing of the fundraising last Saturday, the total amount collected by the committee — through public donations and ASG departments and agencies — was $255,199.41. The Fono gave $4,460 and the rest was still being collected.

At the cabinet meeting, Lolo said if all ASG donations come in, he expects the total tally at $300,000. He cited specific ASG semi autonomous agencies that have not yet turned in all their contributions — American Samoa Power Authority, American Samoa TeleCommunications Authority, and the American Samoa Community College.

He said he spoke that Monday morning with Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who had a busy schedule with Parliament going into session. Lolo said a time and date will be set later, when the local delegation will travel to Samoa to make the official presentation.

The governor acknowledged that ASG employees who are complaining have the right to do so, but emphasized again, it’s the director’s job to ensure that their workers understand the reason why this effort is important. He again warned directors that they will pay for the employee who doesn’t donate and there’s no excuse.