An issue that American Samoa raised at the 2Samoa talks in Apia this week is what can be done to address overcrowding at the Territorial Correctional Facility whose population is mostly citizens of Samoa.
Samoa advised that it’s looking at legislation to deal with Samoan nationals who are deported from overseas countries.
A communique says the meeting recognized the need for improved information exchanges relating to deportees.
This information includes advance notice before an individual is deported and to provide criminal records and health backgrounds.
It also states that American Samoa is keen to see how the problem of its predominantly Samoan national prisoners could be addressed given its overcrowded prison.
On the issue of banking, money transfer operators from Samoa requested to set up bank accounts in the territory but are unable to do so at this time due to global anti money laundering policies practiced by ANZ Bank in American Samoa.
Therefore the money transfer operators proposed the possibility of setting up bank accounts through the Territorial Bank of American Samoa.
The request was noted by the American Samoa delegation while TBAS awaits a routing number from the US Federal Reserve which according to the communiqué could possibly facilitate the opening of accounts for money transfer operators.
KHJ News understands that because Fed Ex, the leading agent for Western Union, cannot open an account in the territory, it carries currency from the local branches to Samoa each week.
It’s believed that the cash can run up to a quarter of a million dollars in a few days.
Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele said at a press conference after the meeting that the setting up of the American Samoa Government bank should help address the needs of money transfer operators.
He stressed however that anti money laundering measures cannot be compromised
American Samoa also requested the Central Bank of Samoa to assist with ensuring appropriate policies and regulations are in place to address money laundering.
Commenting on the value of the Samoa talks, American Samoa Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale said the face to face discussions make communication between the two sides much easier and more effective.
He said it’s easier to communicate with someone whose face you know rather than just a name.
The American Samoa delegation which was led by Governor Lolo Moliga began returning home yesterday.
