Manono Seeks Fautasi to Race in

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Governor Lolo Moliga yesterday allayed concerns of our Flag Day guests from Manono, who arrived in the territory yesterday to learn that their hosts have not found a fautasi for them to race in.

Manono did not bring their fautasi, Telefoni o le Vainuu, because according to chiefs in the group it was too long and will not fit on the Lady Naomi.

​Fautasi skipper Leiataua Lesa Naseri told KHJ News when they informed the Governor’s Office about their situation, they were assured that a local fautasi would be made available for them.

An initial meeting between the Governor’s Office and leaders of the Manono group was held shortly after they arrived on the Lady Naomi this morning.

KHJ was not at that meeting but we were present at another one that followed.

Present at the second meeting, held in one of the faleo’o or huts at the Department of Youth and Women Affairs (DYWA) compound in Pago Pago, were Governor Lolo, Chief of Staff-Fiu Johnny Saelua, DYWA Director-Jonathan Fanene, his Deputy-Pa’u Roy Ausage, and 8 Manono matai.

Several other elderly men from the malaga (traveling group) sat outside.

Fiu explained the government’s arrangements for their care while in the territory.

The group is staying at the Pago Pago Youth Center or DYWA Hall and the government is hosting them.

Following Fiu’s explanation, a matai from Manono asked the governor to explain for their clear understanding  if there’s a boat for Manono to race in.

Lolo responded that Manono need not be worried or have uncertainties regarding this issue.

He explained that the Lt. Governor is still undecided on what to do given that the ASG boat Sinapioa has been practicing for 3-4 months.

Though Lolo didn’t quite come out and say it, his comments seemed to indicate that the fautasi that ASG was fielding for the race, Sinapioa, is being considered for Manono’s use.

Lolo commented if they had to wait until after Flag Day for the fautasi race, that’s the way it will be.

The governor told the Manono chiefs not to have any trepidations; they will be given a fautasi to race in.

After the meeting, KHJ  News asked Skipper Leiataua  for a reaction on how the meeting went and the governor’s assurance.

Leiataua said he is unsure as the hosts had promised them a boat but hasn’t delivered.

He said their crew needs to practice as much as they could becuaser they are unfamiliar with the course and sea conditions before the official race.

The skipper had planned on having their first practice in American Samoa today but that wasn’t possible without a fautasi.

Leiataua said their participation in the Flag Day fautasi race to mark American Samoa’s 116th birthday  was at short notice and they didn’t have much time to practice.

The Samoa Government didn’t pick the village to represent the independent state until last month after their elections.

Nevertheless says the Telefoni o le Vainuu skipper trusts that whatever their placing is, that would be God’s answer for Manono’s prayers.

First place or last, they will accept that is the will of God for their fautasi.

The Manono group numbers over 200 of which 46 are fautasi crew members.

Manono is also providing traditional entertainment on Monday.

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