The issue of overtime was again discussed at yesterday’s Task Force meeting. Governor Lolo said he has instructed the Attorney General to draw up a policy on overtime going forward.
He spelled out that only those earning $50,000 and below can earn overtime. Those earning above that pay grade are not entitled to any overtime. They earn comp time instead.
The governor said some deputy directors have been paid overtime but their salaries are $60,000 to $70,000. But he said if this was allowed before, it will not happen again.
Lolo stated that he didn’t sign a list of overtime payments which had been given him for work related to coronavirus because they were questionable.
He said directors should approve overtime for their deputy directors and they cannot claim overtime for work that is done during their regular work hours.
Governor Lolo made it clear again that directors cannot earn overtime for coronavirus work.
He has given them a stipend instead and commented that even though it’s not much, it’s a token of appreciation for their service.
As we first reported last week checks of $2000 were distributed to Task Force members at last Sunday’s meeting. The governor said in a phone interview with KHJ News that Task Force members are paid a stipend of $1,000 a month. He also said that this is the same payment for members of the Working Group.
At last count there were 26 members of the Task Force and 15 members of the Working Group.
Coronavirus Task Force Members
- Mauga Tasi Asuega, Secretary of Samoan Affairs
- Mitzie Jessop Taase, Acting Attorney General
- Faumuina John Faumuina, CEO-LBJ Tropical Medical Center
- Motusa Tuileama Nua, Director of Health
- Dr. Ruth Matagi Tofiga, Director of Education
- Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele, Director of Port/Airport
- Dr. Iotamo Saleapaga, Chief Medical Officer, LBJ Tropical Medical Center
- Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, Chief Medical Officer, Dept of Health
- Dr. Fred Uhrle Jr., Director VA Medical Clinic
- Le’i Sonny Thompson, Commissioner of Public Safety
- Samana Semo Ve’ave’a, Director, Homeland Security (on Admin Leave)
- Sandra King-Young, Executive Director, Medicaid Office
- Dr Rosevonne Pato, President, American Samoa Community College
- Ueligitone Tonumaipe’a, Treasurer/Director, Department of Treasury
- Fuiavailili Keniseli Lafaele, Director of Commerce
- Eseneiaso Liu, Directorm Human Resources
- Catherine Saelua, Director Program Planning and Budget
- Faleosina Voigt, Director Public Works
- Dr Oreta Crichton, Director Office of Procurement
- Muavaefaatasi John Suisala, Director Human and Social Services
- Faamsao Asalele, Executive Director, American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency
- Evelyn Lili’o Satele, Director Territorial Administration on Aging Office
- Dr. Aifili John Tufa, Chief Epidemiologist, Department of Health
- Dr. Tuatoo Seakerise Tuato’o, Chief of Staff, LBJ Tropical Medical Center
- Fiu Johnny Saelua, Chief of Staff/Governor’s Authorized Representative
- Iulogologo Joseph Pereira, Executive Assistant to the Governor
Governor Lolo Moliga said at one of the Task Force meetings that DOI Field Representative Lydia Faleafine Nomura serves as an advisor to the group.
Coronavirus Working Group:
- Fuamatu Fuamatu Western District Governor
- William Ledoux, Legal Counsel, Governor’s Office
- Dr. Sala Mata’ese Samuelu, Director of Agriculture
- Dr. Pa’u Roy Ausage, Acting Director Youth and Women Affairs
- Dr. Ti’a Mikaele Etuale, Executive Director Drug Coalition
- Dr. Tapaau Dan Aga. Executive Director Political Status, Constitution & Federal Relations
- Tuimavave Tauapai Laupola Director, Office of Public Information (KVZK)
- Malaepule Moliga, Director Administrative Services (resigned)
- Sharmain Mageo, Infection Preventionist, LBJ Tropical Medical Center
- Simamao Tuato’o, Nursing Director, LBJ Tropical Medical Center
- Silia Time, Special Programs/CIP Administrator, Governor’s Office
- Jerome Ierome, Administrator, Grants Management Oversight/Accountability, Governor’s Office
- Keith Gebauer, Deputy Director, Department of Treasury
- Petti Matila, Department of Commerce, Technical Assistance Program
- Vinnie Atofau, Acting Director, Dept Homeland Security.
