Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The recent decision by the LBJ Board of Directors to terminate the contract of former CEO Dr. Akapusi Ledua, who denies violating any policies or regulations, along with allegations from terminated COO Dr. Jean Anderson that a board member instructed her to sole-source a LBJ construction project to a specific individual, has led to a loss of confidence in the board among senators.

On Monday when the two terminated former top officials appeared before the Senate Health Committee, President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean remarked that since the hospital has been managed by a board of directors, numerous issues have arisen, in contrast to when it was a government department under the executive branch’s control.

He suggested dissolving the board and returning the hospital to the governor’s control.

Tuaolo’s sentiments were echoed by Senator Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono, who, like the Senate President, is a former hospital employee and had worked with Tuaolo in the LBJ lab.

Soliai expressed support of the president's suggestion recalling that during their time, the running of the hospital under the administrator and the medical director had gone smoothly without any major problems.

During the Senate regular session yesterday, Health Committee Chairman Senator Tuiasina Salamo Laumoli informed senators that the testimony of the former COO clearly indicated a board member’s involvement in unethical behavior.

He questioned whether the matter should be referred to the Senate Select Investigative Committee (SSIC), given the seriousness of the allegation.

Tuiasina also questioned whether the Senate should seriously consider returning the LBJ Hospital administration to the executive branch’s control.

He pointed out that this is the only board among all of the government’s semi-autonomous institutions that is consistently involved in controversial circumstances every year and during every government administration.

"Isn’t it time for us to draft a bill to return the hospital to the executive branch’s control while there is still time before this legislative session ends?" Tuiasina asked. "This has become like a constant headache not only for the Fono but also the public.

"I believe the issue stems from funds intended for healthcare improvements, which certain board members are selfishly trying to siphon for personal gain. As the saying goes, the love of money is the root of all evil. This desire for money has led the implicated board member to neglect his duty to enhance public healthcare."

After his speech, Senate President Tuaolo asked Tuiasina for his personal recommendation on the matter.

The Health Committee Chairman responded that he recommends returning the LBJ Hospital administration to the executive branch.

Tuaolo then advised him to proceed with drafting a bill or resolution to that effect.

Senator Soliai expressed his support for Tuiasina’s recommendation, noting that he had met with Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga earlier yesterday morning to discuss Ituau District issues, during which the governor raised this matter.

Soliai stated that the governor had expressed his desire to bring the hospital’s administration under his control and requested the Fono’s assistance in passing proposed legislation to make this a reality as soon as possible, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Senator Togiola Tulafono clarified that all Senate standing committees have the legislative power to investigate any matter they deem to be in violation of the law.

He emphasized that all committee chairs have a duty to investigate any questionable matters within their committee’s jurisdiction.

Togiola also commented on Senator Soliai’s remarks about his meeting with the governor, noting that while the discussion was important, established protocols should be followed.

My initial reaction was one of rejection,” Togiola revealed. "This esteemed chamber is not a children’s playhouse where advice and requests are brought in through the backdoor. The protocols that govern this institution have been established.

“All communications concerning government operations must go through the leaders of each executive branch. That is why the Constitution states that the three branches of government are equal in privilege and power. I hope this does not happen again."

The future of the LBJ Board now hinges on the potential drafting and passage of legislation aimed at dissolving it