Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Hospital Board member Afamasaga Dr. Talifa Talifa Jr. has refused to tender his resignation from the LBJ Tropical Medical Center Board of Directors. This was confirmed in his letter to Governor Pulaalii N. Pula, dated October 9, 2025. 

Notably, Afamasaga’s letter was delivered via email by Andra Samoa, who signed the email with no indication of what her title or role is at the Governor’s Office. The email she uses is andra.samoa@go.as.gov

In return, Afamasaga’s email reply to Ms Samoa attaches his letter to the governor in response to the letter of termination as a member of the LBJ Board of Directors emailed by Ms. Samoa.

He further notes that Samoa should advise and inform the governor of his response. He indicates that he is “currently … in Hawaii for my wife's medical treatment.

“I also do not know the reason for my sudden termination, when my term as a member of the LBJ Board do[es] not end until November 20, 2026. 

“I’m very surprised and shocked of this action from a governor himself. 

“Therefore I do oppose such action by the governor in regards to his letter of termination,” Afamasaga writes in his email to Samoa.

AFAMASAGA’S RESPONSE TO LETTER OF TERMINATION

In his correspondence, Afamasaga acknowledged the governor’s letter, which ended his service on the Medical Center Board of Directors effective immediately. 

Appointed to the hospital board in 2022, Afamasaga states that he will not resign from the board. 

“With the utmost respect, I must formally reject this action on legal and procedural grounds. This is now the second attempt to remove me from the Medical Center Board of Directors before the lawful expiration of my term on November 20, 2026. 

“This pattern of repeated, baseless termination efforts constitutes a disturbing misuse of executive discretion and borders on harassment and retaliatory conduct, in direct violation of both statutory and constitutional protections afforded to appointed officials under American Samoa law.” 

Afamasaga pointed out that, under A.S.C.A. § 31.0205 (Board - Removal), a board member may be suspended or removed only for cause and through the due process procedures prescribed by law. 

“The statute explicitly requires that removal be based on substantiated cause such as malfeasance, neglect of duty, or incapacity, and that the affected member receive written notice of such cause with an opportunity to respond. 

“Your letter does not cite any statutory cause or identify any procedural basis for removal. No charges, evidence, or notice of hearing have been provided. 

“Therefore, this attempted removal is unlawful and void ab initio, as it violates the procedural due process protections embedded in Article I, Section 2 of the Revised Constitution of American Samoa, which guarantees that "no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law." 

Furthermore, Afamasaga pointed out that the contractual and tenure protections and his appointment to the Medical Center Board of Directors are pursuant to a fixed-term contract ending November 20, 2026. 

“Unless "cause" as defined by statute is legally substantiated, I am entitled to serve that full term. “A unilateral termination without proper cause or procedure constitutes a breach of public contract and interference with the independent governance of a public body.” 

According to Afamasaga, this is a pattern of retaliation and harassment. 

“This being your second attempt to remove me without legal justification, I must respectfully state that such repeated targeting now appears to be a pattern of harassment, retaliation, and abuse of authority. 

“The invocation of concerns with various issues of governance does not constitute a valid cause for termination, nor does it reflect any misconduct on my part. Governance differences or policy disagreements are not grounds for removal under A.S.C.A.§ 31.0205.” 

Afamasaga said he has consistently performed his duties with diligence, transparency, and fidelity to the Medical Center's mission. 

“Therefore, I view this repeated conduct as an effort to intimidate or dissuade me from carrying out my lawful responsibilities as an independent board member. 

“Notice of Legal Action and Protective Steps. Should this unlawful termination not be immediately withdrawn, I will have no alternative but to take appropriate legal action to safeguard my rights and restore the integrity of the Board.” 

Afamasaga reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the Medical Center and to the people of American Samoa. 

“I have always served with integrity, professionalism, and respect for both governance and transparency. Again, the generalized "concerns with governance" cited in your letter do not reflect any deficiency in my performance or integrity. 

“I respectfully decline this improper termination, and to uphold the lawful appointment term to which I am entitled. It is my sincere wish that we resolve this matter amicably, in accordance with the rule of law and the democratic principles that govern our Territory.” 

THE CURRENT LBJ BOARD

The governor has recently nominated Maaelopa Bob Tuiasosopo for Senate confirmation to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the LBJ Tropical Medical Center. Maaelopa is to succeed Afamasaga Dr. Talifa Talifa Jr. 

Whether this will occur despite Afamasaga’s refusal to resign remains to be seen.

Governor Pulaalii N. Pula highlighted that Maaelopa is a highly regarded business owner, cultural leader, and community advocate with an impressive track record spanning over 20 years in governance, workforce development, and public service.

Maaelopa's term accordingly expires in October 2027, after which he may be eligible for reappointment.

It's important to note that the confirmation of board members for the Hospital Authority requires only Senate approval.

The current members of the board also include Dr. Patrick Pedro, Rep. Faimealelei Anthony Allen, Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele, and Lydia Faleafine-Nomura.

Of interest, Rep. Faimealelei was also asked by the governor to resign in April of this year from the LBJ Board. He refused, and cited that “the members of the Board of Directors shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, and may be removed by the Governor only for cause.” He currently continues to ‘serve’ — and is said to be the representative of the Fono on the Board.