Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Fuiavailili Keniseli Lafaele has received the green light to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Samoa Government Employees Retirement Fund.

Yesterday morning he was approved by the House of Representatives by unanimous vote, 14-0.

The Senate approved his nomination last week.

When Faipule Ape Mike Asifoa asked the nominee about what he brings to the Retirement Fund Board and his first priority if confirmed, Fuiavailili said ensuring the security of the Fund would be the top objective; and that the Fund continues to grow and be profitable for its members.

He used the Fijian National Provident Fund as an example to emulate.

He said the Fiji NPF is worth billions of dollars, and it invests in the Fiji national airline, telecommunications companies and other major businesses.

Lawmakers expressed confidence that he has the expertise and experience to improve the Fund so that it doesn’t fail members.

Last month, Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga withdrew his nomination of Ms Lisa Peau to the Board and named Fuiavailili to the board.

The Governor said in a letter to the Fono leaders that he had nominated Ms Peau in January however she has been off island and unable to attend confirmation hearings — and up to now she has not returned to the territory.

Lemanu said he was appointing Fuiavalili to the ASGERF Board of Trustees for a term of five years.

Fuiavailili was Director of Commerce for the 8 years of the Lolo-Lemanu administration.