Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga thanked and commended directors, traditional leaders at the Office of samoan Affairs, the Governor’s Office staff and the DOI Field Representative on behalf of himself and Lt Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga for their commitment to public service, loyalty and hard work which has enabled them as leaders to deliver programs, services and infrastructure projects for the benefit of the territory.
Lolo spoke at his final cabinet meeting yesterday at the Lee Auditorium, with Lt Governor and Governor-elect Lemanu conspicuously missing at the front table.
Tears were shed as the governor took on a fatherly tone in addressing the directors of departments and agencies and heads of the semi independent authorities, in the presence of the Secretary of Samoan Affairs, Mauga Tasi Asuega, Deputy Secretary Malemo Tausaga and district governors. 
He said he and Governor-elect Lemanu have met twice and he’s assured of a smooth transition in government.
Lolo sated that some of the cabinet members would be asked by Lemanu and Lt Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale to stay on in their administration.
He asked that everyone support the new leadership and help build the government for the benefit of the territory.
In thanking directors, Lolo said, “You helped us build and lead the territory and the people have witnessed your work.”
To the Governor’s Office staff he said the government “would not move without you.”
Lolo gave special acknowledgement the Office of Local Government, Secretary of Samoan Affairs Mauga, Deputy Secretary Malemio and District Governors saying he included them in the cabinet for their valuable input in the affairs of ASG.
DOI Field Representative Lydia Faleafine Nomura was given special recognition for her contributions to the Lolo Lemanu administration and the territory.
The governor said Lydia was usually the first person he and Lemanu would consult and he credited her for many blessings that the territory has received from the federal government.
Lolo noted that American Samoa was the only territory that would expend funds and start projects as soon as the funding is provided, unlike other territories where the money would just sit.
A resolution and a plaque paying tribute to and thanking Mrs Faleafine Nomura was presented to her at the cabinet meeting
The DOI official said she was shocked and felt she was undeserving of the award as so many others have worked just as hard in their own quiet way.
She paid tribute to Governor Lolo.
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The governor presented plaques and Christmas gifts to all the directors.
The Vaccination Working Group gave an elaborate presentation on the COVID-19 vaccination effort which will begin next week.
The first shipment of the Pfizer vaccine is on target to arrive on Saturday.
Photos: Leua Aiono Frost
