Governor Lolo Moliga shared some positive financial news at a cabinet meeting yesterday , the third one this month.
Based on figures provided him by Treasurer Ueligitone Tonumaipe’a, he said ASG will have a surplus of $15- $20 million for FY2019 and FY2020 combined.
Lolo said the treasurer is forecasting a surplus of $7.5 million for FY2019 and a $10 million surplus for FY2020, which will give ASG a total surplus of $17. 5 million.
He happily told the cabinet that they will be able to hand a stable government to the new governor and the positive financial situation for ASG means he will have funds at his disposal for the operations of the government.
But after the governor made this statement, he announced that the surplus would be used to complete the new Fono building and a portion will go to the bond debt.
According to the governor, the surplus funds from FY2017 and FY2018 have been used for many projects such as the new TAOA Center, roads and the prison.
He commended the directors for this accomplishment which he said was not an easy feat.
At the start of yesterday’s cabinet meeting, Director of Marine and Wildlife Resources Vaamua Henry Sesepasara, who has been under medical treatment connected via VTC from Hawaii.
Though he looked frail and had lost weight he spoke excitedly thanking the governor and cabinet for their prayers.
He said he has found renewed strength and is dying to come home. He also apologized to the governor for being away for so long.
Governor Lolo commented that Vaamua looked much better than before adding that he has regained strength and thanked him for being in contact with his department.
He also told Vaamua to prepare to come on the first flight home when the borders reopen.
The focus of yesterday’s cabinet meeting was the LBJ Hospital which we will report on in later bulletins.
