A new cafeteria for the LBJ Tropical Medical Center was officially opened Friday morning. The project involved a comprehensive renovation and expansion of the old cafeteria, along with the installation of top-of-the-line industrial kitchen equipment. This is where all meals for patients will now be prepared.
The project cost $3.4 million and took 12 months to complete. The cafeteria was designed by Joe Weilenman, and the contractor was PJ Construction, owned by Satele Iupeli Kava.
LBJ Chaplain Rev. Tumau Petaia blessed the new cafeteria, and Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. cut the ribbon.
The opening was attended by Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean, House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, LBJ Board member Afamasaga Dr. Talifa, former Board Chairman Mualeava Dr. Aifili John Tufa, hospital CEO Scott Anesi, and senior hospital staff.
According to a project history provided by Dietary Manager Ianeta Ah Ping, the cafeteria project had been on the drawing board for seven years. It was approved during the tenure of Faumuina John Faumuina as CEO, bid out during CEO Moefaauo Bill Emmsley’s time, and it was under former CEO Dr. Akapusi Ledua that funding was secured. In 2024, CEO Scott Anesi pushed it further to the finish line, bringing it to completion.
Lt. Governor Pulumataala and Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean commended hospital management and the board for the successful completion of the new cafeteria, which will benefit both patients and the public. The Lt. Governor noted that major improvement projects like this are possible through collaboration and teamwork. He also emphasized the vital role of the employees who will be working in the new cafeteria.
Senate President Tuaolo said the Fono welcomes projects such as this, which elevate the standard of facilities in the territory. He added that maintenance is equally important. CEO Scott Anesi acknowledged the support of the Fono, the Board of Directors, and the prayers of the LBJ Chaplain.
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Audio Player(Transc.) Anesi: I am proud to stand before you today to open a facility that’s going to lead to the betterment of the health care of the people of American Samoa. And on behalf of LBJ, the staff, I would like to thank you all very much. This momentous occasion was made from individual day in and day out support, and this will be one of many projects that the Board of directors and the administration and staff seek to complete to increase and better the health for the people of American Samoa so that they can receive the health services that they deserve and badly need.[Speaking samoan].
The contractor stated that the materials used in the construction of the cafeteria—such as slip-resistant flooring—meet U.S. specifications for hospitals. Their company also retained a U.S. firm to provide the state-of-the-art kitchen equipment.
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