The House of Representatives observed a moment of silence during their session this morning for Ameko Pato, Director of the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency who died suddenly yesterday.
The observance was moved by Rep Fialupe Fiaui Lutu who recalled that it was just last Friday that Mr. Pato was in the House chamber.
Pato was among ASG officials who testified on the bill proposing how the $2.6 million fine paid by StarKist for environmental violations at its local plant, will be used.
Speaker Savali Talavou Ale called on Rep Fiaui Lutu to offer a prayer for Mr.Pato and the wife and children he leaves behind.
Pato collapsed at a toonai at $2 Beach yesterday for delegates from the USEPA attending the US Coral Reef Task Force meeting.
He had attended the 1030 Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker in Fagatogo yesterday amd according to his parish priest Monsignor Viane Etuale he did not look well.
The priest said he went looking for Ameko after Mass but he had already left.
Monsignor Viane described Ameko as a committed parishioner and said his heart was certainly at the right place with his love for his church, family community.
“He was proud to have hired many young people who graduated from off island at EPA,” he said.
Monsignor Viane led a prayer service yesterday that was attended by the governor, Lt. governor, cabinet members and Mr. Pato’s wife, Dr. Rosevonne Pato and two of their five children and many relatives and close friends.
As word spread about his sudden passing, the one trait that stood out in people’s minds about the EPA Director was his courage to speak out and expresss his mind about issues and decisions, some of which ran counter to the administration’s position.
Monsignor Viane said Ameko was “always vocal about doing good things for people.”
Mr. Pato was a long time educator with the American Samoa Department of Education and he and his wife Rosevonne spent many years teaching in the CNMI.
Mr Pato has been director of the local EPA Office since the start of the Lolo Lemanu Administration six years ago.
Monsignor Viane said, “Our prayers are with Dr Rosevonne and her children at this difficult time. May Ameko’s soul rest in the peace of Christ our Savior”.
