The need to diversify the economy, and lessen dependence on the tuna industry got a mention in the governor’s State of the Territory address before the Fono this morning.
Lolo delivered his remarks entirely in Samoan and a published booklet of the English version was distributed to the Fono leaders, Senators and Representatives.
The governor said the viability of the canneries is being eroded mainly due to federal regulations imposed without the territory’s input.
He referred to the takeover by the federal government of ocean areas which have been made sanctuaries or monuments and the proposal by the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council to reduce the Large Vessel prohibited Area from 50 miles to 12 miles.
Lolo said the territory needs to take a united stand for control of its natural resources including land and ocean resources.
He said the two canneries are likely to face a reduction because of factors beyond our control and it was vital that leaders look at other ways to diversify American Samoa’s economy.
The English version of the governor’s speech, but which was not included in his Samoan speech, says that the economy grew in 2015 as Samoa Tuna Processors increased production along with the increase in its workforce.
The governor said this translates to an increase in purchasing power.
The US Bureau of Economic Analysis is to release the results of its 2014 analysis of American Samoa’s Gross Domestic Product next Wednesday, when a team arrives on island .
But based on the assessment of economic activities in the territory, “we are confident that the upward trend beginning in 2013 will be maintained.”
According to the governor, it’s estimated that 650 new jobs have been created since STP started its operation.
Also StarKist Samoa has been increasing its workforce with an estimated 2,109 jobs created.
The total number of jobs created by ASG and the private sector according to the speech was 17,853.
New business starts for 2015 was 441 and the unemployment rate at the close of last year was 9.3% compared to 20.4% in 2014 and 27.9% in 2013.
In his address, Governor Lolo said it was necessary to review the territory’s constitution and the best way to make amendments was through the Legislature.
He outlined plans to set up a division in the Governor’s Office to begin looking at constitutional provisions that need revision or changes.
The joint opening ceremony for the Third Regular Session of the 34th Legislature was moved to the Lee Auditorium because the Fono guesthouse is still under construction, a project that’s being carried out without a land use permit.
