A senior Member of Parliament in Samoa has called for travel conditions to American Samoa to be relaxed from its current “complicated” system.
Tea Peato, the Fa’atuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi member for Fa’asaleleaga 4 constituency, was speaking during the 2022/2023 Budget debate this week.
Samoa Observer quotes him saying, that the talks between the two Samoas should be resumed to address this travel issue and to make it easier for strengthening trade relations.
The oldest member of the House said, the online TalofaPass system—currently used by American Samoa—for travelers to the territory was complicated.
Deputy Opposition Leader Lauofo Pierre Lauofo interjected, adding support to Tea’s complaint, saying that he too had problems trying to get to American Samoa, recently.
He described the system as complex and also pointed out the need for more inter-Samoa flights to be added.
The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, then clarified that negotiations between the American Samoa and Samoa governments had been planned but the COVID-19 lockdown forced their postponement.
He added that the Government is waiting for the Prime Minister’s return to oversee an agreement and ensure understanding is reached between the two neighbors.
The Prime Minister is on her way back from attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda.
