Swains Representative Su’a Alexander Jennings is disappointed that there was no acknowledgement of Swains as a part of the territory of American Samoa during the Flag Day ceremonies.
He said, in a letter to Assistant Secretary of Interior Carmen Cantor, that the entire Flag Day ceremony only highlighted Tutuila and Manu’a as American Samoa, without Swains Island.
He also took issue with Swains not being invited to the ava ceremony that was held as part of the Flag Day festivities.
In his letter to Assistant Secretary Cantor, the Swains faipule said he regrets that he was not able to meet with her during her recent visit to American Samoa. But stated, “I’m glad you witnessed firsthand the agonizing humiliation and shame that Swains Island must endure as second-class citizens in American Samoa.
“As you saw firsthand, Swains Island was not invited to the Ava Ceremony, or recognized during the Flag Day Ceremony, despite the fact Swains Island is an indispensable part of this Territory and its economy, and a contribution of the United States.”
Su’a told KHJ News that during the Flag Day ceremony, only Tutuila and Manu’a were mentioned by name but not Swains. And he said for the ava ceremony, Swains should have been present as the district governors of Manu’a, Eastern and Western Districts attended.
Su’a wrote, “We are proud descendants of U.S Citizens and still struggling to be recognized as part of this Territory after 99 years, both, traditionally and politically.”
He urged that the Department of Interior forward, for Congressional review, the proposed constitutional changes approved by local voters that have now been with Interior for some time. The amendments include giving the Swains representative in the House, full voting rights on legislation. At present the Swains faipule can only vote in Committee.
Su’a said, “The right to vote is just the tip of the iceberg for Swains Island. We are the greatest victims of delays in approving our Constitutional Amendments, going on 17 months after our people have spoken in the November 2022 Referendum. Now, we are isolated from any attempt to meet with the local government on critical matters pertaining to Swains Island for months and again seeking the assistance of the Department of Interior and Congress.”
