The message from senators to the director of the Office of Political Status, Constitutional Review and Federal Relations was that the UN labeling of American Samoa as a “colony” is offensive and he should act to remove it.
Tapaau Dr. Daniel Aga was told to find out the procedure to remove any reference to American Samoa being a colony and for the United Nations to “leave us alone.”
Senator Tuaolo Freuan who chaired the hearing asked pointed questions about what Tapaau told the UN Committee on decolonization, also known as the Committee of 24 which met in June in Nicaragua, and whether anything was said about the selection of senators,
Colony is defined as a country or area under the full or partial political control of another country, typically a distant one, and occupied by settlers from that country.
Tapaau explained that the word colony does not appear in any UN literature in reference to American Samoa. Rather the term used is non self governing. But he said colony is a popular term that news people use.
Senator Tuaolo asked Tapaau to explain what he told the UN Committee at the Nicaragua meeting.
The director explained that he did not give a prepared statement at the meeting, The governor;s instructions was for him to tend the meeting and find out how American Samoa can benefit.
He informed Senators that the UN Committee passed a resolution on American Samoa with regards to implementation of the declaration on the granting to colonial countries and peoples the right to self determination.
He added: tapaau self determination
Tuaolo asked if anything was said about the selection of senators. Tapaau said this was never mentioned.
While he didn’t give a statement in Nicaragua, Tapaau said he told officials who asked him that American Samoa has made its decicion regarding its political status.
Play Audio: tAPAAU
The Committee of 24 understands that American Samoa has a very unique political situation, Tapaau told senators.
He said the Committee’s resolution is not forcing American Samoa to become independent.
Senator Soliai Tuipine spoke emphatically about maintaining the present manner of selection of senators.
He said he marvels at the foresight and deep wisdom of our ancestors.
Soliai said knowing the American way and system of government, he’s amazed that the US would make an exception for the selection of the territory’s senators.
He was convinced that our forefathers fought for senators to be selected according to Samoan custom and the US did not give it freely.
He was thankful for the wisdom of ancestors who gained this special recognition of our culture.
He said the selection of senators by traditional consensus should not be given up, its something our ancestors fought for and should not be changed.
