
A member of the Lemanu Talauega cabinet is taking up the vacant seat for Manu’a District #1 in the Senate.
Poumele Pete Apisa Galeai, currently Director of the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, has been unanimously selected by chiefs and orators of Faleasao, Tau and Fitiuta to serve as Senator.
He continues the term of the late Tauiliili Paopao Lauifi, who passed away in July. Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga announced Poumele’s selection as senator at yesterday’s cabinet hearing.
In the Senate yesterday, Manu’a Senator Malaepule Saite Moliga said the certification letter from the Office of Samoan Affairs to officially confirm Poumele’s selection was the final document needed before the new senator can be sworn in.