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Lolo announces appointees to the ASVB and Retirement Fund Boards

Rendering of proposed new Fono Building
fili@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has re-appointed three members to the American Samoa Government Employees’ Retirement Fund (ASGERF) Board of Trustees, and appointed five new members to the American Samoa Visitors Bureau (ASVB).

RETIREMENT FUND

In his nomination letter to Fono leaders, the governor said that after consultation with the Retirement Fund Board of Trustees, he is re-appointing ASG Treasurer Ueligitone Tonumaipe’a, Sen. Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, and business owner, Tony Togiai - subject to Fono confirmation.

All three re-appointments are for four-year terms.

Lolo said that Tonumaipe’a’s membership on the board “is crucial” given his position as Treasurer in government, which “allows for arms length collaboration between the government and the board”.

According to the governor, Tonumaipe’a’s extensive background in accounting makes him a great asset in ensuring full accounting of all pension plan finances and assets.

Regarding Tuaolo, the governor said the senator’s “vast and pervasive experience on business, social, political and economic matters gives the Board a broad perspective” given his demonstrated wisdom in understanding the “big picture.”

Additionally, the high talking chief provides the link between the Board’s work and the Legislature through instilling full awareness of the Board’s investment program.

 (Samoa News notes that Tuaolo is the current chairman of the Senate Retirement Committee.)

The governor explained that Togiai “is re-nominated...given his noted contributions to the work of the Board. As a business owner, he brings management and administrative experience to effectively address the business of the Board.”

Lolo urged the Fono to expedite the confirmation process for these individuals, to ensure that the work of the Board is not compromised, by continuing to have expired members serve on the Board.

The governor’s nominations are expected to be introduced soon in both the Senate and House.

VISITORS BUREAU

In a cover letter last week, the governor submitted for Fono confirmation 5 members of the Visitors Bureau board:

* Three year terms - Deputy Secretary of Samoan Affairs, Malemo Lafo Tausaga, representing the Office of Samoan Affairs; Commerce Department deputy director Uili Leauanae, representing DOC; and Hawaiian Airlines local station manager Tuli Fruean, representing the airline industry.

• Two year terms - Pago Inn executive Poe Mageo, representing the hotel industry; and Chamber of Commerce member, Taotasi Archie Soliai - who is a Starkist Samoa executive - representing the Chamber on the Board.

According to the governor, all of these individuals have extensive experience in their respective fields and their combined expertise will help guide the Visitors Bureau’s promotion of the tourism industry.

 “I am confident that these nominees will be an asset” to the Visitors Bureau, the governor wrote.

The nominations were introduced yesterday in both the Senate and House with confirmation hearings to be scheduled soon.