Senior Meteorologist at the Weather Service Office in Tafuna Carol Maafala Baqui leaves this Thursday with her family to take up a position in the territory of Guam’s Forecast Office.
Carol had actually returned home to American Samoa when retired Meteorologist In Charge (MIC) Mase Akapo
Akapo, Jr. requested NOAA National Weather Service for her to come back and help the local office after the passing of High Chief Liufau Tanielu Sonoma.
A seasoned local forecaster, Carol was under the tutelage of native American Samoan giants at the Tafuna Weather station for the past 10 plus years.
Her vast experience and knowledge has been a constant at the Weather Service Office particularly after the retirement of High Chief Leilua Mase Akapo in November 2016.
In recent weeks, Carol has had an audience with Congresswoman Aumua Amata to push for a much-needed upgrade for the Weather Service Office (WSO) to be a full-fledged Forecast Office like most stations around the United States especially in rural areas.
Today she met with Lt. Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga for the administration’s support of this important effort for the territory.
American Samoa’s WSO has been in need of a weather radar, increased staff, more weather equipment, a bigger facility for years…. a push long shouldered by MIC Akapo who worked for NOAA NWS for more than 40 years.
After the devastating damages of Hurricane Gita, Carol has been more steadfast than ever that her homeland is not receiving the full benefits of a Forecast Office that most Americans are receiving.
The move to Guam is for better educational opportunities for her children and her own professional advancement.
Carol is indeed proud that one of our own is at the helm leading WSO Pago, MIC Elinor Lutu-McMoore.
She is confident to leave the office with a “tamafanau a le atunu’u”, MIC Ellie, and an all Samoan crew, many of whom were trained by retired MIC Mase Akapo.
KHJ News wishes Carol and family all the best.
