
Details of the meeting between Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, StarKist Co. President and CEO Andrew Choe and StarKist Samoa Plant Director Injoa Ho, were provided in a press release from the Governor’s Office yesterday.
On Wednesday, the StarKist officials paid a courtesy visit on Governor Lemanu to introduce the new StarKist Samoa Plant Director Ho; and also to request an increase for guest workers to help meet labor shortages at the local cannery.
Mr. Ho told the meeting that despite the global challenges from COVID-19, overall, the tuna industry in the US is doing ‘ok,’ and American Samoa plays a significant role in Starkist being a major player in the competitive market.
Mr. Choe also requested an increase in guest workers to help meet the market’s demands and the tuna industry’s future outlook.
“Starkist is blessed to be here in American Samoa. We have been here for 59 years, and we look forward to being here to celebrate 100 years. At one point, American Samoa was the number one Tuna Canning Factory globally. We want to help American Samoa get back to that status,” stated Mr. Choe.
“I want to thank StarKist for visiting this morning. I assure you that we are here to help with whatever issues you have,” said Governor Lemanu. Our department representatives from ASEPA, ASDOH, DMWR, and DLA will be standing by to ensure you get the help you need to continue being a big part of our local economy.”
Lemanu also thanked the StarKist team in American Samoa “for being very patient and professional during the COVID-19 lockdown.”
With regards to Mr. Choe’s request concerning more guest workers, the Governor said, “I hear your concerns with your labor shortages, and I want to work closely with your team to see how we can streamline efforts to help you out the best we can.”