Lawmakers React Strongly to Pulu’s Statements About Loans

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Statements by Pago Pago High Chief Pulu Ae Ae Jr aired in our morning news have elicited strong reaction from some lawmakers.

Pulu was critical of the government setting up a bank when it has had a bad track record with financial institutions.

He pointed to loans of ASG officials and members of the Fono with the Development Bank of American Samoa, which were written off.

Referring to a Senate hearing earlier this week with members of the bank Board of Directors Pulu said some of the senators who showed support of the Territorial Bank of American Samoa are the same leaders whose DBAS loans were written off.

At today’s Senate session, Senator Laolagi Vaeao said after mulling whether he should bring the topic up, he decided to raise the subject of statements aired on the radio “by this traditional leader.”

He said such degrading statements should not be allowed to pass without comment.

At no point in Laolagi’s comments was Pulu’s name mentioned, but it was clear who the Manu’a senator was referring to.

Laolagi said the statements which were aired on radio  question the hearing that the fathers of the territory held with the bank board and he is embarrassed by what was said.

He said the purpose of the hearing was for the board to give senators a clear understanding of the establishment of the bank and its operation…and that was the only intention…there was no other motive.

Laolagi said the statements are uncalled for and “degrading to the dignity of this chamber.”

Senate President Gaoteote Palaie thanked Laolagi for his comments then urged him and the rest of the senators to ignore “back door remarks.”

The senate leader advised that senators should get used to the press and added that people who make it a habit to discredit or make others look bad are not of God and they will not succeed because its not God’s will.

Gaoteote said his only concern is that such statements may cause senators to waiver and change what has already been decided.

He told his fellow senators,”Everything that you have decided is right. so don’t let the talk of people with bad motives change your will.”

As for the government bank, Gaoteote said that God has heard the cry of the people for help, and he’s thankful to the governor and administration for heeding the plea of the people.

He told senators, “We should sleep peacefully and with joy; dont make unimportant things important.

“If an unimportant person is made to feel important he becomes proud.

“If you don’t make him feel important, he becomes itchy.”

Pulu’s statements were also raised in the House of Representatives by Rep Faimealelei Anthony Allen.

The Aua faipule described the comments as derogatory to the House and Senate.

Faimealelei recommended to Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui who was chairing this morning’s session that he send a letter to the office of Congresswoamn Aumua Amata to express the Fono’s disappointment over Pulu’s remarks.

Pulu is the head of Aumua’s District Office but he had made clear and KHJ News reported that his comments were his own personal views as a taxpayer and member of the community.

 

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