Governor Lolo Moliga announced at his last cabinet meeting on Wednesday that his administration was leaving $8 million in accounts at the Territorial Bank of American Samoa for the new government to fall back on.
Saying this was unprecedented Lolo explained there’s $6 million in a main account and $2 million in other small accounts.
He recalled that when they came into office in 2013 the government was in alot of debt and in a few years they were able to retire all of them and slowly build up ASG finances.
Lolo told directors that the territory has seen the many projects that have been implemented because of the determination of their leaders.
He urged that this spirit of determination to do what is rght, and beneficial for the people be continued in the new government.
KHJ News asked for clarification of the funds that the governor was talking about.
Lolo’s Executive Assistant Iulogologo Joseph Pereira said the governor was referring to an account that was established in 2018 to account for the redirection of the 2 cent from the total excise tax on fuel that was intended for any “unforeseen and unexpected emergencies.”
The governor also made it official that Treasurer Ueligitone Tonumaipe’a would stay on for three months after they leave office.
When the governor first mentioned this in an interview with KHJ News he said that Governor-elect Lemanu Peleti Mauga and lt Governor-elect Talauega Eleasalo Ale had agreed for the Treasurer to stay on for four months.
Lolo said Tonumaipe’a will help advise on finances and also help the new treasurer at the outset of the incoming administration.
He urged his cabinet not to forsake the government that they “all love.”
During Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, Governor Lolo asked that Lemanu be present at the dedication of the new Department of Youth and Women Affairs gymnasium at Tafuna next Wednesday.
He had thought the project would be left to Lemanu and Talauega to complete however according to the governor, the contractor has said that their contract ends at the end of this month and the company wanted to dedicate the project before then.
Nana’s Company is the contractor for the new gym.
The governor said the gym will become the symbol or baton marking the changeoner in administration.
