Citing concerns about the cost, senators have killed a House bill to add another public holiday for the American Samoa Government.
The bill, which was sponsored by Vice Speaker Fetu Fetui would have designated the first Monday of October as the Samoan Heritage Day with the aim of perpetuating the traditions and culture of Samoa and highlighting their significance.
According to the bilo while the Samoan culture has withstood the test of time and western influence, it’s under threat. “Younger generations do not practice traditions, and proper speech is gradually eroding. If immediate attention is not given by Samoans to this growing problem the faasamoa will find itself lost, “just like what has happened to other Polynesian cultures.
The chairman of the Senate Rules Committee Sen Magalei Logovii said while the aim of the bill is important their committee was concerned about the cost of another holiday. He said personnel costs for those who perform essential duty on holidays such as police, and medical staff is not cheap.
Senators rejected the House bill in second reading by unanimous vote.
