Opinion
Local news outlets have reported that the House-approved Fiscal Year 2027 budget reduced the Governor’s proposed Medicaid subsidy from $6 million to $3 million — a 50 percent reduction.
As the budget moves toward final approval, this decision deserves urgent reconsideration and a clear explanation...
Dear Editor,
There is a familiar, good-natured contention that people from Manu‘a are especially smart. Ask someone from Ofu, and they may tell you that Ofu produces the smartest of them all. Our good Doc, Iotamo Saleapaga, was a proud son of Ofu — and he certainly gave his people something to...
Aua, AMERICAN SAMOA — The family of Bishop Fomai Amituanai Sr. announces his peaceful passing on August 11, 2026, at Providence Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska, after a courageous battle with Stage 4 Stomach Cancer. He was surrounded by his beloved wife, family, and friends.
He was born to Aiava...
Dear Editor:
American Samoa urgently needs greater transparency and legislative action regarding Medicaid funding for elderly residents and persons with disabilities.
CMS has approved Personal Care and Home Health Aide Services for Medicaid-eligible residents. These services can help people who...
Dear Editor,
Recent headlines have focused considerable attention on ASTCA, its Board of Directors and its relationship with the Governor and Fono. There is another ASTCA matter that deserves public attention, and this one does not involve politics.
It involves federal telecommunications law....
September 10, 2026.
Dear Governor Pula:
I write as a resident of American Samoa, to respectfully submit formal comments for your 60-day review of BOEM's Proposed Leasing Notice (PLN) for PACM-1.
At the outset, I want to state my position clearly: I maintain a firm NO position on deep- sea...
Koror — (9/3/26) Following Tuesday's primary in Massachusetts, I woke up to the news that the voters gave a resounding vote of confidence to 80-year-old Senator Ed Markey, along with two long serving House members.
All had younger challengers running against them and ignoring the value of...
Michael McDonald’s August 11 op-ed, “American Samoa Says ‘No’: What Trump’s Critical Minerals EO Means for Our Future,” raises an important issue. But several points need to be clear.
FIRST, our people understand the difference between sitting at the table and nodding “Yes”.
We can participate in...
[Editor’s Note: Michael J. McDonald is an Assistant Director for Port Administration- American Samoa, and heads the ASG committee that leads American Samoa’s engagement on the critical issues of Deep Sea Minerals (DSM).]
President Trump’s July 20, 2026 Executive Order on Securing America’s Defense...
Long before Donald Trump entered politics, Lewis recounted a story he had heard on island.
When the King of Tonga arrived, his people rose to their feet and bowed before their sovereign.
Later, Malietoa arrived, and the Samoan people remained seated.
Surprised, the King asked, “Why didn’t your...