Bitter Sweet Ending to 43rd Holiday Music Festival

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It was a bitter sweet ending for the final evening of the Holiday Music Festival last night as speakers and groups who performed, along with the emcee for the evening acknowledged this was Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga ‘s last appearance as chief executive at the annual festival .

Lt Governor and Governor-elect Lemanu Peleti Mauga was on the program to give remarks after the opening prayer however emcee Chief of Staff Fiu Johnny Saelua announced that he was not well.

House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale spoke instead, to thank the people of American Samoa for their support and prayers while the leaders of government carried out their duties. He also expressed appreciation to servants of God for their prayers and spiritual counsel.

Savali devoted his remarks to acknowledging the leadership of Governor Lolo for the last 8 years.

He said having worked with Governor Lolo and Lt Governor Lemanu, he can attest to the contributions Lolo has made for the good of the territory.

The Speaker said the economy was not good when Lolo took over the reigns of government but the territory has witnessed the many developments and projects the governor has implemented.

Savali said this was achieved through the close collaboration between Lolo and the Fono leaders.

“The governor could not do it alone,” he said.

Savali noted that this would be the first time that a serving lt governor steps into the seat of the governor when the latter leaves office.

The House Speaker advised the incoming leaders to continue what is good with the current administration and improve on what is not so good.

The Sosaiete o Faafafine o Amerika Samoa, St Joseph’s Fagatogo combined choir, Pago Pago Methodist and Matu’u and Faganeanea were some of the the standout performers among the ten groups that performed last night.

Rev. Asiata Fouvale of the CCCAS Matuu/Faganeanea thanked the governor and presented gifts of $1000 each for him and the lt governor.

The Director of the Amerika Samoa Council on Arts, Culture and Humanities, Asiata Fouvale, Lauagaia Mary Taufetee gave the final speech for the evening thanking Governor Lolo for his support of the Arts Council programs during his tenure.

The Arts Council Board and staff presented $2000 to Governor Lolo and also $2000 for Lt Governor Lemanu as well as gift baskets for their wives.

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