It’s been an uplifting, emotional and noisy morning at the main dock for the arrival of the long awaited MV Manu’atele.
A brand new passenger and cargo vessel that was built for American Samoa at a shipyard in Washington State.
It was indeed a proud moment for the Lolo Lemanu Government starting off its second term in office, the Director of Port Administration, Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele, the American Samoa Economic Development Authority, DOI’s Field 
Representative Lydia Faleafine Nomura and many people who made construction of a brand new vessel or Manu’a possible.
And also for the all Samoan crew, with a few palagi friends, who sailed the boat from Seattle, Washington where it was built by Nichols Brothers shipyard to the territory.
But the pride and appreciation felt by the governor and lt governor, and Fono leaders could not match the joy of wives, parents and children seeing their husbands, sons and fathers return home.
Some left home more than six months ago and have missed anniversaries, birthdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Years with their families.
As the Manu’atele came in to dock, after a spectacular parade with water cascading from the vessel’s fire hoses, to a chorus of horns from many of the boats in the harbor, Le’i Sonny Thompson who emceed the welcoming ceremony on the main dock announced that after over 100 years, the Manu’atele would deliver Manu’a from slavery.
Joining the welcoming ceremony were Samoa’s Head of State Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Masiofi Filifilia and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele.
Tokelau’s Minister of Finance was also present.
All of the Fono leaders and many lawmakers, directors, the Office of Samoan Affairs, and the families of Captain Loleni Faiai and his crew were at the dock.
The christening of the boat and the dedication is to take place on Monday.
Governor Lolo was euphoric when he took the podium.
His remarks centered on the all Samoan crew who left their families to sail the boat home.
He said if Samoans can sail this vessel all the way from Washington, so to can sons and daughters of American Samoa steer their own ship of government.
All of the crew were introduced individually by Port Administration Director Taimalelagi along with the palagi engineers and a representative of Nichols Brothers who sailed on the Manu’atele.
We will have more on the Manuatele arrival in our 5 pm news.
