Opinion
Talofa lava!
We are honored to introduce the very first edition of Ala Mai — the official bi-monthly column of the American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic & Sexual Violence. This column is part of our continued mission to uplift, educate, and mobilize our community against the devastating...
June 02, 2025
To: Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia Taufetee — Director of Education
DOE Building, Pago Pago, AS 96799
Mr. Vaiaso Apulu —Principal Voc Tech High School
Immediate Action Demanded – Assault, Humiliation, and Social Media Exposure of Student (J.F)– Assault, Humiliation, and Social Media...
I read with concern the Samoa News article, “Governor’s and Medicaid offices team up to support local patient,” 4/10/2025.
On its face, the public might think this was a great thing but in reality, it is one of the worst things that could happen to the Medicaid program. I do not hold it against the...
Talofa lava!
The month of April is almost at and end, I would like to encourage our community to remember that although Sexual Assault Awareness Month ends, I humbly ask that you continue to do the work to help end sexual violence in American Samoa.
It is important that we do not relegate Sexual...
Talofa Esteemed Members,
American Samoa’s economy is insular, isolated, and heavily dependent on federal assistance and the fishery industry, which are highly susceptible to external shocks. This vulnerability was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic and amid supply chain disruptions from the...
Dear Editor,
I am writing to share a heartfelt letter titled “Welcomed Beeb” written by my late father, Aeoainuu Aleki Tuala-Tamaalelagi. Though he is now in heaven, his words continue to carry the weight of gratitude, reflection, and deep love for life, community, and the healing hands that...
Dear Editor,
ICE has been doing sweeps in Puerto Rico, arresting and deporting (mostly) Dominican Republic citizens, as well as ‘regrettable mistakes for the good of the country’.
What protections against deportation do foreign nationals, legal or illegal in American Samoa have? The current...
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank Ms. Jennifer Tofaeono for her thoughtful Letter to the Editor, “Recognizing When Discipline Is Abuse,” published in the Samoa News on April 11, 2025, for drawing attention to this critically important issue. While I firmly oppose physical abuse in all its...
Dear Editor,
With National Nutrition Month (March) now behind us, we find ourselves pausing to reflect. Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula issued a proclamation designating the month of March to focus on nutrition, a gesture that signals hope for American Samoa. But as we now look back, we wonder...
Dear Editor,
The recent article in Samoa News, “Father arrested after allegedly beating his son to discipline him,” article dated 4/9/2025, forces us to confront an uncomfortable truth: violence in the name of discipline is still harming our children. As parents, family (aiga), and community...