Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga has called High Chief Lealaifuaneva Peter Reid Jr American Samoa’s Silent Hero.
In a statement issued this afternoon, Governor Lolo said news of High Chief Lealaifuaneva Peter Reid Jr’s passing “was saddening but we are thankful that God has called him to enter the Kingdom of Heaven to receive his just rewards for the deeds of love, selflessness, giving and sharing his personified his life and defined the persons he projected while he was here on earth.”
The governor called Lealaifuaneva a “true patriarch of the people of American Samoa, a distinction bourne out of the good that he did which positively influenced and transformed many lives. His benevolence was pervasive and did not discriminate. “
The governor said Lealaifuaneva was given the distinction of having the “Midas Touch reflective of his resounding successes in the business ventures he started and which continue today.
“The ability of Lealaifuaneva’s children to successfully manage and continue companies he started provides strong testament to the business skills be mastered and shared with anyone who sought his advice.”
The governor noted that in spite of his many contributions to the community through philanthropic assistance, Lealaifuaneva wanted to extend his repertoire of service to the government.
He was honored by the Village Council of Pago Pago to occupy one of the Senate seats of Maoputasi county in the Senate, and served as senator for over 20 years.
Lolo said Lealaifuaneva’s astuteness and clear understanding of the challenges facing American Samoa was soon felt through bills which were enacted and signed into law that bolstered the social and economic landscape of American Samoa.
With regards to the culture, the governor reflected that Lealaifuaneva was deeply rooted in the faaSamoa and preservation of the culture.
This was evidenced by his acceptance of the high chief title Lealaifuaneva “O le tei o le Ma’oputasi.”
On a personal note. Governor Lolo said he was sad that the Moliga family has lost “one of its heroes” and shared that Lealaifuaneva has alot to do with the position he currently holds.
“I will surely miss his wisdom from which I continually sought advice and direction, ” said Lolo
The governor noted that Lealaifuaneva was a devout Catholic but “his generosity was not confined to the Catholic Church as he donated to any religious denomination which solicited help.”
“The extent of his generosity,” said the governor, “is unfathomable and incredibly pervasive. His modesty and his refusal of public recognition for the good he did for the people of American Samoa entitles him to be called American Samoa’s silent hero. “
